Deciding what ADRs (Advanced Dining Reservations) to make is one of the exciting and stressful parts of planning a Disney World vacation. Often times the most recommended places are also the most sought after. This means some of your desires for a restaurant will likely be one of the hardest ADRs to get. If you are planning on eating at any of these restaurants, never give up on your search for that ADR. You might be surprised how often you can find one for the next day since people tend to cancel once they realize their plans have changed. However, if you cannot score a time for your desired restaurant, I have compiled a list of where to eat instead.

There are other difficult reservations to get like the Happily Ever After Fireworks Dessert Party or Dining with an Imagineer. Since they are specific extra magic activities, there is not alternative to these. However, they are just as difficult to get and should be booked well in advance.

Cinderella’s Royal Table

We have to start with arguably the most iconic restaurant on Walt Disney World property. Being the most iconic also means it is typically one of the hardest ADRs to get. It offers upscale food inside the castle, and if that wasn’t enough, you get to meet princesses! This is difficult to get for breakfast, lunch, or dinner so it doesn’t typically make much of a difference if you are trying to get a reservation here – none of them are going to be substantially easier to get. While I have eaten here a few times for various meals, I can say the experience, while absolutely unique, does not hold the key to your vacation. I know a lot of people think that if they do not eat here their vacation is ruined and it is simply not true.

If you are interested in meeting princesses I suggest Akershus Royal Banquet Hall. This used to be a difficult ADR to get, but now it is much easier to pick up on short notice. You will still get to meet princesses and dine in a unique location, even if it isn’t a castle. The only difficulty you might have for getting a reservation is if you are trying to get one at 8 am before the park opens.

If you are interested in having a unique dining experience in a castle, I suggest Be Our Guest. Like Akershus, this used to be an incredibly difficult reservation to get, with the change to a 2 credit dining plan meal or Prix fix menu for dinner, it has been easier to grab a reservation here by checking throughout the month leading up to your vacation.

One final recommendation is Trattoria al Forno for breakfast. They have a Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast that allows you to meet Ariel, Prince Eric, Rapunzel, and Flynn Rider! The menu is a bit different than you would find at other typical breakfasts, but for some that is an added bonus. The characters are only present for breakfast so be sure to watch the dining times.

Sci-fi Dine-in Theater

One of our personal favorites, Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater offers an extremely unique eating experience. You and your family will be seated in cars at a drive-in movie theater! I used to consider this a place to visit once and awhile for the atmosphere, but recently the food and become much better, and it has been added to our “hit every trip” list. However, due to its popularity, this isn’t always a possibility.

50’s Prime Time Café offers its own unique experience in Hollywood Studios. Your server is your sister/brother/babysitter/etc. and your “mom” is cooking the meal. You might be scolded if you don’t finish your vegetables, put your elbows on the table, or play with your food. If you are looking for an alternative for a unique meal in Hollywood Studios, 50’s Prime Time is it.

If you are simply looking for great burgers, head to Disney Springs and try D-Luxe Burger. The menu most closely matches Sci-Fi and is just as delicious.

Chef Mickey’s

I am slightly a hypocrite on this one because I definitely see why it is an overrated character meal, but I still love it. We go frequently because it guarantees us the opportunity to see Mickey Mouse on our trip. It is a buffet at the Contemporary Resort, but there isn’t anything there that is unique to the restaurant. It is one of the most recommended restaurants for first-time Disney goers and it makes sense why. However, because of this, it is often extremely difficult to get a table here.

1900 Park Fare is another character buffet at a monorail resort. The characters do vary depending on breakfast vs dinner. Personally, I love the added bonus of visiting the Grand Floridian because it is just so beautiful. Seeing that lobby for the first time was magical. If you are looking for a character meal near the Magic Kingdom, consider trying here instead.

Tusker House over in Animal Kingdom will provide you with an opportunity to meet Mickey and friends! If you were going to Chef Mickey’s to meet the mouse himself, try Tusker House instead. It is still a buffet (and one of the better ones) so you can eat as much as you want!

California Grill

California Grill offers beautiful views over the Magic Kingdom, and the opportunity to view the fireworks outside the Kingdom. It is a modern upscale dining experience that has some of the best sushi on property. They also offer a brunch option on Sundays, which gets rave reviews. Who doesn’t love mimosas looking over the Magic Kingdom? Since you can eat here at any time of the day and use your receipt to come back and watch the fireworks, it is very popular.

California Grill Lounge offers a similar view of the fireworks without having to make a reservation. You will also be able to order similar items from the popular menu.

If you were looking for a signature dining experience that offers views of the fireworks, I recommend Narcoossee’s. Located at the Grand Floridian, you can view the fireworks and enjoy an upscale meal as well.

Via Napoli

Located in Epcot’s Italy pavilion, Via Napoli is one of the more difficult reservations to get in Epcot. There are so many places to eat that typically any restaurant in Epcot is pretty easy to grab on short notice. Via Napoli becomes more difficult because of its ability to please even the picky eaters. The pizza is delicious and the environment is very fun. It is our personal favorite place to stop when we are drinking around the world.

If you are looking for Italian in Epcot, both Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar and Tutto Italia will work as well. Tutto Gusto is a walk in lounge-style restaurant, that does not require reservations. You will find over 200 bottles of Italian wine! Tutto Italia is a table service restaurant that takes reservations. It is a bit more upscale than Via Napoli, however the menu matches that feel.

If you just want pizza, head to Disney Springs for Blaze Pizza or Pizza Ponte. The one notable difference is that Blaze Pizza is a chain, so if you want an exclusive to Disney restaurant, go with Pizza Ponte. They are different styles of pizza, but both have interesting topping options as well!

Are there any restaurants you have wanted to try, but haven’t had the chance? Leave a comment below!

Are you ready to keep planning? Check out everything you need to know before you go when planning for Disney.