Planning a Walt Disney World trip and wondering how on earth you’re supposed to land one of those impossible dining reservations? 

I’ve been there as a mom who’s taken my kids to Disney more times than I can count and as a travel agent specializing in Disney vacations. I know firsthand how exciting (and stressful!) it can be to snag a seat at the hottest restaurants. 

In this article, I’m breaking down the hardest dining reservations at Disney World, sharing why they’re so popular, and giving you some fun, realistic alternatives—plus my best tips for actually getting in. 

Let’s make all those Disney dining dreams come true!

Hardest Disney World Breakfast Reservations

1. Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera (Disney’s Riviera Resort)

This one is high on everyone’s list—and for good reason.

What makes it so popular?

• You get to have breakfast with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy, and they’re all dressed in adorable artist outfits.  My kids were so excited to see the whole gang.
  
• The food isn’t your basic eggs-and-bacon.  It’s elevated.  Try the sour cream waffles or the smoked salmon.  The kids can attest that the kid-friendly menus are tasty as well.
  
• Located on the rooftop of the Riviera Resort, the views are pretty impressive.  Pro tip:  Take pictures on the rooftop patio!.
  
• The restaurant itself is smaller, so the character interactions feel more personable and less rushed.  We could take all the pictures and get all the autographs we wanted without feeling like the character attendant was hurrying the characters to another table. 

If you can’t get in, try:
Chef Mickey’s at the Contemporary Resort:  This restaurant will still have the most famous characters that make Toppolinos Terrace so popular(except Daisy).  While the food isn’t as upscale, the buffet will have something for everyone, and the characters in their Chef’s outfits are pretty cute. 

2. ‘Ohana Breakfast (Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort)

This one is perfect if your kids love the Disney Movie, Lilo & Stitch!

What makes it so popular?

• It’s a family-style breakfast, so they bring everything to your table—no getting up and down like a buffet.
  
• One of the only places you will get to meet Lilo and Stitch.  Most days you will also get to see Pluto and Mickey as well.
  
• It’s super close to Magic Kingdom, which makes it a great pre-park stop.
  
• The food is solid (hello, pineapple bread!).  It’s the only place on property that you can find Stitch Waffles.
  

If you can’t get in, try:
Tusker House in Animal Kingdom. It’s a buffet-style character breakfast with Mickey and friends dressed for safari. It’s fun, a little wild, and perfect if you’re planning a day at Animal Kingdom.

3. 1900 Park Fare (Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort)

This one just reopened and is already tough to get.

What makes it so popular?

• It’s at the beautiful Grand Floridian, which makes everything feel a little fancier.
  
• It’s a buffet, which is great if you’ve got big eaters or picky eaters.  Pro tip:  Try the strawberry soup.  yes.  It sounds weird, but you won’t regret it.  Delicious!
  
• The character lineup rotates, and that mystery keeps people coming back.  You can usually catch Tiana, Cinderella, Aladdin, and Maribel from Encanto.  What a fun array of unique characters.
  

If you can’t get in, try:
Garden Grill in EPCOT. You’ll still get fresh, delicious food and fun characters while eating breakfast.  Garden Grill features Mickey, Pluto, Chip, and Dale all decked out in their farmer attire.  A cool aspect about the restaurant is that the view is constantly changing.  The restaurant rotates through the “Living with the Land”  attraction while you eat.  

4. Cinderella’s Royal Table (Magic Kingdom)

This is the big one for all princess lovers. It’s dining in Cinderella Castle.

What makes it so popular?

• You’re literally inside the castle. Enough said.
  
• You get to meet multiple princesses.  We met Cinderella, Ariel, Jasmine, Aurora, and Merida when we went.
  
• It feels like such a special event.  It is perfect for birthdays or first visits.  They even give your kids a wishing wand or a play sword as a commemoration.
  
• It’s one of those “do it once” experiences that people plan their whole trip around.
  

If you can’t get in, try:
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in EPCOT. You’ll still get princess time in a gorgeous setting, but finding a reservation is usually a little easier. The princesses rotate, but Belle, snow white, Jasmine, and Ariel are all frequent guests.

5. The Crystal Palace (Magic Kingdom)

A classic that families love.

What makes it so popular?

• It’s a buffet with Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, and Eeyore.
  
• The location is perfect.  It’s right on Main Street with castle views.  A perfect place to start your day.
  
• You can sometimes snag an early reservation before the park opens.  This allows you to enter the park before everyone else and snag those iconic castle pics without the crowds.
  
• It’s a total nostalgia bomb for parents and a hit with little ones.
  

If you can’t get in, try:
Cape May Café at Beach Club Resort. You’ll get Minnie and friends in beachwear, plus a buffet that’s usually a little easier to book. It’s a relaxing way to start the day, especially if you’re heading to EPCOT after.

Hardest Disney World Lunch & Dinner Reservations

1. Homecomin’ (Disney Springs)

If you love comfort food, this place is a dream.

What makes it so popular?

• Created by celebrity chef Art Smith, who used to cook for Oprah.
  
• The fried chicken is legendary, as are the cheddar drop biscuits and moonshine cocktails. Pro tip: Try the devilled eggs, my personal favorite.
  
  
• It’s casual but feels special—great for families or date nights.
  

If you can’t get in, try:
Try Olivia’s Café at Old Key West! The restaurant is relaxed, the vibes are beachy, and the fried chicken is delicious—crispy, juicy, and full of flavor. It’s underrated and usually easier to book. 

2. Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater (Hollywood Studios)

One of the coolest themed restaurants in Disney.

What makes it so popular?

• You sit in little “cars” inside a dark retro drive-in theater
• Old sci-fi movie clips play while you eat.
• My kid’s favorite restaurant in Hollywood Studios.  It’s fun and unique
• The burgers and milkshakes are crowd-pleasers.
  

If you can’t get in, try:
50’s Prime Time Café is just around the corner.  If you want an alternative with a fun theme and tasty food, then check this place out. . It’s themed like Grandma’s kitchen in the ‘50s, complete with cast members who’ll “remind” you to keep your elbows off the table. 

3. Space 220 Restaurant (EPCOT)

This one’s all about the experience.

What makes it so popular?

• You take a virtual elevator to a space station 220 miles above Earth.
  
• Giant “windows” show astronauts floating by and Earth spinning below.
  
• The food is upscale and beautifully presented.
  
• Kids and adults love the theming—it’s a win-win.
  

If you can’t get in, try:
If you can’t get into Space 220, Le Cellier Steakhouse is your next best bet in EPCOT! This cozy spot serves up some of the best steaks on property, plus their legendary cheddar cheese soup is a must-try. No space station views, but the food? Totally out of this world.

4. California Grill (Disney’s Contemporary Resort)

Want to eat with a killer view of Magic Kingdom? This is your spot.

What makes it so popular?

• It’s on the 15th floor of the Contemporary Resort, giving you fantastic views of the park and fireworks.  No dining during the fireworks? Come back and show your receipt, and they will admit you to the fireworks viewing platform.
  
• The menu is next-level.  They have sushi, steaks, and wood-fired pizza, all with a fresh twist
  
• It’s perfect for a special night out, anniversary or birthday.  The atmosphere?  Slightly fancy but relaxed.
  

If you can’t get in, try:
Steakhouse 71 has a fun retro vibe, amazing steaks, and a killer stack burger that’s totally worth trying. It’s a little more casual but still very delicious. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxed yet tasty meal!

5. ‘Ohana Dinner (Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort)

This one is legendary for a reason. Polynesian-inspired food that is delicious. 

What makes it so popular?

• The noodles. The wings. The bread pudding. To. Die. For.
  
• It’s all-you-care-to-eat, served family-style.
  
• The vibe is tropical and laid-back. When we went, a ukulele musician played beautiful music while we dined.
  
• You can watch fireworks over Magic Kingdom from your table if you time it right.
  

If you can’t get in, try:
Sebastian’s Bistro at Caribbean Beach Resort. It’s also family-style, with Caribbean flavors, and way easier to book. Plus, it’s right on the Skyliner, so it’s easy to get to from EPCOT or Hollywood Studios.

Tips for Scoring Hard-to-Get Disney Dining Reservations

Want to eat at those hot Disney spots? Here’s how to land these coveted advance dining reservations without the stress:

1. Book at 60 Days Out (Set that Alarm!)
Reservations open exactly 60 days in advance at 6:00 AM EST, so grab your phone, set an alarm, and be ready to go! Have your top picks locked in and be flexible with times.  Not an early bird?  Let a travel agent(like me) do the hard part and snag the resys. 

2. Stay On-Property
Staying at a Disney World hotel? Lucky you! You can book dining for up to 10 days of your stay, starting 60 days before check-in. This is a huge advantage for getting those tricky reservations later in your trip.

3. Be Flexible
Aim for off-peak times like early breakfasts or late lunches to beat the crowds. And if you’re traveling with a big group, don’t stress—just split up and ask to be seated nearby.

4. Use the Walk-Up Waitlist
Some spots offer last-minute, same-day walk-up availability through the My Disney Experience app. This works best if you’re nearby and can be flexible with when you eat.

5. Check OpenTable for Disney Springs
Places like Homecomin’ also post reservations on OpenTable. If Disney’s site isn’t showing availability, check there for a surprise opening!

6. Consider Hiring a Travel Agent
Let me do the hard work! As a Disney travel agent, I can book your dining, monitor availability, and grab those spots as soon as they open. Trust me, it’s one less thing to stress about—especially if you’re new to Disney planning! Let me handle the details so you can focus on the fun!

Final Thoughts

Whew—we made it through the list of the hardest dining reservations at Disney World, and hopefully you’re feeling a little more prepared (and a lot less overwhelmed)!

And if it still feels like a lot to juggle, that’s exactly what I’m here for! 

As a Disney travel agent (and a mom who’s been around the parks more times than I can count), I’d love to help you score those dream dining reservations and make your trip as magical—and delicious—as possible.

Find out the hardest dining reservations Disney World guests try to book, plus expert tips and alternatives from a Disney travel agent and mom who’s been there!

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