Planning a Disney World trip can feel complicated, but it doesn’t have to be! Yes, it will require some research and decision-making. However, the team at MouseHouseNews.net is here to provide resources, information, and suggestions that will help make trip planning easier.
Perhaps one of the most pressing decisions (after deciding where to stay, of course) is determining if you want to make any advanced dining reservations for your trip. Disney allows guests to make dining reservations beginning at 60 days in advance. For Disney resort guests, these dining reservations can be made at this time for the length of your stay for up to a 10-night stay. If you have your heart set on dining in a particular restaurant, be ready to log on right at 6:00am Eastern on the day your booking window opens.
Remember, other guests are also trying to grab reservations for extremely popular restaurants, too. Don’t be surprised if there is limited to no availability for certain experiences, even if you’re there right when reservation booking opens. It happens! The good news is that people are always updating their plans. If at first you don’t succeed…try, try again! Keep checking back for those popular reservations, and you just might get lucky.
Today, I want to discuss the differences among several special table service categories. Specifically, I’ll explain the differences between buffets, family style restaurants, and prix fixe table service in Disney World.
Buffet Restaurants
Let’s start with buffets, as this is likely the most familiar for many guests. Buffet restaurants at Disney are similar to what guests might find back home. The food is arranged in centralized stations. Diners get up from their table to fill their plates at these stations with whichever food(s) they want. At these restaurants, you can head back to the buffet and load up your plate as many times as you wish. Depending on the restaurant, you can choose from a selection of starters, main dishes, side dishes, and desserts. Oftentimes, there is also a carving station with a Cast Member serving up sliced meats.
The advantages are obviously the “all you care to enjoy” atmosphere and the variety of foods offered. A potential disadvantage is not being hungry enough to “get your money’s worth”. If you have a bit of germophobia, buffets in general may not be very appealing to you either.
Some examples of buffet restaurants in Disney World include Boma – Flavors of Africa at Animal Kingdom Lodge, Cape May Cafe at Beach Club, The Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom, and Biergarten in EPCOT.
Family Style Restaurants
A table service restaurant serving family style meals shares several similarities with buffets, but there are also some key differences. Guests remain seated at their tables, and platters of food are brought to the table by servers. The food selection is therefore much more limited than you would find at a full buffet. Often, the menu includes shared starters/appetizer, shared main courses and a selection of sides, and a dessert shared by the table. The same “all you care to enjoy” theme applies, however. If your group wants more of anything, just let your server know! They’ll keep bringing out as much as you want.
The biggest advantage is that you’re still getting a variety of food, and plenty of it! You also don’t have to keep getting up from your seat for additional food. This means family style meals can certainly feel more convenient and relaxing.
A potential disadvantage of family style restaurants is that the menu is set, and you’re getting what’s on it. There is no choosing what to order. However, these types of restaurants do typically offer a platter that caters to plant-based eaters, so don’t worry about missing out if that is your preference.
Restaurants like ‘Ohana at the Polynesian, Sebastian’s Bistro at Caribbean Beach Resort, and Garden Grill in EPCOT are all examples of locations that serve food family style.
Prix Fixe Restaurants
Prix fixe table service restaurants are drastically different than the other two types we are discussing today. At a prix fixe restaurant, you are not sharing items with the table nor is it “all you care to enjoy”. Instead, a prix fixe features a multi-course meal with options chosen by each individual for a set price. Typically, you will choose one option from a list for each category: starter, main course, and dessert. It’s important to note that some prix fixe restaurants do have additional courses. The restaurant’s webpage on the Disney World site will let you know how many courses to expect.
The perceived “value” of prix fixe meals can vary widely. You are paying the same price, no matter which main course or options you choose. Sometimes, this causes guests to feel like they must choose what would be the most expensive items if they were paying out of pocket. The problem is, maybe you don’t want filet mignon today and would rather have chicken. Similarly, maybe you’re not hungry enough for an appetizer and/or dessert with your meal. You’re getting it anyway because it’s included in the price. If you were able to order the items you actually want separately, your meal could easily be less expensive than a prix fixe meal in many situations.
California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary, Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White at Wilderness Lodge, and Be Our Guest in Magic Kingdom are just some examples of prix fixe dining in Disney World.
Which One Is Right For You
The “right” type of dining reservation for your group will depend on several factors. First, can everyone agree on what type of cuisine they want? If not, a buffet is a great option. Everyone in the group can literally choose something different. Are you big eaters or excited about variety? Again, a buffet might be the perfect option for you. Alternatively, if you want a relaxed meal while still being able to get “seconds” if the mood strikes, family style might be your preferred option. Finally, prix fixe restaurants are perfect for a special date night or celebratory occasion.
The moral of the story is that it may require a little bit of research to choose which dining options are right for your next Disney World trip. MouseHouseNews.net has resources including dining with uncommon allergies, and restaurant reviews. Keep checking back with us for even more information. We’ll see ya real soon!
