Dining at Walt Disney World can feel overwhelming, rightfully so since there are
over one hundred dining options on the Walt Disney World property. Whether you would prefer to sit down and relax at a restaurant, stop by quick service locations to grab a quick meal, or even find the nearest popcorn stand, with this many options you are destined to find something to delight your taste buds. That's why w'ere here to give you our best Disney dining advice.
Starting with our first foodie park we have EPCOT. Arguably the best park to dine at, EPCOT has 76 quick service and restaurant options. While you can certainly find your normal theme park foods like chicken tenders, burgers, and french fries, they also have options that are authentic to different countries across the globe. My personal favorite is Via Napoli, the Italian restaurant in EPCOT’s Italy Pavilion. This restaurant serves pizza by the meter, a perfect option for families trying to stay on a budget. It will feed your whole family and then some. Over in World Discovery, you can feast on foods that are out of this world as you dine in outer space at Space 220 Restaurant and Lounge. One of my favorite parts of EPCOT is their incredible festivals throughout the year. During these festivals, especially the Food and Wine Festival, there are booths set up around The World Showcase to feast on seasonal snacks that you normally cannot find at the park. At the Food and Wine festival this past year, I was able to try some incredible dishes in the Tuscany booth located in front of the Italy Pavilion.
My other favorite park to dine at is surprisingly, Animal Kingdom. Many people will overlook Animal Kingdom, especially regarding dining options, but they have some of the most delicious foods in all of the parks. This goes for Animal Kingdom Lodge too, but we will cover that another time. Over in Pandora, guests can grab a quick bite at Satu’li Canteen. Arguably one of the best quick service options on the property, or at least I think so, you have many options from roasted chicken bowls to cheeseburger pods, and their homemade chips are delectable. Interested in sitting down for a meal here? Consider the breakfast buffet at Tusker House where you can dine with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy while feasting on some authentic African dishes. Another hidden gem at Animal Kingdom is the Harambe Marketplace across from the entrance of the Kilimanjaro Safari. At breakfast time you can find fresh fruit including strawberries, watermelon, and some other seasonal options fresh and ready to go. If you are looking for a “healthier” option to get your day started this is for you!
Let’s now take a stroll over to the Magic Kingdom! Personally, for being such a popular park I would love to see some more table service dining options, however, two of the most popular Walt Disney World restaurants can be found in this park. Cinderella’s Royal Table and Be Our Guest are both dining options that are inside the two castles in Magic Kingdom. At Cinderella’s Royal Table, you can feast while interacting with some princesses, and at Be Our Guest, the Beast makes some special appearances throughout the day and night, but note that he does not stop for pictures. These dining options are also pre-fixe, so no matter what you order you will have a set price, which some families love the convenience of. Cinderella’s Royal Table does require a credit card to hold your reservation. If you are looking for something quick and easy, Sleepy Hollow refreshments has an incredible breakfast waffle with Nutella and at lunchtime, they switch over to chicken and waffles, YUM! Another fan favorite is the Columbia Harbor House. While it may be quick service they offer a quiet space upstairs to dine in with a selection of chicken, fish, and more!
Last but not least on our circle around the four parks is Disney’s Hollywood Studios. One of the newest restaurants on the property is located inside Hollywood Studio, more specifically in Toy Story Land. Indulge in a barbeque adventure inside of Roundup Rodeo BBQ but, remember to be quiet when Andy comes in! At this all-you-care-to-enjoy restaurant, you can find mac and cheese, your favorite barbeque items, and some fun desserts. If barbeque is not really your thing, but you are still looking for a unique experience, consider making a reservation at 50’s Prime Time Café! At this restaurant, you will dine with your aunt, uncle, and cousins, but be careful because your family certainly does not want you on your phone during your meal, and you better be sure to finish all of your veggies! For a quick option consider stopping at ABC Commissary for their amazing grilled cheese, or Fairfaxe Fair for a mashed potato waffle bowl, seriously one of the best quick meals I have ever encountered at Walt Disney World!
In conclusion, dining at the four Disney World parks is not just a culinary adventure; it's a journey through flavors, creativity, and immersive atmospheres. From the enchanting fairy-tale settings in Cinderella's Castle at Magic Kingdom to the global culinary delights at EPCOT, each park offers a unique gastronomic experience. Whether you're indulging in iconic Mickey-shaped treats or savoring gourmet dishes, the dining options at Disney World parks are as diverse as the attractions themselves. So, as you plan your magical day of adventure and excitement, don't forget to treat your taste buds to the extraordinary culinary wonders that make each visit to a Disney World park a feast for the senses.
So tell us in the comments below what your favorite Walt Disney World dining location is and why!
Don’t forget cheeseburger spring rolls and a cupcake from Gaston’s!!!!