Disney Dining Special Events

9. IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party

If the desserts from around the world are your favorite part of World Showcase, you might want to sign up for this event. It is held on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. It starts at 7:45pm and runs until 9:20pm. You can feast on baklava, shortbread cookies, churros, ice cream, tiramisu, and plenty of other treats. Sparkling wines are included in the price for those of age, and other beverages are also served. The best part of all is the view of IllumiNations that you and your party will enjoy. Reservations are strongly suggested for IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party, and can be made by calling 407-939-7529.

8. Flying Fish Cafe – Chef’s Tasting Wine Dinner

Offered Sundays through Thursdays, this experience allows guests a chance to try some of the chef’s specialties, matched with the perfect wines. The meal features five courses, which change depending on the freshness of the ingredients. You will sit at the chef’s counter and watch as the food is prepared. Food and wine are included in the price, and non-alcoholic beverages are available for those who do not drink wine. The meal is for those ten and older, and there is a dress code. The dinner is held at 5:45pm and again at 8:15pm. Only six spots are available at each sitting, so make your reservation as soon as you can. They can be made online at http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/reservations/dining or call 407-939-3463.

7. Afternoon Tea

Every afternoon between 2:00 and 5:00 something special happens at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. The time honored tradition of Afternoon Tea is held. Officially known as Afternoon Tea at the Garden View Tea Room, guests can choose from a wide variety of fragrant teas and enjoy tea sandwiches, scones and other pastries. You can order full service or a la carte. Some of the full service sections include champagne or sparkling cider. Reservations are recommended, this is a popular mother-daughter destination or a great place for a girls’ afternoon out. You can make reservation online at http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/reservations/dining or by calling 407-939-3463.

6. Dine with a Disney Imagineer

If you are looking for the ultimate chance to find out what happens behind the scenes at Walt Disney World then you are going to want to consider making a reservation to Dine With an Imagineer. Up to ten people per party can enjoy this unique experience. You can choose between the Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney’s Hollywood Studios or at the Flying Fish Café at Disney’s BoardWalk. A four course meal is served and you and your party will enjoy the conversation with one of the geniuses that makes the magic happen. At the end of the meal you will receive a plate to help remember the occasion that has been personalized for you by the Imagineer.  Make your reservations calling 407-939-3463 or online at http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/reservations/dining.

5. Epcot International Food and Wine Festival

From late September until mid November Epcot is transformed into an international food paradise. Each year regions and countries that are not normally represented at Epcot set up and offer a taste of their foods and beverages. Special demonstrations, seminars and parties are held throughout the event, some require reservations. Park admission is required.

4. Fantasmic! Dining Package   

Fantasmic! is considered a must see show by most guests to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Unfortunately, getting a good seat takes up valuable vacation time, people start lining up 90 minutes or more before the show is scheduled to start. The seats are quickly filled and standing room is all that is left, meaning that your children (and possibly you as well) will most likely not be able to see everything. Disney has come up with a solution, the Fantasmic! Dining Package. All that you need to do is to make a lunch or dinner reservation at the Hollywood Brown Derby or Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano, or a dinner reservation at Hollywood & Vine. You can visit http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/reservations/dining to make your reservation or call 407-939-3463. If you call make sure that you specify that you want the Fantasmic! Dining Package. The package does not cost extra but you are required to reserve your spot with a credit card. If you need to cancel there is a $10 charge per person in your party if it is 48 hours or less before the reservation. After your meal you will be given a voucher that will allow you and those who dined with you to sit in a special section for the show. On evenings where there are two performances the vouchers are good only for the first one. Arrive 30-45 minutes early and enjoy your seat!

3. Wishes Fireworks Dessert Party

What better way to end a day at the Magic Kingdom then to watch Wishes while enjoying scrumptious desserts? Arrive at Tomorrowland Terrace an hour before the start of the fireworks and partake in the dessert buffet. Reservations are recommended, call 407-939-3463 or visit http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/reservations/dining to do so. During non peak times walkups are sometimes available but the party is growing in popularity so if it is a must-do for you make a reservation in order to be on the safe side. Cheesecake, cookies, cannoli, tarts and fresh fruit are just some of the offerings. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, lemonade, milk and other beverages are also included in the price. Once you are finished with dessert, head on out to the terrace for one of the best views of Wishes in all of the Magic Kingdom.

2. Jiko Wine Events

Held on Wednesday afternoons between 3:00-4:00, this unique event features a chance to sample three different unique wines, along with cheese and fruit. A sommelier will make suggestions about the tastings and explain each selection. It’s an informative and different way to spend an afternoon at Disney. Reservations must be made by calling 407-938-7149, they are not currently available online. The event is held at Jiko, which is located at Animal Kingdom Lodge.

1. My Disney Girl’s Perfectly Princess Tea Party

This meal is designed with girls ages 3-11 in mind. It is held on select mornings from 10:30 until noon. The cost covers two people, the girl and an adult companion. It is held at the Garden View Tea Room at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. Tea and juice are served, along with sandwiches, fruit and a princess cake for two. Princess Aurora (or occasionally another princess) makes an appearance. Stories are told by Rose Petal and songs are sung. At the end each girl will receive a “My Disney Girl” doll in an Aurora costume, a princess tiara and bracelet, a scrapbook and other goodies to help remember the occasion. Boys are not excluded from the event, they will receive a stuffed Duffy bear and a Mickey cap instead. Reservations are not available online and can be made by calling 407-939-3463.