What to Actually Order at Jaleo for a Large Group
Published August 29, 2026 · Updated September 30, 2026
While EPCOT usually gets all the foodie glory during a Walt Disney World trip, Disney Springs holds the real crown for feeding a big, hungry group without the theme park premium. And if you have a party of six or more, the absolute smartest move you can make is booking Jaleo by José Andrés.
Dining with a large group is usually a logistical nightmare of competing tastes, split checks, and someone inevitably hating their entree. Jaleo solves this entirely because it’s authentic Spanish tapas. You aren’t committing to one heavy dish; you’re building a customized feast for the table.
Here is exactly what you should order to maximize your budget and keep everyone at the table happy.
The Ordering Strategy
The biggest mistake first-timers make at a tapas restaurant is ordering individually. Do not do this. The move is to order for the table and share everything. A good rule of thumb is 2 to 3 tapas per person, rounded out by one of the massive paellas.
Order in waves. Start with the cured meats, cheeses, and cold tapas, then escalate to the hot dishes and the paella.
The Non-Negotiable Starters
Pan con Tomate Do not skip this. It sounds aggressively simple—toasted bread brushed with fresh tomato, oil, and garlic—but it is arguably the best bite in the restaurant. Pro tip: Order the version that comes with Manchego cheese on top. You will likely need two orders for a large group.
Croquetas de Pollo These traditional chicken fritters are a crowd-pleaser, especially for picky eaters or kids who just want something familiar. They are creamy on the inside, perfectly fried on the outside, and famously served in a clear plastic shoe. Yes, a shoe. It’s a great conversation starter for the table.
Jamón Ibérico If your group is willing to splurge, getting a plate of hand-carved Jamón Ibérico de Bellota (acorn-fed pork) is an elite move. It melts in your mouth. If you want a more budget-friendly option, the Jamón Serrano is still excellent.
The Main Event: Wood-Fired Paella
The undisputed heavyweight champion of a Jaleo group dinner is the paella. They cook it over a live wood fire right in the middle of the dining room.
The Catch: Paella takes about 45 minutes to prepare. You need to order this the absolute second your server greets the table.
The Paella Valenciana (chicken, rabbit, and green beans) is the traditional choice, but if you have seafood fans, the Arroz a Banda con Gambas (rice with shrimp and calamari) is phenomenal. One pan easily anchors a meal for four to six people when paired with tapas.
Drinks and Value
If your group drinks alcohol, skip the individual cocktails and order pitchers of Sangria. The Sangria Roja (red) is fantastic, but the Sangria de Cava (sparkling wine) is the insider favorite. Pitchers offer significantly better ROI for a large group than buying individual drinks by the glass.
How to Get a Table
Jaleo is massive, which means it’s often easier to book for large parties than cramped spots like Homecomin’. Still, you should book at the 60-day mark via My Disney Experience. If you miss out or your group size changes last minute, set up a SupaPark Drop Watch alert. The second a large-party cancellation drops, we’ll ping you instantly so you can grab it in the Disney app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an advance dining reservation for Jaleo?
Yes, booking 60 days in advance via My Disney Experience is highly recommended for large groups. If you can’t find a table, set a SupaPark Drop Watch to catch a cancellation.
Is Jaleo a good choice for kids and picky eaters?
Absolutely, because the tapas format allows them to eat familiar items like chicken croquetas, simple cheeses, and bread without forcing them to order a massive unfamiliar entree.
How much food should we order per person?
Plan for about 2 to 3 tapas per person, plus a large shared paella for the table to ensure everyone leaves full.
Where is Jaleo located at Walt Disney World?
Jaleo is located on the West Side of Disney Springs, right near the House of Blues and the Aerophile balloon.
Go deeper — the full guides: The Insider’s Guide to EPCOT’s Regal Eagle Smokehouse: What to Eat, Skip, and Share · The Insider’s Menu and Booking Guide to California Grill · The Insider Guide to Vegetarian Dining in EPCOT’s World Showcase
SupaPark tracks live wait times and crowd forecasts, and pings you the second a hard-to-get reservation opens or a ride goes walk-on — free to start at supapark.com.
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