Welcome back to planDisney, Krysten! We're always happy when friends stop by. And this question is about one of my favorite topics: food! Let's look at some options when paying for dining on your next
Walt Disney World Resort visit.
Since most restaurants have guests order from the menu, they don't offer an option to pay for your meal in advance. You can
book dining reservations 60 days before you arrive, and you will pay for your meal when the check comes! Most restaurants require a credit card to hold your reservation at the time of booking, and if you don't show up, your card could be charged a cancellation fee. Remember that you can
modify or cancel most dining reservations in your My Disney Experience mobile app until two hours before your arrival time.
Even most restaurants that offer a buffet or prix fixe menu don't offer pre-payment. There are always fun drinks you might choose or an off-menu dessert, so the final price will be determined depending on how hungry you are. Only a couple of exceptions, such as Cinderella's Royal Table, require you to pay in full at the time of booking.
Some guests like to pay for meals in advance so they can budget accordingly, so if that's what you'd like to do, I have a couple of suggestions. First,
Disney Dining Plans are returning for stays starting January 9, 2024, so check out the details to see if one would work for you. Even annual passholders can purchase a dining plan if they stay at a Disney Resort Hotel. I've found that the plans don't necessarily save money, but it's a convenient way to pre-pay for meals so you don't have to track how much you spend during your trip.
If the dining plans aren't for you, my tip is to start putting money on a
Disney Gift Card now for use on a future visit. You can add funds when it's convenient, and when your trip rolls around, you'll have some money to spend on that delectable Disney food.
If you like Japanese cuisine, I highly recommend
Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya at EPCOT. My husband and I recently enjoyed sushi rolls and fun drinks there, and the view at sunset is spectacular! The Spicy Tuna Roll was perfection.
Krysten, I hope you find some fun food on your next Disney visit. Please
stop by planDisney anytime!
Magic awaits,
Elaine