What does Donald put on his nachos in Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion? Quacker-mole!
Puns aside, Disney World is a secret hub of sweet and savory treats of all shapes, sizes, and flavors! These sweet and savory treats attract many self-named “Disney foodies”, capturing every new treat and writing a review as soon as it hits the park. Now that the cat is out of the bag, let’s dive in to the delicious food options in each park!
First Stop: Magic Kingdom!
The selection of food offered at Magic Kingdom is so varied, that one with any dietary restrictions, the toughest case of being a picky eater, or even someone who wants to try it all, can all have a great time!
First, it seems important to note that there are two coffee chains that are most popular in Disney World: Joffrey’s and Starbucks. Joffrey’s is a local chain that operates within Disney World, and offers special coffee drinks and baked goods themed to the holidays and other Disney celebrations, as well as their classic selection. Although we all know how popular Starbucks is among college students, I must say that Joffrey’s is just as delicious for a similar, if not cheaper, price. Go try it out!
Starbucks appears in different forms throughout every park, but look carefully, because it is never advertised as a “Starbucks”, but always sports a different name instead to blend in with the Disney theming.
For example, the Trolley Car Café in Hollywood studios is actually a Starbucks. The best way to tell where the Starbucks are in each park is to look for the logo (in this image it is found under the sign in the middle), or look at the menus online. If you are in desperate need of coffee, however, the best idea is just to walk inside and hope for the best!
If you are in the mood for Italian Food:
Try Tony’s Town Square restaurant! It has a limited (but delicious) selection of pasta dishes and is themed after the movie Lady and the Tramp. It sits at the front of Magic Kingdom on the side of the street, making it the perfect place to enjoy a sit-down meal while watching the parades float by. One thing that I liked about Tony’s when I visited for lunch was how customizable each dish was. Everyone in my group ordered the classic angel hair pasta dish, but each with different sauces and meatballs (they even have impossible meat balls for those who do not eat meat).
If you are in the mood for a New England feast:
Try Columbia Harbour House! Located inside a quaint colonial cottage in Liberty Square, this restaurant features all of the New England seafood that one could dream of: shrimp, salmon, lobster rolls, New England Clam Chowder, the fish of the day, and so much more. Although I have never eaten here before, as a New Englander I can say that our cuisine is perfect to cure a hangry crowd after a long and exhausting day at the parks. Another perk is that one can order food here using the Mobile Ordering system, meaning that you and your group don’t have to wait for a table in order to enjoy your meal.
If you’re in the mood for a Thanksgiving Dinner:
Try The Diamond Horseshoe restaurant! This American colonial style restaurant is located within Liberty Square, and celebrates the true meaning of being American: the infamous Thanksgiving Dinner. To eat this Thanksgiving Dinner, each person pays a flat fee ($39 for adults, $21 for children) and receives the standard meal of a house salad, the “Saloon Feast”, and an Oooey Gooey Toffee Cake. There is also a plant-based version of the meal for those who do not eat meat!
If you’re in the mood for African/Asian/Latin cuisine (or for an adventure of a dining experience):
It’s time for an adventure to find the eighth Wonder of the World: the Backside of Water! Ride the Jungle Cruise, then try the Skipper Canteen! This restaurant is themed to the famous “Jungle Cruise” attraction that sits rights across the road. The menu is full of puns and jokes similar to the ones used by Skippers on the Jungle Cruise, and though expensive, combines different cuisines to serve absolutely delicious food. If you want a good deal, be sure to find Trader Sam, the head salesman of the area; he’s offering a stellar two-for-one special: two of his for one of yours!
If you’re in the mood for Character/Themed Dining:
Try Cinderella’s Royal Table if you have always dreamed of dining inside Cinderella’s Castle and meeting the Disney princesses! Although I have not dined here myself, it is a great family friendly restaurant for those who do not mind paying extra for the experience of the character meet and greets with the princesses.
Try Be Our Guest if you have always wanted to explore Belle’s Castle and meet her and the Beast! Speaking from experience, this place is spectacular! While I do not remember the food (French themed!), guests who flock here are mainly visiting for the experience itself. The ambiance inside the restaurant was amazing, with the snow outside the “windows” of the palace swirling to make it feel alive, and noise/music in the background featuring dialogue between characters from the movie, and of course the classic soundtrack.
Try the Crystal Palace if you are looking for a flexible brunch with the characters from Winnie the Pooh! This is a great option for those who cannot or do not want to visit Cinderella’s Royal Table, but still want to experience a character meal. Buffet style dining allows the flexibility groups may want with the extra benefit of character meet and greets as Winnie the Pooh and his friends wander around the restaurant!
If you’re in the mood for classic Disney:
Try Cosmic Rays or The Plaza Restaurant! Both offer classic American (and theme park) favorites such as chicken tenders, hamburgers/cheeseburgers, and french fries. The main difference is the theming and style of dining. The Plaza Restaurant, located at the end of Main Street (making it a perfect parade watching spot), is a sit down restaurant that features a broader menu (for both picky and non-picky eaters), and a delicious array of ice cream desserts (as it is located right next to the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor). Cosmic Rays, on the other hand, is located in Tomorrowland, and is Quick Service style. This means that guests can either mobile order or place an order in person, then find their own table to dine at. Having been to both, I can say that the cuisine at both places is delicious; where I decided to dine just depended on the situations of each day (for example, I went to Cosmic Rays when I did not have time for a sit down meal and wanted a quick bite for dinner, and dined at the Plaza to take a break midday and watch the parade).
If you’re in the mood for a quick snack:
Sleepy Hollow, located just outside liberty square, is a great place to stop by for those looking for sweet and savory Belgian waffle sandwiches, funnel cakes, corn dogs, and any seasonal treats (especially during Halloween and Christmas). Although the options are niche, they are delicious!
Sunshine Tree Terrance and Aloha Isle are the places to be for those who enjoy a good Dole Whip (Disney’s signature pineapple soft serve). They are both located in Adventureland, and feature Dole Whip of all flavors and varieties (my favorite combo is the coconut and pineapple Dole Whip swirl). Plus, mobile ordering is available at both locations!
Main Street Confectionary is the place to be for all the baked good fans. It is full of a variety of cookies, Rice Krispie treats, cupcakes, caramel apples, and candy galore. It is the perfect way to end the day by bringing home a new treat to enjoy kicked back in the hotel room after a long, exhausting day at the parks.
Casey’s Corner is a baseball themed quick service restaurant with many varieties of hot dogs, corn dogs, mac and cheese, and anything else one could dream of at the ball game! It is incredibly popular among Disney fans, and is a well known spot to grab a quick lunch and relax by the parades.
Animal Kingdom
Although there are not as many options in Animal Kingdom, the food here is just as delicious and flavorful! Most of the food options in Animal Kingdom are carts that sell snacks such as churros, popcorn, fruit, pretzels, etc. that lay scattered around the park; however, there are some great options for quick service and dine in as well!
If you’re in the mood for coffee and a snack:
Check out Tamu Tamu Refreshments or Creature Comforts Bakery! Creature Comforts is the Starbucks of Animal Kingdom, while Tamu Tamu serves a wide array of foods all day such as coffee, baked goods, savory snacks, and ice cream (try the delicious Dole Whip).
If you’re in the mood for a luxury meal:
Check out Tiffins Restaurant! Tiffins is located on Discovery Island, and has a beautiful view of the river that encircles it. It features African, Asian, and Latin cuisine, and is known for its signature bread service. As delicious as it is, be ready to shell out a good amount of cash to dine here!
If you’re in the mood for a classic American meal:
Check out Flame Tree Barbecue or Restaurantosaurus! Both restaurants feature a mobile order feature, and the food is appetizing enough to please even the pickiest of eaters. Flame Tree Barbecue is located on Discovery Island and features alcoholic drinks and concoctions, ribs, mac and cheese, pulled pork, and other classic BBQ favorites. Restaurantosaurus is located in Dinoland USA and features a variety of sandwiches, salads, burgers, and hot dogs.
If you’re in the mood for authentic Asian food:
Try Yak and Yeti Restaurant in the Asia area of the park, right next to Expedition Everest! Although I have never been here myself, the ratings, reviews, and food itself look absolutely stunning. Their menu features a wide range of Asian food, from egg rolls to pot stickers, tuna nachos to wonton soup, lo main to seafood curry, and so much more! It is also not too expensive, so everyone in the group will be able to enjoy.
If you’re in the mood for an adventure to Pandora:
Try Satu’li Canteen, located in Pandora: the World of Avatar. This restaurant is quick service style and includes the mobile order feature: perfect for those times when you’re waiting in line and want to plan your next meal! Their menu is BYO style, meaning that you build your own bowls with a base, protein, and toppings. For those who don’t want to create their own meal, there is a variety of entree options to chose from. Don’t forget to try the Pineapple Lumpias!
Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios certainly features the least (and the worst) food options out of all of the parks; however, that does not mean that there is nowhere good to find food within the park. The best food you will find at Hollywood Studios (speaking from experience) will most likely be the food stands scattered throughout the park, selling pretzels, ice cream, churros, and popcorn galore! For those who prefer an actual meal in the parks, however, there are still some brilliant options.
If you’re in the mood for a quick snack without a long wait:
Try the various shops located on Sunset Boulevard! The ones that feature mobile order are: Fairfax Fare, Catalina Eddie’s, and Rosie’s All American Cafe. All three of these restaurants include similar menu items such as the classic hot dogs and burgers, as well as a few dishes curated for each shop. Although these are nothing fancy, they are perfect for those who just need a quick pick-me-up and don’t want to wait a long time. Anaheim Produce is another great option for those just looking for some fruit and a drink, as it is a market-style shop filled with snacks that are easy to store away for later.
For those who prefer a larger meal, Backlot Express and ABC Commissary both feature a wide array of delicious options for quick service lunches. Both include mobile order, and have enough variety to turn people from hangry to happy!
Another great option is the Milk Stand in Galaxy’s Edge, which offers Green and Blue Milk (both plant based slushie sort of drinks). It is possible to place a mobile order here, but I have found that it is easier to just wait in line as the stand is small and runs quick. Blue and Green milk are the most refreshing ways to cool down in the Central Florida heat!
If you’re looking for a bite in Galaxy’s Edge:
Oga’s Cantina is the place to go for a Galactic drink and snack. In the morning they offer 0vernight oats and cinnamon rolls that are out of this world, and in the afternoon offer their own Batuu bar snacks. It is an experience that I would recommend to everyone, but not a must-do for every trip. Although Oga’s is bar style, you are “seated” at different sections of the restaurant (standing room only with very limited seating), and limited to 45 minutes as it is extremely difficult to get a reservation there.
Another great option is Ronto Roasters, which includes mobile orders and allows guests to enjoy all sorts of delicious breakfast and lunch wraps from across the galaxy! Docking Bay 7 is another mobile order restaurant right next to Ronto Roasters which is perfect for those who want to sit down for a bit and have a thorough meal. If you aren’t in the mood for a grab-and-go wrap and want to try more of the themed food, this is the place to go!
If you’re in the mood for an immersive dining experience:
Be sure to check out Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant and 50’s Prime Time Cafe!
The Sci-Fi Dine-In features classic American dine in food: burgers, fries, fried onion rings and pickles, chicken sandwiches, milkshakes, and ice cream sundaes. The coolest thing about this restaurant is that it is themed to a drive-in movie theater in the mid 1900s, meaning that each party gets to dine in their own car, and watch 50s hits and ads on the big screen while they dine! The atmosphere transports you right into the 1950s world of Grease, except this time, you won’t be “Alone at a Drive-In”.
50’s Prime Time cafe is themed to your own house! By that I mean that you are sat in your “relative’s” dining room, and your server is one of your “family members”. The menu features chicken entrees, salads, meatloaf, salmon, and so much more, and each room has a TV playing classic 50s songs and clips in true black and white! The best part of this experience is not just the food, but also the fact that your “relative” (server) finds ways to add more of a familial vibe into your dining experience: whether that be by arguing over family drama or lecturing you not to put your elbows on the dinner table!
If you’re in the mood for fine dining:
Try the Hollywood Brown Derby, themed to the Golden Age of Hollywood. This restaurant is a great place to relax and escape the chaos of running from ride to ride all day. Their menu features California fine dining favorites such as a Charcuterie Board, Filet Mignon, Chicken Coq au Vin, Braised Short Ribs, and so much more. Make this restaurant into one of your nicer and longer sit down meals, as it is much pricier than the rest of the dining options in Hollywood Studios!
Some people like to say that Disney did not create their own food, but their food created Disney. I mean, when you think of food from a Disney park, who doesn’t think of churros, a hot turkey leg, or a Mickey Premium Bar? However you decide to think of it, I hope you can use this post as a guide in the future to navigate the wondrous world of Disney dining!
One side note, it is extremely important that you book reservations early for Disney restaurants. You are able to book reservations 60 days in advance, and I completely recommend doing so, especially if you plan to visit the busier and more popular restaurants (like Oga’s Cantina). Reservations for an entire day can disappear within a few minutes, so set your alarms to score your few prime dining reservations or they will be gone!
Lastly, Epcot was not covered in today’s post. It is a Disney World park, yes, however there are so many layers to Epcot and its food (especially when it comes to the festivals) that there will be a separate post completely dedicated to breaking down Epcot, its food, and the seasonal festivals.