Top 10 Disney World Restaurants You Need to Book Early in 2024

Discover the top 10 Disney World restaurants that you need to book early for 2024. Learn how to secure reservations for the best dining spots in the parks.

Stick around to the end for 2 BONUS Restaurants!

Planning a trip to Walt Disney World is an exciting adventure filled with magical experiences and unforgettable moments. One of the key aspects that can make or break your vacation is dining. With an array of world-class restaurants offering unique themes and cuisines, securing a reservation at the most popular spots can be a challenge. This guide highlights the top 10 Disney World restaurants to book early in 2024 and offers alternative dining suggestions to ensure your culinary experiences are as magical as the parks themselves.

Why Booking Early Is Essential

Disney World restaurants are renowned for their immersive themes, character interactions, and delectable menus. Consequently, they are in high demand, and reservations can fill up quickly—sometimes within minutes of becoming available. Dining reservations at Disney World can be made up to 60 days in advance (subject to change), and for the most popular venues, it’s crucial to book as soon as your reservation window opens.

Top 10 Disney World Restaurants to Book Early in 2024

1. Cinderella's Royal Table (Magic Kingdom)

Experience: Dine like royalty inside Cinderella Castle with appearances by Disney Princesses.

Why Book Early: This iconic restaurant offers a fairytale dining experience that’s highly sought after by families and fans of Disney Princesses. The combination of location and character interactions makes it one of the hardest reservations to secure.

Alternative: Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot offers a similar princess dining experience in a medieval castle setting.

2. Be Our Guest Restaurant (Magic Kingdom)

Experience: Step inside Beast’s enchanted castle and enjoy French-inspired cuisine in an immersive environment.

Why Book Early: The elaborate theming and chance to explore different rooms like the Grand Ballroom and the West Wing attract many guests.

Alternative: Chefs de France in Epcot provides French dining with views of World Showcase.

3. Space 220 Restaurant (Epcot)

Experience: Embark on a simulated space elevator journey to a space station 220 miles above Earth and enjoy modern American cuisine.

Why Book Early: As one of Disney’s newer dining experiences, the unique concept and immersive setting have made it incredibly popular.

Alternative: Coral Reef Restaurant in Epcot offers dining with views of an underwater world.

4. Oga's Cantina (Disney's Hollywood Studios)

Experience: Sip on exotic concoctions in a lively cantina straight out of the Star Wars universe.

Why Book Early: Limited seating and the popularity of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge make this a hot spot for fans.

Alternative: Baseline Tap House in Hollywood Studios offers craft beers and small bites in a relaxed atmosphere.

5. Topolino's Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera (Disney's Riviera Resort)

Experience: Enjoy rooftop dining with stunning views and a character breakfast featuring Mickey and friends in artistic attire.

Why Book Early: The combination of gourmet cuisine, unique character interactions, and some incredible views makes it a favorite.

Alternative: Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort provides a classic character dining experience.

6. 'Ohana (Disney's Polynesian Village Resort)

Experience: Feast on Polynesian-inspired dishes in a family-style setting with a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Why Book Early: The dinner service is especially popular due to the delicious food and entertainment.

Alternative: Kona Café in the same resort offers similar flavors with easier reservation availability.

7. California Grill (Disney's Contemporary Resort)

Experience: Savor upscale dining with panoramic views of Magic Kingdom and the nightly fireworks.

Why Book Early: The opportunity to view fireworks from the restaurant elevates the dining experience.

Alternative: Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa offers waterfront dining with potential views of the fireworks.

8. Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White (Disney's Wilderness Lodge)

Experience: Dine in an enchanted forest setting with Snow White, Dopey, Grumpy, and a visit from the Queen.

Why Book Early: Unique character interactions and themed dining make it a must-visit for fans.

Alternative: 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian offers character dining with Cinderella and friends.

9. Victoria & Albert's (Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa)

Experience: Indulge in a luxurious, award-winning culinary experience with personalized service.

Why Book Early: As Disney’s premier fine dining restaurant, limited seating and high demand require early booking.

Alternative: Citricos in the same resort offers upscale dining with Mediterranean flavors.

10. Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant (Disney's Hollywood Studios)

Experience: Enjoy classic American cuisine in a retro drive-in theater setting, complete with vintage sci-fi movie clips.

Why Book Early: The unique ambiance and nostalgic appeal make it a family favorite.

Alternative: 50’s Prime Time Café in Hollywood Studios offers a kitschy, homestyle dining experience.

Disney Springs Restaurants to Consider

These didn’t make the top 10 because they’re in Disney Springs not Walt Disney World proper. That being said, these are two of our favorite restaurants anywhere!

Pro Tip: If you are unable to secure your reservation through Disney, try Open Table for bookings at select Disney Springs restaurants.

Chef Art Smith's Homecomin' (Disney Springs)

Experience: Delight in Southern comfort food crafted by celebrity chef Art Smith. Homecomin’ offers farm-to-table freshness with dishes like fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and homemade doughnuts, all served in a warm, rustic atmosphere.

Why Book Early: Known for its mouthwatering menu and hospitable service, Homecomin’ has become a favorite among Disney Springs visitors. Its popularity means reservations can fill up quickly, so booking early is recommended to secure a table.

Alternative: The Boathouse in Disney Springs provides upscale waterfront dining with a focus on seafood and nautical charm.

Summer House on the Lake (Disney Springs)

Experience: Anticipated to bring a breezy, West Coast vibe to Disney Springs, Summer House on the Lake is expected to offer a menu of California-inspired dishes, including fresh salads, wood-fired pizzas, and seasonal specialties, all in a bright and airy setting.

Why Book Early: As a new addition to Disney Springs (opening date to be confirmed), Summer House on the Lake is likely to attract guests eager to experience its renowned cuisine and relaxed atmosphere. Booking early ensures you won’t miss out on this exciting new dining spot.

Alternative: Wine Bar George offers an extensive wine list and shareable plates in a cozy environment, perfect for those seeking a similar laid-back experience.

Tips for Securing Dining Reservations

Mark Your Calendar: Know the exact date when your 60-day reservation window opens.
Set Up Your Account: Ensure your My Disney Experience account is active and updated with your reservation details.
Be Ready Early: Reservations open at 6:00 AM Eastern Time online—be logged in and ready.
Prioritize Your Bookings: Reserve the most popular restaurants first, even if they are for later in your trip.
Be Flexible with Times: Being open to different dining times can increase your chances of securing a reservation.
Consider Splitting Groups: If you’re a large party, try booking multiple smaller tables.
If you are unable to secure your reservations at the 60-day window, check back in periodically before your trip to try to snag someone’s cancellation!

Alternative Dining Options

If you can’t secure reservations at the top spots, don’t worry—Disney World offers numerous other fantastic dining experiences.

Steakhouse 71 (Disney's Contemporary Resort)

Experience: Steakhouse 71 is a stylish dining destination at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, showcasing a modern twist on classic American steakhouse fare.
Why It’s Great: With its inviting atmosphere and expertly crafted dishes, it’s a fantastic choice for a relaxing meal away from the hustle of the parks, often offering easier reservation availability and just a quick stroll from the Magic Kingdom.

Sanaa (Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village)

Experience: Enjoy African and Indian-inspired dishes with views of the savanna and its wildlife.
Why It’s Great: Unique flavors and the chance to see animals while you dine.

Liberty Tree Tavern (Magic Kingdom)

Experience: Feast on a traditional Thanksgiving-style meal in a colonial American setting.
Why It’s Great: Comfort food that’s hearty and satisfying, with a cozy atmosphere.

Tusker House Restaurant (Disney's Animal Kingdom)

Experience: Character dining with Donald Duck and friends in safari attire.

Why It’s Great: Combines character interactions with a diverse buffet.

Making the Most of Disney Dining

Use Mobile Ordering: For quick-service restaurants, save time by ordering ahead on the My Disney Experience app.

Explore Epcot’s World Showcase: With numerous international pavilions, it’s a foodie paradise that often doesn’t require reservations.

Dining Packages: Consider packages that combine meals with reserved show seating for added value.

Understanding Disney's Reservation Policies

Cancellation Policy: Most reservations require a credit card guarantee and charge a fee for no-shows or late cancellations (recently updated to 2 hours).

Special Dietary Needs: Disney restaurants accommodate various dietary restrictions—note any needs when booking and inform your server upon arrival.

Dress Codes: Some signature dining experiences have dress codes; check in advance to ensure compliance.

Let Us Handle the Planning for You

Feeling overwhelmed by the reservation process? Charmed Adventures is here to help!

Personalized Itineraries: We’ll secure dining reservations and create a custom plan tailored to your tastes.

White Glove Vacation Planning: From start to finish, we’ll manage every detail of your Disney vacation.

Ready to embark on a stress-free magical journey? Contact us today and let’s make your Disney dreams come true!

Final Thoughts

Securing reservations at the best Disney dining spots requires planning and prompt action, but the effort is well worth the magical experiences that await. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to enhance your vacation with unforgettable meals, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on Disney World’s culinary delights.

Remember, even if your preferred restaurant is fully booked, countless other dining options can make your trip just as memorable. With a bit of flexibility and an adventurous spirit, your Disney dining experiences will be a highlight of your 2024 visit.

Additional Resources

Official Disney World Dining Reservations: Book your dining experiences directly through Disney.
Charmed Adventures Blog: Explore more tips and guides to enhance your Disney vacation.
My Disney Experience App: Manage reservations and stay updated during your trip.

Disclaimer: Information is accurate as of the time of writing. Disney policies and offerings are subject to change. Please consult official Disney resources or contact us for the latest updates.