Embarkation Day Lunch… because we are not doing the buffet
You’re finally on the ship.
The stress? Over.
The chaos? Behind you.
You made it. 🎉
…now what?
Those first few minutes onboard can feel like a lot.
It’s crowded, it’s loud, you’re slightly sweaty from standing in approximately 47 lines, and suddenly you have no idea where you’re supposed to go.
Your room isn’t ready.
Everyone else looks like they have a plan.
You do not.
Perfect.
This is your moment to not panic.
The very first thing you should do?
Breathe.
And head straight to one of the fancy restaurants.
Skip the buffet madness.
Go have an actual lunch.
Find the Full-Service Lunch. Trust Me.
Please… do not go to Cabanas or try to eat by the pool when you board.
No. Absolutely not.
It’s chaos.
People bumping into you with giant carry-ons.
Everyone circling for a table.
Balancing trays piled way too high.
It’s a lot.
Instead, head straight to one of the main dining rooms when they open around noon.
Below are the restaurants typically open on embarkation day:
Magic: Animator’s Palate
Wonder: Tiana’s Place
Dream: Animator’s Palate
Fantasy: Animator’s Palate
Wish: Arendelle
Treasure: Plaza de Coco
Destiny: Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King
To make sure you’re heading in the right direction, open your navigation app and tap Dining at the top.
It will show you exactly what’s open for lunch—no wandering required.
You made it.
You’re on a Disney Cruise Line ship.
This is where your vacation actually begins.
(Quick note: if you’re Concierge, you’ll have lunch at a different location—so don’t try to sneak in. This one’s not for you.)
Right now… lunch.
One of my favorite things about Disney is the consistency.
I know exactly what I’m getting every single time.
Every ship has the exact same embarkation lunch menu!
The format might change but the offerings remain the same.
And for 27 sailings… I have ordered the exact same meal:
Gumbo.
The absolute best gumbo in the world. I would bathe in it if that were socially acceptable.
Anyway… it’s really good gumbo.
The Minnie Burger with cheese.
Magic, Destiny, and Fantasy…
Different plates, same really good burger every time.
An extra side of ketchup.
Destiny: Mickey.
Fantasy: Minnie.
Wonder: Olaf.
This is such a perfect example of Disney’s attention to detail.
I love my character ketchup… I almost feel bad dipping my fries in it.
And yes—all the desserts.
Carrot cake.
Cookies & cream cheesecake.
Welcome Aboard sundae.
And sometimes the Chocolate marquise bomb.
The Chocolate Marquise bomb is sugar- free- so does it even count as a dessert?
Me on the Magic in 2023, the Fantasy in 2024, the Destiny in 2025… and back to the Fantasy in 2026.
The desserts have changed a little over the years—especially the cheesecake.
The cheesecake never quite knows what shape it wants to be.
But every single time? Still so good.
Some people may judge.
Some may stare.
Most people are just jealous they didn’t think of it first.
I do not care.
I am on vacation. And I am doing it my way. ✨
By the time you’ve finished your lunch (and maybe a dessert or three), your room is usually ready—and off you go to your next adventure.
That first lunch is where everything shifts.
You sit down, cool off, take a breath… and suddenly you remember—you’re on vacation.
And me? I make it even easier on myself.
After 27 sailings, I don’t overthink it.
Same order, every single time. No decisions, no stress, just really good food showing up exactly the way I want it.
Eat at the sit down lunch! You didn’t come this far to stand in another line.
