The Fourth Of July is certainly a time for America to celebrate and if you happen to be at the Walt Disney World Resort you will have a variety of options.  There are 3 different fireworks displays for guests to choose from.

Magic Kingdom

At the Magic Kingdom guests will get a chance to celebrate the Fourth of July on 2 nights!  on both July 3rd and 4th, guests will enjoy Disney's Celebrate America - A Fourth Of July Concert In The Sky fireworks show at 9 pm.

Exploding with color, light and sound, this thrilling show is a captivating patriotic extravaganza. Blazing fireworks and fantastic effects ignite the sky over Cinderella Castle, while a magnificent musical score surrounds you with joyous and uplifting songs.

This lively tribute to America’s independence is one of the most elaborate nighttime spectacles ever seen at a Disney theme park, and it will fill you with pride as it awakens your imagination.

Epcot

Singing Patriotic Songs, Disney Characters in special costumes and Holiday Fireworks will greet Epcot guests during this Fourth of July!

• The Voices of Liberty will be performing special concert on July 4th in the America Gardens Theater at 12:30 p.m., 1:45 p.m., and 3 p.m. 
• Disney Characters in patriotic costumes will be outside the American Adventure Pavilion throughout the afternoon.
• The Spirit of American Fife & Drum Corps will be performing at 1 p.m., 2:15 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4 p.m., and 4:45 p.m. 
• Illuminations Reflections of Earth will be at 10:00 pm with a special finale just for the 4th!

Disney's Hollywood Studios

See the sky ignite in a shower of shimmering light at Disney’s Hollywood Studios as The Hollywood Rockers hits the stage for a rock ‘n roll spectacular.

• A “Rockin’ 4th of July Celebration” at the Sorcerer’s Hat Stage on July 4, features the “Rock Your Summer Side” Dance Party, with a DJ and live band. 
• The Hollywood Rockers will take you on a rock ‘n roll road trip across America that culminates with the band playing live during that night’s fireworks spectacular. 
• The celebration kicks off at 6 p.m. and continues through 11 p.m., with fireworks at 10:15 p.m.

Do you want to enjoy an ultimate day at Disney World?  Now your wish can come true.  Disney World has announced two new tours that allow guests to experience the best of Disney World in one special fun filled day.

The Ultimate Day of Thrills – A VIP Tour Experience

This tour last six to seven hours and include experiencing a certain number of attractions at Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom – such as Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Toy Story Midway Mania! and Expedition Everest.

Includes a meal at a Disney table-service restaurant.

Tours will be offered Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, and cost $299 per person. Disney Vacation Club Members, Disney VISA Cardholders and Annual Passholders receive a 15% discount.

Call 407-WDW-TOUR to make reservations or for more information.

The Ultimate Day for Young Families – A VIP Tour Experience

This tour last six to seven hours and include experiencing a certain number of attractions at Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom – such as Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Toy Story Midway Mania! and Expedition Everest. This tour also offers attractions that are specifically accessible to young children, as well.

Tours also include a meal at a Disney table-service restaurant.

These tours will be offered Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, and cost $299 per person. Disney Vacation Club Members, Disney VISA Cardholders and Annual Passholders receive a 15% discount.

Call 407-WDW-TOUR to make reservations or for more information.

Tucked away in the Magic Kingdom, just slightly away from the hustle and bustle of Main Street is a little restaurant filled with Victorian charm that Disney World guests should have on their lists to experience.  It serves as the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing lunch while on vacation.

The Plaza Restaurant

Although many people walk right past this tiny restaurant that is almost hidden in the Magic Kingdom, it is a great opportunity to escape the Florida heat and enjoy a relaxing meal.


The setting fits the Victorian styling that is evident throughout the main Street area.  This quaint Disney Table Service restaurant is the perfect place to grab lunch or a light dinner.  You may even be lucky enough to catch the Mayor visiting.

Note: Although somewhat hidden, the small capacity means that it is highly recommended that you make reservations ahead of times during the busier times of year.

Review of The Plaza Restaurant Food!

The menu for the Plaza Restaurant is relatively simple featuring a selection of salads and sandwiches.  Recently available entrees included:

• Meatloaf Meal - hearty slices of home-style meatloaf served with red skinned garlic mashed potatoes, gravy and whole kernel corn $17.99
• Grilled Chicken Sandwich - grilled chicken breast topped with shaved ham and Swiss cheese served on a flour-dusted Kaiser $13.49
• Turkey Sandwich - smoked turkey, bacon, lettuce, vine ripened tomato and mayonnaise on toasted multi-grain bread $12.49
• Vegetarian Sandwich - fresh mozzarella, hummus, basil pesto, cucumber, roasted red pepper, tomato, and lettuce on a freshly baked foccaccia $11.99
• Plaza Club - smoked ham, turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise layered on toasted multi-grain bread $12.49
• Grilled Reuben - thinly sliced corned beef on grilled marble rye with sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing $11.99
• Tuna Salad Sandwich - tuna salad with lettuce and tomato on freshly baked croissant $12.99
• Chicken Strawberry Salad - fresh garden greens, grilled chicken breast, fresh strawberries, gorgonzola cheese, tossed in a white zinfandel vinaigrette dressing $14.99
• Cheese Steak Sandwich - shaved beef, grilled with onions, mushrooms, red peppers, and white American cheese served on a hoagie roll $12.99
• Angus Chuck Cheeseburger - served on a flour-dusted kaiser roll with lettuce, tomato, and onion. Choose from the following toppings: Cheddar, American cheese, Bacon, Grilled Mushrooms and Grilled Onions (Veggie Burgers available on request.) $14.99

Grilled Chicken Sandwich at the Plaza Restaurant

The grilled chicken sandwich was very good.  As you can see in the picture above, it comes with a generous layer of Swiss cheese that covers the grilled chicken breast and shaved ham.  The meal was also accompanied by house made potato chips that were very tasty.  This is a definitely a sandwich that we would highly recommend.

Chicken Strawberry Salad at the Plaza Restaurant

The other entree that we tried during our recent visit was the Chicken Strawberry Salad.  The salad comes with a full breast of grilled chicken on a lovely garden salad with strawberries.  Again, this is another dish that we would highly recommend.

The casual atmosphere and prices that are not much different than the counter service options within the Magic Kingdom, made this an easy decision to rate this as a restaurant that we would definitely recommend.

The Plaza Restaurant does accept the Tables In Wonderland discount which gives a 20% discount.

Warning: The Disney Dining Plan is also accepted here, but it counts as a Table Service Credit.  This would be a VERY BAD choice to use your credits to dine here.  Doing so would mean that you will in essence be paying double the menu price to dine here.  

Review Summary

Only WDWorld highly recommends the Plaza Restaurant as a place to grab lunch in the Magic Kingdom.  It has a relaxed elegance that really is fitting for a meal while you are on vacation.  If you are a Tables In Wonderland cardholder, it is almost cheaper to dine here than at a counter service restaurant, making it a no brainer.

As a bonus, don't miss the chance to speak to and get your picture taken with the Mayor of Main Street USA.

Fans of the hit animated movie "Frozen" are in for a spectacular summer treat at Disney's Hollywood Studios.  Anna, Elsa, Olaf and their friends are taking over Disney's Hollywood Studios starting July 5th for an incredible summer of Frozen themed fun! Sing-A-Longs, Royal Welcomes, Special Olaf Summer Treats, and nightly fireworks are just part of the new fun to help make your Florida summer vacation a whole lot cooler!

Frozen Summer Fun: Live at Disney's Hollywood Studios

The snow glows white on Walt Disney World this summer, when “Frozen Summer Fun: Live at Disney’s Hollywood Studios” kicks off on July 5. Through September 1, regular theme park admission will include a ride range of all-new Frozen-themed experiences that guests are sure to love.
Take a look at the highlights:

• Olaf on Summer Vacation – Olaf the snowman is having the time of his life on his very first summer vacation! He chimes in throughout the day to keep everyone updated on all his adventures. Plus, you can pick up your very own Take-Along Olaf from locations in the park, so he can join you on your summer vacation. And when you share your photos with Olaf on social media, be sure to tag them with #OlafSummerVacation. They may just get selected to appear in that day’s grand finale!

• Anna and Elsa’s Royal Welcome – At 11:00 a.m. each day, Elsa and Anna arrive in Hollywood as part of their goodwill tour of neighboring kingdoms, making their way down Hollywood Boulevard in a horse-drawn sleigh. Kristoff is along for the fun, too, joined by a flurry of skaters, skiiers, ice cutters and more! The entire procession culminates in a special moment at the Sorcerer’s Hat Icon Stage to officially welcome the visiting royalty to this kingdom of Hollywoodland.

• For the First Time in Forever: A “Frozen” Sing-Along Celebration – Cool down inside the Premiere Theater, where Anna and Elsa join the Royal Historians of Arendelle for a fun and comedic retelling of the unique history of their Kingdom, filled with delightful, sing-along moments from “Frozen.”

• Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post & Frozen Funland – Inside Soundstage One, Oaken and his cousins have created a Frozen Funland filled with cold weather activities, unique photo opportunities, and more! There’s a frozen pond with ice skating demonstrations, wintertime fun for kids in the “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” play area, a “big summer blowout” with plenty of “Frozen” merchandise, and special “Frozen”-inspired food and beverage offerings.

• “Coolest Summer Ever” Dance Party – Starting at 5:30 p.m. each day, a dance party takes over the area around the Sorcerer’s Hat Icon Stage, with a DJ, live band, and more! The band plays a variety of classic and contemporary summer rock & roll hits, as well as a cool, rocking medley of “Frozen” favorites. It’s going to be hot!

• “Frozen” Fireworks Spectacular – Everything wraps up at 9:45 p.m. when Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and Olaf come together at the Sorcerer’s Hat Icon Stage for a grand finale to the day’s festivities, kicking off an awe-inspiring fireworks display set to the glorious music of “Frozen!”

Frozen fans, sound off in the comments about which activity you’ll be checking out first when you arrive at Disney’s Hollywood Studios this summer, from July 5-September 1!

Tables in Wonderland presents a special Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Sneak Preview.  Called "Taste Your Way Around The World" this exclusive to Tables in Wonderland cardholders event is a one night only preview to the great food and drink offerings of the upcoming 19th Annual Food & Wine Festival at Disney World.

Epcot^® International Food & Wine Festival Sneak Preview “Taste Your Way Around The World”

Reservation & Ticket Information

“Taste Your Way Around The World” Menu

Performer at Disney's Boardwalk

29 Walt Disney World Resort Activities Outside The Theme Parks

Surfing, Racecar Driving, Horseback Riding, Fishing, and Parasailing are just a few of the great activiites that you can experience at Disney World.  Here is our list of 29 activities that you may want to try:

1. Go Surfing! Get a private surfing lesson or be part of a group class of 25 at Typhoon Lagoon's Wave Pool. Call (407) WDW-PLAY for reservations and pricing.
2. Golf at one of the Walt Disney World Resort's 4 Golf Courses. Call (407) WDW-GOLF (939-4653) for tee times and more information.
3. Rent a bike. Rentals of traditional bikes, two person and 4 person surrey bikes are available at most Moderate and Deluxe Resorts, as well as, the Disney Boardwalk area.
4. Go Fishing. There are chartered catch and release fishing excursions and dockside fishing locations at several resorts throughout Disney World. Call (407) WDW-BASS (939-2277) to make a reservation for the chartered excursion.
5. Rent a watercraft. Disney World has a large fleet of motorized and non-motorized watercraft available for rent at various Disney Resorts. These include: Sea Raycers by Sea Ray® boats, sailboats, SunTRACKER® pontoon boats, Boston Whaler Montauk boats or canopy boats , pedal boats, kayaks and canoes.
6. Try the Fort Wilderness Archery Experience. Ages 7 and up can learn how to hold a fire a compound bow in a 90-minute archery program. Reservations accepted up to 180 days in advance. Walk-ups welcome if space permits.
7. Horse and Pony Rides. Go horseback riding as part of your Disney World Vacation. At Fort Wilderness's Tri-Circle-D Ranch you can do just that. Make reservations or get more information at (407) WDW-PLAY.
8. Chip 'N Dale's Campfire Sing-A-Long.  Come check out this FREE nightly event at Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.  The Sing-A-Long is followed by a movie shown under the stars.  Call (407) WDW-PLAY (939-7529) for movie schedules and times.
9. Send your kids on Disney's Pirate Adventure. Choose from one of 4 different 2 hour pirate adventure  hunting for treasure for 4 to 12 year olds. Call (407) WDW-PLAY for Reservations.
10. If you are not into Pirates, how about a Tea Party with Alice in Wonderland. Each day a tea party is held at 1900 Park Fare in the Grand Floridian resort for lunch, dessert, and tea for children ages 4 - 12.
11. Play Miniature Golf at either Disney's Fantasia Gardens or Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course. Both offer 36 holes of miniature golf like you've never experienced.
12. Go on a horse drawn Carriage Ride. Visit the Port Orleans Riverside Resort for the opportunity to take an intimate 30 minute carriage ride up and down the Sassagoula River.
13. Go Shopping at Downtown Disney. Find merchandise that is exclusive to Disney World at one of several unique shopping locations.
14. Take a Specialty Cruise. Book one of several specialty cruises including ones that provide a wonderful view of either the Epcot Illuminations or Magic Kingdom Wishes Fireworks Displays.
15. Exotic Car Driving Driving Experience. Get your chance to drive a Ferrari, Lamborghini, or Porsche around the world class Exotics course. Call (407 WDW-PLAY for reservations.
16. Richard Petty Driving Experience. Get your chance to drive a NASCAR-style stock car or ride along at Disney World's own on-site track.
17. Go Waterskiing, Parasailing, Wakeboarding, or Tubing at Sammy Duvall's Watersports located at the Contemporary Resort's Marina.
18. Play Tennis. Play tennis or get lessons to improve your game while at the Walt Disney World Resort.
19. See a show at La Nouba. Cirque du Soliel has a permanent show at Downtown Disney to enable you to catch this exciting entertainment.
20. Go on a Resort Tour. Tour one of several Disney World Resorts that provides free tours to learn about the special aspects of the resort. Tours include: Animal Kingdom Lodge, Wilderness Lodge, Grand Floridian, and Yacht Club.
21. Go to a campfire and outdoor movie. Most Moderate and Deluxe Resorts have free nightly campfire and outdoor movie.
22. Go Snorkeling or SCUBA Diving in the Living Seas at Epcot. There are tours (Epcot Seas Aqua Tour & DiveQuest) for each that allow you to be in the large tank at the Living Seas, but Epcot admission is not required.
23. Take the Wilderness Back Trail Adventure Segway Tour at Ft. Wilderness. Tour the trails at Ft. Wilderness on a specially designed Segway. Reserve at (407) WDW-TOUR.
    
24. Visit an African Savannah. Learn about the Animals at the Animal Kingdom Lodge on the Lodge Savannahs.
25. Visit Jellyrolls. This is the Boardwalk's Dueling Piano Bar that is a wonderful night time experience for Adults.
26. Visit DisneyQuest. This place is the ultimate place for the video game fanatic in your family with traditional arcade games and state of the art virtual reality games.
27. Go Dancing at the Atlantic Dance Club in Disney's Boardwalk. DJ led Dance music with $5 cover charge. Must be 21 or over.
28. See free entertainment on the Boardwalk each night. Catch Jugglers, Magicians, and a variety of entertainers performing on the Boardwalk each evening.
29. Pamper Yourself at a Spa. Disney World has two on site Spas. One at the Grand Floridian and the other at Saratoga Springs Resort. Each has a full list of treatments that you can receive to pamper yourself like you deserve. For reservations call (407) WDW-SPAS (939-7727).

Giraffe on Savannah at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Plan some excitement into your next Disney World vacation by including an activity that you have never done before.

Peoplemover model with Hidden Mickey on Belt

If there is anyone to blame it would have to be Steven Barrett, not for the scandal, but for making us aware that something had changed.  He is better known as the Hidden Mickey Guy and he has let Disney World fans know where various Hidden Mickey shapes exist throughout the Walt Disney World Resort.

2014 version without stockings!

It is because of Steven Barrett that I ever paid attention to the futuristic hair salon scene on the Peoplemover attraction that was formerly known as the Tomorrowland Transportation Authority (TTA) in the Magic Kingdom.  Steven called out the fact that on the belt of the woman that was getting her hair done, there is a red belt buckle that shows a Mickey Mouse silhouette in black.

Before 2014 version of Model

For the longest time I have sought to take a clear picture of this Hidden Mickey.  Being the fact that the ride moves quickly past this area with reduced lighting, it has been a challenge to get a clear picture.  The challenge was documented in the post: Finding The Hidden Mickeys on the Tomorrowland Transportation Authority (TTA)

I consider this to be my Moby Dick or White Whale of a challenge to get a good picture, so I am always paying attention for no good reason.  On the most recent trip I noticed a difference for the model.  She is no longer wearing the stockings that have been part of her wardrobe for many years.

2014 Style Change to Peoplemover model

Was this a conscientious decision? or just a change that the Disney Cast Members didn't think anyone would notice? Are bare legs more fashionable in 2014?

I will let you be the judge.  Was this a purposeful change due to current fashion, or an unintended slip up?

Make your voice be heard!

Disney World quietly added a new show at Disney's Animal Kingdom that is definitely worth seeing!  In this show, real animals are the actors and you will get to see a pig ham it up for the audience.

Rafiki's Planet Watch at Disney's Animal Kingdom

It All Started With A Mouse

Almost hidden away in the Rafiki's Planet Watch section of Disney's Animal Kingdom you can find one of the newest shows at the Walt Disney World Resort.  It only performs once a day at 11:30am and finding it can be the hardest part!

If you are not familiar with Rafiki's Planet Watch, it is a much under appreciated section of Disney's Animal Kingdom and many times skipped by families that don't go there because there are not any thrill rides to be found.  For animal lovers and those that wish to learn more about animals it is an absolute must!

Wildlife Express Train to Rafiki's Planet Watch

To get there you must first travel to Africa and walk through the village of Harambe.  Look for the large Rafiki's Planet Watch sign and then enter the train station, where you will take the Wildlife Express.  Once you arrive at Rafiki's Planet Watch follow signs to the Affection Section.  The stage for the small outdoor theater is nearby and almost hidden.

You may have to work to find this show, but it is worth it.  There are not many benches for seating, but if you arrive early and get one, you are guaranteed an excellent view of the show.

Outdoor Theater for "It All Started With A Mouse"

The Show!

The show itself is a combination of Animal Kingdom Staff narrators and animal actors coming out to interact with the audience.  Often the Staff talks in depth about the various species and brings them closer for the audience to see.  There are also a couple of video clips worked into the show to illustrate the close ties that Walt Disney himself had with animals and nature.

Kunekune Pig at Disney's Animal Kingdom

The star of the show is the Kunekune pig.  This breed originally comes from New Zealand, and this cute guy appears to be pretty smart and among his favorite interactions is actually painting with one of the audience members.  He even changes the sign for the show to read "It all started with a PIG!"


In between appearances of our star pig a variety of other animals make their way onto the stage.  We get to see rodents, a snake, a variety of birds, a porcupine, and even a skunk.

The show is told from the point of view of animal conservation and informing the audience about the nature of each of these special animals.  It is not about circus style tricks that the animals can perform.  The approximately 20 minute long show is very informative and the fact that many of the animals come through the audience area makes it a very intimate performance.

One Of Disney World's Hidden Secrets!

If you and/or your children love animals then this is a great show to attend.  It is not really publicized well, so you need to heed our advice and head back to Rafiki's Planet Watch to catch this 11:30am performance.

It resonates well with Disney's Animal Kingdom's overall Conservation Message and provides a fun, interactive way to learn more about these magnificent animals.  We would recommend this show as one of Disney World's Hidden Secrets!

Disney's Hollywood Studios brings extra excitement to evenings this summer with the "Rock Your Summer Side " Dance party.

Rock Your Summer Side

Starting June 20 through August 22, 2014 from 6:00pm - 10:00pm each night at Disney's Hollywood Studios enjoy a special dance party with a live band to celebrate your summer in style!

The Hollywood Rockers will be the new house band that will play some of your summer favorites in the middle of the excitement at Disney's Hollywood Studios on stage in front of iconic Sorcerer Mickey's Hat.

When the band isn't playing don't worry, because Disney will have a DJ playing hot summertime hits, and you can get up and dance with some of your favorite Disney characters. Mickey and the gang will be dressed for fun in the sun, ready to rock their summer side, too!

Don't miss out this chance to take your Summer to another level at Disney World and "Rock Your Summer Side!"

Epcot may be the only theme park in the entire world where naming the Top 6 full service restaurants that are inside the park is actually a difficult task.  Believe it or not, but there are currently 16 Table Service Restaurants in addition to the numerous counter service restaurants and the 4 Bar/Lounges where you can also eat, all within the boundaries of Epcot!

Top 6 Restaurants In Epcot

There are many different ways to rate the restaurants within Epcot, from Disney Character interaction, unique theming & entertainment, incredible menu, superb service, and great dining value.  At Only WDWorld we took all of this into account to make our Top 6.  With a list that leaves out 10 great restaurants, we are sure that some of you will be disappointed, but that is what makes these lists so interesting.

Entrance To San Angel Inn Restaurante

View inside San Angel Inn Restaurante

6. San Angel Inn Restaurante 

The original restaurant located in the heart of the Mexico Pavilion is modeled after a 17th century hacienda at the base of Mayan ruins.  The perpetual twilight makes for perhaps the most romantic dining setting in Epcot.  The views in this restaurant are truly unique and the authentic Mexican menu makes for a great meal.

5. Les Chefs de France

A French restaurant with authentic dishes and spectacular French waitstaff make you feel that you have escaped to Paris for an evening.  The high quality of the food and the service makes this restaurant one that you will want to make part of every Disney World Vacation.

4. Biergarten

The Biergarten in the Germany Pavilion is fun, pure and simple.  This is where families and couples go to relax and enjoy.  Whether you go for the great German cuisine, the large steins of German Beer, or the entertainment, this is not an experience to be missed!

3. Princess Storybook Dining at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in the Norway Pavilion is home to the best Disney Princess Character Meal at Disney World.  You get to meet and interact with at least 4 different Disney Princesses!  The inside of Akershus is certainly a place fit for royalty.  The food also allows for a taste of Norwegian cuisine as well as a number of other dishes.

2. Coral Reef

Located at the Living Seas Pavilion, the Coral Reef provides a backdrop that is not duplicated anywhere else.  The ability to watch the sharks, sea turtles, rays, and fish swim by while you dine makes for an amazing sight.  The views work well whether you are a family with children or a couple celebrating a special event.  The food is excellent with both seafood and steak on the menu.  As a special tip don't miss our favorite Disney World dessert - The Chocolate Wave, to cap off your meal!

1. Le Cellier Steakhouse

As one of two Disney World Signature Restaurants located within Epcot, Le Cellier features some of the best steaks and dishes that you can find.  The signature "Le Cellier" Mushroom Fillet Mignon is a dish that is hard to pass up.  The Cheddar Cheese soup is one that people crave long after they leave and can't wait until their next vacation to enjoy again.

Special Mention

Ok, we couldn't stop with a list of just 6 Epcot Restaurants, we had to give a shout out to 2 other standout dining locations.

Restaurant Marrakesh

How can we not mention a restaurant that has a live band and a belly dancer as part of the dinner entertainment?  The authentic Moroccan menu provides a variety of choices to experience and the spectacular theming within the restaurant and the entertainment make it a fun experience.

Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria

Lastly, we could not forget Via Napoli which is home to the best Pizza at Disney World.  Their authentic recipe, which seeks to match true pizza from Naples is cooked in one of the three wood fired ovens named after famous volcanoes: Stromboli, Vesuvio, & Etna.

The Disney Dining Plans continue to be amongst the most popular options that guests add on to their Walt Disney World Resort vacation packages.  In order to help both the experienced and the novice Disney World guests get the most value for their money, Only WDWorld has created the Ultimate Disney Dining Plan Value Rankings!

Ranking The Disney World Restaurants By Dining Plan Value

There are many different ways to rank and categorize the multitude of restaurants on the Walt Disney World Resort property.  There are over 70 Table Service (sit down and be waited on) Restaurants alone.  We set out to rank all of the Table Service restaurants that accept the Disney Dining Plan in terms of best Value for the customer.

Whether you pay for the Disney Dining Plan or receive it for FREE as part of a promotional package, it is still in your best interest to get the most value for your money.  Each Disney Dining Plan (DDP) Table Service credit for an adult (ages 10+) has a monetary value of approximately $37.66 for 2014.

In order to fairly rank the restaurants, we looked at the entire menu of offerings for each restaurant and picked a median range priced entree and dessert for comparison purposes.  In most cases you can make the restaurant an even better deal by always selecting the most expensive item on the menu, but in practice entire families rarely do this for every person for every meal during their vacation.

Understanding the Restaurant Ratings

The ranking is on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the best value.  If you choose a restaurant with a rating of 7 - 10 then you are getting a great deal.  These are the restaurants that you want to target for your Disney World Vacations.  This means that by using the DDP you are getting more value than you paid for!  You should target these restaurants as much as possible during your vacation.

The next category is breaking even, this would be scores of 5 - 6.  This is fine.  You are getting your money's worth, but no more.  Choose these restaurants, if your family would really enjoy eating there, but try to limit them to one or two during your vacation.

The last category is low value (aka losing money) for ranks of 1 - 4.  Here you are paying more to eat at these restaurants than you would if you did not use the Disney Dining Plan.  In some cases you may pay over $15 more per person.  Do not choose these restaurants if you are using the DDP or pay for these out of pocket (OOP) and use your DDP credits during other meals.

Unless stated specifically, the rankings were based upon the Dinner Menu pricing.  The Dinner menu is typically the most expensive and the best use of the DDP credits.  Choosing to use the DDP at Breakfast or Lunch is usually a losing proposition in terms of Value.

Ultimate Disney Dining Plan Rankings

Here is our 2014 Disney Dining Plan Table Service Value Ranking for 69 restaurants that accept the DDP.