Morimoto Asia Disney Dining Plan: Everything You Need to Know in 2025

If you’re planning a Disney World vacation and considering using your What Does Disney Dining Plan Include? Complete 2025 Guide credits at Morimoto Asia, you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide answers the most important question on every Disney diner’s mind: does Morimoto Asia accept the Disney dining plan, and if so, is it worth using your precious credits here?

Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s stunning Pan-Asian restaurant at Disney Springs has become one of the most sought-after dining experiences in all of Walt Disney World. But with so many dining options competing for your limited table service credits, you need to know exactly what to expect before booking your reservation.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything from dining plan acceptance and credit requirements to menu highlights, reservation strategies, and whether this upscale restaurant delivers enough value to justify the cost. Let’s dive into what makes Morimoto Asia a standout choice for your Disney dining adventure.

Does Morimoto Asia Accept the Disney Dining Plan?

Yes, Morimoto Asia accepts the Disney Dining Plan Meals: Complete Guide to Table Service, Quick Service & How Credits Work in 2025, but there’s an important detail you need to understand before making your reservation: this restaurant is classified as a signature dining location, which significantly impacts how many credits you’ll use.

Credit Requirements at Morimoto Asia

The credit cost for Morimoto Asia varies depending on when you visit:

Lunch Service (11:30 AM - 4:59 PM):

Requires 1 table service credit per person

Dinner Service (5:00 PM - 10:00 PM):

Requires 2 table service credits per person

This dual-pricing structure means you can potentially save an entire credit by dining at lunch instead of dinner. For families or groups on the Disney Dining Plan, this difference can be substantial and may influence when you choose to visit.

What the Signature Designation Means

Morimoto Asia’s signature restaurant status at dinner reflects its upscale atmosphere, celebrity chef pedigree, and premium menu offerings. Only about a dozen restaurants across Walt Disney World property carry this designation, placing Morimoto Asia among elite company that includes California Grill, Le Cellier, and Narcoosaa’s.

The signature classification isn’t just marketing hype. These restaurants typically offer:

More sophisticated cuisine and preparation techniques
Elevated ambiance and service standards
Higher price points on individual menu items
Often, but not always, alcohol included with the dining plan

Quick Service Option: Morimoto Asia Street Food

If you’re looking to experience Chef Morimoto’s culinary vision without using table service credits, Morimoto Asia Street Food operates as a walk-up window on the outdoor terrace. This quick-service option accepts Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan credits and offers popular menu items like:

Tonkotsu Ramen ($20)
Ginger Chicken Ramen ($12)
Japanese Pork Curry Rice Bowl ($17)
Morimoto Baby Ribs ($15)

The street food option provides an excellent alternative if you want to sample Morimoto’s flavors while preserving your table service credits for other experiences.

What’s Included With Your Dining Plan Credits at Morimoto Asia

Understanding exactly what you receive for your dining plan credits helps you determine whether Morimoto Asia represents good value for your party.

Standard Dining Plan Entitlements

When you use your Disney Dining Plan credits at Morimoto Asia, each person in your party receives:

For Lunch (1 Credit):

One appetizer OR one dessert
One entrée
One non-alcoholic beverage OR, for guests 21+, one alcoholic beverage

For Dinner (2 Credits):

One appetizer OR one dessert
One entrée
One non-alcoholic beverage OR, for guests 21+, one alcoholic beverage

Notice that you must choose between an appetizer or dessert—you don’t receive both with your credits. However, the inclusion of alcoholic beverages for adult guests (one cocktail, beer, wine, or sake per person) adds significant value, especially considering Morimoto Asia’s specialty cocktails typically range from $16-$19 each.

What’s NOT Included

Your dining plan credits cover the basics, but several items require out-of-pocket payment:

Additional appetizers, desserts, or entrées beyond your entitlement
Premium sushi selections and specialty platters
Additional alcoholic beverages (you receive only one per credit)
Gratuity (typically 18-20% automatically added for parties of 6 or more)
Any specialty menu items marked as requiring payment

Always check your receipt to ensure credits were applied correctly and to see what additional charges you’ve incurred.

With your credits on the line, you want to order strategically to maximize both culinary satisfaction and financial value. Here are the standout dishes that make excellent use of your dining plan entitlements.

Signature Appetizers

Crispy Popcorn Shrimp ($18) This consistently popular starter features tempura-battered shrimp with a spicy aioli that balances heat and flavor perfectly. The generous portion often surprises first-time diners.

Pork Dumplings ($15) Four substantial dumplings arrive with a savory dipping sauce. These handcrafted dumplings showcase the restaurant’s commitment to traditional technique with modern presentation.

Blistered Shishito Peppers ($13) For lighter fare, these charred Japanese peppers with a citrus-soy glaze offer a healthy, flavorful option that won’t fill you up before your entrée arrives.

Must-Try Entrées

Peking Duck ($59) Regularly cited in reviews as “the best Peking Duck ever” by enthusiastic diners, this signature dish represents exceptional value on the dining plan. Off-plan, you’d pay nearly $60 for this multi-component preparation featuring crispy skin, tender meat, steamed buns, and traditional accompaniments.

Buri-Bop ($32) This Korean-inspired rice bowl features yellowtail, fresh vegetables, and a spicy gochujang sauce. The presentation is stunning, and the flavors represent excellent fusion cuisine that justifies Morimoto’s reputation.

Morimoto Spare Ribs ($38) Tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs glazed with Chef Morimoto’s special sauce arrive as one of the restaurant’s most Instagram-worthy dishes. The sweet-savory flavor profile appeals to even picky eaters.

Kung Pao Chicken ($26) For guests seeking familiar flavors with elevated execution, this dish delivers perfectly balanced spice and texture with cashews, vegetables, and tender chicken.

Dessert Selections

If you opt for dessert instead of an appetizer, Morimoto Asia offers several standout options:

Chocolate Miso Cake This unique fusion dessert combines rich chocolate with subtle miso undertones, creating an unexpectedly harmonious flavor profile.

Mochi Ice Cream Traditional Japanese rice flour dumplings filled with premium ice cream provide a light, refreshing finish to your meal.

Maximizing Value on the Dining Plan

To get the most from your credits, consider these strategies:

Order high-ticket entrées: Choose dishes priced at $30 or more to maximize your credit value
Select the appetizer: If entrée prices are similar, choose the appetizer option, then order dessert separately if desired
Leverage the alcoholic beverage option: Adults should consider the cocktail option, as these typically cost $16-19
Share thoughtfully: While not officially encouraged, couples sometimes share one dining plan meal and one à la carte meal, mixing and matching to try more items

The Morimoto Asia Dining Experience: What to Expect

Beyond the food, Morimoto Asia delivers an exceptional dining atmosphere that elevates your meal into a memorable experience worth your valuable dining plan credits.

Atmosphere and Ambiance

Morimoto Asia’s stunning 36-foot tall, two-story layout immediately impresses as you enter. The restaurant features:

Exhibition kitchen: Floor-to-ceiling glass walls allow you to watch chefs prepare your dishes, adding theater to your dining experience
Contemporary Asian design: Modern interpretation of traditional Asian elements creates an upscale yet approachable environment
Multiple dining spaces: Choose from the main dining room, upstairs lounge areas, private dining spaces, or the outdoor terrace
Waterfront views: The second-floor terrace offers some of Disney Springs’ best views overlooking the lagoon

Service Standards

As a signature restaurant, Morimoto Asia maintains elevated service standards:

Knowledgeable servers who can explain unfamiliar dishes and make recommendations
Attentive pacing that respects your schedule without rushing
Professional presentation of dishes with brief descriptions
Accommodation of dietary restrictions and preferences

The restaurant earned recognition from the Michelin Guide in 2022, validating its commitment to culinary excellence and service quality.

Family-Friendly Considerations

Despite its upscale ambiance, Morimoto Asia welcomes families with children. The restaurant offers:

Kids’ menu ($16 per entrée) featuring approachable options like Orange Chicken, Lo Mein, Mini Ramen, and Egg Fried Rice
Accommodating atmosphere: While elegant, the restaurant doesn’t enforce stuffy formality
Visual entertainment: The exhibition kitchen and dramatic architecture keep children engaged
Shareable portions: Many dishes work well for family-style dining

However, ensure your children are comfortable with Asian cuisine before using valuable credits here, as the menu focuses primarily on Chinese, Japanese, and Korean flavors that may not appeal to all palates.

Making Reservations at Morimoto Asia

Securing a reservation at this popular Disney Springs restaurant requires strategic planning, especially if you’re hoping to use dining plan credits during peak seasons.

Reservation Windows and Timing

When to Book:

Reservations open 60 days before your visit following Disney Dining Reservation Cancellation Policy: Complete Guide to Fees, Grace Periods & Exceptions (Disney resort guests can book 60 days out for their entire stay length, up to 10 days)
Morimoto Asia doesn’t book up as quickly as character dining locations like Be Our Guest Disney Dining Plan: Complete Guide to Dining Credits, Reservations & Tips, but weekend evenings during peak seasons fill fast
Weekday lunches typically show better availability

Best Times to Dine:

Lunch (11:30 AM - 4:59 PM): Less crowded, requires only 1 credit, same great food
Early dinner (5:00-6:00 PM): Easier reservations, but costs 2 credits
Late dinner (8:30-10:00 PM): Often available as a last-minute option

Late-night option: From 10:05 PM to midnight, Morimoto Asia serves appetizers and drinks only (no dining plan accepted during these hours).

How to Make Your Reservation

You can book Morimoto Asia through several methods:

My Disney Experience app: The most convenient option, showing real-time availability
Disney website: Visit disneyworld.disney.go.com and search for Morimoto Asia
Phone: Call (407) 939-3463 to speak with a Disney dining reservation specialist
Walk-up: During slower periods, you might secure a same-day table, but don’t rely on this during busy seasons

Tips for Difficult-to-Get Reservations

If your preferred time shows no availability:

Check multiple times daily: Guests cancel reservations constantly; availability appears throughout the day
Be flexible with time: Consider lunch versus dinner, early versus late seating
Try the same-day approach: Check the app the morning of your desired visit
Consider the bar area: Sometimes you can dine in the lounge without a reservation
Use a reservation finder service: Several third-party services monitor Disney dining availability

Special Considerations for Dining Plan Users

When making reservations using the Disney Dining Plan:

Ensure your dining plan is active for your reservation date (it begins on your resort check-in day)
Remember that credits are pooled for your entire party and stay
Consider whether using 2 credits at dinner is worth it versus 1 credit at lunch
Account for gratuity, which is NOT included with dining plan credits
Bring your MagicBand or resort room key card to charge credits to your room

Is Morimoto Asia Worth Your Disney Dining Plan Credits?

The ultimate question every Disney vacation planner faces: should you use limited dining plan credits at Morimoto Asia, or save them for other experiences?

Value Analysis: Lunch vs. Dinner

Lunch (1 Credit): A standard table service credit typically represents approximately $20-25 in value on the 2025 Disney Dining Plan as detailed in Is the Disney Dining Plan Worth It? A 2025 Data-Driven Guide. At lunch, Morimoto Asia entrées range from $20-40, meaning you’re receiving good to excellent value, especially if you order higher-priced items and an alcoholic beverage.

Verdict: Excellent value for 1 credit at lunch.

Dinner (2 Credits): Two table service credits represent roughly $40-50 in prepaid value. With entrées ranging from $20-59 and an appetizer/dessert included, you can certainly extract value here, but you’re spending twice the credits for essentially the same menu.

Verdict: Good value if you order strategically, but lunch represents better credit efficiency.

Comparison to Other Signature Restaurants

How does Morimoto Asia stack up against other 2-credit restaurants at Disney World?

Strengths:

More adventurous cuisine than most Disney offerings
Michelin Guide recognition
Celebrity chef pedigree
Stunning atmosphere
Location in Disney Springs (no park admission required)

Considerations:

Not character dining (no “Disney” theming)
Pan-Asian focus may not appeal to all palates
Service can occasionally be slower during peak periods

Compared to other signature options like California Grill or Narcoosaa’s, Morimoto Asia offers distinctive cuisine you won’t find elsewhere on property. If you appreciate Asian flavors and want something beyond standard American fare, it’s an excellent credit investment.

Who Should Use Credits at Morimoto Asia

Best for:

Foodies seeking elevated Asian cuisine
Guests who appreciate unique dining atmospheres
Parties looking for upscale dining without park admission
Adults who enjoy cocktails (included in dining plan)
Visitors willing to explore unfamiliar flavors

Consider alternatives if you:

Prefer traditional American comfort food
Have extremely picky eaters in your party
Want to maximize credit efficiency (lunch vs. dinner consideration)
Prioritize character dining experiences
Have limited credits and want to stretch them further

The Bottom Line

Morimoto Asia represents excellent value for your Disney Dining Plan credits, particularly at lunch when you’ll only spend 1 credit for the full experience. The combination of exceptional cuisine, stunning atmosphere, and quality service justifies the credit expenditure for most guests.

However, spending 2 credits at dinner makes financial sense only if you order strategically (high-ticket entrées, appetizers, and alcoholic beverages) or if you’re specifically seeking an upscale evening dining experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan credits at Morimoto Asia?

No, the main Morimoto Asia restaurant requires table service credits. However, Morimoto Asia Street Food (the walk-up window outside) accepts quick-service credits.

Is gratuity included with Disney Dining Plan credits?

No, gratuity is never included with dining plan credits. Budget an additional 18-20% for your server. For parties of six or more, gratuity is automatically added to your bill.

Can I make a reservation at Morimoto Asia without the dining plan?

Absolutely. Morimoto Asia accepts reservations from all guests, whether or not you have a dining plan. You’ll simply pay out-of-pocket for your meal.

Does Morimoto Asia have a dress code?

While there’s no strict dress code, Morimoto Asia maintains an upscale atmosphere. Smart casual attire is recommended—avoid swimwear and tank tops. Most guests dress slightly nicer than they would for theme park dining.

Are Tables in Wonderland discounts available at Morimoto Asia?

Yes, Tables in Wonderland members receive a 20% discount on food and beverages at Morimoto Asia, which can represent better value than using dining plan credits depending on your party size and what you order.

While Disney doesn’t officially encourage sharing, servers typically won’t prevent it. However, on the dining plan, each person must use their own credits—you can’t use one credit to feed multiple people.

What if we have food allergies or dietary restrictions?

Morimoto Asia accommodates most dietary needs with advance notice. Mention restrictions when booking your reservation and remind your server upon arrival. The kitchen can modify many dishes for allergies, vegetarian needs, and other dietary requirements.

Tips for the Best Morimoto Asia Experience

Before You Go

Review the menu online through the My Disney Experience app to identify dishes that interest you
Check your credit balance to ensure you have enough credits remaining for your party. For snack credits, see What Counts as a Snack on Disney Dining Plan? Complete 2025 Guide
Consider lunch for better value unless you specifically want the evening ambiance
Make dietary accommodations known when booking your reservation

During Your Visit

Arrive 10-15 minutes early to check in and possibly request seating preferences
Ask for the upstairs terrace for the best views (request when checking in)
Explore the restaurant before or after your meal—the architecture is stunning
Order strategically by selecting higher-priced entrées to maximize credit value
Try something new—Morimoto Asia’s menu offers dishes you won’t find elsewhere
Take photos of the exhibition kitchen and dramatic interior spaces
Ask your server for recommendations based on your taste preferences

After Your Meal

Review your bill carefully to ensure credits were applied correctly
Add gratuity based on pre-discount amount (before dining plan credit)
Explore Disney Springs—you’re perfectly positioned for shopping and entertainment. Pick up snacks from the List of Snacks on Disney Dining Plan PDF: Complete 2025 Guide if you have credits remaining
Share your experience by leaving a review to help future diners

Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Your Morimoto Asia Disney Dining Plan Visit

Morimoto Asia stands as one of Disney Springs’ most impressive dining destinations, offering a rare combination of celebrity chef cuisine, stunning design, and flexible dining plan options that accommodate various budgets and credit strategies.

Whether you choose to use 1 credit at lunch or splurge on 2 credits at dinner, you’re investing in more than just a meal—you’re experiencing culinary artistry from one of the world’s most recognizable chefs in an environment that celebrates Pan-Asian culture and contemporary design.

The key to maximizing your Morimoto Asia Disney dining plan experience lies in strategic planning: book early for your preferred time, understand the credit requirements, order high-value menu items, and approach the meal with an adventurous spirit willing to explore flavors beyond typical theme park fare.

For guests seeking exceptional Asian cuisine, upscale ambiance without stuffiness, and dining flexibility outside the theme parks, Morimoto Asia delivers outstanding value for your precious dining plan credits. Just remember to arrive hungry, order adventurously, and save room for the exhibition kitchen show—it’s all part of what makes this restaurant a standout choice in the Disney Springs dining scene.

Ready to experience Iron Chef Morimoto’s culinary vision at Disney World? Book your reservation up to 60 days in advance, strategically plan your credit usage, and prepare for one of the most memorable meals of your Disney vacation.