Visiting Walt Disney World in Orlando is a different experience for everyone. For some, the fun is in the toys – the more extreme, the better. For others, the charm lies in meeting the characters, in the fireworks shows or even in the small details that go unnoticed by most visitors.
I confess that I fit these last descriptions. I prefer “feel the magic” spending hours in line for the Space Mountain, for example. For me, the fun is in the atmosphere of the parks and how everyone becomes a child again when they meet Mickey Mouse.
On my last trip, I also decided to learn a little more about the cuisine in each park. It was to be expected that I would have done this on exchange, but at the time I always ate at the same restaurants, which had the typical hamburger and fries menu. What a mistake!
After a lot of research, I discovered that all parks have restaurants for all tastes and budgets. They are divided between categories quick-service (counter service), where you place your order at the register and leave with a tray for your table; It is table service (table service), usually more expensive and where a waiter serves you and takes your order to the table.
In this post I'm going to give you some tips on what to eat at Disney, from snacks even restaurants that are not usually on the most tourist itineraries. I also took the opportunity and added some tips on where to eat in hotels and talked a little about the Dining Plan. I hope it helps you plan your trip!
Don't forget to get your travel insurance to travel to Disney! Health services tend to be very expensive in the United States, and for any problem such as a sore throat or something more serious, you may have to pay hundreds of dollars to be treated. Travel insurance costs just a fraction of that amount, and you have a support team to help you in any emergency situation.
What to eat at Disney – Restaurant and dish tips
Magic Kingdom
Perhaps because it is the most visited park, Magic Kingdom offers a wide variety of cuisine. There are countless options for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks traditional Disney. Among the most popular are:
Dole Whip
The best dessert adored by Disney-maniacs, even more than Mickey-shaped ice cream. It is a pineapple flavored ice cream, which can be served in a cone, in a glass with pineapple juice or even with cake. It is sold exclusively at the Polynesian Resort, Animal Kingdom or Aloha Island, in Magic's Adventureland.
Main Street Confectionery
Although there is a Starbucks almost next door, it is impossible to compare it to the famous Main Street Confectionery, a bakery full of sweets. You can take home bags of sweet popcorn, crisps of Mickey rice and even M&M's. To enjoy on the spot there are cupcakes themed around the characters, love apples, brownies and other delicacies.
Columbia Harbor House
How about avoiding the classic burger and fries for lunch and opting for seafood? A Columbia Harbor House is close to the Haunted Mansion, in Liberty Square, and serves combos such as fish and shrimp (or chicken) with corn, green beans and carrots (which can be replaced with potatoes, rs). It was my whole family's request and we loved it! Other dishes are also offered, such as grilled salmon with green beans and couscous for US$13.99 and lobster rolls for R$14.99.
Casey's Corner
To be honest, I don't believe in visiting Magic Kingdom and not eating there. Casey's Corner, rs. All decorated with a baseball theme, the specialty of the house is hot dogs. My favorite is the one with chili and cheese, but the one with mac & cheese also looks amazing. Sit at tables outside while you eat for a privileged view of the castle.
Be our guest
Inside the Beast's castle, the Be our guest Works for both lunch and dinner. By day it's a restaurant quick-service, and the menu includes sandwiches, soups and salads. At night, in the company of the Beast himself, more elegant dishes are served, such as grilled sirloin and roast lamb. Don’t forget to order the famous “gray thing” which, as the film’s music says, is delicious. Reservations are required and can be made through the My Disney Experience app.
Cinderella's Royal Table
The park's busiest restaurant, Cinderella's Royal Table is located inside the castle, and is attended by Cinderella herself and other princesses. The price is fixed per person, and entitles you to choose a main dish and dessert. I had the experience with breakfast and, despite finding it the weakest in the category in terms of food, it is undeniable that it was the most “Magic". It is recommended to make a reservation months in advance.
Other cool places: The Crystal Palace to have breakfast with the Winnie the Pooh gang; Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe with Mexican food; Sleepy Hollow for Mickey Waffles and Funnel Cake; Fireworks Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace.
Epcot
It's difficult to compete with Epcot when it comes to what to eat at Disney, as World Showcase offers typical dishes from 11 different countries. As it is not possible to have lunch 5 times and dinner another 6 times, the solution is to choose a country for each meal and try the sweets of the rest (boring, rs).
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
With American cuisine for breakfast and typical Norwegian dishes for lunch and dinner, the Akershus Royal Banquet Hall It's a meal with the princesses. In addition to enjoying the food, “banquet guests” can also enjoy the presence of Snow White, Cinderella, Bella, Aurora and Ariel. Reservation is required.
garden grill
Inside The Land, in garden grill All dishes are prepared with fresh ingredients that come from Living with the Land's greenhouse! The breakfast menu is traditional American, with eggs and bacon, while lunch and dinner feature salads, meats and seasonal vegetables. Tico, Teco and Mickey dressed as a farmer make the rounds of the room and are the delight of the children (and adults) who are eating there!
Tokyo Dining
Moving on to World Showcase, my restaurant table service favorite is Tokyo Dining, Japanese cuisine. On my visit I asked grilled salmon with yaki miso and sushi, and both dishes were delicious. Those who choose to dine at the establishment can enjoy watching the Illuminations fireworks show from the building's balcony.
Tutto Italia
Traditional restaurant Italian, the Tutto Italia It was my choice for dinner both for family visits and with friends on the exchange. With pasta, lasagna, risotto, fish and meat, it offers options for all tastes. I confess that I don't remember what I usually order, but I tried everyone's (who never) and everything was delicious!
Les Halles Boulangerie
A mix of restaurant, bakery and store, the Les Halles Boulangerie It's a must-see for anyone with a sweet tooth.! I've tried several, but my favorites were the Créme Brûlée and the Duo – white and dark chocolate mousse. If you're with a group, it's worth each one getting a different one and trying them all!
Baklava at the Morocco pavilion
I confess I didn't really know what it was Baklava when I ordered at the counter at Morroco Coffee and Pastries. It's a kind of puff pastry with nuts, and although it seems super basic, it was the best sweet I tried at Epcot, even beating France! It is possible to order it as a dessert in restaurants table service, or buy from the stall at the end of the pavilion that sells refreshments and some snacks (I didn't even find it on the park map, but I swear it exists!)
Funnel Cake at the United States Pavilion
Lastly, nothing like the traditional funnel cake, a type of American cupcake size GG. In addition to the frying, you are also rewarded with an obscene amount of sugar and, depending on the order, chocolate sauce and even ice cream. The most antsy can ask for the version cookies n cream, with everything I've already mentioned and even pieces of biscuit.
Other cool places: Electric Umbrella for the usual burger and fries; Coral Reef with seafood overlooking the aquariums at The Sea; La Cantina de San Angel for Mexican food and margaritas; Karamell-Kuche shop with all possible caramel sweets.
Animal Kingdom
Despite not being one of Brazilians' favorites, Animal Kingdom has one of the most interesting selections when talking about what to eat at Disney. With a mix of African and Asian cuisines, it is certain that in this park you will be able to find dishes whose flavor will surprise you.
Tusker House
Starting with my favorite, the Tusker House, where you eat with Donald Duck and other Mickey friends dressed in safari clothes! Of all the Disney breakfasts I tried, this one had the most different options, and I really liked it! During lunch and dinner a buffet is offered with meat, fish, salads, curry and other spices. Need reservation!
Flame Tree Barbecue
American cuisine that is more elaborate than a burger and fries, but still in the same price range – this is the proposal at Flame Tree Barbecue. In addition to focusing on meats such as ribs and shredded roast pork, one of the most famous dishes is a sandwich that comes with the house's exclusive roasted beans.
Yak & Yeti
Divided between the Local Food Cafes (quick-service) And Restaurant (table service), Yak & Yeti offers the best Asian cuisine within the park. I ordered a rib from the counter service section and loved it, despite it being very spicy. My father ordered the chicken with honey and liked it too, and my sister, who is a little more boring when it comes to eating, just had the fried rice with chicken. The side portions are well served and those who eat little will enjoy it! The restaurant serves everything from dim sum baskets, to pasta, dishes made in the wok and other specialties of this type of cuisine.
Harambe Market
Perfect for those who want to experience African flavors without spending a lot. Overall, the dishes at Harambe Market They revolve around meats such as ribs, lamb, sausage and even chicken, but there is also a vegetarian vegetable option.
Satu'li Canteen
Inside the new Avatar area, the Satu'li Canteen specializes in American cuisine and is inspired by Pandora elements. There are bowls of meat, chicken and tofu, most of which are accompanied by crunchy salads and tapioca! For dessert, I suggest the cream cheese and blueberry mousse with passion fruit topping, an option that is quite different from the traditional.
Other cool options: Restaurantosaurus with burgers and salad; Pizzafari with individual pizzas; Eight Spoon Cafe with variations on traditional macaroni and cheese.
Hollywood studios
The smallest of the four parks, Hollywood Studios is perfect for those who have varied their dishes on other days and are ready to indulge in typical American cuisine. With countless options for burgers, fries and even a cinema restaurant, it is the ideal place to eat the famous Turkey Leg, jumbo size chicken drumstick!
Hollywood & Vine
With different dishes each season, the Hollywood & Vine offers the best in character dining. At breakfast you can meet the Disney Junior gang, while lunch and dinner feature Minnie and her friends. The price is fixed per person (not à la carte), and salads, vegetables, pasta, meat, fish and desserts are served. It is recommended to book in advance.
Sci-Fi Dine In
With 50s style, this O Sci-Fi Dine In is a “drive-in restaurant” where diners watch scenes from classic science fiction films while eating. The menu, following the theme, consists of burgers, sandwiches, salads and some pastas.
ABC Commissioner
Inspired by Hollywood recording studios, the ABC Commissioner is an quick-service with dishes for all tastes: salads, portions of fish, chicken and shrimp, burgers and sandwiches. If you like themed desserts, be sure to try the cupcake from Olaf!
Mama Melrose
Italian restaurant with a California touch, Mama Melrose has a story worthy of the cinema: a girl who moved to Hollywood with the dream of being an actress, but soon discovered that her true passion was cooking! As expected, the menu is full of pasta, seafood and delicious desserts – try the tasting with miniature tiramisu, orange cake and lemon cheesecake with passion fruit topping!
Other cool places: Backlot Express with nuggets, burgers and salads; Woody's Lunch Box, scheduled to open in June 2018, alongside Toy Story Land.
Hotels
Not only do the parks have great restaurants, but the hotels within the Disney complex too! almost all resorts more luxurious options have table service, and you don't need to be a guest to enjoy the meals. In any of them, I recommend making a reservation as far in advance as possible.
Chef Mickey's
Inside Disney's Contemporary Resort, the Chef Mickey's It is one of the most traditional character meals. Open during breakfast, brunch and dinner, diners enjoy their meal while taking photos with Mickey and the gang dressed in chef outfits! The cuisine is traditional American, I tried the breakfast and it was one of my favorites, with a great variety.
Read more about my experience eating breakfast with Disney characters at 6 different restaurants.
Boma – Flavors of Africa
Located at Animal Kingdom Lodge, the Boma specializes in flavors from Africa. Open during breakfast and dinner, guests can choose from a buffet lines with typical cuisine from more than 50 countries, as well as some American classics. The evening menu features seafood, salads, meat and vegetarian options, and those over 21 have the chance to taste exclusive South African wines.
1900 park fare
Perhaps the most beautiful of the character restaurants, the 1900 park fare is located inside the Grand Floridian Spa & Resort. At breakfast you can meet Alice, Mad Hatter, Mary Poppins, Winnie the Pooh and Tigger. During the afternoon, a “tea party” is offered, where children between 4 and 12 years old can assemble their own cupcakes along with Wonderland figures. During the night, Cinderella and the Charming Prince welcome guests to a buffet of seafood, meat, salads and pasta.
Victoria & Albert's
The thinnest among those mentioned, the Victoria & Albert's is also located inside the Grand Floridian, and offers the best of modern American cuisine with ingredients from around the world. Winner of the Five Diamond Award and five-star Forbes Travel Guide, guests can enjoy a ten-course meal featuring crayfish, halibut, sea bass, desserts and more. Mandatory formal attire.
And phew… those were my tips on what to eat at Disney! Of course you can eat burgers and fries at every meal and enjoy traditional Mickey Bars or Mickey Ice Cream Sandwiches, but I suggest trying something different when possible!
And you, what are your favorite restaurants and dishes at Walt Disney World, in Orlando? Tell me in the comments 🙂
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