Walt Disney World guests who like to eat an early lunch may want to double-check their plans before heading across a theme park in search of food.
While a Disney day can begin surprisingly early, several popular restaurants aren’t keeping the same schedule. Some don’t begin serving until 11:30 a.m., while others make guests wait until noon or even 12:30 p.m.
And EPCOT guests have the most reason to pay attention.
EPCOT Restaurants Are Starting Later
Guests arriving for Early Entry can accomplish quite a bit before 11 a.m. By that point, an early lunch might sound like the perfect chance to escape the crowds and recharge.
Just don’t assume every restaurant will be ready.
San Angel Inn Restaurante and Space 220 Restaurant currently begin lunch at 11:30 a.m. Katsura Grill, a quick-service restaurant in the Japan Pavilion, also opens at 11:30 a.m.
Regal Eagle Smokehouse follows at 11:45 a.m.
Guests hoping for an even earlier meal at some of EPCOT’s other major restaurants will have to wait longer. Le Cellier Steakhouse, Biergarten Restaurant, Chefs de France, and Nine Dragons Restaurant currently begin lunch at noon.
Tutto Italia Ristorante goes even further, with lunch currently beginning at 12:30 p.m.
Those times can become important when you’re building an entire day around dining reservations, Lightning Lane return times, attractions, and afternoon breaks.
It’s Not Just EPCOT
Disney’s Animal Kingdom guests should watch the clock as well.
Tiffins Restaurant currently begins lunch at 11:30 a.m. Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen at Magic Kingdom also appears on the list of Disney World restaurants whose first posted operating time comes after 11 a.m.
Then there are restaurants that skip lunch entirely.
La Hacienda de San Angel at EPCOT doesn’t open until 4 p.m. Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge also starts at 4 p.m., while Sebastian’s Bistro at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort begins at 4:30 p.m.
California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort doesn’t open until 5 p.m.
Check Before Heading to Lunch
Disney World restaurant hours can change, making it important to check the My Disney Experience app before heading toward a dining location.
That’s especially true at EPCOT, where guests have dozens of dining options but can’t count on all of them opening at the same time.
An 11 a.m. lunch can be a great way to get ahead of the midday rush. Just make sure the restaurant you’ve picked is actually open before making the walk.
