One thing we all have in common (other than Disney of course) is our love of food! Vacation is the perfect time to experiment and delight your senses with something new! Walt Disney World offers so many fun and new dining experiences to satisfy the Foodie in all of us. As a Dietitian, food – in and of itself – is an attraction to me! For this article, I’ve thought outside the box of your typical Disney Dining plan. Take your vacation to the next level by adding one or more of these special experiences to your trip. Need a surprise gift for a special someone? Looking to celebrate a momentous occasion? Or maybe you just want a decadent way to treat yourself! You’ll feel like a real VIP with this list of exclusive dining in Disney World!
*Note: Prices, menus, dates and offerings are subject to change. You must be 21 or older with a valid ID to enjoy alcohol. Ask about special diet accommodations when booking reservations.
Taste of Magic Kingdom VIP Tour
Step behind the counter of the food and beverage experience at Magic Kingdom Park and enjoy VIP tastings of iconic Disney menu items! This new 3-hour experience includes stepping into the kitchens where no guests have gone before! You will help decide the future and sample a menu item from the Disney Culinary Artists that is STILL in development prior to debut! How is that for being part of the magic? Satisfy your appetite with sweet and savory flavors of the most beloved menu items at Magic Kingdom Park. And as with all Disney VIP Tours, your very own VIP Tour Guide will take care of you from start to finish. You’ll enjoy coffee and tea selections while awaiting check in at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant then proceed on your journey through this delicious kingdom. Menu selections are designed to appeal to a wide variety of dietary preferences and restrictions, however, modifications and substitutions for individual offerings cannot be accommodated. Please note there are blackout dates for this experience which can be viewed on the Disney website. The price of this tour is $99 per person, plus tax (valid admission is required for each park and not included in the price of this experience). This experience is currently offered on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Same-day reservations are not accepted, so be sure to book early. Guests must be at least 16 years of age to participate and all guests must sign a waiver before embarking on this tour. There is a dress code for this tour specific to the needs of entering backstage and kitchen areas, so be sure to check the Disney website for details.
Cake Decorating Experience at Amorette’s Patisserie, Disney Springs
For the artist, the baker and the eater – dining in Disney World has never been so sweet! Join a talented Disney pastry artist for this 90-minute class that will leave you with a Disney-themed edible work of art! Since it’s opening in 2016, guests have enjoyed these chiffon cakes enhanced with mousse and fruit jelly that delight both the eyes and taste buds. Now is your chance to create your own cake in Amorette’s Show Kitchen, which you’ll have all to yourself before it officially opens to the public. Enjoy specialty coffees, mimosas, and Bellinis while you take in tips and tricks for the entire cake process from design to finishing toppings. Take your cake with you to-go or have Amorette’s hold it for you while you continue browsing and shopping at Disney Springs upon completion. You can choose from two Character Cake designs- 1) the Classic Mickey Design featured in Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday classes; 2) the Artist’s Choice Character Dome Cake featured in Monday, Wednesday and Friday classes. Classes held Sunday-Thursday begin at 9am and have a 14-guest capacity. The price for this experience is $169 plus tax, which covers up to 2 guests decorating one cake. Guests must be at least 10 years of age to participate. Reservations for more than 2 people will need to be done through multiple reservations
Circle of Flavors: Harambe at Night
In this experience you’ll celebrate the The Lion King featuring rich flavors, music and appreciation for animal conservation. Start off with a Welcome Reception at the Train Station in Harambe and munch on appetizers and creative sippers. Then, board the Wildlife Conservation Express and head to your second stop at Rafiki’s Planet Watch for more festivities and snacks. Next, you’ll board the train again to your final stop at the Harambe Market for dinner, music and more! You’ll enjoy dancing in the streets, kids’ activities and live story telling about the “Big Five” animals- leopards, Cape buffalo, African elephants, lions and rhinoceroses. You will enjoy several food stations featuring African-inspired twists on such savory specialties as tandoori chicken, char-grilled steak and sustainable seafood, plus a flavorful bounty of fruits, vegetables and themed desserts. Specialty beverages and select African wines and beers will complement the experience. Offerings are family-friendly, and special dietary requests can be accommodated. This runs on select nights from 6-9 PM. The price is $125 for adults (ages 10+), and $99 for children (ages 3 – 9). Valid theme park admission to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park is required and not included.
Dine with an Imagineer – Citricos, Grand Floridian and Hollywood Brown Derby, Hollywood Studios
Satisfy your appetite and curiosity with this unique experience! Can you imagine attending a dinner party with a direct source to the marvels and magic of Walt Disney World? Now you can make this dream a reality! Dine on a four-course meal of Mediterranean-style specialties at Citricos, or the contemporary American cuisine honoring the golden age of Hollywood at The Hollywood Brown Derby, all while chatting one-on-one with one of the creative minds working behind-the-scenes on your favorite Walt Disney World rides and attractions! There are lunch and dinner options available. While current prices are not posted by Disney at present, you can expect to pay around $100 per person for the pre-fixe menu and dining experience. Price is, of course, subject to change. Book reservations at your 180-day mark or as early as possible, because seating is limited. Capacity may be limited to as few as 12 seats. It is typically offered on most Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. This experience can last up to almost 3 hours, so be sure to block out the time as you certainly won’t want to have to step out early!
Highway in the Sky Dine Around, Monorail Resorts
Bring your appetite and love of the monorail to this progressive dinner unlike any other on property! Enjoy five courses in this signature dining experience. You’ll begin at the Contemporary Resort where you’ll check in at The Wave… of American Flavors. Enjoy an appetizer and cocktail before boarding the monorail and stopping at the Polynesian Village Resort. Welcome to paradise! More libations await you here inspired by the South Pacific Islands. Switch up the scene and cuisine and head to the Grand Floridian Resort next for elegance and ambiance with your dining companions. Circle back to the Contemporary for the culmination of the evening on a private patio to indulge in an assortment of desserts, cordials and coffee. From this exclusive location, enjoy the Happily Ever After fireworks show and a breathtaking view of Cinderella Castle as the finale to this one-of-a-kind dining adventure! Availability is limited and advance reservations are highly recommended. This experience offers a seasonal, prix fixe menu. Guests with food allergies should alert the host at check-in. Wherever possible, alternative dining selections will be offered. This event is intended for guests 12 and older, and only those 21+ will be offered alcohol. The price for this event is $170 per person plus tax, with gratuity included, as well as valet parking.
Wanyama Safari, Animal Kingdom Lodge and Jiko, The Cooking Place
For the animal lover and foodie! This experience is offered daily and limited to just 12 guests for an intimate experience and personalized tour. Begin with a 90-minute tour on your safari vehicle with a knowledgeable guide to learn about the animals’ history and management of the animals, as well as the architecture of the Animal Kingdom Resort with a unique vantage point for spotting these exotic species spread across the savanna. Upon completion of the tour, you’ll head to Jiko – The Cooking Place for a multi-course meal to savor and enjoy! Sample menu items may include: Traditional African dips and breads, sampling of African-inspired appetizers, beef short rib, North African-style chicken, maize-crusted sustainable fish with seasonal vegetables, decadent desserts and South African wine pairings. The price for this dining experience is $209 per person (including tax and gratuity). This is a popular experience so advanced booking is recommended! However, you can try your luck for same-day reservations by visiting the Concierge at Animal Kingdom Lodge to check for availability.
Victoria & Albert’s Chef’s Table Dinner, Grand Floridian Resort
Join a world-class culinary team in the kitchen for this mouthwatering, three-hour, one-of-a-kind feast! Victoria & Albert’s is famous for winning the prestigious AAA Five Diamond Award every year since 2000 and the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award for 2018 – 2019. It is the premiere restaurant at Walt Disney World Resort. Here you’ll find a menu featuring fine contemporary American cuisine and splendid wine pairings with personalized butler service in a setting of uncompromised elegance. Interact with the chef and sommelier to create a dining experience tailored to your party’s taste and food preferences. Only one party of up to 8 guests is seated per evening. Reservations are required and are available up to 180 days in advance. Guests ages 10 and older are welcome. Although subject to change, the Prix Fixe begins at $250.00 per Guest, and wine pairing begins at $150.00 per Guest (not including tax and gratuity). Valet Parking is available at no additional cost.
Delicious Disney: A Chef Series
This is quite possible the most exclusive experience for those dining in Disney World! A signature fine-dining occasion where award-winning culinarians and sommeliers from Walt Disney World gather to offer you a menu curated to enhance storytelling through food, flavors and presentation! Check below for details on 2020 events which will be hosted at Markham’s, a restaurant in the private clubhouse of Golden Oak at Walt Disney World Resort:
Celebrate the 65th Anniversary of Lady and the Tramp
June 22, 2020
Featuring Chef Dom Filoni and
Disney’s Riviera Resort Culinary Team
Villains Celebration
September 21, 2020
Featuring Executive Chef Scott Hunnel and
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Culinary Team
Walt Disney World Resort Celebration
November 16, 2020
Featuring Chef de Cuisine Daniel Sicilia and
Disney’s Contemporary Resort Culinary Team
Events, dates, details and talent are subject to change.
Are you drooling yet? Contact a travel agent today to book your next visit and your choice of these incredibly unique dining offerings at Walt Disney World Resort!
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