When I start planning my next Walt Disney World vacation, one of the first things I think about is “Where am I going to eat?!” Some of my favorite memories at WDW have happened sitting around a table sharing food with my friends and family. There are some really great options when it comes to dining at the Walt Disney World theme parks.
8. Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano (Disney’s Hollywood Studios): For me this one is all about the warm and cozy atmosphere! The decor may seem a little wacky but it reminds of my aunt’s house when I was growing up. The food is classic Italian cuisine. I’m a big fan of the Chicken Parmesan and the Penne a la Vodka is amazing with a bacon-y, creamy tomato sauce. I find the portion sizes to be really generous – definitely worth the cost.
7. Crystal Palace (Main Street USA, Magic Kingdom): This is one of my favorite character meals in the theme parks. I love eating with Pooh and the rest of my friends from Hundred Acre Woods! This is an all you can eat buffet that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. While the food at lunch and dinner is good, I think this is the prefect place to enjoy breakfast. From Mickey Waffles, to eggs to fruit, there is something for everyone to enjoy – even the little guests! Plus, if you can get a reservation before rope drop you’ll get into Magic Kingdom before the crowds and can get one of those amazing shots in front of Cinderella’s Castle without the crowds.
6. 50’s Prime Time Cafe (Disney’s Hollywood Studios): It’s like a trip back in time to the 1950’s: from retro decor, classic home-cooked entrees and a wait staff that is sure to keep you on your toes! The menu is comfort food at it’s finest – I’d suggest trying A Sampling of Mom’s Favorite Recipes which includes crispy fried chicken, fork tender pot roast and traditional meatloaf with all the fixings! Another favorite is the Chicken Pot Pie with a creamy filling and flaky crust. And no meal at 50’s Prime Time Cafe is complete without a Peanut Butter and Jelly Milkshake. Just make sure to clean your plate or Mom might have to come out and take away your TV privileges!
5. Liberty Tree Tavern (Liberty Square, Magic Kingdom) This all-you-care-to-enjoy dinner is like a Thanksgiving feast any time of the year. The Patriot’s Platter, which includes roasted turkey breast, carved beef and sliced pork with mashed potatoes, seasonal veggies, herb stuffing and mac and cheese, is served family style for your whole table. The decor, which is Classic Colonial feels like “old school Disney” to me – it’s easy to forget you’re in the middle of Orlando, Florida in the 21st century! Lunch is served a la carte with a menu that includes New England Pot Roast and the Pilgrim’s Feast (turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and vegetables).
4. Tusker House (Africa, Disney’s Animal Kingdom) Take an African Safari with Donald Duck and some of his pals! This buffet style restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner (with the characters visiting for breakfast and lunch only). The themeing of this restaurant is just incredible! The seating area is set up as as the offices and waiting rooms of a Safari Company. They are certainly not lacking in the attention to details department! If you have a few moments take a walk around and check out all of the little touches. The food is incredible. While I love breakfast I’m going to have to suggest you check out Tusker House for lunch! The buffet offers both African and American Cuisine. I am a big fan of the Potato and Pea Samosas and all of the rice dishes they serve. The Kenyan Coffee BBQ Pork Loin is probably my number one choice on the menu! The sauce is amazing – I’m dying for the recipe! And as always, don’t forget to check out the many dessert options.
3. Le Cellier (Canada Pavilion, Epcot) Epcot is home to many amazing places to eat. Depending on the type of food you like, there is certainly something for every taste. Le Cellier is known for their steaks. And the Cheddar Cheese Soup. I could eat several bowls of that and be good for the rest of the day! The atmosphere is upscale wine cellar-esque, although this is one restaurant that doesn’t scream theme like many others at Walt Disney World do. One thing to note, Le Cellier is a Signature Dining restaurant and will cost you 2 Table Service credits off of the Disney Dining Plan.
2. Garden Grill (The Land Pavilion, Epcot) Dinner with Chip ‘n Dale and Friends in a revolving restaurant that passes by scenes from the Living with the Land attraction – what could be better! This is one of my favorite dining experience in all of Walt Disney World. The all-you-care-to enjoy meal is served family style and consists of Char-grilled Filet of Beef, Roasted Turkey Breast, and a Fish of the Day with mashed potatoes and garden fresh vegetables. Honestly, if I could only eat at one place in all of the WDW theme parks, it would probably be Garden Grill!
1. Be Our Guest (New Fantasyland, Magic Kingdom) This is one of the hottest, if not the hottest place to eat in all of WDW right now – both table service dinner and quick service lunch. Who wouldn’t want to eat in the Beast’s Castle after all! There are three dining rooms, the Ballroom, the West Wing and the Library all of which are dripping with Disney touches! The lunch menu has salad, soup and sandwich options while the dinner menu boasts Herb Crusted Lamb and Pan Seared Salmon on Leek Fondue. Both meals offer “the grey stuff” for dessert – which you really should try because the dishes say it’s delicious!
Would you add any theme park restaurant to the list of must try places to eat at Walt Disney World? Make sure and let us know if you think there are restaurants missing from our list.
My name is Alissa and I am a Writer for Chip and Company. I’m also an Independent Consultant with World of Magic Travel, the preferred agency of Chip and the Disney Addicts. Email me today at alissa@worldofmagictravel.com to book your next “Magical” vacation to your favorite destination.
Let our friends at Destinations to Travel help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.
Get started below for your FREE No Obligation Quote.
Book With our friends at Destinations to Travel
For the BEST in Disney, Universal, Dollywood, and SeaWorld Theme Park News, Entertainment, Merchandise & More follow us on, Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube. Don't forget to check out the Chip and Company Radio Network too!
We’ve eaten both lunch and dinner at Be Our Guest and weren’t all that impressed. Tables very crowded together. Food good but quite expensive. There are many more places with better food in parks and resorts. We agree with Crystal Palace and Tusker House. Chefs de France is our favorite. The Plaza Restaurant just off Main Street doesn’t make many lists, if any, and it’s wonderful. Sandwiches, soup, desserts. If any allergies, Ken, their chef, is wonderful with children. You won’t believe the service.
Le Cellier is way down on our list. Can’t imagine using 2 credits for this.
I believe the Garden Grill no longer revolves (bummer!). Great list!