Dining is a major component of any Walt Disney World vacation, but what if eating indoors is not on the menu for you right now? Everyone has their own comfort levels during Covid times and taking masks off inside a restaurant can be the deciding factor for some families.

The good news is that there are options! We spent a bulk of our research on OUTDOOR DINING LOCATIONS and realized there were more choices than we originally thought. If you are looking to eat on the go and rely on quick service you will have plenty of restaurants to choose from. Mobile ordering has simplified this process and there is ample outside seating. However, if you are looking for a table service outdoor dining experience, check out our list for some highlights in the four parks that we would recommend to our guests.

MAGIC KINGDOM – Tony’s Town Square Restaurant is the only table service dining in the Magic Kingdom that has an outdoor option. Tony’s is located on Main Street in the first building on the right as you enter the park. It has a nice size covered patio where you can grab something to eat, drink and get a view of the pop-up cavalcades as they pass through the park. This is a great dining reservation to have for an afternoon pick-me-up!

We saw four different cavalcades pass by as we sat and enjoyed our meal!

EPCOT – Epcot has the most dining opportunities out of all the parks, including a few outdoor table service restaurants; Rose and Crown, Spice Road Table, and Via Napoli. Spice Road Table has revamped their menu to be all tapas plates intended to be shared. If you’ve been skeptical about this cuisine, the tapas is a chance to give it a try without a hefty bill at the end. This walk-up only outdoor dining option is under a covered patio with a generous amount of tables and spacing. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal and the ability to dine al fresco!

Spice Road Table outside dining area overlooking the World Showcase Lagoon.

If sticking to the basics is more your speed then Via Napoli is another way to go for an outdoor experience. This location takes both advanced dining reservations and walk-up requests. We sat at a table with an umbrella over us and enjoyed our pizza and wine while in the Italian piazza. It was delightful!

Via Napoli outside dining area. We really loved the themed music to add to the experience!

HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS – This park was a bit more limited in outdoor table service outdoor options, but certainly not for quick service. One of the best places to grab a lunch on the go was from ABC Commissary. We did a mobile order and found a table no problem. It was a great boost before we headed to Rise of the Resistance!

Using the mobile ordering was a big help in moving the day along!

ANIMAL KINGDOM – Nomad Lounge in Animal Kingdom is a quiet place to rest in the middle of a busy park day. Overlooking the water, this covered outdoor table service location offers a few appetizers and fabulous drink options. The lounge opens at 11am and we highly recommend putting your name on the waitlist. If Tiffins is your usual jam, Nomad Lounge will enable you to get a taste of your usual favorite spices without the inside dining.

Nomad Lounge outside porch area.

As you can see there are plenty of opportunities to dine outdoors on your next Walt Disney World vacation. Who knows, one of these places might turn out to be a new family favorite!

by Ellen Volpe – Co-Owner of ET Family Travel

*Note: All options are subject to availability and crowd levels.