Sometimes you just want to plan your day on the fly at Disney World, we get it! Especially as a local, I am constantly looking to find a last-minute dining reservation at Disney World when we decide to eat out. Of course, this leaves us with some limited options, you hit the Disney lottery if you find a Be Our Guest reservation for the next night, this has only happened once after months of trying. While these are our top best last-minute dining reservations to get at Disney World remember they may not always available.
If you have a specific reservation you are looking to get in there are few tips you should keep in mind when using My Disney Experience. The first is do not use the preselected Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner selections. I have found this actually limits the results it returns. Second is look really early, like 4 pm for a dinner reservation or late like 8 pm. People tend not to jump on these times or ditch them at the last second, allowing you to scoop them up!
Also, if nothing is showing up, try to walk up to the restaurant you want and see if they have any last-minute availability, we have many times been seated after a five or ten-minute wait. Warning this will not work at the most popular restaurants.
Biergarten
I used to not be a huge fan of this place but we recently went back there to give it a try again and my husband and I both really enjoyed it. The sodas here are served in huge pint glasses, you will never be waiting for a refill. If you are at EPCOT and like German food, this buffet is the perfect stop for you!
For a Full Review Read Biergarten Dining Review
Teppan Edo
This is my husband’s favorite place to eat on property. Teppan Edo is located in EPCOT and is the same as any Japanese steakhouse as you may have back home. But instead of a volcano, you will have a Mickey! Lucky for my husband this spot normally always has some sort of opening so we end up eating here far more than we should. The food is top-notch plus you get all the entertainment watching it be made!
For a Full Review Read Teppan Edo Dining Review
Trattoria al Forno
If you like Italian Food you are going to want to stop in at the Boardwalk behind Epcot and eat at Trattoria al Forno. They have an amazing chicken parmesan. The kitchen is visible from most seats in the restaurant, so you can see the chefs at work.
For a Full Review Read Trattoria al Forno Dining Review
The Wave
This restaurant located in the Contemporary Hotel just never gets enough love in my opinion. The breakfast here is just fantastic and dinner holds up just as well. If you are looking to get a reservation at the California Grill but can’t find one, the Wave is a great back up plan. It has a seasonal menu and restaurant regionally sources the ingredients so they are always super fresh.
For a Full Review Read Wave of American Flavors Dining Review
Boma
Located in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge offers beautiful decor. Zebra Domes are here! This beloved Disney snack is all you can eat at the dinner buffet at Boma. The buffet here is African inspired and offers up some great flavors that differ from your standard faire. This restaurant also boasts an onstage kitchen.
Grand Floridan Cafe
This place serves some excellent food at a really great value. In fact, this stop has such great prices we recommend unless you want the steak you skip this stop if you are on the Disney dining plan.
For a Full Review Read Grand Floridian Cafe Dining Review
Trails End Restaurant
While it’s quite a trek to get out to Trails End the meal makes it all worth it. It’s a really great value for a buffet and you will be dying to go back for more cornbread! For an extra special ending to you evening head to the waterfront and watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks after your meal is over.
Via Napoli
The pizza here is soooo good and it’s unheard of to say that about other theme park pizza options. If you split a pizza here you can really save a lot of money or one of your table service dining plan credits!
For a Full Review Read Via Napoli Dining Review
What has been your favorite last-minute dining experience at Disney World? Have you tried any of the above restaurants?
As a Bonus: The ESPN Club and Big River Brewing Works both located on the Boardwalk behind Epcot do not take any reservations. So walk ups are always welcome. Note that during big sports events ESPN can develop quite a long wait.
I have been visiting the parks annually since my parents first brought me at just a year old. Recently I was able to fulfill my life long dream of being a Florida local and moved from the wintery Northeast to the sunshine and fun of central Florida. Now I am hoping to share my Disney knowledge with you so you can have the best vacation possible!