BEWARE of This Harsh Restaurant Cancellation Policy in EPCOT

Deciding where to eat in Disney World is already a hard choice, you don’t need anything making it more difficult.

For some of these restaurants though, GETTING the reservation for your meal is difficult. Some of the most popular table service spots in Disney World need to have reservations booked way ahead at 6AM right at that 60-day mark before your trip begins. But that’s so far ahead, what if something happens and you have to cancel? It shouldn’t be a problem, right? WRONG.

There are a few restaurants in Disney World, particularly the most expensive ones, that have some pretty wild cancellation policies that you need to look out for. One of those is Takumi-Tei, located in EPCOT’s Japan Pavilion.

This restaurant features a multi-course tasting menu with traditional tea service including signature cocktails, premium sake, wine, and craft beers. The decor inside is inspired by Japan’s natural beauty, with Disney stating that “the design celebrates the relationship between Japanese craftsmanship and the natural world, while the food is inspired by the wonderful collaboration between nature and takumi, the artisan.”

Dining at this spot is far from cheap, and if you don’t cancel your reservation at LEAST 48 hours before, or you don’t show up at all, you’ll be charged $100 PER PERSON!

A similar fate will befall those who don’t cancel their Monsieur Paul reservation in enough time. This recently renovated restaurant in EPCOT’s France Pavilion is decorated in shades of warm plum and spring green with furnishings that are sophisticated but more contemporary with velvets and leather textures.

Guests who cancel sooner than 72 hours in advance or don’t show at all will be charged $100 per person as well. And that’s NOT something you want to deal with on your Disney World trip.

Now, a similar rule can be found at restaurants outside of the Disney World parks, but located at Disney World hotels, such as Victoria & Albert’s in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. If you don’t cancel your V&A reservation 5 DAYS in advance, you’ll be charged $100 per person.

For reference, most other Disney World park restaurants do not allow modifications (including cancellations) within 2 hours of your dining reservation, but if you do have to modify or cancel, you’ll be charged $10 per person (except at Cinderella’s Royal Table, you’ll be charged the price of the whole experience per person). While that’s still not ideal and can add up, it’s much better than $100 per person!

So how can you avoid this? We know things can change easily once you’re on your vacation, but do your absolute best to make sure your other plans are formed AROUND these expensive dining reservations. Or, if you’ve changed your mind before your trip begins, cancel it as SOON as you’re 100% sure you don’t want it anymore.

It’s also very important to read your booking reservation email in full to ensure you fully understand what the cancellation and modification policies are. You’re already spending so much money to be on your Disney World vacation, the last thing you want is to do something that will rack up your credit card bill more than you were expecting.

We’re always here to bring you the latest Disney World news so you can be prepared for your trip, so stay tuned to AllEars!

We’ve ranked ALL of Disney World’s fanciest dining so you know what to book!

What’s your favorite table service restaurant in Disney World? Tell us in the comments!