I will preface this post with saying this post does not address Disney Dining Plans. Here is a great post that discusses it in detail.

Before we get onto the meat of it, let’s discuss reservations. Currently, it is near impossible to get a table at a sit-down restaurant or buffet without reservations in Walt Disney World. You can make reservations up to 180 days in advance and I highly recommend doing this. You can do so online (starting at 6 am EST) or on the phone (starting at 7 am EST). For sure, if you want to get a coveted seat at Cinderella’s castle for a specific time/day, you must reserve exactly 180 days in advance. After that, it is anybody’s guess. A note on character dining: some people love it and some people hate it. If your kids are bent on meeting characters, this is the most efficient way to do it. Remember to seat your kids on the outside so the characters can reach them easily.

We like to do quick breakfasts in the room (bagels, fruit, cereal) with some sit-down reserved breakfasts on our slower days. Counter service lunches are usually the norm for us, with some special sit-down ones sprinkled in. We almost always do reserved sit-down dinners to give our tired feet a break.

Now, on to what we came here for…my favorite places to chow down in Disney. (All menus are listed on All Ears)

Magic Kingdom:

• Liberty Tree Tavern.  This used to be a character meal, but has now since been changed to a family-style meal. I like the food here. It is reminiscent of Thanksgiving and is easy because you don’t have to get up for a buffet.  You will need reservations for this sit-down meal.
• Columbia Harbor House.  This is counter service, but tasty and a little healthier than others.  We like to sit upstairs where it is less crowded and a bit cooler.
• Aloha Isle. This is counter service, but I can’t stress enough that this is a must-do. I have two words: Dole Whips (google it)
• Crystal Palace. Winnie the Pooh character meal. The kids go crazy over this. It is served buffet style and is relatively good and extremely loud so no one will notice junior having a fit if Piglet isn’t at your table yet.  You will definitely need reservations.
• Cinderella’s Royal Table. If you have a little princess, need I say more? All princesses are present at breakfast and lunch. Dinner is less popular because only the Fairy Godmother will be there. This post describes it in detail.  Reservations required!

Epcot:

• Biergarten. German food served buffet style. Very tasty and very fun. There is an oompa band, dancing, beer, and long tables where you sit Biergarten-style with other families.  This is sit-down service and you will need reservations.
• Chefs de France. This is fun for a lunch treat. Not too expensive (we’re talking Disney dollars here) and there is delicious 3 course menu (soup, sandwich, dessert) for roughly $20.  This is also sit-down service and you will need reservations.
• Sunshine Seasons. This is a counter service food court style venue with pretty healthy options. Served in a large atrium with lots of light and tables.
• Princess Storybook Dining at Akershus. Sit down character meal with a random selection of princesses. This is served family style in the country on Norway and you will need reservations.
• San Angel Inn. This is delicious food served sit down in the country of Mexico. You eat under the “stars” near a volcano.  You usually will need reservations.
• La Hacienda de San Angel.  This is also in the country of Mexico and will need a reservation.  This restaurant is more casual than San Angel Inn and is a great spot to watch the fireworks show “Illuminations”.

Hollywood Studios:

• Sci-fi Dine-in Theatre. Your kids will love you. You eat in cars while watching sci-fi movies at the “drive-in”. You are served popcorn before the meal. The meal is a typical burger joint, but the ice cream is to die for. This is fun for a lunch.  You will for sure need reservations here.
• Mama Melrose’s. A great dinner place to get your pizza fix. You can reserve this dinner as a “Fantasmic! Dining Package” and you get front-row seats to Fantasmic! Fantasmic is the most incredible fireworks show around and it doesn’t happen every night, so plan your vacation according to this.  Reservations recommended.

Animal Kingdom:

• Tusker House.  This is a character meal (Donald Duck and friends), but is one of the better buffets you will find in Disney World.  Reservations recommended.  You can reserve this dinner as part of the “Rivers Of Light” Dining Package.
• Flame Tree BBQ.  This is a counter service restaurant with a break from your usual burgers and hot dogs fare.  Delicious BBQ and don’t forget to sample the Key Lime Mousse for dessert!
• Yak and Yeti.  This has a counter service component and a table service restaurant.  The table service restaurant is a splurge but one of the few in the parks that is worth it!

Resort Dining: Here is a list of our favorite restaurants at the Disney Resorts. You don’t need to stay at the resort to eat there. These would be good to make reservations at when you will not be going into a park for the day.

• Whispering Canyon Cafe. Great for all meals and is located at the Wilderness Lodge. At dinner, they have the kids ride around on stick ponies and wave handkerchiefs in the air. Yeeehaw! Dinner is served family style (think ribs, chicken, potatoes) and is all you can eat.
• 1900 Park Fare. This is one of my favorite character dinners at the Grand Floridian. You are visited by the characters from Cinderella (Stepsisters are comic relief). It is served buffet style and is pretty tasty. Also, this is a good excuse to check out this famous hotel.
• Chef Mickeys. The character meal (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner buffet) where you get to see the big cheese himself! My kids LOVED this place. It has all your favorite characters: Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Daisy. This is another one that you must get reservations for early.
• Hoop-de-doo Musical Revue. This is a ticketed show and is served family style at 3 different times. Great all around family fun! This is located at Fort Wilderness. You can take a boat from the Magic Kingdom to get here.
• Spirit of Aloha.  This is a ticketed show and showcases a Hawaiian Luau.  I think the food is pretty good and the show is entertaining for all ages.  This is located at The Polynesian Resort.

Contact me to help plan your vacation: yb*******@gm***.com