A dining guide to Disney
You really can eat your way around the world at Disney World, and there’s an overwhelming array of dining options. You may be thinking about the rides and attractions when you plan your trip to Disney World, but dining can be as exciting as the rides themselves.
An edible adventure for every taste
There are endless places to eat at the parks but you can also dine in many of the resorts too. Choose from African, American, Asian, British, Cajun, Creole, Chinese, Cuban, French, German, Greek, Indian, Irish, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Mediterranean, Mexican, Moroccan, Norwegian, Polynesian, seafood, steaks, sushi and more.
Breakfast
Many guests will enjoy breakfast in their hotel but there are other options if you would like to try something different. The Four Seasons Orlando puts on a great show with their Good Morning Breakfast with Goofy and Pals. You can enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast with the highlight of this meal being that Goofy is there to enjoy it with you. This is a brilliant way to start the day if you’ve got little ones with you.
Lunch
Within the parks you will find many options for tasty and convenient American classics. Burgers, hotdogs, fries, donuts and ice creams are found at quick service takeaway-style booths. Plenty of seating is available and many people choose this option for snacks and lunch. An adult meal with a drink will cost an average of $15.
There are many casual dining options which are another firm favourite for convenient lunches. You will find speedy table service perfect for a quick lunch before hitting the rides again. Themed cafes or restaurants serve a selection of light meals and alcoholic or soft drinks. Themes can include old-fashioned pubs, beach cafes, 50s style diners and banquet halls. An adult meal will average $15.
Most fine dining and speciality restaurants are also open for lunch. This can be a great time to visit the unique dining options with the added benefit of lower prices, smaller crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere for kids.
Dinner
Disney Springs (formerly called Downtown Disney)is located on the waterfront and is home to world-class restaurants as well as shopping and dazzling entertainment. This is a popular place for special dinners at one of the many themed restaurants. Journey into the Rainforest Café for a colourful and child-friendly rainforest inspired meal. Visit an authentic Irish Pub for a hearty meal, or sit back and relax in the House of Blues.
Special dining experiences
If you’re looking for a memorable meal then consider a special dining experience. There are so many to choose from, and it’s best to schedule them into your plan like you would with a ride or attraction.
Cinderella’s Royal Dining is a popular option for magical meals. Within Cinderella’s Castle in Magic Kingdom Resort you can dine in the medieval and majestic banquet hall. Young guests are encouraged to dress up for their special meal as the local princesses may make a guest appearance. This is available for breakfast, lunch and dinner and all meals are fit for royalty. An adult meal will average between $30 and $60 and reservations are necessary.
Fantasmic! Dinner Package is loved by kids. This is available at three different restaurants within Hollywood Studios so you can chose between a buffet, fine dining or casual dining at Mama Melrose’s Italian. Savour your meal before enjoying an all-singing, all-dancing musical show with colourful waterworks, exciting fireworks and your favourite Disney characters. Adult meals cost between $35.99 and $56.99.
Visit Disney Springs for a movie and a meal with a difference. The 24-theatre complex shows movies in the rocker-style stadium, while you’re served delicious food and cocktails that have been perfectly paired with your movie. An average adult meal costs $15.
Another exciting favourite in the Disney Springs Area is the T-REX dinosaur themed experience. Explore the themed rooms which include an ice cavern and a forest buzzing with giant wasps. Every 20 minutes you will experience a meteor shower with rumblings and fiery explosions. American family-friendly favourites are served and adult meals cost between $15 and $30.
You can’t miss the fireworks display at Magic Kingdom and a sure way to make it even more memorable is to add an extra sweet buffet. The Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks Dessert Party gives you one of the best views possible for the firework display surrounding Cinderella’s Castle. During the display you will be served pastries, cookies, chocolate-covered strawberries and more mouth-watering desserts.
If you are visiting Epcot between November 28th and December 30th you will be lucky enough to see the Candlelight Processional. Each evening a celebrity narrator tells the story of Jesus being born in Bethlehem. This is an unmissable and magical event and you can guarantee the perfect seat with the spectacular Candlelight Processional Dinner Package. Enjoy lunch or dinner followed by a beautiful show featuring a choir and 50-piece orchestra. It takes place three times a day between 5pm and 8.30pm and books up very quickly.
Tips for dining at Disney
Reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance, and places can book up that early. Research where you would like to eat and make your booking as early as you can to avoid disappointment. Themed dining in particular books up quickly.
Dining staff at Disney are very well trained to deal with special dietary requirements. If you have a specific intolerance it may be best to dine at restaurants with table service, and ensure the staff are aware when you book your table.
If you would like to avoid the crowds, get into a habit of eating at off-peak times. Eating particularly early or late will ensure restaurants are quieter, and there are plenty of places to grab a snack in between meals.
Disney Dining Plans
Disney Dining Plans can be booked alongside your park tickets. You can select from three plans and chose one that works best for you. Opt for two quick service meals per day plus a snack or a quick service, and a table service meal per day plus a snack. The third option is 3 table-service or quick-service meals with 2 snacks. You can dine at over 100 restaurants throughout Walt Disney World Resort, and it can be a simpler way to stay on budget or allow teenagers to roam the parks independently.