What is Table Service Dining?
Yes, Disney might have different names for the types of dining, but it is pretty easy to break down. Table Service is any meal where it is sit-down dining. Here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect at a table service restaurant.
- Service: The main distinction is you will have a server taking care of you, there is no walking up and placing your order at the counter here.
- Price: Of course, with all the added benefits you will be paying a higher price.
- Experience: Disney breaks Table Service down into a few categories: Buffet/Family Style, Casual Dining, Character Dining, Dining Events, Dessert Events, Dinner Shows, Fine/Signature Dining, and Unique/Themed Dining.
- Reservations: Reservations are highly recommended when looking to dine at a Table Service Restaurant. They can be made 60 days in advance beginning at 5:45 AM Disney World Time, and some reservations go quickly.
Reservations for Table Service Dining
One question I always get is, “Do I need to make a reservation?,” the short answer is YES! If you are planning your trip far enough out, you should have the date marked for when you can begin making your reservations.
You can book dining 60 days out from your arrival day, beginning at 5:45 AM Disney World Time, with most restaurants becoming available at 6 AM.
Pro-Tip: One of the benefits of staying on property is you can book the length of your stay, up to 10 days, when you are 60 days out from your arrival day. If you aren’t staying on property, you will have to go in and book each day separately as the 60-day window opens for that day.
There are however a few caveats to keep in mind:
If you can book the entire length of your stay, move those hard-to-get reservations to later in your trip. They should have more availability since not everyone can book all days at once. And try and snag the hard to get reservations first, it might make sense to go in order – but you need to be booking those hard to get ones first, they include:
- Be Our Guest
- Cinderella’s Royal Table
- Topolino’s Terrace
- Le Cellier
- Ohana
- California Grill
- Oga’s Cantina
If you dont snag a reservation, you do have a few options:
- Walk-Up Wait List: Most restaurants do offer a walk-up waitlist, however, they fill quickly and I wouldn’t count on them. You can join them by going to the host stand or joining via the My Disney Experience App. They are a good option if you are looking for a last-minute reservation, but I would try the other two options below if you still have time!
- Reservation Finder: I’ve said it before and I will say it again, if you didn’t snag that reservation you wanted, try using Touring Plans Reservation Finder. You simply put in when and where you want to dine, and they will send you a text and an email when a reservation opens up. Did I also mention it is completely FREE? For how to use it, check out my Instagram Reel.
- Checking the App: You can always look for openings in the Disney App, I suggest clicking through all the times for the day you want, as the app can be a little glitchy. Also, check about 24 hours before for last-minute cancelations people to avoid getting charged a no show fee!
Disney World Dining Guide: Table Service
Topolino’s Terrace
Location: Riviera Resort
Type of Cuisine: French Italian
Stand Out Dishes:
Ricotta. This ricotta is made in-house and is a must-order when I visit, it is creamy and pairs perfectly with their Epi Bread.
Rigatoni. I DREAM of this rigatoni often, it comes with braised chicken and honestly is perfect.
Classic Sole Meunière. Even if you don’t love fish, you’ll love this dish – it isn’t fishy at all, just perfect.
Topolino Tips:
Breakfast is also outstanding at Topolino, Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy join you for breakfast, and in my opinion, it is the best character dining meal in Disney.
If you can, book this one at sunset and you can enjoy a cocktail on the patio while watching the sunset over your favorite park icons like Tower of Terror.
California Grill
Location: Contemporary Resort
Type of Cuisine: American
Stand Out Dishes:
Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli. This isn’t your typical Ravioli, this is made with a wonton wrapper and in a very light tomato broth.
Braised Beef Short Rib Wontons. Literally, this dish is what dreams are made of, tender beef short rib in a spicy garlic chili oil. Yes, this one does have a kick to it, but it’s delicious.
20-oz Bone-In Rib-Eye Steak. One might not think steak when it comes to California Grill, however, it’s one of the best I have ever had on Disney Property, and if the mac and cheese make an appearance as a side, you won’t regret it.
California Grill Tips:
With fireworks back, book your table around Happily Ever After and enjoy the view from the observation deck!
Sanaa
Location: Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village
Type of Cuisine: Indian/African
Stand Out Dishes:
Indian-style Bread Service. Probably the most famous bread on Disney Property. This one comes with 9 different sauces, and I will leave them ranked in a photo below, and 5 different types of bread. Honestly, this could just a meal in itself.
Potjie Inspired – Butter Chicken. A true staple here, I like that you also can pick the side vegetable, my personal favorite is the Aloo Masala, which is a potato dish.
Sanaa Tips:
If you can, ask to be seated with a savanna view, that way you can watch the animals from your table while enjoying your meal.
Trattoria al Forno
Location: BoardWalk Resort
Type of Cuisine: Italian
Stand Out Dishes:
Insalata Caprese. Three words, house made burrata.
Plant-based Rigatoni Bolognese. Okay, when I tell you that this dish is one of the best plant-based options on Disney Property, I mean it. The flavor in the bolognese is phenomenal, and honestly, I wouldn’t even be able to tell this was plant-based if it was a blind test.
Lasagna al Forno. This isn’t your mother’s lasagna, but in the best way possible.
Teppan Edo
Location: Japan Pavilion in Epcot
Type of Cuisine: Japanese
Stand Out Dishes:
Filet Mignon. When it comes to hibachi you can’t go wrong with the classics, this filet mignon is cooked to perfection in front of you.
Ebi. aka Shrimp.
Tori. aka Chicken.
‘Ohana
Location: Polynesian Resort
Type of Cuisine: American
Stand Out Dishes
‘Ohana Noodles. The internet lost its mind when they announced the reopening of ‘Ohana without the noodles, but fear not, they heard the cries of the internet and they are back on the menu.
‘Ohana Bread Pudding. Honestly, the most satisfying thing ever is pouring that caramel sauce over the ice cream on this pudding. It is one of the best desserts at Disney and you can quote me on that.
‘Ohana Tips: If you can book your dinner around the fireworks in Magic Kingdom, do it. There are seats that have a window view, but you also can head out to the Polynesian Beach where they pipe in the Happily Ever After Music!
Top Table Service Ranked According to Instagram
Of course, we all have different tastes, so I took to Instagram to ask my followers about their favorite Table Service restaurants in Disney, and they delivered.
- Topolino’s Terrace
- Le Cellier
- Sanaa
- California Grill
- ‘Ohana
- Skipper Canteen
- Hollywood Brown Derby
- Homecomin’
- Trattoria al Forno
- Yak and Yeti
Top Dishes Around Disney
There are so many great dishes around Disney World, and while the restaurant might not make the top list for this one, they shouldn’t be overlooked. One of my favorites on this list is the Plant-based ‘Seafood’ at Toledo, honestly, that whole menu is amazing!
Filet and Mac and Cheese at Jiko
Fried Chicken at Homecomin’
Bread Pudding at ‘Ohana
Disney World Dining Guide
This post is just a small part of my series on all things Disney Dining, where I break down the best restaurants and what you should order. So, be sure to check out the complete Disney World Dining Guide!
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