My party of 2 spent $73 at an Italian restaurant in Disney World, and the upscale meal was worth the scramble to get a reservation

Tutto Italia is a table-service restaurant located in the heart of the Italy Pavilion at Epcot's World Showcase. 

It's one of two restaurants there (Via Napoli is right next door) and is open for lunch and dinner.

As someone who visits Disney World a few times a week, I thought I'd mastered the art of scoring reservations at the park's restaurants. However, it took me days to find one for Tutto Italia. 

When a table for two opened up, I jumped at it. Luckily, the reservation was at 5 p.m., the perfect time for an early dinner. 

I went back to the site to check the next available table for two, just for the sake of it, and found there was no availability until January. I'm glad I snagged our reservation when I did.

Since mobile check-in was disabled, I let the waitstaff in front of the restaurant know I'd arrived and gave them my name. The host then escorted us inside, where another employee brought us to our table. 

We were able to sit down immediately even though the restaurant (especially the main dining area) was pretty busy.

I loved that this seating area was much quieter than the main dining room. I didn't have to talk over the clang of dishes or dodge people who were maneuvering the floor as I ate. 

However, I did miss out on some of the great artwork and statues inside the main dining hall, which was filled with larger-than-life-paintings, lighting fixtures, and glass sculptures.

Whenever I visit a new restaurant, I like to try a few different menu items so I can get an overall feel for the cuisine. 

With that in mind, my sister and I split an order of mozzarella sticks from the kids' menu and a Caesar salad to start. For our entrée, we shared a plate of fettucini with grilled chicken.

I haven't found many places where I can get mozzarella sticks at Disney, but the ones I had at Tutto Italia were delicious.

They were gooey and cheesy, just like the ones I remember eating as a child.

The Caesar salad fell a little short. The lettuce was a bit limp, and the chef didn't mix the cheese evenly throughout the salad. I cut it up myself, which was a hassle.

The portion was large enough to satisfy both of us, and the cheese wasn't too thick. I even added some extra Parmesan on top.

We got really lucky with our servers. Both of them took such great care of us and answered all of our questions. The service was also quick, and we got our food in no time.

The manager even came up to the table to check in and make sure everything tasted good, which I haven't experienced at a Disney restaurant in a long time.

At the end of our meal, our waiter brought us our check, along with some tiramisu. I was pretty confused since we didn't order any dessert, but she explained that it was "on the mouse."

The moment was a reminder that it's small moments, like this one, that make Disney so special.

After shaving off 10% of the total using my annual-passholder discount, the bill came out to $61 for two adults, or $73 with tip. Considering we only got one entrée and two appetizers, this meal was pretty expensive.

The same meal would've cost a maximum of $45 at a restaurant outside of the park, including tip. However, I was also paying for Disney-level service and ambiance at Tutto Italia.

When I eat at the parks, I usually opt for a quick-service restaurant. That being said, I'd definitely go back to Tutto Italia to celebrate a special occasion or satisfy a pasta craving.