6 Exclusive Disney World Dining Experiences You May Not Have Known About

February 24, 2017

Whether its your first trip to Walt Disney World or your tenth, chances are you’re well versed in dining options. You’ve researched each character dining meal, planned out each dining credit with the greatest of precision or have researched the best place to grab a quick service bite. But with so many dining experiences at Walt Disney World, there are bound to be some that just fall under the radar. For instance, did you know you could dine with an Imagineer, book a special dining package providing you with VIP access to the afternoon parades or board the monorail for a culinary journey? If you’re heading to the parks in the weeks or months ahead here’s 6 of our under-the-radar special dining treats that you may want to give a try.

1. Highway in the Sky Dine Around – (pictured) This exclusive dining event will be running on select days starting the last weekend in February through until March, 2017. Dubbed as a “progressive dinner”, guests visit each of the monorail resorts on an evening full of culinary surprises. The event starts with a visit to Disney’s Contemporary Resort where you’ll enjoy an appetizer and a cocktail at The Wave … of American Flavors. Then its off to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort where you can soak in the atmosphere with a range of tropical inspired libations and appetizers and conclude your evening at Citricos at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa where guests are treated to a special Chef’s main course selection. Afterwords guests can enjoy a glass of bubbly before heading back to Disney’s Contemporary Resort where you can watch Wishes nighttime spectacular while enjoying desserts, coffees and cordials from the private viewing location The cost to attend this event is $150 per person and includes taxes and gratuities.

2. Jiko Wine Tasting – Whether you’re staying at the magnificent Animal Kingdom Lodge, are spending your day at the nearby Animal Kingdom theme park are just looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure, why not consider a visit to Jiko for their afternoon wine tastings. Taking place on Wednesdays at 3:00 pm, guests get to enjoy a trio of wines that are carefully chosen by Jiko’s in-house sommeliers. Each selection is paired with a cheese hand-picked as the perfect accompaniment to bring out the flavors of the African wines on offer. At a cost of $30 per adult, its a nice little culinary event that doesn’t break the bank. Spaces fill up fast so advanced booking is highly recommended.

3. Celebration at the Top – Savor, Sip and Sparkle – This new dining event will take place at the California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort from February 26 – March 26, 2017. Guests will get to enjoy a series of small plates and delicious libations with an emphasis on the flavors of the Pacific Coast. Menu items will include canapes and sushi as well as wines, beers and cocktails. However the real star of the show here is Wishes evening fireworks display which guests will get to enjoy from the Napa and Sonoma private dining rooms. After the fireworks viewing guests can continue their feast with a range of petit four desserts, cordials and coffees. The cost of the event is $99 per person and does not include tax and gratuities.

4. Dining With An Imagineer at Hollywood Brown Derby – On the first and last Monday, Wednesday and Friday of each month, The Hollywood Brown Derby plays host to a special 4-course meal in the Bamboo Room where guests dine on restaurant favorites like the Cobb Salad or Filet of Beef while getting a glimpse into the creative process of a Walt Disney World Resort Imagineer. Guests can also opt to purchase a plate signed by the Imagineer to commemorate the occasion. The cost of attending the event is around $75 per person. Spots at this special lunchtime event can be hard to come by so advance booking is essential.

5. Citricos Dining With an Imagineer – Held the first Thursday of every month, the premise is largely the same as its Hollywood Studios Counterpart however, here guests are treated to a dinner of Mediterranean inspired specialties at this regal restaurant within Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. The cost comes in at around $90 per person and will aim to give diners some behind-the-scenes Disney insights from a member of the highly-esteemed Imagineering Team. Again spots for this event tend to fill up quick therefore booking far in advance is strongly encouraged.

6. Festival of Fantasy Dining Package – If the thought of staking out a afternoon parade spot well in advance is not your idea of fun then this may be the dining package for you. Guests booking under the Disney Festival of Fantasy Dining Package will get to enjoy a delicious lunch at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant with its menu of amazing Italian offerings before heading over to the VIP viewing area for the afternoon Festival of Fantasy Parade. Here you’ll be sure to catch a glimpse of many of your much-loved Disney friends. The Dining Package will set visitors back $45 for adults and $17 for children (taxes and gratuities not included). Each meal, under the offer, comes with an appetizer, entrée, dessert and a non-alcoholic drink.

So next time your planning a visit to Walt Disney World, why not do something out of the ordinary and book one of these spectacular packages. Reservations for each of the events listed above can be made via My Disney Experience or by calling 407.WDW.DINE. Guests should note that none of the options listed above are included in the Disney Dining Plan.

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