Disney Dining’s 5 Best Bets For Last Minute Reservations!

If you have spent any time on Disney related forums, peeking at facebook posts and perusing blogs, you know exactly why folks are so excited when they hit the 180 day mark. Dining reservations open up 180 days in advance of any given date. If you are staying on Disney property, when you are 180 days out from arriving you can make reservation for up to ten days of your stay! This is called the 180 day plus ten rule. Popular restaurants such as Cinderella’s Royal Table, ‘Ohana, and Be Our Guest Restaurant often sell out very quickly and this is why people are so excited to hit the 180 day mark and try for reservations at spots like this.

All of that aside, what about the rest of us; people who did not really understand the importance of booking reservations 6 months ahead of time or better yet, people who book a trip last minute. Is there hope or will you be exiled to food court purgatory, stuck somewhere between cheeseburgers and pizza every night?

I have great news! You can eat well without the crazy planning! Here are a few suggestions for last minute eats that will satisfy all of your Disney cravings including great themes, characters, and delicious food.

5. Boma

Be it breakfast or dinner, this restaurant is amazing. The food is so incredibly good at both meals. Kids and adults will all find something they can enjoy. The zebra domes alone make this a home run, but the meats, salads, and soups really hit it out of the park! You can find Boma at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. I find this to be a great spot to eat either before or after and day at Animal Kingdom!

4. Trails End Restaurant

Located at Fort Wilderness, this restaurant is a hidden gem. Breakfast and dinner offer delicious home style buffets, while lunch offers and a la carte menu. I think this is a fabulous restaurant to eat an early dinner at when touring the Magic Kingdom. Simply take the boat over to Fort Wilderness. You can get there an hour or so before your reservation and enjoy everything Fort Wilderness has to offer; tour the horse barn, lay on the beach, let the kids pay on the play ground, or do a pony ride! Then prepare to stuff yourself silly! The best part about this restaurant besides the food is the price! An incredible on property value!

3. Rose and Crown Pub

This is a great place to stop for some fun and entertainment and great fish and chips. The sticky toffee pudding is a sure fire hit as well. You will find this restaurant in the UK Pavilion in Epcot right along the water. If you time and right and have a little pixie dust you can watch illuminations right from your seat!

2. 1900 Park Fare

Eating with Cinderella has never been so easy! When Cinderella’s Royal Table sells out of reservations faster than you can say bibbidi bobbidi Boo, 1900 Park Fare is a great and dare I say better option. Not only is this place way less money, but in my honest opinion the food is better too! Located in the Grand Floridian the atmosphere is downright regal as well. You will meet Cinderella, Lady Tremaine, The step sisters and even Prince Charming all while enjoying a fabulous buffet!

1. Crystal Palace

For good food and great characters in the Magic Kingdom Crystal Palace is the place to be. You will eat with Pooh and his buddies while celebrating friendship day! The food is really great (especially the dessert bar!) and these reservations are way easier to score than Chef Mickey’s at the nearby Contemporary resort. Though you will not meet the big cheese here, you will be eating in a beautiful Victorian setting without having to leave the Magic Kingdom!

I hope these restaurant suggestions can help you out if you are planning a trip last minute!