Hello Ann!
Thank you for stopping by planDisney! This is a great question, as many of us prefer to eat outside right now. Walt Disney World is the
only place I have eaten inside since the pandemic began, in part because I am more comfortable thanks to all the precautions they are taking.
Unfortunately, you cannot put in a request for an outdoor table when you make
Advance Dining Reservations. You should visit the restaurant on the day you are planning to dine and put in a request at that time. If the location is in a theme park, I would visit as soon as you are able in the morning, and if you cannot stop by in advance, I would arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time to inquire about the possibility of eating outside. Be prepared to potentially wait longer than is typical for your table, or that the request may not be granted, especially for larger groups. To increase your chances of getting an outdoor table, I would make reservations at less popular times such as a very early or late lunch, or a very early dinner. To be honest, there are very few table service locations that are set up to offer outdoor dining. With the heat and humidity of Florida, and the afternoon rainstorms that are so common, most locations simply don’t offer the option. While there is not an official list, here are some table service locations that sometimes (but not always) offer outdoor seating:
Tony’s Town Square RestaurantRose & Crown Dining Room & PubSpice Road TableTrattoria al Forno on Disney's BoardWalk
Via Napoli (very limited)
Geyser Point Bar & Grill at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Grand Floridian Cafe Nomad Lounge (This is a lounge with drinks and small plates that does not take reservations.)
There are also quite a few quick service dining locations that offer outdoor seating and these may be great options for you as well. No reservations are needed!
Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe
Cosmic Rays Starlight Cafe
Yorkshire County Fish Shop
La Cantina de San Angel
Regal Eagle Smokehouse
Ronto Roasters
Docking Bay 7 & Food & Cargo
Woody’s Lunchbox
Baseline Tap House
Satu’li Canteen
Yak & Yeti Local Foods Cafe
Flame Tree Barbecue
I hope this helps with your planning, Ann. I love a late lunch or early dinner at Rose & Crown Dining Room. Those outdoor tables by the water are just lovely. We’ve also really enjoyed outdoor seating at Satu’li Canteen and Docking Bay 7 Food & Cargo, so maybe put those on your list!
Be safe and stay well!
- Kate