Disney Mobile Ordering – Best Kept Secret

Hands down, one of the best things about Disney World is the FOOD. From romantic restaurants with firework views to “eating around the world” in Epcot, there are a variety of options when it comes to Disney dining. But if you are planning on enjoying some of the many quick service or counter service restaurants during your vacation, you need to learn about Disney mobile ordering. It’s one of the little known secrets that saves you time and heartache.

Be sure to check out my post detailing one of my favorite counter service restaurants, Woody’s Lunch Box, in Toy Story Land.

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Disney Mobile Ordering – What you need to know!

Disney Mobile Ordering is a game changer for Walt Disney World, one that you’ll quickly learn to appreciate. Today I share everything you need to know along with some pro tips on how to make the most of it during your travels.

Why is this Disney’s Best Secret?

Crowds. Any visitor to Walt Disney World has come to expect them. Many learn to navigate around them. But there’s one time it can be extra challenging – mealtime! It’s times like noon-ish or 6 o’clock-ish when the masses demand to be fed. And while there is a system set up in place to deal with table service restaurants (Advanced Dining Reservations), for quick service and counter service restaurants you just have to get in line and order.

Or do you?

That’s exactly what Disney Mobile Ordering is set up to do – prevent guests from standing in long lines, get food out quicker, and handle payment completely through the app.

Now that I’ve explained what it is, I’ll tell you why it’s Disney’s best secret. Not many Disney guests seem to know about mobile ordering (or take advantage of it). Here’s proof from our most recent trip to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.

While my photo above is a bit blurry (sorry about that), you can see the multiple lines forming at one of the favorite quick service restaurants, Restaurantasaurus. That is what it looked like when we walked in, with ropes set up to help with the crowd.

Now, here is what it looked like for me.

No line. No crowd.

The crowds were all to my immediate left. The Disney guests who were in those crowded lines looked at me in awe as I walked right up to this counter to pick up my food.

So while mobile ordering isn’t exactly a secret, as it is on the Walt Disney World website and found on the same app where you handle Fast Passes, etc., it’s definitely not being used as much as you would expect. That’s a big benefit to you, one you need to take advantage of.

Now, let’s get the details so you can utilize this during your next magical vacation.

Is Mobile Ordering Available Throughout Walt Disney World?

Yes and no.

While you can find locations where mobile ordering is available throughout Walt Disney World, it is not available everywhere.

Where Can You Use Disney Mobile Ordering?

You can use mobile ordering at various quick service and counter service restaurants INSIDE all four theme parks, Disney Springs, and Disney resorts, but it is limited.

Some of my favorites: The Mara at Animal Kingdom Lodge; Capt. Cook’s at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort; Columbia Harbour House inside Magic Kingdom; Aloha Isle (for the famous Dole Whip) inside Magic Kingdom; Milk Stand inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios.

Be sure to bookmark the list of restaurants where mobile ordering is currently available.

What do you need in order to use Disney Mobile Ordering?

There are two things you need to order and pick up your food via mobile ordering at Disney World.

Those two things? Your phone and the My Disney Experience app.

Don’t have the app yet? Be sure to download it on the Apple Store or get it on Google Play. Once you have it downloaded, make sure to add any reservations you might already have, whether for hotel or dining. Be sure to add a credit card to the account so you can really enjoy mobile ordering to its full potential.

Here’s how it works:

How do you order food using Disney World’s Mobile Ordering?

When you are on your way to a mobile ordering capable restaurant (or before, or after you arrive), pull up your app and find the location listed as it is above. You’ll quickly see where it says to order food.

Scroll through the menu, adding each item and quantity you would like for your entire party.

Note that you can pay for your mobile order using a credit card, debit card or Disney dining plan. If everything is linked up on the app, there’s little extra work to be done.

How do you Pick Up your Disney Mobile Order?

Once you’re at the restaurant, select the “I’m Here, Prepare My Order” button so the kitchen knows to start on your order.

Disney Pro Tip: Grab a seat first! Yes, at prime mealtimes getting a seat can be challenging at Disney’s most popular spots. Grab a seat even before you place your order or if you’ve already ordered before you arrived, grab a seat before picking the order up.

Disney World Mobile Ordering Pick Up Areas

Every mobile order pick up area is a bit different. Some, like Restaurantasaurus, had a designated row among a sea of rows. Above, at Woody’s Lunch Box, you had to walk past the regular line right up to one of the windows where I found different signage.

Though there was no real consistency in where to find the pick up areas in and out of the parks, it wasn’t difficult in the least. And if you have trouble, a Disney Cast Member is sure to help. Just ask.

Secret Menu Items

There’s one last thing I must tell you about, though I haven’t personally experienced it yet. Rumor has it that some of the mobile order ready restaurants have menu items that you can only discover on (and order through) the app! WHOA!

Yes, we are talking about Disney secret menu items. Let me know what you find out on your next trip!

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