In this episode of the Disney Hour Express Podcast, hosts Abbie and Rob deliver a complete, in-depth guide to using the 2025 Disney Dining Plan at EPCOT. As the final part of their four-part dining series, this episode focuses entirely on how to maximize your Disney Dining Plan at EPCOT’s table service and quick service restaurants, helping travelers plan smarter, eat better, and get the most value out of every dining credit.
Listeners will learn how the Disney Dining Plan works at EPCOT, including the differences between the Quick Service and Standard Dining Plans, what’s included with each meal or snack credit, and why understanding your plan can save time and money. Abbie and Rob walk you through each EPCOT pavilion and review every table service dining option available—from fan-favorite character meals like Akershus Royal Banquet Hall and Garden Grill to signature experiences like Le Cellier Steakhouse, Chefs de France, and Via Napoli. They highlight which restaurants accept the dining plan, which ones require two credits, and which locations, like Space 220 and Takumi Tei, do not participate in the plan at all.
The episode also features a full review of EPCOT’s best quick service options, including Connections Eatery, Regal Eagle Smokehouse, and La Cantina de San Angel. Rob and Abbie share their personal experiences and expert insights on where to eat, what to order, and how to find the best snacks that qualify for the Disney Dining Plan. You'll also find out where to avoid wasting your credits and which hidden gems offer the best views, flavors, and value.
Toward the end of the episode, the hosts cover important Disney World updates, including the closure of Muppet*Vision 3D, the new Monsters Inc. land coming to Grand Avenue, the launch of the Dream the Night Away nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom, and changes to the Rivers of America area. They also discuss new updates to the My Disney Experience app that make it easier to search and book dining reservations.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone planning to use the Disney Dining Plan at EPCOT in 2025. It combines expert planning tips, honest reviews, and practical strategies to help families and Disney food lovers make the most of their trip to Walt Disney World. You can reach Abbie and Rob: 📸 Instagram: @DisneyFamilyTravelPlanner 🎥 TikTok: @FamilyTravelPlanner ▶️ YouTube: Family Travel Planner 👍 Facebook: Disney Family Travel Planner Website: https://familytravelplanner.com Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Disney Hour Express Podcast 00:54 Episode Intro: EPCOT Dining Plan Guide (Part 4 of 4) 02:23 What Is the Disney Dining Plan? Quick Overview 03:19 Quick Service vs Standard Dining Plan Explained 04:18 Dining Plan Pricing for Adults and Kids 06:07 What’s Included: Meal Components and Credit Use 07:23 Table Service Value Benchmarks & Snack Credit Tips 08:25 Common Misunderstandings About the Dining Plan 10:00 Why Dining Reservations Aren’t Guaranteed 10:59 EPCOT Dining Overview Begins 11:27 Table Service Locations That Don’t Accept Dining Plan 12:09 Space 220, Takumi Tei, and Monsieur Paul Details 13:17 Dining Experience at San Angel Inn (Mexico Pavilion) 14:55 La Hacienda de San Angel Review and Fireworks Tip 17:08 Akershus Royal Banquet Hall Princess Dining Breakdown 18:42 Menu Challenges for Picky Eaters at Akershus 20:47 Nine Dragons Review (China Pavilion) 21:53 Biergarten Restaurant Buffet Review (Germany Pavilion) 23:36 Tuto Italia & Via Napoli Overview (Italy Pavilion) 25:22 Tutto Gusto Lounge Tip and Espresso Martini Hack 26:34 Lady and the Tramp Topiary and Springtime Photo Spot 27:23 Shiki-Sai Sushi Experience and $300 Sushi Boat 28:16 Teppan Edo Hibachi Dining Review 29:52 Restaurant Marrakesh & Spice Road Table (Morocco Pavilion) 32:34 Chefs de France vs Monsieur Paul Dining Experience 35:00 French Wine Pairing Tips and Mac & Cheese Dish Review 36:32 La Crêperie de Paris and French Dining Etiquette Story 38:11 Rose & Crown Pub Dining and Fireworks Package Info 39:53 Le Cellier Steakhouse Review (Canada Pavilion) 42:01 Garden Grill Review: Spinning Restaurant & Characters 45:58 Coral Reef Dining Experience with Aquarium Views 48:31 Quick Service Overview Begins 49:11 Quick Service Locations That Don’t Accept Dining Plan 50:03 Connections Eatery Review 51:56 La Cantina de San Angel (Mexico Quick Service) 53:40 Kringla Bakeri Review and Viking Coffee (Norway Pavilion) 55:08 Lotus Blossom Café Review (China Pavilion) 55:43 Sommerfest and Pretzel Bread Pudding (Germany Pavilion) 56:13 Pizza al Taglio Slice Window (Italy P
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist
It’s 1996 in rural North Carolina, and an oddball crew makes history when they pull off America’s third largest cash heist. But it’s all downhill from there. Join host Johnny Knoxville as he unspools a wild and woolly tale about a group of regular ‘ol folks who risked it all for a chance at a better life. CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist answers the question: what would you do with 17.3 million dollars? The answer includes diamond rings, mansions, velvet Elvis paintings, plus a run for the border, murder-for-hire-plots, and FBI busts.