Artwork for podcast The Laid-Back Magic® Way: A Disney World Planning Podcast
9: Dining in Disney World: Your Questions, Answered!
Episode 97th April 2025 • The Laid-Back Magic® Way: A Disney World Planning Podcast • Dana Stanley
00:00:00 00:24:05

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Ever feel like you need a PhD to figure out dining in Disney World? 

Between navigating character dining in Disney World, the chaos of quick service, trying to answer is the Disney Dining Plan worth it?”, and debating whether that mousse shaped like corn is actually good (spoiler: it is), it can feel like a full-time job. 

Luckily, I’ve taken that job on for you. You're welcome.

In this episode, I’m answering your burning questions about dining in Disney World, including where to eat in the parks, what I really think about the Disney Dining Plan, and how to make Disney World dining reservations that don’t mess with your Lightning Lane strategy. 

Here’s what I’m covering:

  • Why less is more when it comes to character dining in Disney World—and which ones are actually worth it
  • My honest take on the Disney Dining Plan and the million-dollar question: is the Disney Dining Plan worth it?
  • The surprisingly tricky way Disney World dining reservations can mess with your Lightning Lane plans—and how to avoid it
  • My go-to picks for the best dining in Disney World, including a few favorites you’ll find near the Boardwalk and in EPCOT
  • The real truth about dining in Disney World Magic Kingdom (ahem, it's not the park’s strongest area)

If you’ve ever found yourself Googling the best Disney restaurants for kids while simultaneously microwaving nuggets and trying to figure out how to do dinner without crying (you or them, either applies), this episode is for you.

So, what’s your go-to strategy for dining in Disney World? Are you a plan-it-all-at-60-days type or a “we’ll grab a pretzel and figure it out” kind of gal? Let me know over on IG:  @somewhereworthwhile.

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:

Read the full show notes HERE!

Episode 6: Why We Can't Stop Booking Disney's BoardWalk Resort

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Podcast music by Podington Bear, track: 'Filaments', licensed under CC BY-NC, courtesy of Free Music Archive.

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