Morimoto Asia Insider Guide: How to Nail Reservations, Secret Menus, and Timing

Published June 11, 2026 · Updated September 9, 2026

Morimoto Asia sits in The Landing of Disney Springs and delivers a high-end pan-Asian experience from chef Masaharu Morimoto. It’s a splurge-level table-service spot, but the right moves can shave wait time, unlock hidden dishes, and even snag a glimpse of the chef himself. Below is the playbook that turns a pricey dinner into a smart, memorable night.

1. Beat the 60-Day Wall with OpenTable

Disney’s standard reservation window opens 60 days ahead, and Morimoto Asia fills up fast. The trick most casual planners miss is that the restaurant also lists on OpenTable — and OpenTable’s calendar opens earlier than Disney’s. Set a reminder for the first of each month, log in, and lock a table as soon as the OpenTable slot appears. You’ll often snag a prime dinner time that Disney’s portal still shows as “unavailable.”

On September 30 2024 Morimoto Asia runs a hidden $5 menu. When you’re seated, whisper the phrase “Ganbatte” to your server. If the promotion is still active, they’ll present a special menu that includes:

Nigiri sushi (assorted)
A specialty cocktail or mocktail
A five-course tasting platter

Action steps:

Arrive with a valid ID (required for the alcoholic component).
Ask for the $5 menu before the server hands you the regular wine list—this guarantees the items stay on the ticket.
If you’re booking ahead, note “request $5 secret menu” in the reservation notes; the host will flag it for the kitchen.

3. Dim Sum Brunch – Saturday & Sunday 11 am-3 pm

The weekend dim sum brunch is a crowd-pleaser, but it’s by reservation only. Call 407-939-6686 the week before you plan to go and lock a slot. The brunch features Shanghai-style dumplings, steamed buns, and a limited-time “golden egg” bao that disappears quickly. Because the brunch runs concurrently with the quick-service window, arriving 10 minutes early ensures you’re seated before the rush of the main dining room.

4. Hours Are Fluid – Check Instagram Daily

Morimoto Asia’s operating hours can shift on short notice. For example, on June 1 2024 the restaurant was only open 4 pm-6 pm. The most reliable source is the restaurant’s Instagram (posts are updated within hours of a change). Before you leave the hotel, pull up the latest story or post to confirm the window.

5. When Main Dining Is Closed, Morimoto Street Food Saves the Day

If the main floor is closed or you’re caught in a sudden hour cut, the Morimoto Street Food counter stays open 12 pm-6 pm. It offers a pared-down menu of ramen, bao, and a single sushi roll—perfect for a quick lunch without the reservation hassle. Treat it as a backup plan; the line is usually short because most guests target the table-service experience.

6. Avoid Festival-Driven Crowds

EPCOT Food & Wine Festival (typically late July-early November) drives extra traffic to Disney Springs. Book your Morimoto Asia dinner outside those weeks for the smoothest experience.
Eat to the Beat concerts (Sept 20-21 2024) also pull a surge of EPCOT guests. If you’re in town for those dates, aim for an early dinner before 6 pm or a late-night slot after 9 pm.
The Mickey Shorts Theater closure (Apr 29-May 25 2024) removes a shaded waiting area near Disney Springs. Bring a reusable straw (paper straws dissolve quickly) and a portable fan if you plan to wait outside.

7. Spotting Chef Masaharu Morimoto

Chef Morimoto occasionally drops by during dinner service, especially on nights when he’s in Orlando for a Disney World appearance. The best bet is to reserve a dinner seat (rather than brunch) and request a window seat near the open kitchen. If the chef is on-site, he’ll usually greet guests at the sushi bar for a quick photo—no extra charge, just timing.

8. Disney Dining Plan (DDP) Caveat

Morimoto Asia is a third-party operation (Restaurant Group, the same team behind the upcoming Space restaurant). As of the latest policy, the Disney Dining Plan is not accepted. If you’re banking DDP credits, allocate them elsewhere and treat Morimoto Asia as a cash-only splurge.

9. Quick-Service Window for a Low-Key Bite

If you’re not ready to commit to a full table-service dinner, the adjacent quick-service window offers a simplified menu: a single ramen bowl, a chicken teriyaki plate, and a few sushi rolls. It’s a good way to test the kitchen’s quality before a larger reservation, and the line is usually under ten minutes during off-peak hours.

10. The Bottom Line

Morimoto Asia rewards planners who book early, track promotions, and time their visit around park-wide events. Use OpenTable for pre-60-day reservations, ask for the $5 “Ganbatte” menu on September 30, reserve the dim sum brunch by phone, and double-check Instagram for hour changes. Skip the DDP, bring a reusable straw, and you’ll walk away with a premium pan-Asian dinner—and maybe a selfie with Chef Morimoto.

Takeaway: Lock a table via OpenTable, whisper “Ganbatte” on Sept 30 for the $5 secret menu, and avoid EPCOT festival weeks. That’s the three-step formula for a smooth, upscale Morimoto Asia experience.

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