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What the Unlimited Dining Package actually covers

  • Meals you can have: Lunch (on sea days) and dinner in specialty restaurants, with the flexibility to visit multiple venues in a single evening subject to availability.
  • Beverages: Not included, but you’ll usually get 40% off bottles of wine under $100 and 20% off bottles over $100 when dining in specialty restaurants.
  • Courtesy reservation: After you buy UDP, Royal will place a “courtesy” reservation for Day 1 (or Day 2) at a specialty venue/time; you can change it once onboard.
  • Dynamic pricing: UDP price varies by ship/sail date—check My Royal Cruise/Cruise Planner for your exact sailing.

Included specialty restaurants (varies by ship)

Examples on current lists include: Chops Grille, 150 Central Park, Giovanni’s Table, Hooked Seafood, Izumi (Sushi), Izumi Hibachi, Jamie’s Italian, Wonderland, Sichuan Red, Samba Grill, Sabor, Johnny Rockets, and Johnny Rockets Express.

Surcharges you should expect (per person, per visit)

Some premium experiences are in the package but add a surcharge, e.g. Chef’s Table ($49.99), Empire Supper Club ($130), Izumi Hibachi/Teppanyaki ($15), Izumi Omakase ($59.99), Royal Railway ($49.99), Wonderland by DaDong ($24.99).

Heads-up: Availability and exact options vary by ship; premium cuts/special items may carry additional up-charges even at included venues.


The “Daily Extras”: Walk-ups & A-la-Carte Spots

Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade

  • What you get with UDP: A food credit commonly reported as $20 per person, per day at Playmakers. This covers a good chunk of wings, sliders, nachos, etc. (drinks are separate). Many cruisers report it’s once per day at that venue. Policies can vary by ship.

Johnny Rockets (Diner) and Johnny Rockets Express

  • Sit-down Johnny Rockets is listed as included with UDP (menu structure may be cover-charge or a-la-carte depending on ship).
  • Johnny Rockets Express (the quick-service counter) is also listed under UDP’s included venues on Royal’s current FAQ.

Practical take: On ships with Express counters near the pool/boardwalk, you can typically use your UDP benefit there instead of (or in addition to) the seated diner, subject to daily/transaction limits at a-la-carte spots.

Izumi in the Park (walk-up window)

  • Not typically included in UDP. Royal’s venue list doesn’t call this out as included, and published UDP terms referenced by experienced cruisers specifically note “Izumi in the Park” is not valid for UDP. Expect modest a-la-carte prices if you want a quick sushi roll or bubble cone there.

Izumi Sushi  (the sit-down restaurant) vs. Izumi Hibachi

  • Izumi Sushi (sit-down): Covered by UDP, but ships commonly implement either a prix-fixe or a set food creditmodel for a-la-carte ordering.
  • Izumi Hibachi/Teppanyaki: Included with UDP but expect a small per-person surcharge (commonly ~$15).

How the a-la-carte credits work (the $20 question)

  • At a-la-carte venues (notably Playmakers and often Izumi Sushi when ordered a la carte), UDP typically gives a per-person food credit (commonly $20/day).
  • Reports suggest some crews will combine credits for guests on the same check (e.g., couples/families), but this is at the venue’s discretion and can vary by sailing. Always ask nicely.

Pro Tips to Max Your UDP Value

  1. Pre-planning = power. As soon as you board, stop by any specialty host stand and map out your week. On some recent sailings, guests have been able to pre-book UDP slots in My Royal Cruise before sailing—if you see that option, use it; if not, book onboard Day 1.
  2. Stack your day: It’s totally reasonable to do lunch at a specialty (on sea days) and dinner somewhere else—or even a progressive dinner (appetizers at one venue, mains at another) if there’s space for walk-ups. You’ll usually be allowed one active dinner reservation per evening; additional stops are space-available.
  3. Aim for hard-to-get venues first. Book Hibachi, Wonderland, Empire Supper Club (surcharge), and Chef’s Table (surcharge) early; these sell out fastest.
  4. Leverage the wine discount. If you prefer bottles with dinner, that 20–40% bottle discount adds real value across a week.
  5. Know what’s not covered. Premium cuts/special menus, certain “exclusive” experiences, and walk-up Izumi in the Park are outside UDP. Keep a small snack budget for those.
  6. Use the quick-service angles. Johnny Rockets Express (listed as included) can be a clutch pool-day lunch; Playmakers becomes an easy “second stop” snack with that daily credit.
  7. Sea-day lunches are gold. Don’t waste them—build them into your itinerary early in the cruise so you’re not scrambling on the last sea day.

Is UDP worth it?

Do a quick math pass for your sailing:

  • If you plan one specialty dinner every night plus a sea-day lunch and a Playmakers snack, UDP usually beats buying à la carte—especially once you factor the bottle-of-wine discount. If you’ll only do 2–3 specialty meals total, a smaller dining package (e.g., 3-Night) can be the better value.

Quick FAQ

Can I visit more than one specialty in a night?

Yes—UDP allows multiple specialty visits in an evening as space allows, though you’ll typically hold one dinner reservation and do any extra stops as walk-ups.

Does UDP include drinks?

No, drinks are separate. You do get bottle-of-wine discounts at specialty venues.

Is Playmakers really $20/day with UDP?

That’s the commonly reported credit (per person, per day) on recent sailings; always verify onboard because policies can vary by ship/itinerary.

Is Izumi in the Park included?

No—treat it as an extra-cost walk-up snack spot (not covered by UDP).

What about Johnny Rockets Express?

It’s currently listed as included under UDP’s restaurant list.


Final verdict

If your cruise style is “try it all”—a hibachi night, a fancy steakhouse, a whimsical Wonderland meal, plus Playmakers snacks and sea-day lunches—the Unlimited Dining Package can be a huge win. Lock in the tough reservations early, use your daily a-la-carte credits wisely, and treat Izumi in the Park as a fun paid extra between meals.

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PCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival runs August 28–November 22, 2025, with 35+ Global Marketplaces, the Eat to the Beat concert series (fresh headliners), Emile’s Fromage MontageRemy’s Hide & Squeak, and seasonal displays on Living with the Land. It starts later than some recent years (so a shorter run), and dining packages opened July 16.


Key Festival Facts (2025)

  • Dates: August 28 – November 22, 2025
  • Global Marketplaces: 35+ booths across World Showcase and beyond
  • Returning favorites:
    • Emile’s Fromage Montage cheese stroll (stamp items include treats like a fall-fruit cheesecake, Brazil’s pão de queijo, and Greece’s griddled cheese)
    • Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak family scavenger hunt
    • Eat to the Beat concerts at America Gardens Theatre with optional dining packages
    • Living with the Land adds festival-themed agricultural displays

What’s New in 2025

Fresh faces on the Eat to the Beat stage

New and newly billed artists join the lineup, including KT TunstallBen RectorThe Wanted 2.0Jordin SparksBowling for Soup, and The Beach Boys, alongside returning favorites (think Joey Fatone & Friends, Boyz II Men, and more).

Pro tip: Concerts typically run three times nightly, and seating fills quickly. If a headliner is a must-see, a dining package can secure reserved seating.

New flavors on Emile’s Fromage Montage

Expect several refreshed stamp items—Disney teased a milled & mulled fall fruit cheesecake—plus returning classics. Keep your Festival Passport handy to track stamps and claim your completer treat.


What’s Changing vs. Recent Years

  • Later start, shorter run: The 2025 festival begins in late August rather than mid-summer, trimming the overall length compared to years that kicked off in July.
  • Lineup refresh: A broader mix of genres and first-time acts gives repeat visitors new reasons to plan multiple evenings.
  • Festival hub evolution: The updated festival spaces in EPCOT’s front half continue to be fine-tuned event by event; expect layout tweaks and new photo ops.

Planning Your Perfect Food & Wine Day

1) Time your visit

Weekdays are reliably lighter than weekends, especially after work hours when locals arrive.

2) Start when booths open

Most Global Marketplaces begin serving around late morning. Rope-drop rides first, then “snack the loop” before the dinner rush.

3) Pace your bites

With 35+ booths, share portions and aim for 1–2 items per stop. Keep a short “must-try” list so you don’t burn out before France and Japan.

4) Do the cheese stroll early

Knock out a couple of Fromage Montage stamp items midday when lines are shorter; redeem your prize later.

5) Lock in your concert strategy

For popular headliners, queue 30–60 minutes before showtime or book a dining package. Multiple nightly shows give you second chances.

6) Build in cool-down time

Living with the Land is an easy, air-conditioned reset—plus it features festival-inspired displays that fit the foodie theme.


2025 Eat to the Beat Highlights (Sample Dates)

  • Late August: Joey Fatone & Friends
  • Early September: KT Tunstall (NEW)
  • Late September: Ben Rector (NEW)
  • Mid-October: The Wanted 2.0 (NEW)
  • Early November: Boyz II Men
  • Mid-November: Jordin Sparks (NEW)Bowling for Soup (NEW)The Beach Boys (NEW)

(Expect additional artists and exact dates to be announced in the full schedule.)


FAQs (Quick Answers)

When is EPCOT Food & Wine 2025?

August 28–November 22, 2025.

How many booths are there?

35+ Global Marketplaces, with full menus released closer to opening.

Are concerts included with admission?

Yes. Eat to the Beat is included with EPCOT admission; seating is first-come unless you book a dining package.

What time are the concerts?

Historically three shows nightly in the early evening to night; exact times will be listed in the daily schedule.

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1. Royal Railway – Utopia Station

This isn’t just dinner — it’s a moving story. Step into a vintage train car setting, complete with high-definition “windows” showing passing landscapes and live actors playing out a Wild West adventure. You’ll start with themed cocktails on the platform before boarding for a multi-course experience. Expect playful dishes like Outlaw Bread Carts, braised short ribs, roasted poussin, and the dramatic “Royal Railway Cigar” dessert.

Tips & Tricks:

Book as soon as your reservation window opens — it’s one of the fastest-filling dining experiences on the ship. There are only two set seatings each evening, so plan your schedule around them. Families will love the interactive theatrics, but it’s just as fun for adults looking for something different.

2. 150 Central Park

Nestled in the ship’s open-air Central Park, this elegant restaurant offers seasonal, farm-to-table cuisine in a romantic garden-style setting. Expect refined dishes like pork belly with apple glaze, halibut over a vegetable medley, and slow-braised short ribs, ending with decadent desserts such as fried cheesecake or artisanal sorbets.

Tips & Tricks:

This is a perfect date-night choice — make reservations early. Dress up a little to match the elevated vibe. Wine pairings are a highlight, so consider the sommelier’s recommendations.

3. Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar

A two-story trattoria with a warm, rustic Italian feel. The menu includes hand-tossed pizzas, house-made pastas, creamy risottos, osso buco, and decadent desserts like Nutella–banana stromboli. The wine bar offers an impressive Italian selection, ideal for sipping before or after your meal.

Tips & Tricks:

Request a terrace table for a charming view over the Boardwalk. If you’re vegetarian, pizza and salad make a satisfying combo. Share multiple dishes family-style for the most authentic experience.

4. Izumi Hibachi & Sushi

The largest Izumi in the Royal Caribbean fleet combines sizzling hibachi tables with fresh sushi and sashimi. Hibachi chefs put on a lively show while cooking steak, chicken, and seafood to perfection. On the sushi side, you’ll find signature rolls, nigiri, and an omakase option for an elevated tasting.

Tips & Tricks:

Sushi and hibachi require separate reservations — plan accordingly. For a splurge, the omakase experience is an intimate eight-course dinner with drink pairings. Arrive early for hibachi to enjoy the pre-show atmosphere.

5. Izumi in the Park

A casual outdoor sushi window perfect for grab-and-go meals. You can pick up sushi boxes, seaweed salad, and miso soup without a reservation. The real star here is the bubble cone soft-serve and Taiyaki ice cream — a whimsical treat that’s a hit with kids and Instagram feeds alike.

Tips & Tricks:

Ideal for a quick lunch or a late-night snack. Combine with a walk through Central Park for a relaxing mid-day break.

6. Hooked Seafood

A New England-inspired seafood house offering everything from lobster rolls to Maryland crab cakes and fresh oysters. The nautical setting adds to the seaside vibe, and desserts like coconut cream pie bring a sweet finish to the feast.

Tips & Tricks:

Come with a big appetite — portions are generous. Start with the raw bar if you’re a seafood purist. Perfect choice for lunch on a sea day when you’re craving something fresh.

7. Chops Grille

The ship’s classic steakhouse, known for hand-cut prime steaks, rich sides like truffle fries and mac & cheese, and indulgent desserts. Its Central Park location offers both indoor elegance and outdoor charm.

Tips & Tricks:

This is a top pick for steak lovers — reserve early. Outdoor tables are quieter and have great ambiance in the evening. If you’re not a steak eater, the seafood dishes are just as satisfying.

8. Chef’s Table

An exclusive culinary event for just eight guests, hosted by the Executive Chef. The menu is a five-course tasting with wine pairings, featuring dishes like scallop carpaccio, filet mignon with truffle potato purée, and rich chocolate desserts.

Tips & Tricks:

Book the moment reservations open — seats are very limited. Ideal for celebrating a milestone or impressing a fellow foodie. Come hungry and ready to explore flavors you might not try elsewhere.

Final Dining Tips for Utopia of the Seas

Book early: Specialty venues can sell out before you even board. Consider a dining package: If you plan to try more than two specialty restaurants, the package can save money and give you flexibility. Mix experiences: Alternate between theatrical, elegant, and casual venues to keep your trip varied. Use the Royal Caribbean app: It’s the easiest way to manage reservations and see menus ahead of time.