Disney World restaurants can be as important to your vacation as a ride on your favourite attraction. Whether they get fully booked 180 days out from your chosen date , or have hour long queues of people wanting to get that must have table for that must have meal , Walt Disney World has plenty of highly popular eateries. However, is this popularity always just?
Magic Kingdom
At the Magic Kingdom, two key locations stick out: Be Our Guest and Casey’s Corner.
In comparison to other Disney World restaurants, Be Our Guest is an expensive, highly themed (table service) restaurant. Depending on the time you attend (breakfast, lunch or dinner) a different menu is available. At dinner, the option to meet the Beast is also given, adding to the experience. The restaurant consists of three different rooms, each of which are individually themed and progressively tell the story of ‘Beauty and the Beast’. The three seating areas are themed to the west wing, the ball room and the rose gallery. The theming is highly immersive and their are little complaints to be made. However, I would argue that the rose gallery is the lesser of the three rooms, taking a minor amount of value away from your experience. The food itself is, in my opinion, to a decent quality but does not perhaps match the price point. Therefore it is, as expected, less the food and more the theme you are paying for. Not a must do restaurant, but definitely one for special occasions. Also, if you do go, don’t forget to try the grey stuff!
Casey’s corner is top of many people’s must do lists every time they visit the Magic Kingdom. This has caused the location to be notorious for its long lines, With the new mobile ordering service this can easily be avoided. The hot dogs are a classic option, but don’t expect anything too gourmet. Instead, enjoy the exciting options available, including the special hot dog of the month, and hopefully a castle view (if you can get a table that is).
Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios seemed to have less obvious choices, but I settled on its two most themed restaurants : Sci Fi Dine In and 50s prime time cafe.
The sci fi dine In is a personal favourite, mostly because of its theming. Booking in advance guarantees that you will be seated at a car table. Without a car table a lot of the ambience of this restaurant can be lost. The food itself is nothing spectacular, however the menu has been recently updated and appears to have improved although it won’t be until September that I will get to try out the new items for myself. This is a great family restaurant which will keep the kids entertained and it also offers simple American style food.
The 50s prime time cafe takes theming to a whole new level, which may be intimidating for some. Many love this restaurant and whilst I agree it looks awesome and the food is good, personally I don’t. My reasons for not enjoying this location are more on me than anything else, but I’m sure some of you may feel a similar way. If you’re generally shy or the type of person who hates the idea of audience participation, the servers aunt and uncle act may be a bit much, causing you to be on edge. However, if you enjoy this kind of thing, then I couldn’t think of a better location to recommend. Just remember, finish your vegetables!
Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom’s most recent addition, Satuli Canteen, appears to currently be the parks most hyped location. This is probably my favourite counter service restaurant on Disney property and the one location where I definitely agree with the hype. In my opinion the bowls, which you build yourself choosing a base, sauce and a protein, are one of the most delicious and healthy options on property. You can also get a platter for larger parties, which allows you to try a sample of each offering. Not only this, but the steamed pods, chocolate cake and blueberry cream cheese mousse are also delicious, not to mention the restaurants theming! Mobile ordering also makes this an easy must do location as no reservations are required.
Epcot
Epcot has plenty of choices, with the most obviously hyped being Le Cellier. Le Cellier is located in the Canada Pavilion and is a high priced table service restaurant. This is, in my opinion, one of the most fine dining experiences on property. The location is most highly regarded for its steaks but also offers plenty of other delicious items. I’d definitely recommend this restaurant, but be warned, it isn’t the most budget friendly!
Epcot is probably the park which is most well known for its food, what with the numerous festivals held throughout the year. I personally adore these events and their offerings. However, Epcot also has some pretty great all year round options. I don’t believe the quick service restaurants in the park quite get the hype they deserve. They offer such delicious variations from the usual theme park food. Next time you’re there be sure to check one out, particularly in the China or Moroccan pavilions!
Do you agree with our thoughts? Or did we miss something? Let us know your favourite Disney World restaurants!
Please check out our review of the Liberty Tree Tavern at the Magic Kingdom.
