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Tips from the DFB Guide: How to Avoid Crowds When Dining in Disney World

If you’ve ever eaten at a crowded Disney World restaurant, you KNOW it’s not something you want to repeat.

Endless lines, deafening volume, long waits for tables (or sometimes even having to sit on the floor at counter-service restaurants)…it’s definitely not a “magical moment.” After all, vacations are for relaxing — especially at meal times!

We know that you want to make the most of every moment of your trip, and that means eating when the restaurants aren’t crowded — and taking advantage of rides and attractions when restaurants are busy. You need stress-free Disney Dining!

Our recommendations will give you a chance to unwind, enjoy a great meal (or quick and tasty pick-me-up), and get you back to the Walt Disney World attractions! We’ve done the meal time research for you! After years of touring the parks and countless meals at Disney World, we’ve gathered tips to avoid the crowds!

Book an early ADR to get a great table without the crowds!

In our The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2018 e-Book, we have a whole section dedicated to avoiding crowds in Disney World. Pick up your copy here!

With our in-depth DFB Guide, you’ll learn tips for avoiding the crazy in Disney World — and ensure you have a relaxing and nourishing meal so you’re ready to get back out to the parks. Don’t go on your vacation without these tips for stress-free dining!

4 Awesome Tips to Avoid Disney World Dining Crowds

Let’s get right to our meal time strategies that we’ve included in the DFB Guide to make the most of your Disney Dining without the crowds.

We found Tortuga Tavern empty at 11am during a June visit! An hour later, there were no seats available!

1. Dine at “Off-Times”

If you’re visiting Disney World during a busy time (yes, Spring Breakers, Summer visitors, Christmas Folks, that includes you!), finding a restaurant without a wait will be difficult.

Still, crowds thin after the throngs depart during major meal rushes. We suggest avoiding 8-9AM, noon-1:30PM, and 6-7PM. We’ve found that booking meals for “brunch” at 10:30 or 11AM, late lunch at 3 or 4PM, or late dinner at 8 or 9PM works well for avoiding the crowd crunch. For counter-service restaurants, we [Read more…]

Tables in Wonderland March Events: The Great Movie Ride Dinner

By Kim LaPaglia 6 Comments

Here’s a special event for Tables in Wonderland members!

Hooray for Hollywood! Click on the image for larger version.

Tables in Wonderland has announced The Great Movie Ride Dinner taking place in Disney’s Hollywood Studios on March 7 and 8, 2013! Check out an AWESOME review of this experience here!

Details below…

The Great Movie Ride Dinner at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Dates:

Thursday March 7 and Friday March 8, 2013
Time: 8:00 – 10:30pm
Price: $195.00 per person, plus tax. Gratuity is included.

Guests will arrive at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and walk through the courtyard of the Majestic Graumann’s Chinese Theatre. Then they will be invited to enter The Great Movie Ride after the attraction is closed with exclusive backstage VIP access!

You’ll get to walk through and dine inside the attraction to experience some of the most classic scenes in motion picture history. See up-close the sets from Busby Berkeley musicals, crime dramas, old-fashioned Westerns, and more!

Snack Series: The Disney Jumbo Turkey Leg

By AJ 35 Comments

Everyone who’s been to Disney World or Disneyland has probably seen them. The giant, meat-on-a-stick, Jumbo Disney Turkey Leg.

It’s a true park icon that’s been immortalized by t-shirts, wallets, air fresheners, and even boxer shorts! Love ’em or hate ’em, we think they’re going to be around for awhile…

While you can find turkey legs in all of the domestic Disney parks, one of our favorite places to score one is Trilo-Bites. Located in Animal Kingdom’s DinoLand, turkey legs are the star of the show at this little snack shack.

Trilo-Bites in Disney's Animal Kingdom

In fact, other than a handful of fun drink options, that’s just about all you can get here. There are no other food items to be had. (I personally think that frozen Blueberry-Mango Rum Lemonade sounds like a pretty great accompaniment, however!)

Dino Land Menu at Disney's Animal Kingdom -- Click to Enlarge

Smokey, salty, juicy, and meaty, this snack isn’t just a snack — it’s a meal. You’ll definitely need to do some laps of the park to walk off the [Read more…]

New Menu at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

By AJ 32 Comments

A new menu has debuted at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

Learn About:Sci-Fi Dine-In Restaurant

Disney's Hollywood Studios
Disney World Restaurants

In case you haven’t been to Sci-Fi, it’s basically a giant indoor drive-in theater! The all-day menu (lunch and dinner) is served to guests dining in convertible car/tables (awesome!) while old clips of B-movies are shown on a giant screen. The sky twinkles with “stars,” and there’s even a “concession stand” (aka, the kitchen) at the back of the restaurant.

And we love when we get to share updates about the eats — so let’s take a look!

New Sci-Fi Dine-In Restaurant Menu

I love the addition of the Buffalo Popcorn Chicken, and I’m SUPER glad that the Picnic Burger was left on the menu! It’s monstrous, but well worth it! (You can read my review here!)

Here’s the full new menu! Scroll down to see what’s been removed and what’s been added!

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Menu - click image for larger version

Appetizer Updates

Buffalo Potato Skins have been substituted with [Read more…]

Best Disney World Restaurants for Fish Fry

By AJ 11 Comments

With Lent on the horizon — and with a few questions from readers recently about where to get a great fish fry in Disney World — I knew that now would be the perfect time to check out the best places to find that golden battered goodness at the Happiest Place on Earth!

Let’s check out some of the best fried fish in Disney World…

United Kingdom Pavilion in Epcot

You can’t go wrong for fish and chips in the delicacy’s home pavilion in Epcot.

Fish and Chips from Yorkshire County Fish Shop

Whether you take a load off at the Rose and Crown Pub and Dining Room or grab some fried food to go from Yorkshire County Fish Shop, you’re in for a mild but authentic taste of one of England’s best exports.

While you’re there, enjoy a beer and a performance by The British Revolution or the Pub’s Hat Lady.

Cookes of Dublin and Raglan Road in Downtown Disney

If you find yourself in need of a fish fix while you’re “Downtown,” head over to the Pleasure Island District for two authentic and delicious options. The One & One at Cookes of Dublin is one of our favorites on property.

Cooked to order and served piping hot, the fish is flaky and tender.

Fish and Chips from Cooke’s of Dublin

But if you have the time for a slower meal, you may want to consider the famous beer battered fish and chips on the lunch menu at Raglan Road Irish Pub right next door.

Columbia Harbour House in Magic Kingdom

Here in Liberty Square, you can enjoy a counter service battered fish basket with broccoli, apples, or French fries at Columbia Harbour House counter service restaurant. The proportion of breading to fish is perfect, and the fish isn’t too oily.

Fried Chicken and Fish at Columbia Harbour House (photo from Kelly Amey via the DFB Flickr Group)

Citricos at Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

For a slightly more upscale take on the English classic, take a monorail ride to the Grand Floridian and pull up a chair at Citricos. There, you should order the melt-in-your-mouth pan-fried Florida black grouper, which gets [Read more…]

Limited Time Magic Dinners at Disney World and Disneyland Just in Time for Valentine’s Day!

By AJ 1 Comment

Love is in the air — especially at Disney!

As 2013 continues to be the year for Limited Time Magic Events, Disney is hosting True Love Week at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland complete with specialty menus at several restaurants!

It's Romance Time at Disney!

Walt Disney World

As a Limited Time Magic addition during February 11-17, romantic dinners for two will be offered with prix fixe menus at select restaurants.

Specially-created menus at Artist Point at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, The Wave…of American Flavors at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, the Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Yachtsman Steakhouse at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort make an ideal setting for a romantic evening.

Book online at disneyworld.com/dining, or call (407) WDW-DINE.

The Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney's Hollywood Studios is the Perfect Setting for Your Romantic Dinner

Disneyland

Also during February 11-17, choose romantic dinners with prix fixe menus at the following restaurants: Blue Bayou and Café Orleans in Disneyland, Carthay Circle Restaurant in Disney California [Read more…]

Disney Food Pics of the Week: Brownies

By AJ 3 Comments

I always find instant inspiration when I take a look at the reader photos in our Disney Food Blog Photo Extravaganza on Flickr. We’ve featured our picks for Best Disney Brownies on the blog before, but it’s always fun to see what you guys love the most!

Dad’s Brownie Sundae

Dad’s Brownie Sundae

at 50’s Primetime Cafe is an over-the-top treat. Love the caramel popcorn garnish!

Photographer: WinnieAtePooh

Dad's Brownie Sundae at 50's Primetime Cafe

Paw Print Brownie

This fun shot of the adorable Paw Print Brownie at Animal Kingdom’s Kusafiri Bakery makes me want to hop a plane and head there right now!

Photographer: TheAviator1992

Paw Print Brownie at Kusafiri Bakery

Brownie Cupcake with Mint Frosting

Looking for a [Read more…]

Review: Sloppy Joe Sandwich at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

By AJ 5 Comments

On my last visit to Studio Catering Co., we snagged some holiday cupcakes and a newly added menu item — the Sloppy Joe Sandwich! This one’s only around for a limited time, so be sure to pop in and try it before it’s out the door!

Atmosphere

If you’re looking for a place to stop for a bite while the kids run off some pent-up energy, Studio Catering Co. may be just the spot for you.

Studio Catering Company Exterior

Located right beside the play area for the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure, grown ups can grab a bite, while the kids take a play break.

With ample outdoor, shaded seating, this is an ideal spot for relaxation — especially during these cooler months when a/c isn’t absolutely required.

Studio Catering Company Tables

And if relaxation IS in the cards for mom and dad, don’t forget that High Octane Refreshments is right next door… .

BUT, let’s get back to the news at hand…

Eats

While the menu is somewhat limited here, they’ve got some good eats. Buffalo Chicken? Good. Turkey Club? Good. Grilled Vegetable Sandwich? [Read more…]

Food Challenge: The DFB Holiday Cupcake Crawl

By AJ 9 Comments

When I started thinking about what to get you for the holidays, it came to me in a flash: what could be more perfect than a brand new food challenge?

And we’re not talking about just any challenge. Introducing the…

2012 DFB Holiday Cupcake Crawl!

You can follow the path that we lay out for you, or you can can choose to mix in a few entries from the 2012 Cupcake Crawl. (Heck, we’ll even let you choose a cake or two from the 2011 challenge!)

Remember, many of these cupcakes can be purchased with a Disney Dining Plan snack credit, so be sure to stock up and save them for this important undertaking!

Here we go!

Epcot: Cupcakes Required = 4 Mini

Let’s begin in Epcot, where I’m so excited to share with you a really super fun find from Epcot’s America Pavilion.

American Adventure Gingerbread House
Within Liberty Inn, you’ll find another life-size gingerbread house, similar in scope to the Grand Floridian’s display. And much like that house, you can purchase goodies here as well!

American Adventure Gingerbread House Cupcakes Sign

American Adventure Gingerbread House Mini Cupcake Assortment: NEW THIS YEAR is a really fun treat that I couldn’t wait to try!

Rather than having one ginormous cake with just one flavor, the pastry chefs at Epcot are offering four different mini-cupcakes served together.

American Adventure Gingerbread House Cupcakes

The Apple Pie Cupcake features a lovely surprise inside — apple pie filling! Crowned with fluffy vanilla icing and garnished with a sprinkle of streusel and nuts, this one [Read more…]

Snack Series: Jack Sparrow Cupcake at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

By AJ 6 Comments

Ahoy, me hearties!

When I was in Disney World last week, I got me — er, my — very first look at the brand new Jack Sparrow Cupcake at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! (Oh, and I got that Gingerbread Cupcake, too, which I’ll share with you tomorrow!!)

Sign with Cupcake Options -- Click to Enlarge

This cupcake is something special, indeed. It comes to you tucked inside of a souvenir plastic pirate treasure chest in your choice of colors — brown or pink. (If you’re a Disneyphile, you’ve probably seen these treasure chests used many times before — like for those little celebration cakes!)

Jack Sparrow Treasure Chest -- Ooh... wonder what's inside!

Inside, you find a chocolate-on-more-chocolate cupcake, but you also find some really special white chocolate pieces along with it.

Jack Sparrow Cupcake with Treasure Chest and Chocolates

You’ll walk away with [Read more…]

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Tips from the DFB Guide: How to Avoid Crowds When Dining in Disney World