8 Easy-To-Get Last Minute Dining Reservations at Walt Disney World
Yesterday, I shared tips with you on how to plan a last-minute Summer getaway to Walt Disney World. When comes to heading to the Mouse with only a few weeks to go, one thing that tends to worry families the most is whether or not you’ll be able to make dining reservations during your visit. Disney sites are jam-packed with articles stressing the importance of making your dining reservations 180 days in advance but what if you haven’t planned your getaway that far out? Not to worry! I am a notorious last-minute traveler and even with days to spare can fill my family’s Disney itinerary with great eats! That’s why I thought I’d share with you 8 of my favorite places to nab a last-minute Disney dining reservation!
Kona Cafe – Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Nothing says I’m on holiday quite like strolling through the tropical surroundings of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Though last-minute bookers may not be able to score a reservation at the insanely popular Ohana restaurant, the property is also home to what I consider to be one of Disney dining’s hidden gems- Kona Cafe. Book for breakfast (before the parks open) and you can feast on delicious island fare like Tonga Toast and my personal favorite the Macadamia-Pineapple Pancakes. The restaurant is also open for lunch and dinner offering a brief reprieve from the theme parks and serving up everything from lamb chops and teriyaki beef to tantalizing selections from the in-house Sushi Kitchen! Dining here will set guests back 1 Table Service Dining Credit or $15 – $35 depending on the meal.
Garden Grill – Epcot
Planning a last-minute Disney World’ getaway doesn’t mean having to abandon your dreams of dining with characters. As a matter of fact, The Land Pavilion in Epcot’s Future World is home to one of my favorite character dining spots and often has last-minute availability. Located in the same building as Soarin’, Garden Grill is a rotating restaurant which kids love and also includes meet-ups with Disney friends including Chip and Dale, Mickey and more! We’re also a huge fan of the cuisine with features locally sourced ingredients from the greenhouses of the Living with the Land attraction. You can expect hearty family cuisine served up family -style in big platters at your table! Highlights include the grilled beef with chimichurri and the sliced turkey with gravy. Costs range between $35- $60 per adult or 1 Table Service Dining Credit.
50’s Prime Time Cafe – Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios is home to some of the most incredible eats at Walt Disney World though some of the more popular venues like Disney’s Sci-Fi Dine-In Restaurant may book up very early! However, this is one of my stand-by favorites and with incredible decor, awesome eats and fun staff, it’s never let my family down! Guests will travel back in time where you’ll find yourself in a 1950’s style kitchen. There are tableside televisions playing sitcoms from the ’50s and Cast Members aren’t afraid to give you a talking to if your elbows are on the table or if you fail to eat your veggies. The menu is brimming with 1950’s style favorites where you’ll find everything from TV dinners to pot roast. Prices here usually range between $15 – $35 per adult or 1 Table Service Dining Credit.
Crystal Palace – Magic Kingdom
Though last-minute visitors may have a difficult time nabbing reservations at Magic Kingdom hotspots like Be Our Guest or Cinderella’s Royal Table, this Main Street U.S.A eatery offers a delicious buffet and visits from your Hundred Acre Wood friends! The buffet for breakfast is brimming with favorites including Mickey Waffles and a make-your-own omelette station. For lunch and dinner, you’ll find a delicious array of carved meats, hearty sides and an incredible array of sweet treats. However, the highlight for kids of all ages is sure to be the tableside visits with Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore, Piglet and Tigger! Dining here is in the $39 – $59.00 range or 1 Table Service Dining Credit.
Spice Road Table – Epcot
For those looking for something exotic during your Epcot visit, I cannot recommend this restaurant enough. Spice Road Table is one of my favorite eateries in the World Showcase serving up amazing cuisine and offering breathtaking World Showcase views. The menu is filled with tapas-style Meditteranean small plates including hummus, stuffed grape leaves, and my favorite the spicy garlic shrimp. The restaurant also offers larger entrees including beef and chicken skewers and lamb sliders. The Wine Menu offers a delicious select of Meditteranean varieties and those lucky enough to score an evening dining reservation may even get to watch Epcot’s evening fireworks display from the massive lakefront windows. Dining here is in the $15 – $39 range or 1 Table Service Dining Credit.
Rainforest Cafe – Disney’s Animal Kingdom or Disney Springs
Can’t find any character dining options? For families with small children, this chain with restaurants in both Disney Springs and the gates at Animal Kingdom offers a nice last-minute alternative. Kids love the animatronic animals that come to life as you dine as well as the thunderstorm that occurs every 20-minutes. Parents love the fact that menu items are slightly cheaper than at some of Disney’s other Table Service eateries. You’ll also find a wide array of eats including everything from nachos, salads, seafood and an extensive burger list. Prices are $15- $34.99 per adult or 1 Table Service Credit.
1900 Park Fare – Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
1900 Park Fare is another fantastic option for guests searching for a last-minute character dining experience. For those on the hunt for AM dining options this Grand Floridian Table Service eatery offers the Supercalifragilistic Breakfast where you can feast on a buffet filled with awesome breakfast items including the ever important Mickey Waffles. A rotating cast of characters is on hand to meet guests including Alice, the Mad Hatter, Winnie the Pooh and of course Mary Poppins. Slightly more difficult to get but still do-able, the evening meal at 1900 Park Fare is hosted by Cinderella and Prince Charming. The buffet is classic cuisine with a carvery station and a range of delicious sides. The evening meal also includes amazing character interactions with Lady Tremaine, Anastasia and Drizella. Have your cameras and autograph books at the ready. Both of these meals run 1 Table Service Dining Credit and range in price from $39.00 – $59.00 depending on the meal.
Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd Skipper Canteen – Magic Kingdom
One of Magic Kingdom’s newest eateries, Skipper Canteen offers a fun tribute to Disney’s iconic attraction- The Jungle Cruise. Since opening, this Table Service eatery has remained slightly under the radar making it a great spot to score a last-minute lunchtime reservation. Here you’ll find an eclectic menu with interesting eats the include the “Hardy Har Char” Siu Pork and the Baa Baa Berber Lamb Chops. Skipper Canteen’s central Adventureland location also makes it a fantastic spot to take a break before heading to Pirates of t. A meal here will set visitors back about $15 – $34 per person.
All of the reservations above can be booked online via My Disney Experience or by reaching out to Disney at 407.WDW.DINE.
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