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Best Restaurants in Walt Disney World

Best Restaurants in Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World Florida, USA Travel Guide

Culinary Overview

Cultural Context & Ingredients

Walt Disney World's approach to food mirrors its global appeal. Epcot's World Showcase exemplifies this, featuring international dishes authentic or highly inspired by their home countries.

Across the resort, Disney places importance on immersive theming, making certain dining experiences complement the stories and settings of the parks and resorts. Efficiency in serving large crowds and a strong commitment to dietary accommodations also hold a central role in the culinary operation.

Dining Customs & Etiquette

  • Tipping: Standard U.S. Practices apply, with 15-20% customary for table service.
  • Reservations: Highly recommended for table service, often needed for popular character meals. Book through My Disney Experience app.
  • Mobile Order: Use the My Disney Experience app to pre-order and pay for quick-service meals. This saves waiting time.
  • Portions: U.S. Portion sizes often run large; consider sharing or ordering smaller options.

Regional Variations

Epcot's World Showcase

Offers international cuisine across 11 pavilions and features seasonal food festivals.

Animal Kingdom

Has African, Asian, and traditional American options, often prioritizing sustainable and plant-based ingredients.

Disney Springs

Features a wide array of dining, from celebrity chef restaurants to unique concepts and casual eateries.

Meal Times & Structure

  • Breakfast: Typically served from 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM at quick-service and character dining.
  • Lunch: Generally available from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
  • Dinner: Served from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, or later at some establishments.
  • Snacks: Available throughout the day at various carts and kiosks.

Must-Try Dishes

Signature Dishes & Iconics

Dole Whip

This pineapple-flavored soft-serve, often served as a float, marks an iconic Walt Disney World snack.

Find at Aloha Isle (Magic Kingdom) or Pineapple Lanai (Polynesian Village Resort).

Turkey Leg

A large, smoky, and savory roasted turkey leg, a popular item in Frontierland.

Find at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe (Magic Kingdom) and select quick-service spots.

Num Num Cookie

A large, warm, and gooey chocolate chip cookie, a beloved snack for many guests.

Get this popular snack at The Market at Pixar Place (Hollywood Studios).

Beverages & Festival Foods

  • Non-alcoholic: Joffrey's Coffee kiosks appear throughout parks. Specialty drinks like "Blue Milk" are themed to specific areas.
  • Alcoholic: Available at most table-service restaurants and lounges, especially in Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
  • Epcot's World Showcase has a wide selection of international beers, wines, and spirits.

Seasonal & Unique Bites

Churros

Fried dough pastry, often covered in cinnamon sugar, with dipping sauce. Found at various snack carts.

School Bread

A sweet cardamom bun filled with vanilla custard, topped with glacé icing and toasted coconut. Find at Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe (Norway Pavilion, Epcot).

Dining Options

Fine Dining

Walt Disney World offers various high-end dining experiences for special occasions.

  • Victoria & Albert's (Grand Floridian): Pinnacle of Disney dining, multi-course tasting menu.
  • California Grill (Contemporary): Signature dining with Magic Kingdom fireworks views.
  • Topolino's Terrace (Riviera Resort): French & Italian Riviera cuisine with rooftop views.

Mid-Range Restaurants

These establishments provide themed experiences and quality food without the premium price tag.

  • Be Our Guest Restaurant (Magic Kingdom): French-inspired, themed to Beauty and the Beast.
  • Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater (Hollywood Studios): American drive-in themed, serving comfort food.
  • Sanaa (Animal Kingdom Lodge): African-inspired cuisine with savanna views of animals.

Budget & Quick Service

For quick and affordable meals, numerous quick-service locations and snack carts are available.

  • Quick Service Locations: Abundant in all parks, offering convenient and affordable meals.
  • Snack Carts: Found throughout the parks, presenting quick bites like popcorn and ice cream.
  • Markets & Food Halls: Epcot festivals and Disney Springs offer extensive choices for casual dining.

International Cuisine

Epcot World Showcase

The main destination for international cuisine, with pavilions representing Canada, UK, France, Japan, Italy, Germany, China, Mexico, and others.

Each offers distinct culinary experiences from around the globe.

Beyond Epcot

Resorts like Animal Kingdom Lodge feature African-inspired dining, and Disney Springs hosts various international restaurants.

Discover diverse flavors throughout the entire resort area.

Themed Dining Experiences

Character Dining

Meals where Disney characters visit tables, popular and needing reservations.

Dinner Shows

The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue offers American frontier-style song and dance.

Space 220 Restaurant

Dine with simulated views of Earth from space in Epcot.

Coral Reef Restaurant

Enjoy dining with views into a large living aquarium in Epcot.

Special Dietary Considerations

Allergen & Plant-Based Options

  • Vegetarian & Vegan: Walt Disney World is one of the most accommodating theme parks for dietary needs.
  • Extensive Options: Nearly all table-service and quick-service restaurants clearly list plant-based (vegan) options.
  • Allergen-Aware: Cast Members and chefs hold training to handle various allergies (gluten/wheat, dairy, egg, soy, etc.).
  • Chef Consults: At table-service restaurants, a chef will typically speak directly with guests about their allergies.

Kosher & Halal Availability

Kosher Meals

Pre-packaged kosher meals are available at many table-service locations. These often need advance notice (24-48 hours).

Limited pre-packaged options may appear at some quick-service locations.

Halal Options

Certified halal options are less widely available. Many restaurants can accommodate by preparing dishes without certain ingredients upon request.

Consult with a chef upon arrival at the restaurant for specific needs.

Resources for Travelers

Helpful Tools & Locations
My Disney Experience App: Filter menus for plant-based or common allergens.
DisneyWorld.Disney.Go.Com: Official website with detailed info on dietary requests.
Guest Relations: Staff at Guest Relations provide guidance and assistance regarding dietary needs.
Erin McKenna's Bakery NYC (Disney Springs): Dedicated allergy-friendly bakery.
Allergen Menus

Many quick-service locations present specific allergen-friendly menus, listing ingredients and potential allergens.

  • Check these digital menus via the My Disney Experience app.
  • Ask a Cast Member at the counter for assistance.
Cross-Contamination Avoidance

Disney dining locations implement procedures to minimize cross-contamination for severe allergies.

Always communicate your needs clearly to your server or chef.

Additional Information for Guests

Pre-Arrival Planning
  • Note dietary needs when making dining reservations online.
  • Contact Disney Dining prior to arrival for complex cases.
On-Site Support
  • Speak with a chef at quick-service locations before ordering.
  • Cast Members assist with specific requests at all dining venues.

Culinary Experiences

Cooking Classes & Tours

Epcot Culinary Demonstrations

During Food & Wine and Flower & Garden Festivals, Epcot frequently has culinary demonstrations and workshops.

Seasonal Events Some complimentary, others paid.
Explore Culinary Tours
Behind the Seeds Tour Epcot

A walking tour of The Land Pavilion's greenhouses includes samples of crops grown there, featuring an educational and tasty experience.

Epcot's Living Lab
Book Greenhouse Tours
Taste of Magic Kingdom Park Tour

A paid tour including tastings of iconic and new Magic Kingdom foods, presenting a culinary journey through the park.

Park Food Exploration
Discover Food Tours

Food Festivals & Unique Dining

  • Epcot International Food & Wine Festival: Global marketplaces, culinary demonstrations, concerts (late July/Aug to Nov).
  • Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival: Celebrates gardening, outdoor living with cultural topiaries (Mar to July).
  • Epcot International Festival of the Arts: Features culinary arts studios with unique and visually appealing food creations (Jan to Feb).
  • Epcot International Festival of the Holidays: Holiday Kitchens showcase seasonal treats from around the world (Nov to Dec).

Special Dining Concepts

Character Dining

Meals where beloved Disney characters visit tables, proving highly popular and needing advance reservations.

Chef Mickey's (Contemporary Resort), Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (Epcot).

Dinner Shows

The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue (Fort Wilderness) offers a long-running dinner show with American frontier-style song and dance.

Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show (Polynesian Village Resort) is currently unavailable.

Themed Restaurant Highlights

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater

Dine in a simulated drive-in movie theater at Hollywood Studios.

's Prime Time Cafe

A retro 1950s themed diner with playful "cousin" servers at Hollywood Studios.

Space 220 Restaurant

Offers dining with simulated views of Earth from space in Epcot.

Dining Tip

Download the My Disney Experience app. It holds menus, mobile order capabilities, and reservation management. This tool helps streamline your dining.

  • Check menus for plant-based options using the app's filter.
  • Set up Mobile Order for quick-service meals to save time.
  • Link dining reservations to your account for easy access.
  • Review restaurant hours, which vary seasonally.
  • Consider a Disney Dining Plan if offered for potential savings on meals.