Deciding where to dine in Disney World is hard enough as it is, but once you’ve finally settled on a restaurant, grabbed your reservation, and have sat down to eat, sometimes there are STILL things that can ruin the mood.
Garden Grill
Some of these things are ones you can prepare for to avoid, but others…well, it’s on other people, but there are still things you can do to make sure you have a fantastic dining experience. If it were up to us, though, these five things would be ILLEGAL in Disney World restaurants!
Being Rude to Cast Members
We think this goes for anywhere in Disney World, but restaurants are no different — we think it should 100% be illegal to be rude to the hardworking Cast Members!
Cast Members are the magic!
We know, sometimes things are frustrating — your reservation didn’t save, you accidentally made the wrong one, or maybe Disney’s system is down. However, it’s never okay to take out your frustration or anger on the Cast Members at the restaurant, who are doing everything they can to help you. You wouldn’t want someone yelling at you, so don’t do it to others!
Saying Inappropriate Things to Characters
Disney characters are people just like we are, and we always can’t stand it when we see someone purposefully asking questions that make the characters uncomfortable.
Hi, Cinderella!
It’s a different scenario when a young child asks something that they don’t realize isn’t okay, but then it is important for caregivers to step in and correct it, because someone making you feel uncomfortable is not something anyone wants to experience. Disney face characters are often really great at leading the conversation, so if you’re unsure about what to talk about, just let them lead!
Lighting So Dark You Can’t See What You’re Eating
There’s only ONE exception to this, and that’s Sci-Fi Dine-In, since it being dark is part of the whole idea, but otherwise, if it’s so dark we can’t see our food — ILLEGAL!
It’s pretty dark in Boma
We personally would like to see what we’re eating, especially if we’re trying something we’ve never had before. This is especially an issue in restaurants where there’s lots of natural light, because once it gets dark, the lights inside just can’t do the same thing.
Taking Up A Table Before You Have Your Food (For An EXTENDED Period of Time!)
Now this one has a very specific caveat! If your family and friends have gone to pick up your food from mobile order, and they’ll be back in 3-5 minutes, going to grab a table ahead of time is no problem at all; it’s pretty smart. HOWEVER, if your group is getting in LINE to order, and it’s going to take 10-15 minutes or longer, that’s a no-no.
Docking Bay 7 seating
There are some families and groups that are looking to sit down for that same amount of time, and could be in and out before your group would be back with the food. It’s a fine line between being prepared and trying to find a table early, and being a table hog. Our rule of thumb is that if the food was mobile ordered — no problem, but if you’ll need to wait for your group to go through the whole line — it’s better to wait until you’re almost up to the ordering counter.
Outside Tables with No Umbrellas
We don’t care what time of year it is, outside tables in Disney World should ALWAYS have umbrellas.
See, every table needs umbrellas!
They can block you from the sun’s rays, which can be harmful no matter the season; they keep you cooler during those hot months, and if it’s raining, they can keep you dry! We don’t see any reason why outside tables SHOULDN’T have umbrellas, but we know they exist, so Disney, if that could be taken care of, literally everyone would appreciate it!
Cinderella Castle
We’ve dined at every single Disney World restaurant and continue to go back and visit so we can give you up-to-date reviews, so when you’re planning your trip, rest assured, we’re always keeping up with the latest!
We’re always here to help you make the best decisions for your Disney World trip, so stay tuned to DFB!
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What else would you add to this list? Tell us in the comments!
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I was at the Coral Reef once at a table right next to the aquarium, and people kept coming right up to the window to get a better view, standing between 2 tables where there really wasn’t room since both tables were occupied. I got crowded, pushed and elbowed, without even a hint of an apology. I wish people wouldn’t do that. Besides, anyone who has been seated right next to the window can tell you that the view there is pretty limited – you can actually see more from farther back and higher up.
I agree with much of what you said…though illegal may not quite be the correct word ☺ …though somewhat disagree about the tables. Often what we think will only be a few minutes turns into quite a wait through no fault of our own. Those traveling with a large party, disabled or babies who otherwise need attending to need to sit! I’ve never seen any party eat in 10-15 minutes as you suggest…if only bc it’s nice to sit and rest! So saving a table for those nice enough to get the food should not be frowned upon.
As for dark eating, agreed. Some of don’t see that well anyway and we’re not looking for romance! We want to see what is on the plate! I also advocate for more lighting in many rides. Some are so dark it’s ridiculous!!!
My biggest complaint is parents who allow their children to run around including onto benches and tables while others are trying to enjoy a meal! This actually happened to us! That should be illegal….at best, cast members should intervene sooner than later. Good manners are imperative, especially in a crowded place!
How about children misbehaving and treating the restaurant like a playground while parents allow it to happen?
I agree with 3 of you 5. Sci-Fi Din-In well sort of you need to feel like your at a outside movie. Maybe a small glowing light on just the food. Last time we were there it was more dusk then dark. The other is this not getting a table before food. Most of the people that are getting table while other are getting food are Handicaps and Mother with strollers and maybe a couple of kids. Sometime mobile can take more 3 minutes. Instead of commenting on the “getting a table “you should be asking the people that are sitting at a table for 30-40 minutes while one person at the table is slowing sucking on 1/2 inch of drink while families and handicaps are carry a tray of food around looking for a edge table because they cannot fit between the chair to get the center tables. Eat, clean table, and leave. Then the few of us that need to get a table while other in our group get food would not put a dent in the table problem. Come stand in line with me and my family while we get food and I’m trying to turn my ECV around in the line and then go look for a table. Then you’ll really hear the complains. Better yet how about one of you spending “just” one day in an ECV and follow your rules.