If you’re looking for a luxurious, elevated dining experience inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Tiffins is hard to beat. This high-end table service restaurant has long been one of my favorites for special occasions. It’s a serene escape from the chaos of the parks, filled with gorgeous art, adventurous cuisine, and a calm, elegant atmosphere that feels worlds away from typical theme park dining.
Tiffins, Photo: Brooke Hudson
But on our most recent visit in May 2025, while the food absolutely lived up to its reputation… the service fell surprisingly flat.
Setting the Stage: Why Tiffins?
Tiffins is nestled on Discovery Island near the bridge to Pandora—The World of Avatar. The restaurant celebrates world travel and exploration, and the theming is spectacular. From African and Asian artifacts to gallery-style displays of Imagineering sketches and photographs, it’s a feast for the eyes before you ever see a plate.
Tiffins, Photo: Brooke Hudson
My mom and I decided to return to Tiffins for dinner during our Animal Kingdom evening, taking advantage of extended evening hours for deluxe resort guests. We hadn’t dined there in several trips—largely due to the price—but I managed to snag a last-minute reservation after canceling a previous booking at Jiko.
Tiffins, Photo: Brooke Hudson
(One tip: Because Tiffins is on the pricier side, it’s often easier to get a reservation here than at other popular spots. If you’re looking for a high-quality, sit-down meal inside Animal Kingdom, it’s a great option to check on short notice.)
The Food: Still Outstanding
Let’s start with the highlight: the food was excellent. Truly. Every bite of our meal was beautifully presented and expertly prepared. I had a hard time choosing between two entrées (always a good sign), and my mom and I both enjoyed our appetizers, drinks, and mains.
Photo: Brooke Hudson
My mom had a glass of wine, and I had a specialty cocktail, Lamu Libation (STARR African Rum, Banana Liqueur, Guava Purée with Orange, Lime, and Pineapple Juices topped with Goslings 151 Rum Float). Either way, the drinks were great, the flavors were bold and interesting, and everything was served hot and fresh. On this visit, we elected to share an appetizer, and we chose the Pineapple Glazed Pork Belly. This was so good and very rich. It practically melted in our mouths! For the entrees, Mom chose the Pan-Roasted Fish Filet while I chose the Oaxacan Pork Duo. Both entrees were excellent.
Tiffins, Photo: Brooke Hudson
Tiffins, Photo: Brooke Hudson
The menu has changed a bit since our last visit—there are fewer entrées than there used to be; however, there was still a good variety of options available. One item my mom really missed was the forbidden rice she’d had on a previous trip. It had absolutely blown her away, and she was disappointed to see it gone.
Tiffins Menu
Tiffins Menu
Still, the available options were well-curated and reflected the same international flair and culinary creativity Tiffins is known for.
The Service: Not What We Expected
Here’s where things went sideways: the service didn’t match the setting.
Now to be fair—our server wasn’t bad. He wasn’t rude or unpleasant. He took our order and brought our food efficiently. But he was clearly uninterested in engaging with us. There was no warmth, no conversation, and no effort to make the evening feel special—even though he noted my mom’s birthday when we first sat down.
Tiffins, Photo: Brooke Hudson
In past visits, we’ve been blown away by the staff here. On multiple occasions, servers have gone above and beyond to create a magical, celebratory experience—sometimes bringing a complimentary dessert, offering recommendations, or just chatting kindly throughout the meal. That’s part of what always made the high price tag feel worth it.
This time? Nothing. And that contrast stood out sharply.
At a casual spot, I’d shrug it off. But at a signature dining location where the entrees start around $40, I expect more than basic, functional service. And after years of excellent experiences, this felt like a letdown.
The Bottom Line
Tiffins remains one of the best culinary experiences in any Disney park. The food is consistently top-notch, the setting is gorgeous, and the location is ideal for a mid-day or evening break at Animal Kingdom—especially if you’re staying deluxe and eligible for extended evening hours.
That said, our most recent visit reminded me that service matters just as much as food—especially when you’re splurging.
Would I recommend Tiffins? Absolutely—especially for foodies, special occasions, or anyone looking to escape the crowds and heat for an hour or two. But I’d go in with slightly more tempered expectations around the service, just in case.
Quick Facts: Tiffins Restaurant
Location: Discovery Island, Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Cuisine: International/Global fusion
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Reservations: Strongly recommended
Pricing: Signature Dining ($39–$69+ per entrée)
Discounts: Yes—Annual Passholder 10%
Dining Plan: Accepted, 2 dining credits per entree
Atmosphere: Upscale, quiet, immersive
Ready to plan your next Magical Adventure? Email me today for a no-obligation quote!
It’s hard to believe, but 2024 is almost over and 2025 is on its way. One of the best things to look forward to in the new year is the 2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. Festival time is always the BEST time to visit EPCOT, and the International Festival of the Arts is one of the best (and shortest!) festivals of the year.
The 2025 International Festival of the Arts will run from January 17 to February 24, 2025. EPCOT packs a lot of content in its annual International Festival of the Arts. Full of music, color, food and activity, the International Festival of the Arts is a feast for the senses.
Disney on Broadway Concert Series
Photo: DIsney Parks
The Disney on Broadway Concert Series features Disney on Broadway stars performing favorite songs from both films and broadway shows. Attend one of the shows in the concert series to see hits from shows like Aladdin, Newsies, Mary Poppins, Frozen, The Lion King, Tarzan and more!
The Disney on Broadway Concert Series is held at the American Gardens Theater in the American Adventure Pavilion. There are three shows per night: 5:30, 6:45 and 8:00 pm. Seats are first come, first serve.
Disney on Broadway Concert Series Schedule:
Patti Murin (Frozen) & John Riddle (Frozen): January 17, 19, 20, 23, 25, 27 & 28
Caissie Levy (Frozen) & Jelani Remy (The Lion King): January 18, 21, 22, 24, 26, 29 & 30
Adam Jacobs (Aladdin) & Josh Strickland (Tarzan): January 31, February 2, 3, 6, 8, 10 & 11
Ashley Brown (Mary Poppins) & Alton Fitzgerald White (The Lion King): February 1, 4, 5, 7, 9, 12 & 13
Michael James Scott (Aladdin) & Kissy Simmons (The Lion King): February 14, 16, 17, 20, 23 & 24
Rodney Ingram (Aladdin) & Kara Lindsay (Newsies): February 15, 18, 19, 21, 22 & 24
Disney on Broadway Concert Series— Photo: Disney Parks
Disney on Broadway Concert Series Dining Packages
The Disney on Broadway Concert Series will be a major highlight of the 2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. Year after year, this series has proven very popular. One of the best ways to guarantee a seat at your preferred show for the Disney on Broadway Concert Series is a Disney on Broadway Concert Series Dining Package. If you want to attend a Disney on Broadway Concert Series show, you need to wait in line, and there is no guarantee you will get a seat for the show. However, if you purchase a Dining Package, you ARE guaranteed a seat for the show.
Dining Packages and Prices
Choose a restaurant from a variety of participating EPCOT table service restaurants that offer Disney on Broadway Concert Series Dining Packages. Here’s what your meal will include:
At Spice Road Table: 2 small plates, a shared tagine, a shared dessert platter and a nonalcoholic beverage (or alcoholic beverage for Guests 21 and older)
At Other Participating Restaurants: An entrée and dessert, or one full buffet (where applicable)—as well as a nonalcoholic beverage (or alcoholic beverage for Guests 21 and older)
Plus, you’ll get one (1) guaranteed seat per person to one DISNEY ON BROADWAY concert on the same day.
Advance Dining Reservations are HIGHLY recommended!
The prices in the table below do NOT include tax or gratuity.
Didn’t make Advanced Dining Reservations and hoping to do a Same Day Dining Package for Disney on Broadway Concert Series? You may be able to purchase a same-day dining package, which allows you to:
Enjoy guaranteed seats to a DISNEY ON BROADWAY concert later that day.
To check availability for same-day dining packages, visit Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue. Packages are subject to availability and may not be available on peak dates.
Of course, if you aren’t able to book a Dining package and if you aren’t able to get a seat for the show, all is not lost: you can still hear and see the show from the walkways throughout the American Adventure Pavilion. It’s not as comfortable as sitting, but when desperate times call for desperate measures, it is an option.
New Artful Experiences for 2025
30 Years of Disney on Broadway— Concept Art: Disney Parks
Once Upon a Stage: 30 Years of Disney on Broadway
2025’s International Festival of the Arts will feature a new exhibit in EPCOT’s CommuniCore Hall. 30 Years of Disney on Broadway will allow guests to experience the magic of Broadway in a walkthrough exhibit that celebrates three decades of Disney on Broadway. The exhibit will feature props and costumes from favorite Disney Broadway musicals. Also featured will be behind the scenes glimpses of how classic Disney animated films “The Lion King” and “Aladdin”.
Opening Bites Food Studio
Outside CommuniCore Hall at CommuniCore Plaza, the new menu will pay homage to foods and drinks on foods made famous on stage. Guests should keep their eyes open for the upcoming Festival of the Arts Foodie Guide to this and other Foodie Studios around EPCOT during the Festival.
New Artful Photo Ops
Throughout each International Festival of the Arts, guests can take advantage of Artful Photo Ops. These Artful Photo Ops allow guests to step onto the canvas and become “part” of the art. There are several returning favorites this year, including Luncheon of the Boating Party by Pierre-August Renoir, Washington Crossing the Delaware by Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze, and Edvard Munch’s The Scream. There is also a brand new Artful Photo Op inviting guests to voyage alongside our favorite seafarer featuring Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Moana.” Each location will have Disney PhotoPass Photographers available to capture your artistic moment.
Artful Photo Op— Photo: Disney Parks
2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts: Features to Enjoy
Scavenger Hunt: Figment’s Brush with the Masters
Each EPCOT Festival features a Scavenger Hunt. We’ve done several different version of these and really enjoy them. For the 2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, the Scavenger Hunt features Figment learning about art, and is a World Showcase focused Scavenger Hunt.
To participate in the Scavenger Hunt, you’ll purchase your map and stickers for $9.99 (plus tax) at one of three locations:
Creations Shop
World Traveler
Port of Entry
Once you have your map and stickers, you’ll explore World Showcase and search for Figment in each World Showcase pavilion. You’ll look for Figment hiding inside art inspired by famous works—a clue will be a Figment themed picture frame. When you find Figment, you’ll place the corresponding sticker on the pavilion on your map.
When you’ve located Figment at each Pavilion around World Showcase, and placed stickers on each Pavilion on your map, you’ll return to one of the three shops above to show your completed map and win a small prize (while supplies last).
The Scavenger Hunt is a fun way to find new details in places you’ve explored many times before. Some years, they’ve been really challenging, and some years, they’ve been fairly easy. Either way, we’ve always enjoyed doing an EPCOT Scavenger Hunt. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend one for a first time visitor, but for someone who has visited EPCOT many times, they’re a fun way to add a new dimension to your visit.
Paint by Numbers Mural
One really fun component of the 2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts will be the giant Paint by Numbers Mural. This mural is for YOU, the guest. It’s painted by guests, throughout the course of the Festival. To participate, you’ll pick up a brush, a paint color and a number at the Expression Section Booth. Then, you’ll go to the massive mural and paint a few squares that correspond with your color.
EPCOT Paint by Numbers Mural—Photo: Disney Parks
The Expression Section Booth is located on the walkway between the Imagination! Pavilion and World Showcase. The Booth is open every day between 11 am and 5 pm. Note: This experience is subject to change without notice, and is subject to change or cancellation due to weather.
Kids Chalk Art
Children are invited to express their creativity using chalk on the bridge to World Showcase Plaza. The kids create their masterpieces on the walkway, and everyone walking by gets to enjoy their artistry! This kid friendly activity is available every day between 11 am and 5 pm. This experience is subject to change without notice.
Kids Chalk Art— Photo: Disney Parks
Animation Academy
I’m really looking forward to checking this one out, myself. Every day, throughout the Festival, you’ll have a chance to learn how to draw a Disney character from a Disney animator! The sessions are held twice a day, at 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm, in the American Gardens Theater in the American Adventure Pavilion. Sessions are subject to change without notice. Featured artists include:
Luke Consolo
Matthew Dewater
Justin Dring
Will Gay
Hannah Loflin
Alex Maher
Michael Montgomery
Sarah Schmidt
Lon Smart
Draw a Disney Character! — Photo: Disney Parks
Artists and Art Displays
All around EPCOT, you’ll find art displays and artists, showcasing their work. At World Showcase Plaza, you’ll be able to watch artists create Disney characters in minutes (Thursdays through Sundays throughout the Festival). Also at World Showcase Plaza, you’ll be able to hear musical artists performing daily. Throughout World Showcase, you’ll find chalk drawings of your favorite Disney characters. On the bridge to World Showcase Plaza, you’ll see Chalk Artists at work and be able to see galleries of their creative designs.
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Photo: Disney Parks
Photo: Disney Parks
Photo: Disney Parks
Photo: Disney Parks
Photo: Disney Parks
2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts: Food Studios
As with most EPCOT Festivals, the 2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts will feature food kiosks, called “Food Studios” for this Festival, featuring special food and beverages only available during the Festival. Some regular restaurants around the park will also feature some special “Festival” only menu items.
Artistic Food— Photo: Disney Parks
The Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine
This year’s Festival will feature a fun game for the “foodies” among us. Your Festival Passport will feature seven tasty and vibrant specialty dishes for you to track down. Locate each of these items and track your progress by getting a stamp for your passport after you purchase the items.
Colorful Cuisine— Photo: Disney Parks
Once you’ve enjoyed at least five of the seven dishes—and collected the corresponding stamps—you’ll bring your stamped Festival Passport to the Deco Delights Food Studio and receive a complimentary Artist Palette Cookie.
2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts: Festival Merchandise
We can always count on Disney to help us find ways to spend our money, can’t we? EPCOT Festival Merchandise is a TERRIFIC example of Disney marketers working their creative brains to the bone to give us new ways to spend our money. Every Festival means new, Festival specific merchandise. And for some of the longer Festivals, the merchandise may even change during the Festival! The 2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts will definitely feature lots of special only-available-at-the-festival-merchandise. Disney has only released pictures of a few items so far, but I’m sure there will be lots more. We all know they won’t want to leave ANY money on the table if they possibly can come up with a way to get you to spend it!
Photo: Disney Parks
International Festival of the Arts Loungefly. Photo: Disney Parks
Photo: Disney Parks
Photo: Disney Parks
Photo: Disney Parks
The Final Brushstroke
The 2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts will run from January 17 through February 24, 2025. It will be filled with colorful artwork, lively music, tasty and artistic food, fun activities for both adults and kids and will overall be a very special time to visit EPCOT. Are you planning to visit EPCOT for this year’s International Festival of the Arts?
I’m very excited that this year, the Princess Half Marathon Weekend is during the last weekend of the Festival, so I’ll be able to attend the Festival during Race Weekend this year. Last year, I just missed it—I arrived 2 days after the Festival ended. It worked out great last year, because my mom was with me and the Flower and Garden Festival started early and we were able to check that out right at the end of our trip.
EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival— Photo: Disney PhotoPass
This year, Mom and I are doing a separate trip for Flower and Garden (that Festival is the subject of our next blog!) As I’m sure you can tell, I’m a bit of a junkie for EPCOT Festivals. The Flower and Garden Festival is my favorite but I’m super excited to check out the International Festival of the Arts in a few weeks.
What about you? Do you have a favorite EPCOT Festival? Do you ever plan your trips to coincide with a particular Festival? Please comment below. I’d love to know how EPCOT Festivals impact your planning!
Ready to Plan Your Next Disney Vacation? I’m ready to help! Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com
Roundup Rodeo BBQ is a Toy Story themed table service restaurant that opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in March 2023. We originally visited Roundup Rodeo BBQ in May 2023, not long after it opened. Despite originally vowing to never eat at Roundup Rodeo BBQ again, we found ourselves revisiting Roundup Rodeo BBQ a few weeks ago. Our experience this time was substantially different and I felt deserved an updated review.
We left Roundup Rodeo BBQ pretty disappointed after our initial visit in May 2023. While we loved the theming, we were really disappointed with the food during that visit. That original review can be found Here.
Roundup Rodeo BBQ Photo: Disney Parks
When it came time to plan our big family trip for October 2024, we kept coming back to Roundup Rodeo BBQ. The theming was SO good and we knew that several family members would be excited to dine in Toy Story Land. We also had heard that Disney had made some changes to the menu based on guest feedback. While that doesn’t always mean good things when it comes to Disney, in this case, we felt things HAD to improve—we didn’t honestly think they could have gotten worse. With cautious trepidation, we made an Advanced Dining Reservation for dinner on our Hollywood Studios day. There were 10 people in our group the evening we had dinner at Roundup Rodeo BBQ.
Roundup Rodeo BBQ: Excellent Theming
The one thing that remained consistent between our first visit and our most recent visit was the theming of the restaurant. This restaurant is themed VERY well to Toy Story, and includes characters and storylines from all four movies throughout the restaurant. It’s very colorful and cheerful. This is a very family friendly restaurant—so the noise levels are high. Do not expect a calm or relaxing atmosphere at Roundup Rodeo BBQ. This is a high energy, fun experience—aimed at providing Toy Story fans (especially young fans) an immersive and memorable meal.
Roundup Rodeo BBQ Photo: Brooke Hudson
The cast members are all outfitted in cartoon western wear, very fitting with the Toy Story Rodeo theming. One thing my mom pointed out—she felt the cast member seating us and our server did a better job this visit with bringing everyone into the Toy Story atmosphere, and in telling diners what to expect. She’s not a Toy Story fan, and felt lost during our first visit—not understanding some of what was going on. This time, the cast members explained that Andy or Sid might come into the backyard, and because we are all honorary toys, we have to freeze whenever that happens. This helped Mom feel more involved, even though she hadn’t seen the movies.
The audio playing throughout the meal seemed clearer and more understandable this visit as well. We also noticed some really fun action that played out around the restaurant involving different cast members acting as certain Toy Story characters. It was fun and the activity and audio cues were frequent enough to keep younger kids from getting bored, but not so often as to make you feel anxious or overwhelmed. (Everyone’s barometer for overstimulation is different however; your mileage may vary on this).
Roundup Rodeo BBQ, Interior Photo: Disney Parks
Roundup Rodeo BBQ: Pricing
One of the advantages that Roundup Rodeo BBQ has had from the start is that it is a relatively fairly priced meal for Walt Disney World. The menu is served family style, and is all-you-care-to-eat. The meal includes a beverage (fountain drinks, iced tea or milk), several different meats, multiple sides and dessert. When Roundup Rodeo BBQ first opened, the price for adults (age 10+) was $45 per person, and the price for children (ages 3-9) was $25. These prices have increased slightly. The current prices for adults is $49 per person and for children is $27. This is the same whether you go for lunch or dinner–so make that reservation whenever you can get it. There’s no price disadvantage to the dinner hour, and no price advantage to the lunchtime shift.
The majority of our family really took the “all you care to eat” to heart. I think most of us really got our money’s worth here. We made sure to go in hungry—and the improvements in the menu were definitely appreciated by pretty much the whole family. One of the single BEST improvements to the menu doesn’t show on the online menu–it only appears on the printed menu you get at the restaurant: you can get salmon upon request with your proteins. And the salmon was SO GOOD!! It really elevated the meal for us. Somehow, I didn’t manage to get a picture of any of the VERY fabulous salmon. But I did capture my other favorite item on the menu–and this is an original menu item– the biscuits with the sweet pepper jam. Oh my goodness. I wouldn’t be surprised if a black market sprung up somewhere just for these!! Really yummy!
The desserts were also beloved universally at our table–and between the 10 of us, we tried ALL of them.
Let me be clear: $49 is a lot of money for lunch or dinner—especially for a 10 year old person. However, this is a meal inside one of the most popular theme parks in the world. For theme park dining at a table service restaurant, $49 is one of the lower priced options you’ll find. And while this is not a character meal, it is very well themed. And there actually is quite a lot of entertainment happening. Overall, now that the quality of the food has improved (in my opinion), I think this is a very reasonably priced table service meal at Disney. I definitely recommend going in hungry if you can!
The Bottom Line — Roundup Rodeo BBQ Revisited
Toy Story Land Table Service Restaurant Roundup Rodeo BBQ Photo: Disney Parks
I would definitely recommend Roundup Rodeo BBQ for a fun family dining experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. My recommendation does come with a few caveats, however. If your kids are SUPER picky eaters–make sure you look at the menu before making your reservation. $49 is a lot of money if the only thing your kid will eat is mac and cheese.
Be aware, this is a LOUD, boisterous and fun dining experience. If you have Toy Story fans in your group, they are likely to love it–but if you have kids with sensory issues or that get overwhelmed when there is a lot going on–this may not be the right dining experience for your family.
However, we found it to be fun and entertaining. The service was great, the food was really good, and our family REALLY enjoyed the all-you-can-eat aspect. I’d like to also personally recommend the Rattler Rum Punch for those that like a little alcohol with their boisterous family dining experiences. It was really tasty and had a nice little kick to it!
Roundup Rodeo Beverages Photo: Disney Parks
I think Roundup Rodeo BBQ fills a need that it was supposed to fill: good, fun, entertaining themed dining in Toy Story Land. Good food that appeals to most (especially with the changes they’ve made over the last year) at a reasonable for theme park dining price.
I suggest you check it out on your next Disney vacation–especially if you’re a Toy Story fan or have Toy Story fans in your traveling crew.
Ready to Plan Your Next Disney Vacation? I’m ready to help! Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com
Walt Disney World has decided to start 2024 off with a BANG! They are offering FREE DINING to Disney+ subscribers! This is the first time Disney has offered Free Dining since before the pandemic closure in 2020. In fact, the Disney Dining Plan in its entirety has been missing since then as well. We already had the good news that the Disney Dining Plan was back for 2024, and can be booked with your Disney vacation for trips starting January 9, 2024. But Free Dining? I wasn’t sure we’d ever get Free Dining offers again, given all the price increases and other changes since Walt Disney World reopened after the pandemic. But at long last, Free Dining is BACK! (at least, for Disney+ subscribers!).
Photo: Disney Parks
What is the Disney Dining Plan?
Let’s start here. Because it’s been years since the Disney Dining Plan was offered, many of you may not be familiar with the Disney Dining Plan. Basically, the Disney Dining Plan offers a way for resort guests to prepay for most of their meals during their trip as they pay for the rest of their vacation. Since your vacation balance is paid in full by the time you go on vacation, if you include the Disney Dining Plan, you’ve also already paid for most of your meals by the time you go as well. A lot of people like the security of knowing their meals are already paid for and they find it easier to control their spending during their vacation. After your resort and your park tickets, meals are easily the most expensive part of your Disney vacation. There are ways to save money on food on your Disney vacation, but that’s a topic for a different blog!
Photo: Disney Parks
Is there only one Disney Dining Plan?
There are actually two different Disney Dining Plans. Both Disney Dining Plans are linked to your resort reservation. Whichever Disney Dining Plan you purchase, you are buying it for each person on your reservation staying in your room, and for the number of nights on your reservation. For example, if you are staying at Art of Animation for 4 nights, and you have two adults and two children ages 3-9 in your room, you would be purchasing 2 adult 4 night Dining Plans and 2 child 4 night Disney Dining Plans.
The Standard Disney Dining Plan includes:
One quick service meal per night
One table service meal per night
One snack or non-alcoholic beverage per night
A refillable resort mug
Important things to know about the Standard Disney Dining Plan:
Beverages are included with each meal
Guests under 21 years of age may order non-alcoholic beverages; guests 21 years old or older may substitute beer, wine or cocktails
Children ages 3-9 must order from the children’s menu where available
Plans must be purchased for the entire length of stay and for the entire party (ages 3 and up).
Meal credits expire at midnight on the day you checkout of your resort
Meals are non-transferable between members of your party
Resort refillable mugs are fillable at any self service beverage station at any of the Disney Resort Quick Service locations
Resort refillable mugs cannot be refilled at beverage stations inside any of the theme parks
Photo: Disney Parks
What’s Included in Each Meal?
Quick Service Meal: Quick Service meal credits can be redeemed for breakfast, lunch or dinner at any Quick Service meal location. One Quick Service meal credit will entitle you to:
One entrée
One non-alcoholic beverage (or alcoholic beverage, for guests 21 or older)
Table Service Meal: Table Service meal credits can be redeemed for breakfast, lunch or dinner at any Table Service meal location.
At breakfast, one Table Service meal credit will entitle you to:
One entrée
One non-alcoholic beverage (or alcoholic beverage, for guests 21 or older)
OR
One Full Buffet (prix-fixe) or Family-Style Meal (prix-fixe)
One non-alcoholic beverage (or alcoholic beverage, for guests 21 or older)
At lunch or dinner, one Table Service meal credit will entitle you to:
One entrée
One dessert
One non-alcoholic beverage (or alcoholic beverage, for guests 21 or older)
OR
One Full Buffet (if available) or Family-Style Meal
One non-alcoholic beverage (or alcoholic beverage, for guests 21 or older)
Photo: Disney Parks
What Beverages are Included?
Alcoholic Beverages: Guests 21 or older may choose either one non-alcoholic beverage or one single serving mixed cocktail, beer or wine (where offered) as part of your meal.
A single serving alcoholic beverage includes items such as:
Beer or Cider
Sangria or Wine
Mixed Drinks and Specialty Cocktails
Non-alcoholic Beverages: Guests 10 or older may choose a non-alcoholic beverage (including specialty beverages where offered) as part of their meal.
A single serving non-alcoholic beverage includes items such as:
Milkshakes
Fresh Smoothies
Premium Hot Chocolate
Soda, Coffee or Tea
Left to right, non-alcoholic drinks: Carbon Freeze, Oga’s Obsession provision and Cliff Dweller can be found at Oga’s Cantina. (Photo: Kent Phillips/Disney Parks)
What Counts as a “Snack”?
At most outdoor carts, Quick Service meal locations and select merchandise locations, snacks may include items like:
Frozen ice cream novelty, popsicle or fruit bar
2 scoops of hand-scooped ice cream
Popcorn scoop (single-serving box)
Piece of whole fruit
Single-serve bag of snacks
20-ounce bottle of Coca-Cola® products, including Dasani® water
20-ounce fountain soft drink
Single-serve coffee, hot chocolate, hot tea, milk or juice
Cup of soup
Add on toppings or sauces (e.g. side of cheese dipping sauce)
Photo: Brooke Hudson
What’s NOT Included?
Items served in a souvenir container (like popcorn or drinks)
Products that are larger than a single serving (for example, a box of donuts or a jar of peanut butter
Items that are considered merchandise (like bottle straps, glow cubes or bottle toppers)
Special dining events offered at some Table Service restaurants
More Magical Ways to use Table Service Meal Credits:
Character Meals: Table Service meal credits CAN be used for Character Dining. Character meals are usually buffet or family style meals and offer opportunities for your family to take photos and/or get autographs from various characters. Note: Disney PhotoPass photographers do NOT go around with the characters at Character meals, so plan on using your own camera or phone for all photo ops.
Chef Mickey’s Character Breakfast Photo: Brooke Hudson
SOME Character Meals require TWO Table Service meals credits per diner, per meal. These include:
Fairytale Dining at Cinderella’s Castle
Princess Storybook Dining at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (at lunch and dinner only require two credits; breakfast is one credit)
Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White
Fine/Signature Dining: Some of Walt Disney World restaurants offer more of a “fine dining” experience or are higher end than your average Table Service restaurant. Each meal at one of these restaurants will require TWO Table Service credits per diner, per meal. Each meal will include:
One entrée
One dessert
One non-alcoholic beverage (or alcoholic beverage, for guests 21 or older)
Fine dining/Signature dining restaurants do have a dress code. Guests are expected to dress in attire that reflects the restaurant’s upscale and sophisticated aesthetic. No swimwear is allowed.
Photo: Disney Parks
Many restaurants are considered “Signature”. Be sure to check before making your reservations so you are not surprised by the two meal credit requirements.
Here are just a few examples of Signature Dining Restaurants at Walt Disney World:
California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Citricos at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
Tiffin’s at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Flying Fish on Disney’s Boardwalk
The BOATHOUSE at Disney Springs
Jiko at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Dinner at Be Our Guest Restaurant at the Magic Kingdom: Dining at Be Our Guest requires two Table Service meal credits for each meal.
Be Our Guest: The Beast Does a Walk Through (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
Dinner Shows: Your party can enjoy family style meals along with live entertainment at a dinner show. Advanced reservations are required for any dinner show. Two Table Service meal credits will be redeemed for each person dining at a dinner show.
Pizza Pickup: You can stop by select Quick Service restaurants and pick up a “Pizza Meal”. Each Pizza Meal will use two Quick Service meal credits. A Pizza Meal includes:
1 large pizza
2 single serving non-alcoholic beverages (or alcoholic beverages, where available, for guests 21 or older)
Pizza Meals are available at the following Disney World Resorts:
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
What Does the Standard Disney Dining Plan Cost?
The Standard Disney Dining Plan is $94.28 per adult, per day. For children ages 3 -9, the Standard Disney Dining Plan is $29.69 per day.
Note: Prices for the Standard Disney Dining Plan are subject to change at any time, as are the participating restaurants and Disney Dining Plan rules. Once you’ve purchased, you’re locked in, but until then–anything can happen.
Dessert at California Grill Photo: Brooke Hudson
The Quick Service Disney Dining Plan includes:
Two quick service meals per night
One snack or non-alcoholic beverage per night
One refillable resort mug
Important things to know about the Quick Service Disney Dining Plan:
Beverages are included with each meal
Guests under 21 years of age may order non-alcoholic beverages; guests 21 years old or older may substitute beer, wine or cocktails
Children ages 3-9 must order from the children’s menu where available
Plans must be purchased for the entire length of stay and for the entire party (ages 3 and up).
Meal credits expire at midnight on the day you checkout of your resort
Meals are non-transferable between members of your party
Resort refillable mugs are fillable at any self service beverage station at any of the Disney Resort Quick Service locations
Resort refillable mugs cannot be refilled at beverage stations inside any of the theme parks
Photo: Disney Parks
What’s Included in Each Meal?
Quick Service Meal: Quick Service meal credits can be redeemed for breakfast, lunch or dinner at any Quick Service meal location. One Quick Service meal credit will entitle you to:
One entrée
One non-alcoholic beverage (or alcoholic beverage, for guests 21 or older)
What Beverages are Included?
Alcoholic Beverages: Guests 21 or older may choose either one non-alcoholic beverage or one single serving mixed cocktail, beer or wine (where offered) as part of your meal.
A single serving alcoholic beverage includes items such as:
Beer or Cider
Sangria or Wine
Mixed Drinks and Specialty Cocktails
Photo: Brooke Hudson
Non-alcoholic Beverages: Guests 10 or older may choose a non-alcoholic beverage (including specialty beverages where offered) as part of their meal.
A single serving non-alcoholic beverage includes items such as:
Milkshakes
Fresh Smoothies
Premium Hot Chocolate
Soda, Coffee or Tea
Photo: Disney Parks
What Counts as a “Snack”?
At most outdoor carts, Quick Service meal locations and select merchandise locations, snacks may include items like:
Frozen ice cream novelty, popsicle or fruit bar
2 scoops of hand-scooped ice cream
Popcorn scoop (single-serving box)
Piece of whole fruit
Single-serve bag of snacks
20-ounce bottle of Coca-Cola® products, including Dasani® water
20-ounce fountain soft drink
Single-serve coffee, hot chocolate, hot tea, milk or juice
Cup of soup
Add on toppings or sauces (e.g. side of cheese dipping sauce)
What’s NOT Included?
Items served in a souvenir container (like popcorn or drinks)
Products that are larger than a single serving (for example, a box of donuts or a jar of peanut butter
Items that are considered merchandise (like bottle straps, glow cubes or bottle toppers)
What Does the Quick Service Disney Dining Plan Cost?
The Quick Service Disney Dining Plan is $57.01 per adult, per day. For children ages 3 -9, the Quick Service Disney Dining Plan is $23.83 per day.
Note: Prices for the Quick Service Disney Dining Plan are subject to change at any time, as are the participating restaurants and Disney Dining Plan rules. Once you’ve purchased, you’re locked in, but until then–anything can happen.
Photo: Disney Parks
Do the Disney Dining Plan credits come day by day?
Something to be aware of: all your Disney Dining Plan credits are available to you once you check in. You don’t have to use them each day if you don’t want to. Theoretically, if you like to eat table service meals for breakfast AND dinner, you could use all four table service meal credits in your first two days. Certain table service restaurants are considered “Signature” restaurants, and each meal there uses TWO table service meal credits. I have had clients that purchased 4 day Disney Dining Plans that used all their credits up in the first two days. I have also had clients that purchased 4 day Disney Dining Plans scrambling to use their snack credits up before they left for the airport.
Photo: Disney Parks
Planning and Organization Required
Using the Disney Dining Plan does take some planning. If you are purchasing the Standard Disney Dining Plan, I highly recommend you make reservations for your Table Service meals before your trip. (Note: If you book your trip through me, I take care of this for you). If you don’t make reservations before your trip, you run the risk of not being able to get into the table service restaurants you want to. Having a table service credit on your Disney Dining Plan is NOT a guarantee that you can actually get a table at a table service restaurant of your choice. This is a common misconception and can be very disappointing and frustrating for hungry guests inside a theme park discovering there is no availability at any of the Table Service options at that theme park that night.
Photo: Disney Parks
There is always some table service restaurant somewhere on property where you can get in, but it may not be in the theme park or resort where you want to eat when you want to eat. Planning ahead sets you up for success. You can always make changes during your trip if you want to and if there is availability–but if you don’t make reservations before your trip, you definitely run the risk of not being able to dine where you want to dine.
Use them or lose them!
It is important to keep track of your Disney Dining Plan credits to make sure you don’t waste any or forget to use them. You’ve paid for these credits! The larger your party, the more difficult this can be–especially if you have older kids that you might split off from for meals. If this feels too complicated and you don’t want to have to pay attention or remember to use your credits, then the Disney Dining Plan is NOT for you. But with a little pre-planning, you can maximize the value of your Disney Dining Plan and not lose track of your credits. If you book your trip with me, I’m happy to help you with this.
Photo: Disney Parks
How do you use the Dining Plan?
Using your Disney Dining Plan is super easy. In fact, most Table Service restaurant servers will ask you before you order if you are using the Disney Dining Plan. You’ll just present your Disney Resort ID (Magic Band, Magic Band+, Disney Magic Mobile Pass or Key to the World card) to your server or cashier.
If you are dining with another family or group that is also on the Disney dining plan, you’ll want to make sure your server knows which meals should be redeemed on which Disney Resort ID.
You can redeem your meals and snacks in any order during your stay, until the number of meals and snacks associated with your package has been depleted. All unused meals and snacks and the ability to use your Resort-refillable mug expire at midnight on your package reservation checkout date.
Roundup Rodeo Photo: Brooke Hudson
How to Keep Track of Your Disney Dining Plan Credits
Your Disney Dining Plan is linked electronically to your Resort reservation. You can check your Disney Dining Plan credits in one of three different ways:
Use your My Disney Experience app to view your remaining meals and snacks.
Check your dining receipts. Each receipt will print your remaining meals and snacks as of the time on that receipt.
You can ask at Guest Relations or your Resort Concierge to look up your remaining meals and snacks any time.
What About Gratuities?
Gratuities are NOT included in the cost of your Disney Dining Plan, except for at Cinderella’s Royal Table and dinner shows.
An 18% gratuity will automatically be added to your bill for parties of six or larger.
You will need to provide an additional form of payment if you add a gratuity and haven’t provided a credit card at check in to charge incidentals and other charges to your room.
For guests traveling from outside the United States, a 20% gratuity based on the total pre-tax cost of the meal is standard for Table Service meals. Servers in the United States are generally paid a very small hourly rate and the majority of their income comes from guest paid gratuities. The last time the Disney Dining Plan was offered, Disney would print the cost of the meal on the receipt, along with suggested gratuity amounts to make it easy for the guests. I am assuming they will do something similar this time around.
But What About FREE DINING???
Ok, so now we’ve covered both available Disney Dining Plans, how they work and how much they cost. Periodically, Disney will run different “Free Dining” promotions where guests can get Free Dining by booking a particular type of full price reservation.
La Creperie de Paris Dessert Crepe (Photo: Linda Harkness)
Currently, Disney is offering Free Dining for Disney+ subscribers. There are some important requirements to take advantage of this offer:
Guests much purchase a nondiscounted 4-night, 4-day Walt Disney Travel Company package that includes a room at a select Disney Resort hotel and a theme park ticket with a Park Hopper option
Offer is valid for arrivals most nights between July 1, 2024 and September 30, 2024
Packages purchased for select Disney Deluxe Villa Resort Hotels or Select Disney Deluxe Resort Hotels will include the Standard Disney Dining Plan
Packages purchased for select Disney Moderate Resort Hotels or select Disney Value Resort Hotels will include the Quick Service Disney Dining Plan
Offer is available for booking beginning January 3, 2024
Is Free Dining a Good Deal?
Short answer? Sometimes. The key phrase to pay attention to is “NONDISCOUNTED package”. Another important phrase: “Theme park ticket with a Park Hopper option”. Keep in mind that if you are purchasing a four-night package, this means you are also purchasing a four day Park Hopper ticket–which is more expensive than the one park per day theme park ticket.
If you’re an Annual Passholder, this is not a good deal for you. If you are a Florida resident, you most likely can get better Florida resident discounts than the dollar amount associated with the Disney Dining Plan you would get as part of this package. If you’re in the military, you can often get better discounts than Free Dining.
In fact, there are often better discounts available during the same period of time. Generally, if Disney is offering Free Dining in any capacity at all, it usually means they’re not as fully booked up for that time period as they would like to be. That’s why they’re offering Free Dining–to book more rooms and more tickets. It’s important to evaluate any other available discounts to determine if Free Dining is really a good value for your party.
If you are a Disney+ subscriber and you’d like to travel to Disney between July 1 and September 30 and would like to get a quote for this Free Dining offer, please contact me. At the same time, I can check for other available discounts for you. Disney is verifying Disney+ subscriber status and there are a couple of extra hoops to jump through to take advantage of this discount, but if this fits with your travel plans, Free Dining COULD save you money.
Photo: Disney Parks
Bottom Line: Advantages and Disadvantages of the Disney Dining Plans
Advantages
You are able to prepay for the bulk of your meals before your vacation
Eliminates the guesswork of how much you’ll spend on food during your vacation
Reduces the amount of cash or credit you need to have on hand throughout your vacation
Easy to use–as long as you have a credit card attached to your Resort reservation for incidentals and other charges to the room, you will not need to provide a form of payment for any of the meals on your Dining Plan. You’ll just use your Magic Band, Magic Band+, Key to the World card or Magic Mobile to access your Dining Plan credits. Any gratuities can be charged to your room.
The My Disney Experience App shows your available meal credits.
Accepted by most Disney Table Service, Quick Service and mobile cart locations throughout the Walt Disney World Resort
Enables members of your traveling party to get meals and snacks without incurring out of pocket costs
Great food can be found at the new Regal Eagle Smokehouse at the American Adventure Pavilion at EPCOT (Photo: Disney Parks)
DISADVANTAGES
The Standard Dining Plan requires some planning ahead, to ensure you have reservations for Table Service restaurants during your trip.
Can be challenging to make sure all your credits are used if you aren’t paying attention.
May or may not be a good value for your family, depending on how your family chooses to eat while on vacation.
Linked to the length of your Resort reservation. If you are staying for seven nights and want the Disney Dining Plan, you will be buying the Dining plan for all seven nights, for all members of your party staying in that room on that Resort reservation.
Cannot mix the two different plans. You can either buy the Standard Disney Dining Plan OR the Quick Service Disney Dining Plan. You can’t buy the Quick Service Disney Dining Plan for the first five nights of your trip and the Standard Disney Dining Plan for the last two nights of your trip (unless you are changing Resorts and/or have a different Resort reservation for that last two nights.
Requires more spending before your trip–you’ll need to have your entire trip–tickets, Resort AND dining all paid for prior to your trip.
Gratuities are NOT included in your Disney Dining Plan purchase. For Table Service meals, you will need to either charge gratuities to your room, or provide another form of payment.
Questions?
Hopefully, we’ve answered any questions you may have about either of the Disney Dining Plans and about the current Free Dining promotion. However, if you have any questions we haven’t answered, please comment below or email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com.
Ready to Plan Your Next Disney Vacation? I’m ready to help! Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com
Work with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
One of the advantages of working with an authorized Disney Vacation Planner like me is that I can check on all the available discounts, if any, during the time you want to travel, and help you to get the best available deal based on your needs. Another advantage is that if new discounts become available later that could potentially save you money, and you haven’t yet paid your final balance, your Disney Vacation Planner can go in and apply those new discount for you. Remember, working with a Disney Vacation Planner doesn’t cost you anything–Disney pays their planners to serve their guests. The guests do not pay anything to work with a Disney Vacation Planner–and we can help in so many ways. If you’d like more information on this, or would like a no obligation quote, please contact me at Brooke@disneycastledreaming.com.
Hollywood Studios has needed more table service dining options for a long time. We were very excited when Disney announced that Toy Story Land was getting its own Western themed table service restaurant, Roundup Rodeo BBQ. Roundup Rodeo BBQ opened in April fully booked, and it remains a popular table service option. This is likely to be a hard to get table service reservation for months, if not years, to come.
Roundup Rodeo BBQ Photo: Brooke Hudson
Most of the preliminary reviews I read for Roundup Rodeo BBQ were positive if not glowing. We went into this meal primed to love it. We were excited to have a new option for lunch or dinner, and I was thrilled to have secured a dinner reservation for our first planned Hollywood Studio visit of the trip.
The Good
Roundup Rodeo BBQ is themed perfectly to Toy Story Land. It fits right in, and the decor feels very similar to Toy Story Mania or Slinky Dog Dash. The design and decor of the restaurant itself, as well as the exterior waiting area and entrance to the restaurant area, are really well done and very cute. The colors are bright and cheerful, and there is a LOT to look at.
Linda in Roundup Rodeo BBQ. Photo: Brooke Hudson
The final design looks a lot like the original concept art Disney gave us when they first announced Roundup Rodeo BBQ was coming. You can check that out Here orHere.
We absolutely loved the theming. If you aren’t aware, the premise of Roundup Rodeo BBQ is that Andy has assembled all his toys in the backyard for a Rodeo. There are audio tracks playing throughout your meal that feature Toy Story characters announcing various Rodeo events or activities. A fun element is that every so often the Green Army Men will announce that Andy is coming, and all cast members in Roundup Rodeo BBQ (and lots of participating restaurant guests) freeze.
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Another good thing we liked about Roundup Rodeo BBQ is the price point. Adults are $45 per person plus tax for all you care to enjoy, and children 9 and under are $25 per person plus tax, again for all you care to enjoy. The food is served family style, and guests are welcome to request more food if they desire. Meals include biscuits with jam, three salads, four meats, dessert and a soft drink, tea, coffee, milk or juice. Specialty beverages are available for an additional cost.
The Bad
You can review the full menu for Roundup Rodeo BBQ Here.
Unfortunately, as happy as we were with the theming and the price point, we were disappointed by the food. Specifically, we really did not like the entree options for this meal. Disney has elected to go with hickory smoked for the entree meats, and hickory smoked is a very strong flavor. I have no doubt that the meats themselves are of high quality; however the hickory smoked flavor overrode the taste of the meats themselves. If you are a fan of hickory smoked, I’m sure you will love these meats.
Here are the meats you get with your meal: (Note there’s a plant based option that you can order instead of the meats—we did not try that option.)
Enjoy a Platter of all the Following House-Smoked Items
Evil Dr. Smoked Ribs | Buttercup’s Beef Brisket | There’s a Sausage in my Boot – Fire-grilled Pork Sausage | BBQ Chicken – with Style!
Photo: Disney Parks
While I normally really enjoy barbecue, I have to admit that the overpowering hickory smoked flavor of these meats was NOT something I liked. Rodeo Roundup BBQ provides three different BBQ sauces for guests to add to their meat selections, and I tried all three. All three sauces were flavorful and tasty on their own, and offer BBQ flavors popular all over the United States. One sauce was sweet (my favorite), one was tangy and the third had more kick.
I was hoping that adding the sauce would temper the overpowering hickory smoke flavor—this was most successful with the chicken, but it still didn’t make this a successful meal for us.
The ribs, in my opinion were inedible. They were very hard, almost a beef jerky texture. The beef brisket was cooked well, but again that hickory smoke flavor was so strong, the brisket was difficult to enjoy. We had suggested to our waiter that he leave the fire grilled pork sausage out of our meat basket, since neither one of us are big fans. Our waiter was insistent that we should try it—he said it was SO good, and that we really needed to try it. So we did. It was good, I’ll agree, but the andouille sausage I’d had the day before at Tucker House was better!
The Ugly
Photo: Disney Parks
I’m sorry to say that we found the sides even more disappointing than the meats were. We were told to choose four options from the various side options available. Sides offered include:
Mean Old Potato Salad
Homestyle Red-skinned Potatoes
The Married Spuds
Loaded Potato Barrels
The Claw! Veggie Slaw
(Plant-based)
Force Field Fried Pickles
Campfire-roasted Vegetables
(Plant-based)
Slinky Doooooooooog’s Mac & Cheese
Buckin’ Baked Beans
(Plant-based)
Cowpoke Corn on the Cob
Grilled Street Corn
The four choices we chose were Force Field Fried Pickles, Cowpoke Corn on the Cob, Campfire Roasted Vegetables, and Mean Old Potato Salad. Of these, the best was the Mean Old Potato Salad, but it was kind of boring.
Roundup Rodeo BBQ Mean Old Potato Salad
The biggest disappointment was the Cowpoke Corn on the Cob. The description on the menu said “Grilled Street Corn”. We weren’t expecting the corn to have so much “stuff” on it. When we asked the waiter, he explained that it was “Mexican Street Corn”. I have had Mexican Street Corn before, but it was nothing like this. I’m sure there are lots of different ways to make the dish, but I’m not sure this preparation is the best choice for such a large and varied audience that includes so many children. I could see a lot of kids refusing to eat this corn. The waiter told us that the corn can be ordered as just buttered grilled corn on the cob—that would likely be more appealing to a wider audience.
Roundup Rodeo BBQ Cowpoke Corn on the Cob. Photo: Brooke Hudson
We ordered the fried dill pickles just to try them — we weren’t expecting to love them, but we wanted to try them. I thought they would be crispy, but they were soft and kind of soggy. We didn’t like them at all, but I can imagine that they would appeal to some people.
The campfire roasted vegetables were just ok. We had high hopes for these as we both love roasted vegetables, but they were kind of soggy and not very flavorful.
We will most likely not be returning to Roundup Rodeo BBQ for a table service meal in the future, unless we hear they make changes to the menu. While we loved the theming, the atmosphere and most of the cast members we talked to, the food just was not enjoyable for us.
I loved the biscuit with the sweet pepper jam, and could have cheerfully eaten more of those—they were buttery soft, warm and scrumptious. Another highlight for me was my adult beverage. I tried the Rattler Rum Punch and loved it!
Roundup Rodeo BBQ Rum Rattler Punch. Photo: Brooke Hudson
We both got Billy’s Chocolate Silk Pie for dessert—that was a perfect sized portion, and all the dessert options looked terrific.
I’m glad we tried it, and we really enjoyed the environment and the theming. I’m also really happy that there is an additional table service restaurant available in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and specifically in Toy Story Land. While I’m sure Roundup Rodeo will appeal to many families—please keep in mind the strong hickory smoke flavor—if your family does not like that flavor, this meal will not be the success it could otherwise be.
You Might Love it!
As I said at the beginning, I really wanted to love Roundup Rodeo BBQ. I’m sad that I didn’t love it—and I’m even more disappointed that I didn’t even like it enough to return. Please keep in mind that these are my opinions, and your mileage may vary. Anecdotally, I did talk to a few other guests during our trip that had also tried Roundup Rodeo BBQ, and they shared similar thoughts and opinions—but that could absolutely have gone the other way, I’m sure.
Photo: Disney Parks
So, here’s the big question: Have you tried Roundup Rodeo BBQ? What did you think? If you haven’t tried it yet, do you plan to? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Happy Dreaming,
Brooke
Ready to Plan Your Next Disney Vacation? I’m ready to help! Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com
We have more information about the new table service restaurant opening soon in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Disney has announced that Roundup Rodeo BBQ will open on March 23, 2023. Note: Even though we are within the sixty day window, you cannot yet make reservations for Roundup Rodeo BBQ. I’m sure Disney will make an announcement soon about when reservations will open up. I’ll keep you posted!
Even more exciting, Disney has shared details with us about the Roundup Rodeo BBQ menu! We’ve posted about Roundup Rodeo BBQ before, but we didn’t know anything about the menu at that time. All we knew is that the restaurant would be table service and western themed. We could be fairly certain there would be barbeque involved, given the “BBQ” in the restaurant name, but you never know! <wink>
Toy Story Land Table Service Restaurant Roundup Rodeo BBQ Photo: Disney Parks
Theming
Roundup Rodeo BBQ is a rodeo arena that Andy has created in the backyard for his toys. All honorary toys visiting Andy’s backyard are also invited (that’s us!). Andy has used a variety of his toys, games and playsets to create his Roundup Rodeo arena, and when we visit, we’ll all get to see the world through the eyes of Andy’s toys.
While we’re there, we’ll be offered house smoked meats, a roundup of sides, some sweet surprises and more in this western-themed family-style restaurant.
Roundup Rodeo BBQ Menu
First up, we will start with the Prospector’s Homemade Cheddar Biscuits. These are served with sweet pepper jelly. They look awfully good, don’t they? Of course, I’m a sucker for biscuits of almost any kind….
Photo: Disney Parks
Salads
Next up, there are three delicious different salads for toys and honorary toys alike to enjoy.
Tomato Salad: Tomatoes, cucumbers, and pickled red onions tossed in a white balsamic vinaigrette and garnished with fresh dill (plant-based)
Rex’s Romaine and Kale Salad: Romaine and kale mixed with green apples, pumpkin seeds, and dried cranberries tossed with green goddess dressing
Watermelon Salad: Cubed watermelon garnished with freshly torn mint leaves (plant-based)
Photo: Disney Parks
Smoked Meats
Now comes the good stuff! (if you like smoked meats, that is!)
Guests can enjoy a hearty serving of house-smoked meats, including:
Evil Dr. Smoked Ribs: Fall-off-the-bone pork ribs, slow-cooked for hours in our onsite smokehouse
Buttercup’s Beef Brisket: Hand-sliced beef brisket, smoked then slow-cooked to juicy perfection
There’s a Sausage in My Boot: Spiced pork sausage fire-grilled over live oak to give it an added kick
BBQ Chicken – with Style! Chicken brined for 48 hours, rubbed with our secret backyard BBQ spice and smoked to tender juiciness
Photo: Disney Parks
Plant-Based Options
No worries. If you aren’t a meat-eater, there are savory plant-based offerings available upon request.
Slow-smoked Cauliflower topped with sweet harissa drizzle and crunchy walnut gremolata
Oven-roasted “Bratwurst” that is tender and juicy, sliced to perfection
Impossible “Rib Chop” seasoned with spices, then roasted and glazed with sweet BBQ sauce and skewered on a sugar cane “bone”
All entreés served with an assortment of sweet, traditional, and spicy BBQ sauces.
Photo: Disney Parks
Sides
Next up, there are a bunch of sides to choose from. Guests can choose four sides for the table from the list below.
The Married Spuds: Loaded potato barrels drizzled with green goddess dressing, cheese sauce, and seasoned BBQ spices
Force Field Fried Pickles: Jumbo pickle spears coated with a dill-flavored breading and fried to perfection
Slinky Doooooooooog Mac & Cheese: Spiral pasta in a creamy house-made cheese sauce topped with crumbled cheddar crackers
Buckin’ Baked Beans: A traditional BBQ picnic favorite (plant-based)
Cowpoke Corn on the Cob: Grilled and seasoned with a chili-lime spice blend, cilantro, cotija cheese, and lime juice
Mean Old Potato Salad: Homestyle with red-skinned potatoes
Veggie Slaw: Crunchy shredded veggie slaw that is a summertime favorite! (plant-based)
Campfire-roasted Vegetables: A variety of roasted seasonal vegetables (plant-based)
Photo: Disney Parks
Desserts
Now, we get to the sweet stuff: Desserts!! These perfectly portioned chuckwagon desserts offer a sweet take on the BBQ picnic classics. Guests can choose from a selection for the table.
Cupcake à la Forky: Forky is up to something sweet! A classic chocolate cake with a gooey chocolate ganache center topped with velvety graham cracker buttercream and a sugar cookie
Lemon and Blueberry Cheesecake: An iconic creamy dessert that balances the tanginess of the cheesecake with the natural sweetness of blueberries and lemon
Billy’s Chocolate Silk Pie: Layers of graham cracker crust and silky chocolate mousse topped with chantilly cream
Goat’s Apple Pie: A picnic classic! Tart apples and warm pie spices balance perfectly with the creamy sweet filling under a crumble crust
Gruff’s Peach-Strawberry Pie: With its silky sweet peaches and tartness of strawberries, this dessert is a fruit-centric delight! (plant-based)
Photo: Disney Parks
Beverages
The Roundup Rodeo BBQ menu would not be complete without some craft cocktails and nonalcoholic beverages on offer. Not to worry, guests feeling nostalgic for backyard picnics will find plenty here to enjoy.
Grown-up Craft Cocktails:
Snake Eye Margarita: Inspired by a summertime BBQ featuring watermelon, smoke, and a bit of spice!
Rum Punch: Rum punch with vibrant flavors of passion fruit and pineapple finished with a smoky spiced garnish
Chocolate with a Grown-up Twist: A blend of chocolate rum, horchata liqueur, cocoa, and flavors of toasted marshmallow
Frozen Peanut Butter & Jelly: A fun frozen twist on the classic peanut butter & jelly featuring peanut butter whiskey
Whiskey Lemonade: A fresh take on a strawberry lemonade made with Tennessee whiskey and Italian bitter aperitif
The Rodeo Mule: A classic “patio sipper,” this mule mixes vodka with fresh juices and ginger beer
A selection of beer, hard cider, and wines by the glass are available.
Photo: Disney Parks
Nonalcoholic offerings:
Molly’s Frozen Iced Tea: A frosty concoction with iced tea and citrus flavors
Frozen Cocoa: A frozen blend of cocoa and vanilla topped with miniature marshmallows
Partysaurus Tex: Strawberry lemonade is even more fun when you garnish it with gummy worms!
Will YOU be Making Reservations?
So, now that you’ve seen the Roundup Rodeo BBQ menu, are you going to be making reservations for this table service restaurant for your next Disney vacation? Mom and I are going down for our annual mother daughter trip in May. I’m planning to try and get reservations for that visit so that we can report back to all of you. I also need to know if I want to recommend this restaurant to my clients in the future.
Roundup Rodeo BBQ Concept Art
However, a new table service restaurant in Disney’s Hollywood Studios is very welcome! I think this one is in a good location, and will appeal to a lot of families. The Imagineers have done a great job so far in Toy Story Land; I love the details throughout Andy’s backyard. I am very hopeful that Roundup Rodeo BBQ will not disappoint. Time will tell.
If you’d like to visit Disney this year, I’d love to help! Please contact me for a no obligation quote. Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com or call 630-538-1124.
Happy dreaming!
Brooke
Ready to Plan Your Next Disney Vacation? I’m ready to help! Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com
I have some good news for you today! Walt Disney World has finally announced when character dining is returning to Cinderella’s Royal Table. Cinderella’s Royal Table was one of the most popular character dining experiences in Walt Disney World for many years. As you may recall, when the parks reopened after the pandemic closure, character greetings and character meals did NOT return. Cinderella’s Royal Table table service restaurant DID reopen for meal service, but without characters. The restaurant has been open again for more than a year, but until today, there has been no sign of the character dining element returning.
Sleeping Beauties at Cinderella’s Royal Table Photo: Disney Parks
Today, Walt Disney World announced that character dining is returning to Cinderella’s Royal Table on February 28, 2023. The first advanced dining reservations for this character meal will open on December 28, 2022.
Disney Princesses Returning to Cinderella’s Royal Table
Many Walt Disney World visitors, adults and children alike, love to see Disney Princesses during their vacation. The easiest way (and most economical way) to catch a glimpse of your favorite Princess is to watch the afternoon parade at the Magic Kingdom. During this parade, you get to see many of the Princesses, along with their beaux.
You can also see Disney Princesses during the finale of Fantasmic at Disney’s Hollywood Studios each night. Many of the Princesses are featured on water barges that pass in front of audiences near the end of the show.
Select Disney Princesses are also available for traditional Character Greetings. However, the popularity of the Princesses can often mean really long waits to see your Princess.
A Princess themed Character Meal is a great way to combine meal time with Character Greetings, giving your family the chance to take pictures with the characters and sign autographs. Character Dining has been GRADUALLY returning to Walt Disney World over the last few months, but the Princess dining options are few and far between and they’ve been among the last to return.
Storybook Dining with Princesses at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall at EPCOT
Character dining featuring Disney Princesses returned to EPCOT’s Norway Pavilion in early November 2022. Akershus Royal Banquet Hall features Storybook Dining with Disney Princesses, and is a very popular Character Dining experience for Disney Princess fans of all ages.
Dancing Princesses at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall Photo: Disney Parks
Current pricing for Storybook Dining with Princesses at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is $63 plus tax and gratuity for adults, and $41 plus tax and gratuity for children. Coffee, tea and fountain beverages are included at this price. Specialty beverages including cocktails, beer, hard cider and a variety of wines are available at an additional cost.
Storybook Dining at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall Photo: Disney Parks
Character Dining Returning to Cinderella’s Royal Table
Finally, diners wanting to see their favorite Disney Princesses during a meal at Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom can do so! Beginning on February 28, 2022, the Disney Princesses will be back, visiting each table for pictures, interaction and photographs. You might even get a visit from your Fairy Godmother!
The Fairy Godmother at Cinderella’s Royal Table (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
There is something so wonderful and magical about Cinderella Castle. I’m willing to admit this is one of my absolute favorite Character Meals, and I’m so happy it’s returning. This is one of the pricier Character Meals, so it’s not something we try to do every trip, but it is a very special experience.
Prior to going upstairs to be seated for dining, guests do have a brief moment for photos with Cinderella in the downstairs area of the restaurant. Cinderella returned early this year, in a distanced capacity. Later, the rules relaxed slightly. Cinderella is NOT one of the Disney Princesses that visits your table during your meal, as she’s busy downstairs greeting her guests.
Cinderella at Cinderella’s Royal Table Photo: Brooke Hudson
Cinderella’s Royal Table is open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Character Dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table is NOT buffet style, like you will find at most Character Meals.
Cinderella’s Royal Table, 2013
Breakfast
Breakfast at Cinderella’s Royal Table inside Cinderella Castle is a lovely way to start your day at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. If you can get an early reservation, you can even get into the park before it officially opens! One of my absolute FAVORITE things to do in Walt Disney World is to get into one of the parks early, and see it without the massive crowds we’ve all gotten so used to.
Another benefit of choosing breakfast at Cinderella’s Royal Table is that pricing for breakfast is significantly lower than for lunch or dinner. You can have the Character Dining experience inside Cinderella Castle at the best possible price. Keep in mind–Character Meal pricing is generally much higher than you would pay for a regular non-character meal. You are paying “extra” for the atmosphere and for the entertainment of seeing the Characters.
Current pricing for breakfast at Cinderella’s Royal Table is $45 plus tax and gratuity for adults and $29 plus tax and gratuity for children. Coffee, tea, fountain drinks, hot cocoa, juice or milk is included with your meal. Specialty cocktails are available for an additional fee.
At this time, the lunch and dinner menus and pricing are the same at Cinderella’s Royal Table. It’s a bit of a heavier meal, so if you are planning lunch here, I would suggest going very light on breakfast, and planning a lighter dinner as well. Especially during the warmer months, you may find this lunch best followed by a return to your resort for an afternoon nap or swim.
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Current pricing for lunch or dinner at Cinderella’s Royal Table is $67 plus tax and gratuity for adults and $39 plus tax and gratuity for children. your meal includes coffee, tea, fountain beverages, hot cocoa, juice, lemonade or milk. Specialty cocktails are available for an additional fee.
Cinderella’s Royal Table is one of those table service restaurants that you will never get access to if you don’t have a reservation. You MUST make reservations in advance, and this is one of those reservations I would try to get the very minute your 60 day window opens up. This is a hard reservation to get under normal conditions. Now that Character Dining is returning to Cinderella’s Royal Table? I suspect it will be even more difficult than usual!
Photo: Brooke Hudson
Remember: If you get the reservation, you are also required to have both a park ticket and a park reservation for Magic Kingdom for that day. Without those two things, you won’t be able to get into the park at all to use your reservation!
How to get that Reservation
If you’ve been following me for a while, you know that I am a big planner. I’d rather spend time before the trip, making our plans and strategizing, planning ahead than to stand in really long lines during our trip, or not know where we are going to eat and when. Your preferences may be different. BUT if you are someone who wants to checkout Character Dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table, this is one reservation you absolutely MUST plan for.
Staying on Property
If you are staying on Disney property, your reservation window opens up 6o days before your first night in a Walt Disney World resort. On that day, you will have the ability to make dining reservations for THAT first day, 60 days out, plus the duration of your stay at that resort, up to ten days. Be ready to book online (or call, if you’d rather) at 7am Eastern time on that 6o days out morning. Work on your reservation for Cinderella’s Royal Table first if you really want to dine there. Be prepared to try alternate meal times, even alternate days. Trust me, it is actually easier to rearrange all your park reservations than it is to get this reservation!
Cinderella’s Royal Table Entrance Photo: Brooke Hudson
Staying off Property
Don’t worry if you aren’t staying on Disney property–you still can try making this hard-to-get reservation at 60 days out. The only difference is that you can only make reservations for that one day on the 60th day out. If you were staying on property, you could try for every day of your trip at 60 days. Staying off site, you are going to be trying one day at a time. You can still be successful though! Try breakfast, lunch and dinner for the day you are trying to reserve. If that day doesn’t work, try the next day, and so on. Hopefully you will get lucky!
What if it Works? What if it Doesn’t?
If you succeed, kudos! Feel like a champion, brag to all your Disney loving friends…and work on the rest of your desired reservations! If you aren’t successful, you can try checking every few days to see if anything has opened up. Good windows to try are 45 and 30 days out–if people are cancelling their whole trip, they are likely to do it no later than 30 days out. It never hurts to keep trying. Sometimes people will have booked “extra” reservations that they will later cancel, or sometimes a big party will become a smaller party. You never know what may happen.
If this is a reservation you really want, good luck! I hope you get it!
Cinderella’s Royal Table Photo: Brooke Hudson
Note: another strategy to consider if you DON’T want to do all the planning and reservations yourself–work with an authorized Disney Vacation Planner like me. If you book your Disney Vacation through me, I will help with park and dining reservations for no additional costs to you. I also offer detailed itineraries and personalized trip plans for a nominal fee.
Are you Excited to see Character Dining Returning to Cinderella’s Royal Table?
I’m curious if any of you are happy to see Character Dining returning to CRT? Please comment below if this is something you’ve been looking forward to.
Mom and I had a wonderful dinner at Cinderella’s Royal Table during our Mother/Daughter trip in May. We got to see Cinderella, but no other Disney Princesses at that time. I probably won’t pull out all the stops to get that reservation again this year, as it’s a little too soon for a return visit.
I might try to see if I can get breakfast–that would be a different menu and a different experience. But most likely, May will be too soon. I bet those reservations will be really tough for the first few months, at least. If not this year, there’s always next year.
What about you? Are you going to try and get that reservation?
At long last, Disney has provided us with an update about a Toy Story Land table service restaurant announced way back in May 2019. Roundup Rodeo BBQ will be the first Toy Story Land table service restaurant. Disney now plans for Roundup Rodeo BBQ to open in Spring 2023. They aren’t committing to an exact date just yet, but I’m confident we will get an announcement in February 2023, if not sooner. I’m betting Disney will want to have this Toy Story Land table service restaurant up and running in time for spring break crowds in March and April 2023.
Concept Art for Roundup Rodeo BBQ
Roundup Rodeo BBQ
Disney originally announced that a table service restaurant was planned for Toy Story Land way back in 2019. Click here to read our original post about the announcement.
At that time, we hoped that Disney planned to open this restaurant in late 2020 or early 2021. Unfortunately, this project was one more project pushed back significantly by the pandemic and subsequent theme park closures in 2020. When the parks reopened, the halted construction projects were slow to resume. Projects that DID resume seemed to progress much more slowly than similar projects had in the past. No doubt, Disney was more cautious in light of the financial impact the park closures had on the bottom line.
Gradually, we have seen many of these projects finish and open, like Cosmic Rewind and Space 220 at Epcot. Other projects are taking longer than planned but are starting to show signs that they will be completed soon. For example, the long awaited Magic Kingdom attraction TRON Lightcycle/Run has been testing with actual people for the last week or two. (More on that coming soon).
Where is Roundup Rodeo BBQ located?
This new Toy Story Land table service restaurant will be located off to the right near the main Toy Story Land entrance. If you’ve been in the parks over the last couple of years, you may have noticed the construction walls running on the right as you approach the Toy Story Land sign and the giant Woody. (Don’t feel bad if you didn’t notice them or pay any attention–Disney doesn’t WANT you to notice them. They want you to stay in the magic and not see any construction going on until the new attraction, shop or restaurant are completed!)
Photo: Disney Photopass
Toy Story Land Table Service Restaurant: Will this be a Character Meal?
No. Disney has been VERY clear that Toy Story Land’s Roundup Rodeo table service restaurant will NOT be a character meal. It wouldn’t surprise me if there were occasional Woody or Jessie sightings at this new table service offering, but don’t count on seeing any characters in person at this restaurant.
Be Our Guest: The Beast Does a Walk Through (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
At Be Our Guest, the combination quick service and table service restaurant themed to Beauty and the Beast at the Magic Kingdom, the Beast occasionally will stroll through the dining rooms, allowing guests to catch a glimpse. Generally, he will stop and pose for a few moments to allow for photos and then he moves on.
I could see Disney doing something like that with this new Toy Story Land table service restaurant–but probably not at the beginning, and maybe not ever. It’s a great way to attract additional guests, but let’s face it: A new table service restaurant themed to Toy Story Land? That’s a guaranteed winner! I’m guessing this will quickly sell out as soon as the reservation windows open. Unless the food turns out to be terrible or something, this will likely be a very hot commodity for at least a couple of years.
Roundup Rodeo BBQ Concept Art
What’s the Story for Toy Story Land Roundup Rodeo BBQ?
One of my favorite things about Disney is the Imagineers. There is a story for absolutely EVERYTHING at Walt Disney World. The details and theming are elements that keep fans coming back year after year, generation after generation.
Roundup Rodeo BBQ is no exception. The Imagineers have crafted a story that enables this new table service restaurant to fit right in to the Andy’s Backyard concept for all of Toy Story Land.
Andy has decided to build a rodeo restaurant for all his toys. He’s used his Woody’s Roundup toys, his imagination and lots of his other playthings to create a fun atmosphere for toys, kids and even grown-ups to enjoy!
Roundup Rodeo BBQ, Interior Photo: Disney Parks
Disney has released a couple of photos of the interior of Roundup Rodeo BBQ, which makes me even more optimistic that this new Toy Story Land table service restaurant really is on track to open early sprint 2023.
I love the bright colors of Toy Story Land, and was happy to see that even though Disney Imagineers are going with a Western theme for this restaurant, they are still bringing in the familiar colors, characters and elements that we all love from other parts of Toy Story land.
Roundup Rodeo BBQ, Interior Photo: Disney Parks
Disney promised that we will find lots of fun elements in Roudup Rodeo, including game boards featuring characters from the Toy Story films, a steam train supported by colored pencils (shown in the photo above), a cardboard box with hand drawn (by Andy of course) audience members, and comic strips featuring Woody’s adventures on the dining room ceiling!
What will we eat at this new table service restaurant?
One of the most important question that comes up whenever we talk about Disney and a new restaurant is “what is the food going to be like?”
The short answer? We aren’t really sure yet. Disney has been pretty vague so far, other than putting BBQ in the name of the restaurant. I don’t think I’m walking out too far on a limb when I say I think we can expect to have western and BBQ themed food!
Toy Story Land Table Service Restaurant Roundup Rodeo BBQ Photo: Disney Parks
Seriously though, all Disney has told us so far is the the food will be barbeque inspired comfort foods, served family style. They’ve also said there will be platters of house-smoked meats, a roundup of sides and some miniature sweet surprises. Beyond that, Disney isn’t telling. YET.
I’m sure as we get closer to this new table service restaurant opening, we will get menus. As soon as I hear more about the food, I will update you all.
What will it cost?
The next question is of course, “what is the price point for this restaurant?” Unfortunately, Disney is also keeping quiet on this topic as well. At least for now. However, based on theming and the location, I’m fairly certain the pricing for this Toy Story Land table service restaurant will be moderate. I don’t think Disney is going for high end, white glove service for Roundup Rodeo. I’m expecting to something in line with the Regal Eagle quick service restaurant in America at Epcot. (See our article about that location here.) The Regal Eagle is quick service, so Roundup Rodeo BBQ prices will likely be a bit higher, but hopefully it will stay in this general range. Of course I will keep you all posted as I learn more.
Roundup Rodeo BBQ, Interior Photo: Disney Parks
What do YOU Think?
Are you excited about this new table service offering in Toy Story Land? Some of the challenges for guests in Toy Story Land are the lack of shade and lack of seating. I’m pretty happy that an air conditioned table service restaurant is coming–I like to take a little time at lunch (or dinner) to sit in the air conditioning and relax and eat. We like to recharge our batteries and since we are from the midwest, that Florida heat and humidity can really run us down sometimes. So I am ALWAYS a fan when I can make reservations as part of my planning, and guarantee my family a chance to sit down in A/C and enjoy a meal.
I’m already reworking my plan for our annual Mother/Daughter Flower & Garden Festival trip to make sure I can try and get us a reservation at Roundup Rodeo BBQ. After all, we have to do a review for all of you, don’t we?
Please let me know in the comments below if you will be adding this to your “Must Do” list or if you’ll wait and see how it turns out.
If you want to get planning on a trip for 2023 to visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios and investigate this new Toy Story Land table service restaurant for yourself, please contact me at brooke@disneycastledreaming.com for a no-obligation quote.
La Creperie de Paris is one of the newest additions to EPCOT’s table service restaurant offerings. Located in the “new” section of EPCOT’s France pavilion, La Creperie de Paris offers guests both a quick service option and a table service option.
La Creperie de Paris (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
Counter Service
Crepes A Emporter by La Creperie de Paris is a quick service window connected to La Creperie de Paris. At this quick service window, you’ll be able to enjoy both savory galettes and sweet crepes, as well as soft serve ice cream and ciders and wines.
The line for the quick service Crepes A Emporter at La Creperie de Paris (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
We observed fairly long lines for this quick service window every time we were in the vicinity. It’s definitely a tasty and popular option, and worth the visit to this “back of France” area. The new Ratatouille attraction is located back in this area of the France pavilion, and that is the main reason most guests flock to this area. (Note: There are also new bathrooms back in this area–I like knowing where all the non-restaurant bathrooms are located!).
There is not much seating anywhere in this area, and crepes are not the easiest thing to eat while standing; however, if you are wanting something a little different to eat or for dessert, the offerings here are quite tasty.
My nephew Vinnie absolutely LOVED the dessert crepes here, and visited this quick service window several times during our October trip.
Quick Service Menu: Crepes A Emporter at La Creperie de Paris
Galettes (Savory Crepes)
Cream of Brie Cheese Galette $9.95
Ratatouille Galette (Tomatoes, Zucchini and Eggplant) $8.95
Overall, we found this quick service location to be good option. Every crepe we tried was tasty, and we thought it was positive that there were a couple vegetarian options here.
Our favorite crepe overall was definitely the Hazelnut & Chocolate Spread Crepe. This crepe was so tasty! It’s very rich, though, so you’ll want to make sure you have some water or an alternative beverage. (If you can get a scoop of vanilla ice cream for your crepe, that helps a LOT with the richness AND adds a lovely cold element on a hot day. We discovered that wonderful combination at the table service restaurant, though.)
Photo: Brooke Hudson
I am not kidding when I tell you there really isn’t anywhere in this area to sit and enjoy your crepe. That is the only real negative I have about this quick service location. Much of the area back here is absorbed by the Ratatouille queue; there are a few planters with ledges where people frequently sit…but it’s not nearly enough room for everyone waiting in line at any given time. There are a few tables on one side, and a few high top tables with no seating where you can at least set your food and drink down, but you can’t sit. There is not a lot of shade in this area, either, so on a hot day, you would probably not want to stand around in the sun to enjoy your crepe and your drink. But if you can stake out a shady spot and some seating, this quick service location is a definite winner for us.
Table Service: La Creperie de Paris
I much prefer eating at table service restaurants at Disney to quick service, I must confess. I like knowing we will be able to sit down, in air conditioning, and be able to get a decent rest while we enjoy our meal. After trying out the quick service window for Crepes A Emporter at La Creperie de Paris during our October family trip, I knew I wanted to check out the table service option for our spring Flower & Garden trip.
La Creperie de Paris (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
I made all our dining reservations at the same time, 60 days out from our trip. Fortunately, I was able to get every reservation I wanted with little difficulty. For the purposes of this review, I have gone online several times to check availability, and while I can rarely find same day reservations, I can usually find something a few days out. Weekdays are easier than weekends, of course, but I suspect with a little planning ahead, you should be able to secure a reservation for La Creperie de Paris.
Decor
This restaurant has a pretty modern feel to it. It’s all beiges and whites, and fairly clean and simple feeling. I think they were going for a French Bistro feel here, and my mom, who has been to several French Bistros in her travels, says this effort is successful. We got a table right in the windows, so that was fun for us. Avid people watchers, we loved the opportunity to people watch both inside and outside the restaurant.
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Bonus: One thing we really liked at La Creperie de Paris was that we got real menus! Disney is still using the online menus at most table service restaurants where you scan a QR code with your phone and look at the menu on your phone. I miss real menus! La Creperie de Paris uses their paper menus as your placemat, and I like it!
Service
Service was very good here. We both felt the absence of the international program for EPCOT though. We’ve always loved that the EPCOT restaurants were primarily staffed with team members from the country the restaurant was themed to. That program was paused when Walt Disney World closed in 2020 due to Covid, and it has restarted only very recently. As a result, there are very few international cast members back in EPCOT at this time. While each of the service team members we met was terrific, I missed being able to talk to and learn from the international cast members in the restaurants.
The service was a bit TOO good, in fact. We felt a little rushed. We hadn’t finished our salads when our savory crepes arrived, and our dessert crepes arrived before we had finished our savory crepes. However, on the positive side, my water glass was pretty constantly refilled — It was a hot day and I was very thirsty.
We were celebrating my mom’s birthday, and our server brought out some VERY tasty french vanilla ice cream for her birthday. Mom suggested we add the ice cream to our hazelnut chocolate dessert crepes and WOW was that amazing! We both decided this was our favorite way to enjoy the hazelnut chocolate crepes by far!
Table Service Menu: La Creperie de Paris
Appetizer or Side Dish
Soupe du Jour (Soup of the Day) $6.75
Salad Maison (Mixed greens, tomatoes, onions, and vinegarette) $6.75
Prix Fixe Menu * (My recommendation for this restaurant)
Choice of Soup of the Day or Salade Maison; choice of one Galette with a glass of Hard Cider, Soda or Juice; Choice of one Dessert Crepe $34.95
Add a Shot to Any Crepe (Grand Marnier, Rhum or Calvados) $7.00
Cidres (French Hard Ciders)
Brut $29.00 (Bottle) $5.95 (Glass)
Demi Sec $29.00 (Bottle) $5.95 (Glass)
Doux $29.00 (Bottle) $5.95 (Glass)
Rose $40.00 (Bottle) $7.50 (Glass)
Vins (French Wines)
Chardonnay $36.95 (Bottle) $7.95 (Glass)
Carbernet Sauvignon $36.95 (Bottle) $7.95 (Glass)
Merlot $36.95 (Bottle) $7.95 (Glass)
Rose de Provence $69.50 (Bottle) $14.95 (Glass)
Divers (Miscellaneous)
Biere Kronenbourg (Beer) $9.50
Champagne Malard $17.55
Mimosa $12.00
French Martini $15.75
Sodas, Jus (Imported Soft Drinks)
Evian $7.50
Perrier $8.50
Jus de Pomme (Apple Juice) $5.00
Limonade (French Sparkling Limonade) $5.75
Orangina (French Orange Soda) $6.25
Hot Beverages
Espresso $4.75
Cappuccino $5.25
The (Tea) $4.50
Cafe (Coffee) $4.25
Our Thoughts
We liked our La Creperie de Paris lunch very much. I highly recommend the Prix Fixe Menu, which includes soup or salad, a savory buckwheat galette, a dessert crepe and a glass of hard cider, soda or juice for $34.95. Both of us felt this was a good value, especially for a Disney table service restaurant. Definitely choose the cider to maximize your investment. Note: There is also kids Prix Fixe Menu for $14.00 that includes a savory galette and a dessert crepe.
At this time, La Creperie de Paris does not accept any discounts. No DVC discount, no passholder discounts, etc. This is pretty common for newer restaurants when they first open. Most likely this table service restaurant will offer discounts at some point in the future, but while it is still new and very popular, discounts are unlikely to materialize.
Overall, we both our enjoyed our meals. The salads were fresh and light, and the perfect size for an appetizer. The weak link for both of us were the savory buckwheat galettes. They were good, don’t get me wrong, but they were not great. We both felt the flavor of the buckwheat crepe itself was a bit boring. Mom and I also each felt our galettes were too dry and needed more sauce.
We enjoyed the environment, it was relaxing and comfortable. The host seated us almost immediately after we checked in, and we had a great seat in the front windows. Each of us enjoyed our hard ciders; mom had the Brut, which is dry and really liked it. I tried the Doux, which was sweeter. I would definitely order this again. The highlight of the meal for both of us was the dessert crepes. We each had the Hazelnut Chocolate Spread dessert crepes, and we’d eaten about a third of our crepes when the server brought my mom’s “birthday” ice cream. We both agreed that while the crepes was VERY good with whipped cream, the ice cream took it to a whole other level. It became OUTSTANDING.
La Creperie de Paris Dessert Crepe (Photo: Linda Harkness)
Mom and her dessert crepe with her “Birthday” ice cream!
I would definitely recommend you check out this table service restaurant. Our meal was filling but not too heavy, and we felt recharged and ready to head back out into the 90+ degree heat of the afternoon, very satisfied with our meal.
Have you tried La Creperie de Paris or Crepes A Emporter by La Creperie de Paris for yourself yet? If so, what did you think? Please comment below, I’d love to read your thoughts!
Happy Dreaming!
Brooke
Ready to Plan Your Next Disney Vacation? I’m ready to help! Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com
Walt Disney World is taking one more step back towards normal. This week, more Disney restaurants are reopening.
Cinderella’s Royal Table
One of the most popular Disney restaurants reopening is Cinderella’s Royal Table. This restaurant, “hidden” inside Cinderella Castle, is reopening September 24, 2020. Reservations will open up on September 11, 2020.
A couple of things to keep in mind: the Princesses will NOT be visiting every table as they have in the past. In addition, you will not take a picture with Cinderella before your meal like you used to. The official release says “the princesses will be taking a break from their royal duties greeting guests”, so at least initially, there will be no royal visitors during your meal. Perhaps in the future, the Princesses may come through the dining area so you can take pictures from a distance, (this is how Beast sightings are handled at Be Our Guest) but this is not confirmed.
Be Our Guest: The Beast Does a Walk Through (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
At this time, it appears that Cinderella’s Royal Table is opening for lunch and dinner. It doesn’t appear that it will open for breakfast, at least not initially.
No pricing information has been released, but the cynic in me suspects it will be the same as it was before, despite the lack of character interaction and photo opportunities.
If you haven’t been to Cinderella’s Royal Table, it is a beautiful dining room. The food is fairly good, but it is a very pricey meal. In the past, Disney also required full payment at the time the reservation was made. I don’t know if that will still be the case; we will find out once reservations open on September 11.
The Fairy Godmother at Cinderella’s Royal Table (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
Update: Reservations are Open
**Update: September 11, 2020: Reservations officially opened today for Cinderella’s Royal Table. In the interest of research, I tested booking a reservation for two adults for both lunch and dinner. The price has NOT been reduced; it is $62.00 per adult plus tax. In addition, Cinderella’s Royal Table is one of the few table service restaurants that requires full payment in advance in order to make a reservation.
Full Payment Required at the Time of Reservation
So book a table for two adults at Cinderella’s Royal Table for either lunch or dinner, the total cost that you must pay AT THE TIME YOU MAKE THE RESERVATION is $154.38 (including tax). This is not a new thing; CRT has required full payment in advance for at least the last 10 years, probably longer. I think this policy is due to the popularity of this dining location. Disney wants to be sure you aren’t making a “maybe” reservation that might be canceled; you are DEFINITELY planning on keeping this reservation. (Note: As with any other reservation, you ARE able to cancel a Cinderella’s Royal Table reservation and get your money back; however, your money is tied up from the moment you make the reservation until you either a) use the reservation or b) cancel the reservation.
My husband and I have eaten at Cinderella’s Royal Table a few times in the past. One of my favorites was the morning after we got engaged. All the princesses made a very big deal out of my ring (and my handsome prince!). It was a lot of fun.
Sleeping Beauty Greeting, January 2013
Is it worth it?
The quality of the food does not really warrant the $62/person price tag–it’s the added value of the experience that gives Cinderella’s Royal Table a boost. Being inside the Castle, entering where you are not allowed to enter UNLESS you have a reservation–that’s pretty cool. The dining room itself is nice, if rather loud. They pack every table in the room (Most likely that is different right now due to Covid), and with the high ceilings, the sound really builds. This is not a quiet, elegant dining experience. It’s FUN, but not so much with the elegance.
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Honestly, it’s the combination of being in the Castle and the Princess interactions that have always made Cinderella’s Royal Table so special for us. I don’t think the experience is worth $62/person without the character interactions. Your mileage may vary, of course.
Gaston’s Tavern
Gaston’s Tavern in New Fantasyland returned to operations on September 4, 2020. Guests have been enjoying the unique quick service menu at Gaston’s for a few days now.
Gaston’s (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
If you’ve never visited Gaston’s, the menu includes roasted pork shank, cinnamon rolls, mixed vegetable cups, mixed fruit cups, apple slices with caramel, and chocolate croissants, as well as some unique beverages and souvenir mugs.
It’s a fun place to visit, and in the past, was made more so by visits from Gaston himself. I’m not sure if those are still common, but I promise to check it out when we visit in November!
ABC Commissary
Over at Hollywood Studios, the ABC Commissary is reopening on October 8, 2020. Disney calls the ABC Commissary “Fast Casual”, but it’s a pretty decent quick service restaurant with LOTS of indoor seating. (Great when you need a break in the air conditioning!)
The announcement specifically mentions the Commissary reopening for lunch and does not mention dinner, so dinner service may not open for a while yet. However, the ABC Commissary does support mobile ordering for your quick service meal, and is another option for burgers, sandwiches and salads.
Hollywood & Vine
Another Disney restaurant reopening at Hollywood Studios is the Hollywood & Vine family-style table service restaurant. I have eaten at Hollywood & Vine TWICE in the last 10 years, and vowed never to return (found the food quality very poor, and the experience WAY overpriced). However, our last visit was several years ago, so we may give this one another shot…eventually. However, any additional Disney restaurants reopening are a good thing, so we’ll view this positively.
Minnie’s Seasonal Dining is scheduled to return to Hollywood & Vine starting Friday, September 25, 2020. In seasons past, this was a character meal where the characters would come to your table. Of course in this era of Covid and no character greetings, things will be different this year. Hollywood & Vine will be decked out in Halloween glory. Your party will be served a “monster” feast at your table. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse and their friends will make appearances so you can wave and snap photos. Unfortunately, there will be no table side character interactions, but you will be able to see the characters in their Halloween finery, at least.
Minnie Mouse Hollywood & Vine (Photo: Disney Parks)
The official release states there were be Halloween decor and music, as well as “scary” good food. The jury will remain out on how “good” until the first guests start to report back to us.
Update: Reservations are Open
**Update: September 11, 2020. Reservations officially opened today for Minnie’s Seasonal Dining at Hollywood & Vine. I tested booking reservations over a few different days. Surprisingly, several of the days I tried were already completely booked up. This really isn’t too strange; with Covid-19 precautions in place, this restaurant is probably only reserving about 20-25% of it’s normal capacity. It’s not a huge space, so it makes sense there weren’t that many reservations available to begin with.
Is it worth it?
The good news: this is NOT a dining experience that requires full payment in advance. The bad news: This is still a fairly pricey dining experience, reflecting pricing that you’d expect with most character meals. $35.99 – $59.99 (kids and adults), except you have no character interactions. My bad dining experiences pre-date these Minnie Seasonal Dining events, and the updated menu sounds good, so perhaps the food had gotten better? I will have to investigate and get back to you on that. These meals include a salad (choose from two options for the table), an entree (choose from six entree options), and a dessert (choose from five dessert options).
What does this mean?
The good news is that Disney is trying to return to more normalcy, and they obviously believe they have enough business to support these additional restaurant locations opening up.
Mom at Gaston’s (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
I don’t think things are returning to normal as quickly as any of us, especially Disney, had hoped. However, even small baby steps in the right directions are positive.
If you are planning to visit the parks this fall, will you be visiting any of these Disney restaurants reopening soon? Please like this post and comment below.
Happy Dreaming,
Brooke
Ready to Plan Your Next Disney Vacation? I’m ready to help! Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com
P.S. Want more information about the reopening of Disney theme parks? Check out this post.
