Discover the Best Disney Restaurants - From Character Meals to Late-Night Eats

3/12/2023

Let’s face it: Disney World food is legendary. Millions of people flock to the Happiest Place on Earth each year in search of delicious meals—from classic churros and Dole Whips to vegan and gluten free options. With so many amazing restaurants to choose from, it can be hard to decide which ones are worth the time, money, and travel. Well, we’ve taken the guesswork out of it—we’ve put together a list of our favorite, can’t-miss Disney World restaurants that have us coming back for more. In this article, you’ll learn about the best, must-try eateries that span the four parks, and get all the details you need to know to plan your meals the next time you’re at Disney World. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the delicious world of Disney World dining!

Favorite Character Breakfast

Top Pick: Tusker House
Located in Disney's Animal Kingdom park, this character breakfast is the perfect way to start your day. The character interaction is excellent, they even do a parade with the kids. There are a variety of food options on the buffet and all of them are delicious. We feel this is the best tasting food of any other character buffet.

Runner up: Tie between Topolino's Terrace and Cape May Cafe
Topolino's at Disney's Riviera Resort offers a character brunch with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy. The food is good and the characters do a good job of interacting with the kids.

Cape May Cafe is located at Disney's Beach Club resort and a short walk from Epcot. Minnie's Beach Bash Breakfast is the perfect start to kick off your day at Epcot. Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy are dressed up for a day at the beach at this yummy breakfast buffet.

Favorite Character Dinner

Top Pick: Artist Point-Story Book Dining with Snow White
Located at Disney's Wilderness Lodge resort, Artist Point is one of the best character dining experiences on property. With Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs plus the evil Queen appearing, you never know what is going to happen during your meal. Set in the enchanted forest, this meal takes you through the story of Snow White and her friends. Start off with a wicked cocktail mixed with unique flavors such as the Enchanted Apple or the non-alcoholic Transformation Potion, complete with a bottle of blue "potion." Shared appetizers are a hit here along with the Magic Mirror slow-braised veal shank. The "Hunter's Gift to the Queen" dessert was our favorite!

Runner Up: Chef Mickey's
Chef Mickey's is the OG of character meals so we had to include it. Serving breakfast, brunch, and dinner at the Contemporary Resort you will find the fab five at this all-you-can eat buffet. The food is just ok but the character interaction is fun, especially for a first visit. Reservations can be hard to get so plan ahead.

Favorite Princess Dining

Top Pick: Cinderella's Royal Table
Dining in Cinderella's Castle is an experience everyone should have. Once you enter, Cinderella is there to greet you. After a quick photo, you will make your way up the winding staircase to the grand dining room. With floor to ceiling stained glass windows, it is a sight to be seen! The food is ok, nothing incredible, but that’s not really what you’re paying for anyway. You’re paying to eat INSIDE the castle, and meet some Disney Princesses while you’re at it.
Pro Tip: We suggest booking a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique appointment before your meal so your little princess will be "picture perfect."

Runner Up: Akershus Royal Banquet
Situated in the Norway Pavilion at EPCOT, this princess dining experience is a great alternative to CRT. The Norwegian Castle has a medieval vibe authentic to the land. While the menu seems "adventurous," we found plenty of options to satisfy our group of picky eaters. The princess interaction is also really good here.

Magic Kingdom Favorites

Top Pick: Be our Guest
As one of the most sought after reservations, Be Our Guest is a not to be missed experience. Walking into the castle feels like you stepped inside the Beauty and the Beast Movie. The west wing even has the famous rose! While you are eating, The Beast himself walks around the dining room waving at his guests. Once you are finished eating, you can take a photo with him before exiting the castle. Lunch and dinner are priced the same with a prix fixe menu. The food isn't the best meal on property but it's not the worst either. This one is our favorites for the experience, it's a must-do if you haven't before.

Runner Up: Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen
Tucked away in Adventureland across from the Jungle Cruise ride, Skipper Canteen is a hidden gem. You might miss it as you walk by. The servers are funny, the theme is cute, and the food, while adventurous, was surprisingly good.

Epcot Favorites

Top Pick: Space 220
One of our favorite restaurants on property, Space 200, is a dining adventure. It begins when you first walk in and are transported to space via an elevator that simulates real-time rocketing into orbit. While dining, you are surrounded by a full panoramic view of space. The multi-course, prix fixe menu is upscale and modern. Food is just as incredible as the atmosphere here, we all ordered something different and every bite was better than the next. The "atmospheric cocktails" are unique and an experience of themselves. Make sure to try one of the cocktails with a pop rocks rim. Kids love the non-alcoholic moon rocks drink that fizz.

Runner Up: Le Cellier Steakhouse
Tucked in Epcot's Canada pavilion, Le Cellier Steakhouse is delicious. This Disney Signature restaurant offers Canadian cheddar cheese soup, Filet Mignon, Poutine, and Canadian Ice Wine. Lunch and dinner reservations can be hard to snag but we have found walk-up availability at off times of the day.

Hollywood Studios Favorites

Top Pick: Roundup Rodeo BBQ
This brand new restaurant can be found in Toy Story Land. The menu is traditional BBQ served family style with some Pixar flair thrown in. Guests will dine among “play sets” of a western town and train station while "rodeo festivities" take place during the meal. Guests will also spot representations of Pixar characters as toys and game pieces set the playful scene in what is sure to be a lively and memorable dining experience (though it is not a Toy Story character meal).

Runner Up: Sci-Fi Dine-In
Unique, fun, and silly are all words to describe this Hollywood Studios favorite. Sci-Fi Dine-in pairs traditional cheeseburgers and fries with zombie movies and waitresses on skates all while dining inside an old 1950s car.

Animal Kingdom Favorites

Top Pick: Yak & Yeti
Set in Asia, this beautifully themed restaurant offers flavorful Asian Fusion cuisine with special Disney touches. Our favorite dish is the fried pineapple and cream cheese wontons.

Runner up: Satu'li Canteen
While this is just a quick service, it deserves a mention. Satu'li is the primary dining spot for Pandora-the World of Avatar. The menu is inspired by Pandora's bounty with an international influence to the cuisine. Customizable bowls and steamed pods along with unique drinks and desserts are available for lunch and dinner.

Disney Springs Favorites

Top Pick: The Boathouse
The Boathouse is known for its fresh seafood, top-notch theming and gorgeous outdoor seating. The steak options are also very good. We have never had a bad meal here. A plus is that it's always easy to get a table here, even the same day. The kids love sitting in the big boat so as your hostess if you can sit there.

Runner up: Homecomin' by Chef Art Smith
If you love fried chicken then you have to try Homecomin' by celebrity chef Art Smith. This restaurant celebrates Southern and Florida cuisine. While the fried chicken is what this restaurant is known for, the boozy drinks and moonshine are the highlight. The food is rich and savory comfort food and the service is friendly. Get the Church Lady Deviled Eggs, they are incredible.
They also offer a Rise n' Shine Brunch on the weekends that is a perfect adult way to start your day before shopping at Disney Springs.

Disney Resort Favorites

Top Pick: Yachtsman Steakhouse
Located at Disney's Yacht Club resort, this Signature restaurant is worth the cost. Specializing in delicious grain-fed beef steaks, the restaurant has a glass-walled butchering room where guests can actually see their steaks being prepared! The steaks are the best on property and the service is excellent. Take your time to enjoy this delectable meal starting with the lobster bisque and ending with the Brulé Cheesecake, every bite is something to savor.

Runner up: Narcoosee's
Narcoossee’s at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort has panoramic views of Seven Seas Lagoon with the Magic Kingdom as it's backdrop. Time your meal right and watch the fireworks and the Electric Water Pageant while you dine. Seafood is the primary breadwinner here, but Narcoossee’s also has wonderful steak, pasta, chicken, and veggie dishes.

Favorite Late-Night Spots

Top Pick: Beaches & Cream
Located at Disney's Beach Club Resort, Beaches & Cream is a 50s style diner with delicious burgers and other diner food but the desserts are the real draw. Home to the famous Kitchen Sink, an eight-scoop ice cream sundae made for sharing, is served with every topping in the house! This is a great spot to grab a treat after a long day at the parks. You can walk here from Epcot through the international gateway.

Runner Up: California Grill
As a Signature Restaurant, snagging a dinner reservation can be tough but you can walk in and sit at the bar for drinks and dessert or order off the full menu. There is a dress code, so you have to be prepared to dress a little bit nicer than you might for a normal day at the theme parks. The restaurant is at the top of Disney’s Contemporary Resort and overlooks the Magic Kingdom. If you time your arrival right, you can watch the fireworks while you sip on some bubbly. California Grill offers one of the best fireworks dining experiences at Walt Disney World Resort. Lights dim as the music is piped into the restaurant—immersing Guests in the magic of the night.

From delightful delicacies at Be Our Guest restaurant to the whimsical atmosphere of Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater, there is no shortage of amazing restaurants in the Disney parks. Ultimately, the best way to decide which Disney restaurant you'd like to visit is to think about what appeals to you and your family. Whether it's the amazing ambiance or the unique menu items, these restaurants offer something for everyone. A visit to Disney should include an unforgettable dining experience that you'll be talking about for years to come. So make sure to bring your appetite and get ready for a magical meal!

To conclude, Disney restaurants have something for everyone, from the pickiest of palates to the wildest of imaginations. Whether you're looking for a magical atmosphere or delicious dishes, Disney has it all. As the famous saying goes, "You can't spell Disney without 'dine', so make sure to make a reservation at one of your favorite Disney restaurants and make your next visit a truly unforgettable experience.

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