Dining FAQs
You can find good food and even exceptional restaurants at Disney even if it may feel like a diamond in the rough. See below for guidance on where to make reservations or drop in for a great dining experience.
Which restaurant would you recommend for…
DINING AT MAGIC KINGDOM?
Breakfast: Have a cinnamon roll at Gaston’s Tavern, waffle at Sleepy Hollow, or a chocolate croissant at Cheshire Cafe. You can also grab Starbucks from Main Street Bakery.
Columbia Harbour House is the standout Quick Service but Casey’s Corner does serve a good hotdog.
Be Our Guest brings you inside Beast’s castle, and at dinner you can meet the Beast himself. Cinderella’s Royal Table is an unforgettable experience for any princess. Foodwise, Liberty Tree Tavern is a classic American Thanksgiving while Skipper Canteen serves tasty exotic dishes.
DINING AT EPCOT?
Food is exceptional at Epcot with or without a festival. Les Halles in France or a nearby Joffrey’s trolley for a doughnut and coffee make a great start to the day. Head to countries for lunch and dinner with favorites being Italy, France, Japan, and Morocco. Most countries offer a Quick Service and Table Service options.
DINING AT HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS?
Admittedly not the best. Spend a half day at Hollywood Studios and eat at another park or resort. Woody’s Lunch Box is the main stop for breakfast or lunch. Baseline Tap House does have great beer. The kids can get by at Pizzerizzo but The Hollywood Brown Derby is better for mom and dad. I do like the atmosphere at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant and Rodeo Roundup BBQ.
DINING AT ANIMAL KINGDOM?
Better than expected options at Flame Tree Barbeque and Yak & Yeti Restaurant or Local Foods. Satu’li gets high marks for being a healthy option at Disney World.
CHARACTER MEALS?
Great way to load up on princess hugs and autographs without having to wait in lines! But, the food and atmosphere quality has a range. We recommend breakfast at Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort or ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. Storybook Dining at Artist Point at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort is a new dinner option and Cinderella’s Royal Table in the Magic Kingdom is the ultimate castle experience. Remember, resort dining is open to any guest whether you are staying there or not.
A LARGE GROUP?
Via Napoli in Epcot is a crowd pleaser - big open tables and who doesn’t like pizza? ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Resort serves family style on big round tables. Topoliono’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort is higher end so prepare the wallet, but the outside lounge with fireworks view is great for a large party to gather.
A VIEW OF THE FIREWORKS?
California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort, and Narcoosee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort are hard to get favorites. Tiki Terrace and Captain Cooks at Disney’s Polynesian Resort and Spice Road Table at Epcot® are great options with availability.
A GREAT GLASS OF WINE?
Wine Bar George at Disney Springs is top on the list but California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a close second. Tutto Gusto is tucked away in Italy in Epcot.
A COCKTAIL OR BEER?
Germany, England, and other countries in Epcot will not disappoint. The margs at Cava del Tequila in Epcot should NOT be missed - I go Blood Orange. Bar Riva is a nice, upscale option at Disney’s Riviera Resort. & Oga’s Cantina in Hollywood Studios is always a favorite. I also like the margartias and cocktails at The Brown Derby in Hollywood Studios.
A HEALTHY MEAL OR SNACK?
Satu’li is by far the best option in Animal Kingdom. Morocco in Epcot has two great options - Tangierine Cafe and Spice Road Table. In Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, you have better options at the Table Service restaurants.