Since Walt Disney World reopened to Guests in July, while some things look a little “different”, Disney remains committed to providing a magical experience for those who visit. As the reopening phase continues, many folks have questions about “what it’s like now”. Disney dining especially yields many questions, as enjoying the many varied dining experiences at Walt Disney World is an important part of a Disney vacation for many! So let’s talk about just that today: what do you need to know about dining at the Disney parks, resorts, and Disney Springs right now?***
Changes and Enhancements to Dining – To start, know that Disney remains committed to a responsible reopening of Walt Disney World Resort, and has made a variety of updates and enhancements to dining experiences based on guidance from health authorities, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and appropriate government agencies. With this mind, during this reopening period, some dining experiences may be modified or unavailable in order to promote cleanliness and physical distancing.
What You’ll Need for Dining – Before you dine at Walt Disney World Resort, please be aware that you’ll need:
- Face coverings for each Guest age 2 and up, which must be worn in all public areas—including while entering and exiting dining locations—and can be removed while eating or drinking.
- Dining reservations are highly recommended—and are required in some locations.
In addition, it’s highly recommended to have:
- The latest version of the My Disney Experience app on your mobile device, with location services enabled.
- Cashless or contactless forms of payment to limit in-person transactions.
Dining Reservations – All Guests may now make dining reservations online up to 60 days in advance. Here are some important details to help you plan:
- In-Park Dining
Guests must have valid park admission and a reservation for park entry through the new Disney Park Pass system—as well as a dining reservation—to dine at in-park, table-service restaurants. Dining reservations do not guarantee admission to the park. - Disney Resort Hotel Dining
If you’re planning to dine at a table-service restaurant in a Disney Resort hotel, note that a confirmed dining reservation is required for day Guests (those not staying overnight) and is highly recommended for Guests staying overnight at a Disney Resort hotel. - Disney Springs Dining
Select dining locations at Disney Springs are currently accepting reservations.
Health and Hygiene – New measures have been implemented across Walt Disney World dining locations to promote health and hygiene, including:
- Enhanced Cleaning: Disney has increased cleaning in high-traffic areas such as public elevators and escalators, handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms and more. Additionally, seating areas, dining areas and pagers will be cleaned between Guests.
- Temperature Screenings: Guests dining in table-service restaurants at Disney Resort hotels will undergo a temperature screening prior to entering the location. As with other locations at Walt Disney World Resort that require temperature screenings before entry, anyone displaying a temperature of 100.4 F or above will be directed to an additional rescreening. Those with temperatures 100.4 F or above will not be allowed entry; those in their party will not be allowed entry either.
- Reduced-Contact Menus: At quick-service restaurants, menus are displayed on signage. And at table-service restaurants, you can scan a code with your mobile device to access the digital menu.
Enhanced Technology – Disney strongly recommends using convenient technologies to minimize your contact with others, especially the use of the My Disney Experience app. Some ways that technology will be used are:
- Mobile Order Service: A time-saving feature of the My Disney Experience app, mobile order service enables you to order ahead at select dining locations and pick up food during a designated arrival window. This technology is available at many quick service dining locations, and at select Disney resort table service restaurants, for take-out dining.
- Mobile Check-In for Reservations: Check in to your dining reservations at select table-service restaurants using the new mobile check-in feature on the My Disney Experience app. There’s no need to visit the host stand to check in!
- Scannable Codes for Select Restaurant Menus: While at a table-service restaurant, you can use your own mobile device to scan a code for access to the digital menu.
- Cashless Payments: At this time, it is recommended all Guests use cashless payment options, including debit cards, credit cards and Disney Gift Cards. Guests can also opt for contactless payment options—such as mobile wallets—or use cash to purchase a Disney Gift Card at Guest Relations and select merchandise locations. Disney Resort hotel Guests can also use MagicBands to charge their purchase to their Disney Resort hotel folio.
Dining Experiences – Additional changes to Walt Disney World dining experiences include:
- Menu items may vary. For specific menu information, check the restaurant’s online menu.
- Character Dining is not being offered during this initial reopening, with the exception of modified Character Dining experiences at select dining locations.
- Dinner shows will not be offered during the initial reopening.
- Dining locations are limited in capacity. Some locations will remain temporarily closed.
- Private dining and in-room delivery will not be offered during the initial reopening window.
These are the “basics” of dining at Walt Disney World right now. While that’s a lot to know – and it may seem like a lot of “different” – the fact is that dining at the Disney parks, resorts, and Disney Springs is still a great experience, with the vast majority of dining locations open and serving Guests. As with anything related to Disney vacations, planning ahead to be prepared is the most important thing you can do, especially during these changing times.
*** As with everything related to travel at the moment – and Disney vacations in particular – things do change regularly, with new dining locations and experiences continuing to be added and returned. To see what dining locations are currently available, visit the Walt Disney World Know Before You Go Guide.
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