One of Disney’s Hardest Dining Reservations Just Became More Accessible
EPCOT is known as Walt Disney World’s top destination for food lovers, with a focus on dining, culture, and international flavors, especially in World Showcase. Japan stands out for its diverse dining options, appealing to both casual diners and food enthusiasts. The highlight is Takumi-Tei, renowned for being one of EPCOT’s most exclusive dining experiences. However, a recent change is making it easier for guests to secure a reservation at this sought-after restaurant.
Takumi-Tei Adds More Operating Days
According to updates now visible on Walt Disney World’s official website, Takumi-Tei will begin opening on Tuesdays and Wednesdays starting in March 2026. Previously, the restaurant remained closed on those two days each week, limiting availability to just five nights.
While attempts to confirm the change directly through the restaurant have been inconsistent, the Disney dining reservation system is already allowing bookings on the newly added days. That alone strongly suggests the expansion is real, even if internal messaging has not fully caught up.
For guests, the practical takeaway is simple: there are now more chances each week to experience one of EPCOT’s most sought-after dining locations.
What Makes Takumi-Tei Different
Takumi-Tei is not a typical Disney table service restaurant. Instead of choosing individual dishes from a standard menu, guests participate in an omakase-style tasting experience. In Japanese dining culture, omakase means placing trust in the chef to design a multi-course meal using seasonal ingredients and expert technique.
Each course is thoughtfully prepared and presented, often highlighting flavors and textures that may be unfamiliar to guests who are new to high-end Japanese cuisine. The experience is paced intentionally and designed to be immersive rather than rushed.
The restaurant’s environment plays a major role as well. Takumi-Tei features multiple dining rooms, each inspired by different natural elements and traditional Japanese design principles. Guests may even be escorted between spaces as their meal progresses, adding another layer to the experience.
Service is polished and highly attentive, with Cast Members trained to explain each course and answer questions about preparation and ingredients. The overall atmosphere feels far removed from a typical theme park meal.
Why the Disney Schedule Change Matters
When a restaurant only operates five days a week, demand naturally becomes concentrated. For Takumi-Tei, being closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays meant that guests visiting EPCOT on those days had no opportunity to dine there.
This was especially frustrating for visitors on shorter trips or those whose itineraries were locked in around school schedules or work commitments. Even guests willing to plan far ahead often found reservations unavailable due to limited capacity.
By opening two additional days each week, Takumi-Tei significantly increases the number of available reservation slots. That alone could make a noticeable difference for guests who previously struck out.
The Timing Is No Accident
The expanded schedule begins just as spring break season ramps up. March and early April are among the busiest times of year at Walt Disney World, with higher attendance driving intense competition for dining reservations across EPCOT.
During peak seasons, even restaurants that normally have decent availability can become nearly impossible to book. Adding Tuesday and Wednesday service allows Takumi-Tei to better absorb increased demand while offering guests more flexibility.
From a business perspective, the move also makes sense, as EPCOT typically sees heavier weekday traffic during spring break than it does at other times of the year.
What Disney Guests Should Know Before Booking
Takumi-Tei continues to offer dinner service only, with no lunch reservations available. Guests should plan for a longer dining experience and be prepared to dedicate an evening to the multi-course meal.
Reservations should still be made as early as possible, ideally when the 60-day booking window opens. Even with additional days added to the schedule, Takumi-Tei remains a high-demand restaurant with limited seating.
Whether the expanded hours are permanent remains to be seen, but for now, EPCOT guests finally have more opportunities to experience one of the park’s most refined dining offerings.
