When it comes to finding delicious food at Disney World, the theme parks aren’t the only places where you can find cuisine for the whole family.

The Disney World resorts are home to some fan-favorite restaurants, and not only offer impressive spreads of cuisine, but are also specially-themed — just like in the parks! A common question is whether or not you can visit a Disney World resort restaurant without staying there, and the answer is YES! You can absolutely indulge in these resort restaurants without staying at that resort, however there are a few rules and things you should prepare for in advance so that you can have a seamless experience. If you’re hoping to eat outside of the parks on your next Disney trip and explore what the resort restaurants have to offer, you’re gonna want to keep reading!

When it comes to Disney World resort dining, there are both quick service and table service options. Quick service does not require an Advanced Dining Reservation (ADR), but table service restaurants do require them. When deciding where to eat, make sure to take note of whether or not your restaurant of choice will allow you to simply walk up, or if you should utilize mobile order or make an ADR.

How do I book an Advanced Dining Reservation (ADR)?

ADRs open 60 days in advance of the date you’re hoping to eat at the restaurant. You can book an ADR by either calling Disney World’s Dining Reservation hotline ((407) 939-3463) or simply booking it yourself within the WDW app or website.

While booking it yourself is definitely easier, we will say that calling the hotline can sometimes result in getting a dining reservation you weren’t able to see on the app. If you’re unable to get an ADR, keep checking for last minute availability — because a surprising amount of people do cancel at the last minute. Sometimes, a WaitList becomes available in the Disney World App that you can join if there are multiple cancellations.

I’m driving. Where can I park?

If you’re driving to the resort, you do have to drive past resort security and show valid ID. They’ll also look up your reservation before allowing you to drive in if you’re planning to eat at a table service restaurant.

We’ve been able to get past security by showing ID and simply stating that we’re planning to get quick service, but it’s probably best to already have a quick service order pickup time if possible.

I’m not driving. How do I get there?

If you aren’t driving, you have to use Disney transportation. Honestly, this is the simplest way to go about dining at a resort. You can get to every resort on property via the Disney buses, and quite a few while utilizing the Skyliner, Monorail, or boats.

We recommend doing this especially with quick service. Since the 202o closure due to COVID-19, security has buckled down a bit more when it comes to “resort hopping” and allowing guests to park at the resorts without spa or dining reservations. It’s not about not visiting the resort, though, it’s just about limited parking — so during busier times of year, you could be turned away at the gate with an ADR.

There you have it! Thankfully, planning for your arrival as well as having a valid reservation or mobile pick up order prior to arrival is all that you need to prepare for in order to eat at a Disney World resort. The resorts are home to some of our FAVORITE restaurants on property, so it’s totally worth the extra planning. Here at DFB, we try to make your Disney vacation easier by telling you all that you need to know in advance — so that you’re well prepared and relaxed when your vacation arrives. Follow along for more, and click the link below to check out some of our favorite snacks at Disney World for 2023.

Looking for Disney World snacks? Click here for more!

What are your favorite resorts to visit at Disney World? Tell us in the comments!

The post You CAN Eat At A Disney World Resort Without Staying There, BUT… first appeared on the disney food blog.