Le Cellier Disney Dining Plan: Everything You Need to Know About Signature Dining Credits in 2025
If you’re planning a Walt Disney World vacation with the Disney Dining Plan and considering a meal at Le Cellier Steakhouse, you’re probably wondering whether this popular EPCOT restaurant accepts dining plan credits and how many you’ll need to budget. With signature dining locations requiring careful planning, understanding exactly how Le Cellier Disney Dining Plan credits work can make the difference between a well-orchestrated vacation and an unexpected budget surprise.
Le Cellier has earned its reputation as one of EPCOT’s premier dining destinations, nestled in the Canada Pavilion and designed to evoke the warm, intimate atmosphere of a Canadian wine cellar. But before you secure that coveted reservation, you need to know the full story about dining plan acceptance, credit requirements, and what makes this steakhouse worth the investment.
Does Le Cellier Accept the Disney Dining Plan?
Yes, Le Cellier Steakhouse fully accepts the Disney Dining Plan for both lunch and dinner service. However, there’s an important detail that catches many guests off guard: Le Cellier is classified as a signature dining restaurant, which means it requires 2 Table Service credits per person rather than the standard single credit.
This distinction matters significantly when planning your Disney Dining Plan strategy. If you’re on the standard Disney Dining Plan, you receive one table service credit per person, per night. A meal at Le Cellier will therefore consume two days’ worth of table service credits per person, making it one of your most substantial dining plan investments during your vacation.
What Your Disney Dining Plan Credits Cover at Le Cellier
When you redeem 2 table service credits at Le Cellier, your Disney Dining Plan includes:
- One entrée from the full menu (with no price restrictions)
- One non-alcoholic beverage (including specialty sodas, juice, coffee, tea, or milk)
- One dessert from the full dessert menu
It’s crucial to understand what’s not included: Le Cellier serves most sides as separate menu items rather than automatically including them with entrées. If you want to add sides like the Signature Poutine or seasonal vegetables, you’ll need to pay for these out-of-pocket, as they’re not covered by the standard Disney Dining Plan.
Appetizers also require separate payment unless you’ve upgraded to the Deluxe Disney Dining Plan, which includes appetizers at all table service meals.
Understanding Signature Dining at Disney World
To fully appreciate the Le Cellier Disney Dining Plan equation, you need to understand what “signature dining” means in the Disney World ecosystem.
What Makes a Restaurant “Signature”?
Signature dining restaurants at Walt Disney World represent the upper tier of the table service dining experience. These establishments typically feature:
- Premium ingredients and preparation with a focus on high-quality cuts of meat, fresh seafood, and artisanal ingredients
- More sophisticated atmospheres with upscale décor, subdued lighting, and intimate settings
- Extensive wine and cocktail programs (though alcohol isn’t included in standard dining plans)
- Higher price points with entrées often exceeding $40-60 per person
- More attentive service with lower guest-to-server ratios
At Le Cellier specifically, the signature designation reflects the restaurant’s emphasis on premium Canadian beef, the extensive wine selection (which honors Canada’s wine-growing regions), and the refined steakhouse ambiance created in the underground cellar setting.
Other Signature Dining Restaurants at Disney World
To help you plan your dining credits strategically, here are other popular signature restaurants that also require 2 table service credits:
Magic Kingdom Area:
- California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Cítricos at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
EPCOT:
- Monsieur Paul (France Pavilion)
- Takumi-Tei (Japan Pavilion)
- Teppan Edo (Japan Pavilion)
Hollywood Studios:
- The Hollywood Brown Derby
Animal Kingdom:
- Tiffins
Resort Restaurants:
- Yachtsman Steakhouse at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
- Flying Fish at Disney’s BoardWalk
- Jiko at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Understanding which restaurants require 2 credits helps you allocate your dining plan budget across your entire vacation.
Le Cellier Menu Highlights: What to Order
Now that you understand the credit requirements, let’s explore what makes Le Cellier worth that 2-credit investment. The restaurant has built a devoted following around several signature dishes that keep guests returning vacation after vacation.
The Legendary Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup
Perhaps no single dish defines Le Cellier more than its Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup. This rich, velvety soup has graced the menu since 1982 and has achieved near-cult status among Disney dining enthusiasts.
The soup features sharp Canadian cheddar cheese blended with Moosehead Pale Ale and topped with crispy Nueske’s applewood-smoked bacon. The combination creates layers of flavor—the sharp, tangy cheese balanced by the subtle hoppy notes of the beer, all enhanced by smoky bacon crumbles. At $13.00, it’s one of the higher-priced appetizers, but many guests consider it an absolute must-try, even when paying out-of-pocket beyond their dining plan coverage.
The soup is served piping hot with Le Cellier’s famous pretzel bread, which is perfectly soft inside with a slightly crispy, salted exterior—ideal for soaking up every last drop.
Le Cellier Filet Mignon
The crown jewel of Le Cellier’s menu is the Le Cellier Filet Mignon, priced at $65.00 and consistently ranked among the best steaks at Walt Disney World. This dish features AAA Canadian beef tenderloin cooked to your specifications, served with mushroom risotto, pomodoraccio tomatoes, and finished with a luxurious truffle butter sauce.
What sets this filet apart is the quality of the Canadian beef combined with precise preparation. Guests regularly report that their steaks arrive cooked exactly to their requested temperature, with a beautiful char on the outside that locks in the juices while maintaining tender, pink centers for medium-rare orders.
The mushroom risotto provides a creamy, earthy complement to the beef, while the truffle butter sauce adds an extra layer of richness that elevates the entire dish. For steak enthusiasts, this entrée alone can justify the 2-credit investment.
Other Notable Entrées
Canadian Black Cod ($49.00): For seafood lovers, this Pacific black cod features a miso-sake glaze with crispy shallots, providing a lighter alternative to the steakhouse’s beef-centric offerings. The fish is rich and buttery with a delicate, flaky texture.
Heritage Chicken ($41.00): A more moderately priced option that doesn’t compromise on flavor, featuring locally sourced chicken prepared with seasonal accompaniments that change throughout the year.
Sweet Potato-Butternut Agnolotti ($36.00): The vegetarian option at Le Cellier showcases pasta filled with sweet potato and butternut squash, finished with brown butter sauce, crispy sage, and toasted pepitas. This dish demonstrates that Le Cellier takes its non-meat offerings as seriously as its steaks.
Signature Poutine Options
Le Cellier pays homage to Canada’s most famous comfort food with multiple poutine variations:
Signature Poutine ($17.00): The classic preparation featuring crispy fries topped with cheese curds and rich gravy.
Le Cellier Beef Bourguignon Poutine ($15.00): An upscale twist that adds tender braised beef in a red wine sauce, transforming the traditional snack into a substantial side dish.
While poutine isn’t included in the Disney Dining Plan base coverage, many guests choose to add it as an out-of-pocket expense, especially when sharing among the table.
Desserts Worth Saving Room For
Since dessert is included with your Le Cellier Disney Dining Plan credits, you’ll want to take full advantage:
Chocolate Cheesecake ($15.00): Decadent and rich, this dessert features layers of chocolate cheesecake with a chocolate cookie crust.
Maple Crème Brûlée ($14.00): A Canadian-inspired take on the French classic, incorporating pure maple syrup for a distinctive flavor that honors Le Cellier’s national theme. The caramelized sugar top provides that satisfying crack when you break through with your spoon.
The Value Proposition: Is Le Cellier Worth 2 Disney Dining Plan Credits?
This question deserves careful consideration, as you’re essentially investing two days of dining plan credits into a single meal. Let’s break down the mathematics and the intangible value factors.
The Financial Calculation
The 2025 standard Disney Dining Plan costs $97.79 per adult per night. This provides one table service credit, one quick service credit, and one snack credit per day. To isolate the value of the table service credits, we need to estimate that roughly $45-50 of that daily cost goes toward the table service credit portion.
Using 2 credits at Le Cellier means you’re redeeming approximately $90-100 worth of dining plan value for your meal. When you consider that the Le Cellier Filet Mignon alone costs $65, plus a $14-15 dessert, you’re looking at roughly $80 in menu prices before even adding the beverage and any applicable taxes and gratuity.
From a pure dollar-for-dollar perspective, Le Cellier offers reasonable value for 2 credits, especially when ordering the premium entrées like the filet mignon or adding the cheese soup as an out-of-pocket appetizer.
The Experience Factor
Beyond the financial calculation, signature dining at Le Cellier provides intangible benefits that standard table service restaurants don’t offer:
Atmosphere: The underground setting creates a cozy, intimate environment that feels removed from the bustle of EPCOT’s World Showcase. Stone archways, dim lighting, and wine bottle displays throughout the space create an upscale ambiance that makes the meal feel special.
Service quality: Signature restaurants maintain higher service standards, with servers who are typically more knowledgeable about the menu, attentive to timing, and skilled at creating a memorable dining experience.
Break from the parks: A leisurely lunch or dinner at Le Cellier provides a welcome respite from park touring, offering climate-controlled comfort and a chance to recharge before continuing your day at EPCOT.
When Le Cellier Makes Sense for Your Dining Plan
Le Cellier represents an excellent use of Disney Dining Plan credits when:
- You’re celebrating a special occasion (anniversary, birthday, engagement) and want a memorable dining experience
- You’re steak enthusiasts who appreciate high-quality beef and are willing to invest credits in a premium cut
- You have sufficient table service credits for your trip length and have already planned other meals
- You want to experience signature dining but prefer to stay within EPCOT rather than traveling to a resort restaurant
- You’re visiting during a busy season and appreciate having guaranteed seating at a popular restaurant
Le Cellier might not be the best choice when:
- You have limited table service credits and need to stretch them across more meals
- You’re not particularly interested in steak or upscale dining experiences
- You prefer more casual, quick meals that don’t require significant time investment
- You’re traveling with very young children who might not appreciate or sit still for the dining experience
Securing Your Le Cellier Reservation
Understanding that Le Cellier accepts the Disney Dining Plan is only half the battle—actually securing a reservation requires strategy and timing.
The 60-Day Booking Window
Disney World’s Advanced Dining Reservation system opens 60 days before your desired dining date. For guests staying at Disney Resort hotels, there’s a significant advantage: you can book for your entire length of stay (up to 10 nights) starting 60 days before your check-in date.
This means a Disney Resort guest checking in on December 1st can book Le Cellier reservations for December 1st through December 10th starting at 6:00 AM Eastern on October 2nd. Meanwhile, guests not staying at Disney Resorts can only book 60 days out for each individual date.
This 10-day booking advantage often makes the difference between securing highly competitive reservations like Le Cellier and missing out entirely.
Best Times to Snag a Reservation
Lunch is easier than dinner: Le Cellier’s lunch service typically has better availability than dinner, despite offering the same menu at the same prices. If you’re flexible on timing, targeting a lunch reservation (especially earlier lunch times around 11:30 AM or 12:00 PM) significantly improves your chances.
Weekday advantages: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday reservations generally have better availability than weekend dates, as many guests arrange their Disney trips around weekends or have already exhausted their dining credits by mid-week.
Off-peak seasons: Visiting during less crowded times (January after MLK weekend, September after Labor Day, early December before Christmas crowds) makes Le Cellier reservations notably easier to secure.
The My Disney Experience App Strategy
Follow these steps to maximize your chances of securing a Le Cellier Disney Dining Plan reservation:
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Set your alarm: Reservations open at 6:00 AM Eastern Time, and popular restaurants like Le Cellier often book within minutes for prime dinner times.
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Pre-load your party details: Before your 60-day window, ensure all guests in your party are connected in My Disney Experience to avoid wasting precious time adding people.
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Be flexible: Have multiple date and time options in mind. If your first choice is unavailable, immediately check alternative times rather than spending time debating.
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Keep checking back: Guests frequently modify their plans, meaning reservations become available days or even hours before the dining time. Check the app regularly in the weeks leading up to your visit, and especially the day before and day of your desired meal.
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Consider the Walk-Up List: While Le Cellier rarely accepts walk-ups, the My Disney Experience app offers a Walk-Up List feature that notifies you if a table becomes available. This option only works when you’re physically near the restaurant, but it has helped some guests snag last-minute openings.
Phone Reservations as a Backup
If online booking isn’t working, call Disney Dining at (407) 939-3463. Phone representatives sometimes see availability that doesn’t appear in the app, and they can offer suggestions for alternative times or dates if your first choice isn’t available.
Making the Most of Your Le Cellier Experience
Once you’ve secured your reservation and allocated your Disney Dining Plan credits, these tips ensure you extract maximum value and enjoyment from your meal.
Timing Your Visit
Early lunch (11:30 AM - 12:30 PM): Advantages include shorter waits, potentially quieter atmosphere, and the ability to refuel mid-day before continuing your EPCOT exploration. You’ll also have more energy to appreciate the meal compared to an evening visit after a full day of park touring.
Late lunch (2:00 PM - 3:30 PM): This timing allows you to sleep in, enjoy a quick breakfast at your resort, and arrive at EPCOT mid-morning. Your substantial lunch at Le Cellier then carries you through the afternoon and evening, potentially requiring only a snack for dinner.
Dinner (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Evening reservations create a more traditional dining experience and pair well with EPCOT’s nighttime spectaculars. Consider a 7:00 PM reservation, allowing time for a leisurely meal before finding a viewing spot for the evening show.
Maximizing Your Credits
Order strategically: Since you’re investing 2 credits, don’t hesitate to choose the premium-priced entrées. The filet mignon offers the best value given its $65 price point.
Add-ons to consider: While the cheese soup ($13) and poutine ($15-17) cost extra, sharing these items among your party can elevate the experience without dramatically increasing your out-of-pocket costs.
Beverage selections: Your included non-alcoholic beverage can be any specialty drink, soda, juice, or hot beverage. Don’t default to water if you’d enjoy something more interesting.
Dessert selection: Since dessert is included, don’t skip this course. The maple crème brûlée offers a unique Canadian twist you won’t find at other Disney restaurants.
Special Dietary Accommodations
Le Cellier, like all Disney World restaurants, accommodates various dietary restrictions and allergies. When making your reservation, note any dietary needs, and remind your server when you’re seated. The kitchen can modify dishes or create special preparations for guests with:
- Gluten-free requirements
- Dairy allergies or lactose intolerance
- Vegetarian or vegan preferences
- Nut allergies
- Other food sensitivities
The culinary team takes these requests seriously and often creates dishes that equal or exceed the standard menu offerings in quality and presentation.
Comparing Le Cellier to Other Disney Signature Restaurants
If you’re deciding between multiple signature dining options during your trip, understanding how Le Cellier compares helps inform your choice.
Le Cellier vs. Yachtsman Steakhouse
Both restaurants focus on premium beef, but they offer different experiences:
Yachtsman Steakhouse features a more open, casual atmosphere with a display kitchen where you can watch chefs prepare your meal. The restaurant focuses on American beef with an emphasis on dry-aged cuts.
Le Cellier offers a more intimate, underground cellar atmosphere with Canadian beef. The smaller space and dimmer lighting create a cozier, more romantic ambiance.
For pure steak quality, many Disney dining veterans consider these two restaurants roughly equal, with personal preference depending more on atmosphere and location convenience.
Le Cellier vs. Monsieur Paul
Both restaurants are located in World Showcase at EPCOT and require 2 dining credits, but they serve entirely different cuisines:
Monsieur Paul offers authentic French cuisine in an elegant setting above the France Pavilion with windows overlooking World Showcase Lagoon. The menu changes seasonally and features classic French preparations.
Le Cellier focuses on steaks and Canadian-influenced dishes in an intimate underground setting without views.
Choose Monsieur Paul if you’re seeking refined French cuisine and lagoon views; choose Le Cellier if you prefer steaks in a cozy atmosphere.
Le Cellier vs. California Grill
California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort offers potentially the most spectacular views of any Disney signature restaurant, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Magic Kingdom and the perfect vantage point for Happily Ever After fireworks.
Le Cellier provides no views at all, relying entirely on its food quality and intimate atmosphere to create the experience.
California Grill’s menu focuses on seasonal California cuisine with emphasis on fresh ingredients and wine pairings, while Le Cellier centers on steakhouse classics. If views and ambiance are priorities, California Grill wins; if you’re craving a perfectly prepared steak without leaving EPCOT, Le Cellier is your choice.
Common Questions About Le Cellier Disney Dining Plan
Can I use the Quick Service Dining Plan at Le Cellier?
No. Le Cellier is a table service restaurant and requires table service credits. The Quick Service Dining Plan only works at quick service and counter service locations throughout Disney World.
Does Le Cellier serve lunch and dinner on the same menu?
Yes. Le Cellier serves the same menu for both lunch and dinner with identical pricing. This makes lunch an especially attractive option since you get the full dinner experience at dinner prices but with easier reservation availability.
Are gratuity and taxes included in my Disney Dining Plan?
No. The Disney Dining Plan covers the cost of your food, but you’re responsible for adding gratuity (18-20% is standard) and paying applicable taxes. Budget approximately 25-30% extra beyond your credit redemption for these additional costs.
Can I modify my reservation if plans change?
Yes, you can modify or cancel your Le Cellier reservation through the My Disney Experience app or by calling Disney Dining. Just be aware that cancellations made less than 24 hours before your reservation time (or no-shows) result in a $10 per person penalty charged to the credit card on file.
What’s the dress code at Le Cellier?
Le Cellier has a “resort casual” dress code, which means no swimwear or tank tops, and clothing with offensive language or graphics isn’t permitted. However, the dress code is relatively relaxed—you’ll see many guests in nice shorts, polo shirts, sundresses, and similar attire. Some guests choose to dress up more for the signature dining experience, but formal attire isn’t required or expected.
Can I get the cheese soup to-go?
While Disney restaurants don’t typically offer to-go containers for dine-in meals, you can ask your server if they can package leftover soup. However, given that each bowl is $13 and not included in your dining plan, most guests finish every drop without needing a container.
Are there any kids’ menu options?
Yes, Le Cellier offers a children’s menu for guests ages 9 and under, featuring items like grilled steak, chicken tenders, and pasta. Kids’ meals also require 2 table service credits per child when using the Disney Dining Plan, which is one reason many families choose less credit-intensive restaurants when dining with young children.
Alternative Strategies: When to Skip Le Cellier on Your Dining Plan
While this guide emphasizes how to use your Disney Dining Plan at Le Cellier, it’s worth considering when you might want to skip this option:
If You Have Limited Credits
On shorter trips (3-4 nights), you might have only 3-4 table service credits total per person. Using 2 credits for a single meal at Le Cellier leaves little flexibility for other table service experiences. In this scenario, consider:
- Booking two 1-credit table service meals instead, allowing you to experience more variety
- Paying out-of-pocket for Le Cellier if it’s a must-do, saving credits for other meals
- Visiting Le Cellier on a future trip when you have more dining days
If You’re Not Steak Enthusiasts
Le Cellier’s menu primarily focuses on beef, with limited alternatives. If you’re not particularly interested in steak, your 2 credits might provide better value at:
- Monsieur Paul for French cuisine
- Takumi-Tei for elevated Japanese dining
- Tiffins for international-inspired dishes with African, Asian, and Latin American influences
If You Prefer Included Sides
Because Le Cellier charges separately for most sides (unlike many Disney table service restaurants that include sides with entrées), you might feel the value is reduced compared to restaurants where sides come automatically. If this bothers you, consider other signature restaurants with more inclusive pricing structures.
The Bottom Line: Le Cellier Disney Dining Plan Strategy
Le Cellier Steakhouse represents one of EPCOT’s premier dining experiences, and the restaurant’s acceptance of the Disney Dining Plan makes this signature meal accessible to guests who might otherwise hesitate at the premium price points. The requirement of 2 table service credits per person means you’re making a significant investment from your dining plan, but for steak lovers celebrating special occasions or seeking a memorable meal in the heart of World Showcase, Le Cellier often delivers value that matches the credit cost.
Success with Le Cellier and the Disney Dining Plan requires three key elements: securing a reservation during the competitive 60-day booking window, ordering strategically to maximize the value of your 2 credits, and understanding exactly what is and isn’t included in your dining plan coverage.
By targeting the premium-priced entrées (particularly the filet mignon), taking advantage of the included dessert course, and potentially adding the famous cheese soup as an out-of-pocket enhancement, you can create a memorable EPCOT dining experience that becomes a vacation highlight.
Remember that signature dining represents just one component of your overall Disney Dining Plan strategy. Balance premium 2-credit meals with standard 1-credit table service experiences and quick service options to create a diverse dining itinerary that satisfies your entire party across your vacation length.
Whether Le Cellier becomes your signature splurge meal or you decide to allocate those credits elsewhere, understanding the Le Cellier Disney Dining Plan equation empowers you to make informed decisions that align with your family’s preferences, budget, and vacation priorities. Armed with this knowledge, you’re ready to plan your EPCOT dining strategy and secure those coveted reservations that will make your Disney World vacation truly magical.
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