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:



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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 Pavilion)  

56:58 Regal Eagle Smokehouse (American BBQ Quick Service)  

58:06 Katsura Grill and Udon Soup (Japan Pavilion)  

59:25 Tangerine Café Status and Moroccan Drinks  

1:00:22 Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie (France Quick Service)  

1:02:38 Crepes À Emporter Walk-Up Window  

1:03:27 Yorkshire County Fish Shop (UK Pavilion)  

1:04:46 Sunshine Seasons Review (World Nature Pavilion)  

1:05:54 EPCOT Snack Carts and Top Snack Credit Picks  

1:08:09 Top Joffrey’s Coffee Tips and Seasonal Offerings    

1:10:30 Recommended EPCOT Snacks You Should Try  

1:12:09 Disney News Recap: Muppets, Monsters Inc, Dining App Updates  

1:17:15 Happy Father’s Day and Goodbye from Family Travel Planner