Disney World Dining Reservation – Do I Really Need One?

Disney World Dining Reservation

Do I really need a Disney World Dining Reservation? The quick answer is most definitely yes if you want to eat in a Disney World restaurant. How do you make a Disney World Dining Reservation? As the restaurants are so popular in the parks and resorts it is very important that you know how to make a Disney World Dining Reservation. For the most part gone are the days when you could simply walk up to the restaurant of your choice and get a table.

All photos by Expressmonorail

Of course the ease or difficulty of getting reservations depends upon how busy the parks are. You will find it much easier to get a reservation the first two weeks of December than you will on Christmas Day for example!

Here is everything you need to know about making a Disney World dining reservation. Or in Disney speak, make an Advance Dining Reservation.

How Far Ahead Can You Make Advance Dining Reservations?

Disney World Dining Reservations

Disney World Dining Reservations for the table service restaurants can be made 180 days in advance. If you are staying at a Walt Disney World resort hotel you can make dining reservations for the length of their stay (for up to 10 days) at 180 days before the start of their stay. This gives Disney World hotel resort guests a head start. Another advantage of staying in a Disney Hotel Resort.

Disney World Dining Reservations Online

This is our preferred method of booking these days. Simply go to

Disney World Dining

We always find this much quicker than phone reservations.

Disney Dining Reservations By Phone

Call 407 WDW DINE and speak with a Disney dining reservation specialist. The waits can be long and frustrating. But at least you do get a (usually) helpful reservationist to talk to. They can help you with different choices if you first isn’t’ available. The online system can also help you with this (and it sometimes more helpful than the real person)!

Disney Guest Services or Resort Concierge

If you are at the Disney parks you can make a reservation with Disney guest services. This helps with last minute decisions about where to dine! If you are staying at a Disney Resort you can of course make reservations with the concierge.

Disney Dining Walk Ins

These can sometimes work. If you don’t have a Disney Dining Reservation try a walk in. Ask at the restaurant if there are any tables available. This used to work so well. Now your chances are limited. Disney dining is very popular!

Tips for Getting The Disney Dining Reservation of Your Dreams

Some Advance Dining Reservations are more difficult to get than others. The are two Disney restaurants renowned as almost impossible to get a reservation for. These are for Cinderella’s Royal Table in Magic Kingdom and Le Cellier in Epcot Canada Pavilion. You have to call or get online the second the reservation window of opportunity opens.

If you have a large party then you may have a much better chance of getting a Disney dining reservation if you can be flexible. It may be easier to book 2 tables. Cast Members at Disney restaurants are as accommodating as they are able to be. They may be able to seat you together when you arrive. Just don’t be upset if this is not possible. They will try their best to help most of the time.

Don’t give up if you are not successful with your first choice of restaurant. Keep trying. Sometimes there are cancellations which free up a table. If you do not want to keep your reservation then cancel the reservation. This helps other guests by freeing up reservations.

Try a walk in. Sometimes you are pleasantly surprised with success!

Some Disney Dining Restaurant Advance Dining Reservations Need A Credit Card Guarantee

Walt Disney World dining reservations

Some of the Disney restaurants need a credit card guarantee to make a dining reservation.

The list of these restaurants needing a credit card seems to get longer. It used to be rare but now the list is getting longer. If you do not cancel the Disney World dining reservation within a certain time ahead you will be charged a fee per guest. Usually this is $10 but can be higher so be sure to check. The cancellation window is usually a day but some are 2 days. Be sure to check.

Here are the restaurants currently needing a credit card guarantee:

1900 Park Fare at The Grand Floridian Resort
Princess Storybook Dining at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
Artist Point
Be Our Guest in Magic Kingdom
California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Cape May Café at Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Disney’s Chef Mickey
Citricos on The Boardwalk
Crystal Palace in Disney Magic Kingdom
Flying Fish Café
Garden Grill in Epcot
Hollywood & Vine at Disney Hollywood Studios
Jiko – The Cooking Place at Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge
Le Cellier Steakhouse in Epcot
Narcoossee’s
‘Ohana
Tusker House Restaurant in Disney Animal Kingdom Park
The Hollywood Brown Derby
Victoria & Albert’s in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
Yachtsman Steakhouse at Disney’s Yacht Club Hotel and Resort
All Fantasmic Dinner Packages
Pirates League

Some restaurants require payment at the time of booking unless you have purchased the Disney Dining Plan or Deluxe Dining Plan. These include:

Cinderella’s Royal Table
Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show
Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue
Mickey’s Backyard BBQ

We know that making a Disney World Dining Reservation up to 6 months in advance can seem like way too much planning. But when you get to Disney World you will be very glad that you did!

Here are some reviews of Disney restaurants for you:

Epcot Rose and Crown Pub

Disney World Character Dining

Disney World Character Dining Without Park Admission

disneyworldcharacterdiningwithoutparkadmission

It is possible to indulge in a Disney World character dining experience without park admission. If you do not have tickets for the parks but still want to take the family to a Disney character dining restaurant then you have a number of options.

Photo by PrincesssAshley

1900 Park Fare

This is one of our favorite character dining location. 1900 Park Fare is located inside Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort so park admission is not required. All meals are buffet as is the norm for character dining.

1900 Park Fare serves the Supercalifragolistic Breakfast and Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner each day. The breakfast is available from 8:00am – 11:45am and the characters are Mary Poppins, Alice and the Mad Hatter.

Dinner is served from 4.30 to 8.30 pm and characters include Cinderella, Prince Charming, Lady Tremaine,
Anastasia and Drizella. It is of course very popular because this is one of the best places to catch some quality time with Cinderella.

Prices cary by season and by day. The busier the season the higher the price. The breakfast buffet adult price range is $22.36 to $26.62 and for children (ages 3-9) the price range is $12.77 to $14.90 For dinner the adult price range: $38.33 to $42.59 and for children (ages 3-9) the price range is $19.16 to $21.29.

The food is one of the highest quality of all the character buffets in our opinion. The atmosphere can best be described as loud and lively! The tables are very close together but the characters do a great job of spending time at each guests table.

Cape May Cafe at Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Cape May has always been a big favorite of ours. Located in Disney’s Beach Club Resort no park admission is required to dine here.

The theme of the hotel is of course beaches so it is fitting that Minnie, Goofy, and Donald wear beach clothes for the breakfast which is served daily at 7.30 to 11.00 am. The breakfast is buffet style with the usual favorites available at an adult price range of between $26.62 and $30.88 and for children (ages 3-9) the price range is $13.84 to $17.03

Dinner is buffet style too but no characters appear.

Chef Mickey at the Disney Contemporary Resort

This is another very popular character dining location. As it is located in The Contemporary Resort park admission is not needed – although if you are visiting the parks then it is most convenient for a visit to The Magic Kingdom as it is a very quick monorail ride away.

The breakfast buffet is served at Chef Mickey’s each day from 7:00 until 11:20 a.m. The very popular characters are Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Goofy, and Donald Duck.

You will find the same characters at dinner from 5:00 pm to 9:30 pm every night. The adult price range is $41.53 to $46.85 and the child price range is $20.23 to $22.36

For more menu details go to:

Disney Chef Mickey’s

Ohana Polynesian Lilo and Stitch Best Friends Character Breakfast

This is one which often gets overlooked for some reason. Located in The Polynesian Resort Hotel the Ohana
Polynesian Lilo and Stitch Best Friends Character Breakfast does not require park admission to dine. Just like Chef Mickey’s it is very convenient for Magic Kingdom if you are visiting the parks.

Breakfast is served family style from 7:30 to 11:00 a.m. I have to confess I am not a huge fan of family style meals and much prefer buffet options but if you want to dine with Lilo and Stitch this is the perfect place.

The adult price range is $22.36 to $26.62 and for children (ages 3-9) the price range is $12.77 to $14.90

Garden Grove Cafe at the Swan

This character breakfast is located at The Walt Disney World Swan Resort close to the World Showcase entrance to Epcot. Park entry is not required. This is a little out of the way unless you are staying at an Epcot or Disney Boardwalk Hotel location but it is a great option if you want a high quality character breakfast without needing park admission.

This character breakfast is held only on Saturday and Sunday 6:30 AM to 11:30 AM. They do not take reservations – it is first come first served.

The pricing is the same every weekend at $20.99 for adults and $12.99 for children aged 3 to 9.

Making a Reservation for a Disney Character Dining Experience

With the exception of Garden Grove Cafe all character dining experiences can be booked up to 180 days ahead. You can call (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463), or book online at Disney Dining Reservations

For more details about all the character dining locations go to:

Disney World Character Dining

How To Make Reservations at the Be Our Guest Magic Kingdom Restaurant

The announcement that many have been waiting for! Reservations at the new Be Our Guest Restaurant in Disney’s Magic Kingdom will open on August 20th. The first seating for dinner will be available on November 19th 2012 – and as you can book up to 180 days ahead this means that the wait for reservations is almost over!

You can call 407 WDW DINE or visit any Guest Services location in a Walt Disney park or resort for the very first Be Our Guest restaurant reservations on August 20th. You will have to wait a little longer, until 22nd August, for online reservations to be available. Expect those early reservations to go very quickly. It is highly likely that Be Our Guest will become one of the most popular Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom restaurants.

The lunch will be quick service and make use of guest activated terminals for orders (don’t worry though there will still be some humans there to take your order if you prefer). Dinner will be table service.

The food and the decor is French inspired – as this of course is a restaurant themed with Beauty and the Beast in mind. The restaurant will have 3 main themed areas taking their inspiration from scenes in the Beauty and The Beast movie. The forbidden West Wing with the “enchanted rose”; the Rose Gallery and the elegant Ballroom. As with everything Disney the attention to detail shown on the previews looks amazing.

The pictures and links were from the Disney Parks Official Blog

The menu looks interesting and certainly rather more adventurous than some of the Magic Kingdom restaurants (particularly the quick service menu) Great to see a Gluten Free option desert on there too (and we are sure there will be gluten free options on the menu as Disney is usually excellent in offering options to guests with allergies).

You can see the menu’s on the Disney site here:

Be Our Guest Lunch Menu

Be Our Guest Dinner Menu

We are looking forward to the opening of the Be Our Guest restaurant, and of course the rest of the New Fantasyland.

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Walt Disney World Dining Reservations

Epcot France Pavilion To Get a Makeover

One of our very favorite Epcot World Showcase Pavilions is to experience a makeover. Epcot France will experience big changes to the Bistro de Paris, the upscale restaurant on the first floor of the Pavilion. Changes are coming also to the Boulangerie Patisserie bakery and pastry shop.

There are 2 restaurants in the Epcot France Pavilion. The informal downstairs Chefs de France will continue in it’s present form but the formal upstairs restaurant Bistro de Paris will be updated. We are glad to hear of these changes – it is quite a while since we dined there as although in theory it is fine to take children there, we really didn’t particularly want to. Whilst we love formal sometimes, it just never seemed to quite fit in the context of the Epcot experience for us.

Everything is changing in Epcot Bistro de Paris. There will be a new name, new decor, new costumes for the servers, and of course, a new menu. The Chef was brought in a year ago from a Michelin 3 Star restaurant so you can be sure that the menu and food will be of the highest quality.

Another major change will be to the bakery. This is one of our favorite snack places in Epcot but the lines are always so long (and we have to say that the service is often not that friendly either)! But we will tolerate anything to sample the fabulous desserts inside. We are told that this will now become the Glacier ice cream parlor.

A new bakery is to be built in the existing exit area from the theater. This has been an underused area for as long as we can remember, with a lot of open space, some limited seating and a relatively small selection of goods. Hopefully the changes will provide a much better place to sit down and enjoy a quick French treat. They are expanding the menu to include salads and sandwiches, and the new seating area will provide seats for 90 guests.

One thing we would love to see in the French Pavilion. Decent coffee! That the French people are made to service the appalling tasteless brand they presently serve in the bakery may be the reason why some of them are not so cheerful! Let’s get a decent coffee maker in the new bakery. Please!

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Epcot Restaurant Marrakesh

Restaurant Marrakesh in Epcot World Showcase is one of our favorite places to dine in Disney World but it is one of the most overlooked restaurants. The reason for this is probably two fold – the location is rather hidden, and perhaps guests think that the menu will be a little unusual for their taste. Our advice is to give it a try and you won’t regret dining at this Epcot hidden gem of a restaurant.

Photo by expressmonorail

Epcot Restaurant Marrakesh is of course located in the Morocco Pavillion of World Showcase. The location is a little out of the way as it is hidden at the very back of the Morocco Pavlion – a place where few visitors actually walk around, but really should to see the beautiful small courtyard area. There is a podium located at the front of the Pavillion where a menu is shown.

The one area in which the menu is rater lacking is in vegetarian options as really the only option is the Vegetable Couscous. The different menu options may be a little too exotic for children, but of course as with all Disney World restaurants there is a children’s menu available with the usual favorites available.

One of the things that makes Restaurant Marrakesh special is the entertainment. There is belly dancing, and if you are really bold you can even join in! The atmosphere and decor of the restaurant are very welcoming.

Appetizers

Harira Soup – Traditional hearty soup with tomatoes, eggs, lentils and lamb $5.99

Beef Brewat Rolls – Baked layers of thin pastry filled with seasoned minced beef, fried and sprinkled with cinnamon and powdered sugar $7.99

Chicken Bastilla – Baked layers of thin pastry filled with minced chicken and almonds, sprinkled with cinnamon and powdered sugar $8.99

Seafood Bastilla – Baked layers of thin pastry filled with grouper, shrimp, and mushrooms $9.99

Assorted Mediterranean Salads for Two – Falafel, sundried tomatoes hummus, roasted eggplant puree and tabbouleh $13.99

Goat Cheese with Crispy Bread for Two – A mixture of cheese and kalamata olives served with tabouleh, red pepper sauce. and balsamic vinegar reduction $13.99

Appetizer Combination for Two – Beef Brewat Rolls, Chicken Bastilla, and Jasmina Salad $16.99

Entrees

All Entrees are served with rice mixed with vegetables

Shish Kebab - Grilled tenderloin of beef with rosemary roasted potatoes and vegetable medley $28.99

Chicken Kebabs – Brochettes of chicken breast, olive salad and dried fruit sweet couscous $24.99

Roast Lamb Meshoui - Lamb shank braised in natural juices served with roasted eggplant puree, zucchini, capers lemon confit and tomatoes $27.99

Mogador Fish Tagine – Marinated fish with olives, lemon confit, potatoes, green peppers, and chermula sauce $27.99

Lemon Chicken – Braised half chicken with garlic, green olives, and preserved lemon $25.99

Couscous- Couscous teamed tiny semolina pasta; with Beef $27.99; with Lamb Shank $27.99; Chicken Couscous $26.99; Vegetable Couscous $20.99; Couscous M’Rouzia: braised beef served with prunes, balsamic vinegar, honey, sesame seeds, and eggs $28.99

There is also a choice of 2 different Feasts for a shared entree option

Marrakesh Feast

Royal Feast Available for $45.00 per person

Choice of one appetizer:

Jasmina Salad
Lettuce, tomato, olives, feta cheese in mustard vinaigrette

OR

Seafood Bastilla
baked layers of thin pastry filled with grouper, shrimp, mushrooms

Choice of one entree:

Lemon Chicken – braised half chicken with garlic, green olives, and preserved lemon

OR

Roast Lamb Meshoui -lamb shank braised in natural juices served with roasted eggplant puree, zucchini, capers lemon confit and tomatoes

OR

Couscous with Seven Vegetables

Assorted Moroccan Pastries for dessert

Marrakesh Feast for $42.00 per person

Harira soup; Beef Brewat Rolls; Marrakesh Mixed Grill (Tenderloin of Beef Shish Kebab, Lamb Merzuez Sausage, Marinated Chicken Kebab) served with roasted potatoes. Assorted Moroccan pastries for dessert

Desserts

Moroccan Symphony – Assorted Moroccan baklavas $6.99

Marrakesh Delight – Fresh fruit salad topped with mint ice cream, toasted almonds and orange blossom water $5.99

Bastilla – Crispy leaves of pastry topped with vanilla cream and sprinkled with cinnamon, powdered sugar and toasted almonds
For Two – $8.99; For One – $7.99

Whichever options your choose from the Marrakesh Restaurant in Epcot World Showcase you are sure to have an entertaining experience. It may even become one of your favorite Epcot restaurants.

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Where to Find Princess Jasmine in Disney World

Where will you find Princess Jasmine in Walt Disney World? Princess Jasmine is a very popular Disney Princess and there are a number of locations that you can hope to see her in Walt Disney World. As with all character appearances they are never guaranteed, but here are some places that you have a great chance of catching up with Princess Jasmine.

Photo by lorenjavier

Princess Jasmine in Magic Kingdom

The Magic Kingdom is one of the most likely places that you will be able to see and even talk to Princess Jasmine.

Disney’s Storybook Princesses Town Square Theater

This should be number one on your list of places to find Jasmine. It is one of the best places to meet the Disney Princesses without having to book a character meal. The Town Square Theater is located at the top of Main Street very close to the entrance on the right hand side. The other advantage of this location is that it is inside so you do not have to stand in line outside in the sun.

Check your daily schedule for times for the Town Square Theater Princess greetings. Jasmine won’t always be there but you will see at least one of the Disney Princesses. And remember to take your autograph book!

The Magic Carpets of Aladdin in Adventureland

As you may expect you can sometimes find Princess Jasmine by the Magic Carpets of Aladdin attraction. You can see times on your daily schedule. Often she will be accompanied by Aladdin or even Genie.

Fairy Tale Dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table

It used to be that the only Princess you would see at this very popular restaurant was Cinderella herself. But of course Disney realized that guests wanted to see more Princesses so now if you are lucky enough to get a reservation at the most popular restaurant in Disney World you will see not only Cinderella but a selection of her Princess friends. Jasmine does appear here quite often so you may get the chance to talk to her here.

Disney Dreams Come True Parade at Magic Kingdom

The Disney Dreams Come True Parade is held at least once on most days in the Magic Kingdom. Here you will be able to see Princess Jasmine with her Prince. Not as good as meeting her face to face but at least you can be sure to wave to her!

Princess Jasmine in Epcot

These days it is very common to catch sight of a Disney Princess in Epcot and there are a couple of places that you have a very good chance of seeing Princess Jasmine.

If you want to book a character meal then Disney Princess Storybook Dining at Akershus in Norway World Showcase Pavilion is an excellent choice. As always with any character greeting or dining the appearance of specific characters is not guaranteed. But Princess Jasmine often makes an appearance here. This is one of the best places to meet the Princesses as they usually have plenty of time to spend with each table.

You can also find Princess Jasmine in the Morocco Pavilion in Epcot World Showcase. She appears at different times throughout the day so check your schedule for details. You will often find her with Aladdin by the shores of the lake opposite the Morocco Pavilion.

Princess Jasmine in Other Disney World Parks

The Disney Princesses are not found in Animal Kingdom, and Princess Jasmine does not make any appearances in Disney Hollywood Studios. She used to be found in the parade but for the present time she does not make an appearance in Disney Hollywood Studios.

Hope you find Princess Jasmine on your next visit to Walt Disney World!

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Disney Cape May Cafe

Disney’s Cape May Cafe is located inside the Disney Beach Club Resort Hotel. It offers a character breakfast and an all you care to eat dinner. This is one of the character breakfasts which is sometimes overlooked as it is in a Disney hotel resort location, so it can be easier to get reservations than for some of the other character dining restaurants.

Photos by bestofwdw

The restaurant is relatively small by Disney buffet standards. The nautical theme in the restaurant is done very well and the space is bright and airy. A nice touch is that all the tables have huge sheets of paper on them and your server will give you crayons so you can all have fun drawing on the table.

The breakfast is a good choice if you want to see the characters. The atmosphere, as with all the character breakfasts is lively and loud! The characters spend a good amount of time at each table and the food is good quality.

Dinner is a treat if you like seafood. If you are not a huge fan then there are other choices but really to get the most out of the Clambake at least one of your party really should love seafood.

The buffet set up is not the most ideal in Disney. It is quite small and lines do form around the seafood side of the buffet. So patience is required!

Cape May Goofy’s Beach Club Character Breakfast

The price for the all you care to eat breakfast is $28.75 for adults and $15.97 for children. This does not include tax or gratuity.

Breakfast is served from 7.30 am to 11 am. The characters who usually appear are Minnie Mouse, Goofy and Donald Duck. This is the Beach Club so the characters are in beach wear.

There is a large selection of breakfast favorites including:

Oatmeal and Grits with assorted Toppings, Selection of Cereals, Cinnamon Rolls, Assorted Danish Pastries, Croissants, Muffins and Breakfast Breads. Bagels with a selection of toppings including Smoked Salmon and Capers.

Yoghurt Bar with assorted toppings including Strawberries, Chocolate Chips and Granola.

Hard-boiled Eggs, Wild Berry Compote, Cranberry Apple Compote,
Low-fat Cottage Cheese, Apple Sauce, Prunes, Orange Slices, Pink Grapefruit
Wedges, Pineapple, Cantaloupe, Honeydew, Watermelon, and Seedless Grapes.

There is also a selection of hot items including:

Scrambled Eggs, Made to Order Omelets, Sausage Links, Bacon,Asparagus, Breakfast Potatoes, Breakfast Pizza, French Toast, Mickey Waffles, Maple Syrup, and Biscuits with Sausage Gravy.

Cape May Cafe Clam Bake Dinner Buffet

The Cape May dinner buffet is served from 5.30pm to 9.30pm. The price is $42.59 for adults and $20.23 for children aged 3 to 9. Under 3s are free. These prices include tax but gratuity is extra. You can also use a Disney dining plan credit for Cape May dinner or breakfast.

This one is a real treat if you enjoy seafood. The all you care to eat buffet includes:

New England Clam Chowder and Cape May Soup of the Day

Fresh Fruit Salad, Cape May House Salad, Caesar Salad, Broccoli Slaw, Potato Salad, Marinated Olives, Chilled Peel-n-Eat Shrimp, Chicken Arugula Pasta Salad with Mushroom Vinaigrette, Citrus Couscous Salad
Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad, Quinoa Shrimp Salad with Hearts of Palm,
Panzanella Salad, and Green Mussels with Spicy Seaweed Salad.

Carving Station with Hand-carved Flank Steak and Hard Carved Pork Loin.

Barbeque Pork Ribs, Basil Mashed Potatoes, Sautéed Cabbage with Rainbow Chard and Bacon,Steamed Red Potatoes, Marinated Roasted Chicken,
Specialty Pizza, Marinated Beef Tips with a Spicy Tomato Sauce, Steamed Corn on the Cob, and Vegetable Pasta.

Snow Crab Legs, Steamed Clams, Prince Edward Island Sound Mussels,
Baked Seasonal Fish, Tortellini with Lobster Sauce, and Seafood Pot Pie are served daily.

Seafood Specials include:
Fried Cod on Sunday and Friday
Batter-Fried Calamari on Tuesday and Thursday
Fried Shrimp on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday

There is a separate children’s buffet which is low to the ground so that they can help themselves to Macaroni and Cheese, Chicken Nuggets, and Sauteed Green Beans and Carrots.

The dessert selection at Cape May is very good which such choices as: Cape May’s Signature Oreo Bon Bons, Seasonal Cheesecake, Key Lime Tart,
Seasonal Cakes, Assorted Cookies, Cupcakes,Fudge Brownies, and Peanut Butter Bars.

Reservations for the Disney Cape May Cafe can be made by calling 407 WDW DINE up to 180 days ahead of your visit.

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Planet Hollywood Downtown Disney

The Planet Hollywood Downtown Disney restaurant has always been one of the most popular dining destinations since it was first opened. You really do have to give Planet Hollywood full marks for visual impact. The restaurant exterior looks more like a theme park attraction than a place to dine. The exterior of the building is a giant blue planet with a huge Planet Hollywood sign at the top. The entrance looks more like Space Mountain than a restaurant!

Photo by thatautguy

The Planet Hollywood restaurants rose quickly to fame in part because of those famous original backers, Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzanegger, Demi Moore and Bruce Willis. The restaurant was a runaway success when it was first launched and the chain once had over 100 restaurants. Unfortunately now those days are over and the chain has downsized to just 20 and the celebrity backers have long since moved on. But the glamor of Planet Hollywood remains and it still attracts very large crowds at it’s Downtown Disney location.

The big attraction for many visitors to Planet Hollywood is of course the movie memorabilia on display inside. There are lot of interesting movie props and memorabilia. You can spend as much time as you want to browsing around the restaurant.

Photo by Greencolander

The food is very standard American diner fare but with a big mark up for the venue. The menu choice is huge, and so will your check be, but if you come here for the atmosphere and the novelty factor then it is probably something you should experience – if only for one time.

Here is a menu for you to browse so you can make a choice to see if Planet Hollywood is the Downtown Disney restaurant for you.

Planet Hollywood Menu Appetizers

Photo by WDWDorks

PARMESAN SPINACH DIP
Creamy Parmesan cheese dip with spinach and mushrooms served with crisp tortilla chips $10.99

BRUSCHETTA
Diced roma tomatoes blended in basil olive oil accompanied by tomato aioli and toasted garlic bread $8.99

WORLD FAMOUS CHICKEN CRUNCH
Tender strips of chicken breast with a crunchy sweet coating served with Creole mustard $8.99

POTATO SKINS
Crispy skins filled with bacon, mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheeses. Served with sour cream $9.99

TEXAS TOSTADOS
Crispy mini tortillas topped with barbeque chicken, sautéed onions, Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar cheeses with sour cream and pico de gallo $8.99

BUFFALO TENDERS
Golden fried chicken tenders tossed in our signature spicy wing sauce served with bleu cheese dressing $9.99

BUFFALO WINGS
Golden fried chicken wings tossed in our signature spicy wing sauce served with bleu cheese dressing $9.99

ZUCCHINI CHIPS
Zucchini slices lightly battered, deep-fried and served with lemon aioli $9.99

BLACKENED SHRIMP
Marinated jumbo shrimp, blackened and served with Creole mustard sauce $10.99

TOMATO & MOZZARELLA CAPRESE
Vine-ripened tomatoes with fresh mozzarella, olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar $8.99

SLIDERS
Mini-sized Angus sirloin burgers topped with cheddar cheese, Russian dressing and pickle $8.99

VIP PLATTER
Our famous Chicken Crunch, Buffalo Wings, Texas Tostadas and Spinach Dip. – $18.99

Planet Hollywood Salad Menu

Photo by Renee Chan

CHICKEN CAESAR SALAD
Fresh grilled chicken, crisp romaine hearts, Planet Hollywood’s own traditional Caesar dressing and aged Parmesan cheese $12.99 Also available with Shrimp $13.99

COBB SALAD
Chiffonade of romaine hearts with tomatoes, Gruyere cheese, turkey breast, hickory smoked bacon, fresh avocado and chopped egg with Russian dressing $13.49

SPINACH SALAD
Baby spinach leaves with peaches, sliced strawberries, roasted chicken, walnuts, red onion, bleu cheese crumbles and tomato balsamic vinaigrette $13.99

SOUTHWESTERN SALAD
Fresh grilled chicken, corn, black beans, fontina cheese, diced tomatoes, tortilla strips and chiffonade of romaine tossed in a lime cilantro and peanut vinaigrette $13.99

WEDGE SALAD
Crispy iceberg lettuce with tomatoes, bacon, fresh grilled chicken and Russian dressing topped with bleu cheese crumbles $13.99

Planet Hollywood Burgers and Sandwiches

CELEBRITY MUSHROOM, ONION & SWISS BURGER Sautéed fresh mushrooms and onions layered on top of our USDA
Choice 10 oz. burger complete with Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle $12.99

CELEBRITY BBQ BACON CHEESEBURGER
Our USDA Choice 10 oz. burger finished with hickory-smoked bacon, tangy sweet barbeque sauce and cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle

CELEBRITY CHEESEBURGER
Our 10 oz. USDA Choice burger topped with your favorite cheese, lettuce, tomato and onion

CLASSIC BURGER
USDA Choice 7 oz. burger with lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle $11.99

DOUBLE DOWN
Two of our most popular burgers come together to create this colossal
14 oz. double-patty masterpiece! One patty topped with Swiss cheese, sautéed mushrooms and onions — the other topped with hickory-smoked bacon and cheddar cheese all finished off with lettuce, tomato,
onion and pickle

TURKEY BURGER
All white-meat turkey burger finished with hickory-smoked bacon, tangy sweet barbeque sauce and sharp cheddar cheese $11.99

PHILLY STEAK & CHEESE SANDWICH Shaved beef, sautéed onions & peppers and Swiss cheese served on a steak roll $13.99

BBQ BACON CHEDDAR CHICKEN
Chargrilled chicken breast topped with our homemade BBQ sauce, hickory-smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, tomato and lettuce on our baked sesame bun $11.99

TUSCAN CHICKEN SANDWICH
Juicy chargrilled chicken breast topped with prosciutto ham, provolone cheese, roma tomatoes, romaine and pesto sauce on a ciabatta roll $12.99

BBQ PULLED PORK
Tender smoked pork in our own tangy sweet barbeque sauce topped
with creamy coleslaw and served on a homestyle bun $12.99

CHICKEN, AVOCADO & SWISS
Chargrilled chicken breast topped with melted Swiss cheese, sliced avocado, tomato and lettuce on a honey wheat roll, served with lemon aioli

TURKEY CLUB
Turkey breast, hickory-smoked bacon, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise on fresh artisan bread $11.99

Planet Hollywood Menu Entrees

L.A. LASAGNA
A California twist to a classic lasagna! Fresh pasta tubes filled with ricotta cheese and bolognese meat sauce fried to a golden brown with garlic cream and tomato basil sauces $17.99

PENNE, CHICKEN & BROCCOLI
Juicy fresh grilled chicken, broccoli florets and penne pasta blended with a roasted garlic basil cream sauce $17.99

GARLIC SHRIMP
Shrimp stir-fried with garlic, ginger, onions, red pepper and sugar snap peas tossed in a spicy chili garlic sauce with chukka soba noodles $18.99

SPAGHETTI POMODORO
Fresh basil, plum tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil and aged Parmesan cheese blended with spaghetti $14.99

SHRIMP ALFREDO
Jumbo shrimp sauteed with garlic, fresh cream, Parmesan and basil served on a bed of linguini $15.99 Also available with Chicken $19.99

HOMEMADE MANICOTTI
Pasta shells filled with chicken, spinach, ricotta and Paramesan cheeses on a bed of tomato sauce, topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses $16.99

PASTA CARBONARA
Smoked bacon, peas and garlic tossed with parmesan cream sauce and cavatappi pasta $16.99

RIBEYE STEAK
USDA Choice 12 oz. ribeye steak chargrilled to order. Served with french fries and fresh sautéed vegetables $25.99

NEW YORK STRIP STEAK
USDA choice 12 oz. strip steak chargrilled to order. Served with baked potato and fresh sautéed vegetables $26.99

BBQ PORK RIBS
Tender hickory smoked St. Louis style ribs smothered with our tangy sweet barbeque sauce. Served with french fries $23.99

SIZZLING FAJITAS
Your choice of chargrilled chicken or beef served with sizzling onions, red
and green peppers, cheddar and jack cheeses, flour tortillas, shredded lettuce and Mexican fiesta rice $16.99

ROASTED HALF CHICKEN
Roasted half chicken with Planet Hollywood’s own seasonings and served with mashed potatoes and fresh sautéed vegetables $18.99

TERIYAKI SALMON
Fresh salmon filet glazed with teriyaki sauce, served with white rice and fresh sautéed vegetables $21.99

BLACKENED MAHI-MAHI
Lightly blackened 8 oz. fresh filet of mahi on a bed of jasmine rice and topped with a fresh tropical fruit and cilantro salsa $21.99

SHRIMP FAJITAS
Grilled shrimp served with sizzling onions, red and green peppers,
cheddar and jack cheeses, shredded lettuce, flour tortillas and Mexican fiesta rice $20.99

CRAB CAKES
Two jumbo lump crabcakes served with mashed potatoes and fresh sautéed vegetables $21.99

Planet Hollywood Dessert Menu

The desserts are generously sized so really are designed to serve 2.

BANANA SPLIT
Made with bananas, strawberry, chocolate and vanilla ice creams, whipped cream and cherries $6.99

CHOCOLATE CAKE
A chocolate lover’s dream…layers of moist chocolate and creamy frosting served with vanilla ice cream $6.99

DESSERT SAMPLER
Ghirardelli Double Chocolate Brownie, Vanilla Ice Cream, Strawberry Shortcake and Chocolate Cake. Great for Sharing $9.99

GHIRADELLI DOUBLE CHOCOLATE BROWNIE
Warm double chocolate brownie with chocolate and vanilla ice cream, hot fudge and whipped cream $6.99

KEY LIME PIE
Creamy key lime pie with a crumbled cookie crust topped with whipped cream $6.99

STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE
Homemade cheesecake served with strawberry sauce and topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream $6.99

Planet Hollywood Kids Menu

Keep the ones aged 10 and under happy with this selection of the usual kids favorites. All kids meals are $7.95

CHICKEN TENDERS
Tender strips of chicken breast served with french fries
CHEESE PIZZA
Traditional tomato sauce topped with lots of mozzarella cheese
TURKEY WRAP
Sliced turkey and American cheese, lettuce, tomato and ranch dressing with a side of carrot bites
SPAGHETTI & MEATBALLS
Roma tomato sauce blended with spaghetti and topped with scrumptious meatballs

PEANUT BUTTER & JELLY
Peanut butter and grape jelly sandwich served with apple slices and caramel sauce

KID’S CHEF SALAD
Mixed greens topped with turkey, ham, tomato, Swiss cheese and croutons

MILK, JUICE & SODA
ICE CREAM

There is a very large selection of drinks, smoothies, speciality coffee, cocktails, wine and beer. If you can think of it then Planet Hollywood probably has it on it’s drinks menu! For extra charge some of the drinks are available in souvenir glasses.

Planet Hollywood Downtown Disney is one of those restaurants you really have to try once for the experience. You probably won’t want to go back for the food!

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Top 10 Best Walt Disney World Restaurants for Kids

Which are the best Walt Disney World Restaurants for kids? Disney World offers some very unique dining choices and sometimes it can get overwhelming to choose which ones the kids are really going to love. It can be difficult to choose which of the Disney character dining experiences, or the uniquely themed restaurants are the ones which your kids are going to like the most. Here is a guide to my personal Top 10 best Disney World restaurants for kids.

Photo by hubsterdisney

Disney Sci Fi Dine In Theater

Photo by expressmonorail

Think diner food in one of the most unique restaurants in Walt Disney World and here you have the Sci Fi Dine in Theater. The kids are going to find this Disney Hollywood Studios restaurant a whole lot of fun. Step back to the 1950s for some traditional diner food in a restaurant which looks as though you have stepped right into a movie drive in. The first thing that you will notice is of course the tables which look like convertible cars all lined up in front of a huge movie screen. The second thing you as an adult will notice is how loud and dark the room is! The fun here is about the design and the atmosphere so make sure that you ask to sit at one of the convertible car tables as there are some picnic style tables at the back of the restaurant which you will probably want to avoid.

The food here is not the best in Disney World. You come here for the atmosphere. And usually because the kids really want to go here. Expect average food at high prices and you won’t be disappointed.

For more information about restaurant and to see the menu here is our guide:

Disney Sci-Fi Dine in Theater

Disney Princess Storybook Dining

The Akershus restaurant in Epcot World Showcase is home to the very popular Disney Princess Storybook Dining. If you want to give your kids one of the best chances to meet and talk with the Disney Princesses then this is a great opportunity. You can never guarantee that a certain character will actually appear but you do often find Princess Aurora, Belle, Ariel, Princess Jasmine and Snow White.

You have a choice of breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Disney Princess Once Upon a Time Breakfast offers pre plated all you can eat breakfast favorites. The Princess Storybook Lunch and the Dinner are a combination of all you care to eat buffet items and entrees which you order from the menu. The quality of the food is pretty average but really you go here for the great chance to meet the Princesses not for the food.

The price of the meal includes a photo package. For more information here is our guide at

Disney Princess Storybook Dining

Disney’s Sanaa at Animal Kingdom Villa Resort

There are very few restaurants in the world where you can dine whilst looking out of the window to watch zebras, giraffe and other wildlife passing by. Sanaa is located at the Animal Kingdom Villas at Kidani Village. There is a huge picture window overlooking the savannah. One of the best times to go is lunch time as of course you can see the animals passing by outside. This is a very unique experience for all the family, not just the kids!

This is one of the lesser known Disney restaurants but it is also one of the most spectacular and if you are prepared to be a little adventurous it also has some of the very best food.

The menu is described as being African food with Indian influences. What this translates to is a very high quality interesting menu with such items as Tandoori Chicken, various curries, spicy side dishes and naan breads. Don’t be concerned if the kids are more of the mac and cheese preferring kind! Sanaa has the usual kids menu offerings of pizza, cheeseburger and macaroni and cheese.

Disney Chef Mickey’s

Photo by Bart Hanlon

Chef Mickey’s is a very popular character dining experience for all the family. It is particularly great for young children as it is chance to get up close to Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Chef Mickey’s is located at Disney’s Contemporary Resort which is just minutes away from the Magic Kingdom. Breakfast and dinner are served each day.

Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Chip and Dale are usually there at breakfast. Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Pluto, and Donald Duck usually go for dinner. As with all character appearances these are subject to change.

The food is good quality buffet fare and there is plenty of choice for even the pickiest eaters. This is very popular with young children so go there expecting a noisy, fun atmosphere and you won’t go far wrong!

For a complete guide with the menu and prices go to

Disney Chef Mickey’s

Cinderella’s Royal Table

Want to know how you can get a look inside Cinderella’s Castle? Be one of the lucky ones who manage to snag a reservation at the most popular of the Disney Restaurants – Cinderella’s Royal Table. This is an extremely popular restaurant. Not only do you get to dine inside the Magic Kingdom Castle but you also get to meet Cinderella. You may also see The Fairy Godmother, Princess Belle, Princess Aurora and Snow White (you know I am going to say that all character appearances are not guaranteed and are subject to change without notice).

The food is pretty good and the kids (and the grown ups) will love the chance to meet their favorite Princesses.

For a complete guide go to:

Cinderella’s Royal Table is it Worth It?

T-Rex Cafe Restaurant in Downtown Disney

This is a relative newcomer in Walt Disney World which was created by the same people who brought you the very popular Rain Forest Cafe. The theme is of course the pre historic world so expect dinosaurs, decent but pricey food and a whole lot of noise! This is a great restaurant to take the kids and of course as it is in Downtown Disney you can visit on one of your non park days as you won’t need a ticket.

The menu at the T-Rex Cafe is definitely on the pricey side. But who can resist Asteroid French Onion Soup, Brachiosaurus Bruschetta , or a Gigantosaurus Burger? Well the kids probably can but don’t worry, there is a kids menu with the usual favorites, pizza, burgers and pasta.

Disney Crystal Palace Restaurant

The Crystal Palace is located at the end of Main Street in Magic Kingdom. It is a great place to take the kids, particularly the 5 and under set. This is one of my very favorite Disney character dining restaurants as not only do you get to meet Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet and Eeyore the food is also pretty good for all the family. The Crystal Palace serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. A particularly good choice is lunch as you can take a break in the middle of the day to sit down and refuel.

For a complete guide go to

Disney World Crystal Palace Restaurant

1900 Park Fare

This is another very popular Disney World character dining restaurant where at dinner you get the chance to meet Cinderella. 1900 Park Fare is located in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort so is just a very short monorail ride from the Magic Kingdom. It has some of the highest quality buffet food in the whole of Walt Disney World. Breakfast characters include Alice in Wonderland, The Mad Hatter, Mary Poppins, Winnie the Pooh, and Tigger. If you want to see Princess Cinderella, Prince Charming, Lady Tremaine, Drizella and Anastasia then they are usually scheduled to appear at dinner.

There is a special children’s buffet section which is low down so that the kids can help themselves. 1900 Park Fare is of course a very popular Disney dining location. It can get pretty busy and is rather loud but it is definitely a winner with the kids!

Hoop Dee Doo Musical Review

The Hoop Dee Doo Musical Review is a fun dinner show which has played to guests since 1974 at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. The show is practically unchanged since that time so if you are looking for Disney nostalgia which is great fun for both kids and adults then this is a wonderful choice. The show is held in Pioneer Hall which is the hub of Fort Wilderness Campground and Resort. It is very popular and shows run 3 times a night.

The food is served family style and includes breads, salad, Fried Chicken, Smoked Barbecued Pork Ribs, Mashed Potatoes, and Country Style Baked Beans. Very traditional fare. The real appeal of this experience is of course the entertainment. Table are pre assigned and the closer you are to the stage the pricier the reservation. Be prepared to be entertained by Johnny Ringo and Claire de Lune the dancers, Jim Handy and Flora Long the singers, and Six Bits Slocum and Dolly Drew provide the comedy.

Epcot Coral Reef Restaurant

Photo by expressmonorail

Epcot Coral Reef restaurant is another great choice for both the kids and the adults. Coral Reef is a restaurant with a difference. The restaurant has a wall of 8 feet high windows which look onto the huge salt water aquarium. which is part of the Seas With Nemo and Friends pavilion in Epcot Future World. Sit and eat your meal whilst you watch up to 85 species of fish in the giant tank. Perhaps more entertaining for the children is the fact that often you can see divers float past your table.

Whilst the concept of Epcot Coral Reef is an excellent one and the decor and theme are a brilliant idea, reviews are mixed about the food and the service. Here is my review at:

Epcot Coral Reef Restaurant

Whichever restaurant you choose in Walt Disney World there are plenty of options to keep the kids (and the grown ups) happy. Which is your favorite Disney restaurant? Leave me a Comment!

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Walt Disney World March 2012

If you are visiting Disney World in March 2012 it is always good to know what events are happening and which rides and attractions will be closed for refurbishment. Planning ahead is always a good idea when you vista Walt Disney World. The more you know before you go, the more you will enjoy your vacation! We have tried to be as accurate as possible with these dates but things do change, so if you are visiting in March always check schedules before you arrive.

All photos by hubsterdisney

Is March a good time to visit Walt Disney World?

In early March crowds do tend to be relatively low and the weather is usually great with an average temperature of 78 degrees. March of course brings Spring Break so expect the crowds to be heavier, particularly around the week of March 10th when many schools are on vacation.

Which Disney World Rides are Closed in March 2012?

One of the most popular rides with young children is Dumbo The Flying Elephant and this will be closed until March 12th 2012. You will want to warn the little ones about this to avoid disappointment. The Magic Carpets of Aladdin is close by and is exactly the same type of ride, but for many it just isn’t the same!

Another Magic Kingdom headline ride Big Thunder Mountain is close for refurbishment until May 27th. This is a very popular ride in the park so the fact that it is closed may mean that crowds are heavier in that area and that the lines for the adjacent ride Splash Mountain are longer. As always with the popular rides get a Fast Pass if you can and this will cut down the amount of time that you spend in line.

The Studio Backlot Tour in Disney Hollywood Studios is closed is closed from February 13th to March 9th 2012.

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon is closed until March 18th but Blizzard Beach is open if you want to enjoy one of the water parks. This doesn’t tend to have too much effect on crowd levels as traditionally attendance at the water parks is lower in these winter months.

Disney World Restaurant and Resort Facility Closures for March 2012

One of the restaurants in Epcot’s Italy, Tutto Italia Ristorante will be closed until April 28th 2012. The Plaza Ice Cream Parlor in Magic Kingdom is also closed until March 28th.

If you are a guest of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa then you will want to know that the pool slide will be closed from February 6th and reopen on March 3rd. The pool itself is still open, it is just the slide that is being refurbished.

Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival

This is a very popular annual event in Disney’s Epcot park and runs from March 7th to May 20th 2012. No separate entrance ticket is needed – it is included with your general admission to Epcot. The park is beautifully decorated with flowers and spectacular topiary designs.

This popular Flower Power Concert Series is held at the weekends at the American Gardens Theater in World Showcase. Performances are at 5:15 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m.

March 9th to 11th Jose Feliciano
March 16th to 18th Starship Starring Mickey Thomas
March 23rd to 25th The Guess Who
March 30th to April 1st The Spinners
April 6th to 8th Chubby Checker & The Wildcats
April 13th to 15th Paul Revere & The Raiders
April 20th to 22nd The Turtles Featuring Flo & Eddie
April 27th to 29th Chuck Negron, Formerly of Three Dog Night
May 4th to 6th The Orchestra Starring Former Members of ELO
May 11th to 13th Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone
May 18th to 20th Davy Jones

There are also HGTV celebrities scheduled to present the concert series as follows:

John Gidding from HGTV’s Curb Appeal: The Block – March 9th to 11th
Sabrina Soto of The High/Low Project – March 16th to 18th
Jason Cameron from DIY Network’s Desperate Landscapes and Man Caves – March 23rd to 25th
Camille Styles who is an HGTV.com Entertainment contributor – March 30th to April 1st
Dan Faires of HGTV.com’s DanMade and Fan Favorite HGTV Design Star Season 5 – April 6th to 8th
Brandon Johnson who is host of HGTV’s My Yard Goes Disney – April 13th to 15th
Meg Caswell, of Meg’s Great Rooms is presenting April 20th to 22nd
Monica Pedersen from HGTV Dream Home Tour 2012 and Designed to Sell is presenting April 27th to 29th
Antonio Ballatore, HGTV’s The Antonio Treatment – May 4th to 6th
To be determined – presenting May 11th to 13th
Genevieve Gorder of Dear Genevieve and HGTV Design Star – May 18th to 20th

Have a wonderful vacation if you are visiting Walt Disney World in March 2012.

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EverythingMouse is not affiliated with The Walt Disney Company.