Dining Through Disney
During the year we lived in Florida, I took every opportunity to do all of the Florida things. This included plenty of time in the sun, sand, and the famous theme park centered around a mouse. Yes, we went to Disney World multiple times within a year, and I loved every minute. It is up for debate if I should be considered a Disney adult or not, but what is not up for debate is we figured out a good system for tackling the parks. Not only were we able to figure out which rides, shows, and parades to see, we also figured out the best food spots. Whether you have been to Disney World your entire life or going for the first time, let this be your guide for all things eating in Disney World.
Before we start this grand food tour, it is important for you to learn some Disney World lingo. As most people know, Disney World comprises four different parks- Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and Epcot. I could highlight the best food in each park all at once, but that would be a ton of scrolling. Instead I will be breaking this “Dining Through Disney” series into four parts for four parks.
Disney World also has multiple dining options that have varied over the years. Before the scary virus that caused the entire world to be shut down in 2020, Disney World had dining plans for people who opted to stay on property at their resorts. Since things have opened up after the scary virus that caused the entire world to be shut down, Disney has yet to bring back the dining plan. Fortunately, that is subject to change starting January 9, 2024. Until then, we will have to stick to paying for meals separately and making reservations online or on the My Disney Experience app.
Disney has different levels of dining experiences that come at varying price points. For the cheapest and quickest options, there are quick service restaurants and food stands. These stands may or may not have seating, and you can also mobile order your food for pick up on the app. If you want to have a break from walking miles around the park, then table service would be the way to go. One important thing to note is that you will probably need reservations for these sit down options. Out of the table service options, there is still a large variety between character dining, fine dining, and family style.
Magic Kingdom Quick Service
One of the most popular desserts from Disney World is Dole Whip. This creamy yet tangy dessert was actually introduced in DisneyLand in the 1980s and has quickly become a favorite way to cool off on those hot park days. Aloha Isle is the main stand in the Adventureland section of the park that offers the traditional pineapple Dole Whip, but I personally love the Sunshine Tree Terrace’s orange Dole Whip option. There are also other seasonal flavors that can filter through the stands including raspberry, strawberry, lime, lemon, mango, and watermelon. While I haven’t tasted all of the flavors, I did get to try the lime dole whip and it was absolutely delightful.
Now that we have established life is short and you should eat dessert first, there are some pretty sweet breakfast options in the park as well. Sleepy Hollow in Liberty Square has the traditional Mickey shaped waffle, but also has a fresh fruit waffle sandwich that is even more tasty. If you want to try and catch a glimpse of a man who can eat five dozen eggs in the morning, pop by Gaston’s Tavern in FantasyLand and get a cinnamon roll and Lefou’s brew.
Pecos Bill is a fantastic option for lunch or dinner with an extensive menu and generous portions of Tex-Mex cuisine. Some of my favorite options include the fajita platter, chicken rice bowl, and taco trio. Disney in general is also great about offering plant based and allergy friendly options, and this restaurant is probably one of the best quick service options if you have food restrictions. There are also some inside seats available if you hit the restaurant at the right time.
Magic Kingdom Table Service- Casual
When it comes to breakfast, the Crystal Palace on Main Street USA has a great buffet option and specialty brunch cocktails. This can also be a buffet lunch or dinner option, but for the price I would recommend Liberty Tree Tavern over Crystal Palace since it is also all you can eat. A family favorite for lunch or dinner for us would be Tony’s Town Square Restaurant. Three year old me with incomplete vocabulary was obsessed with “Lady and the Tamp”. I watched the movie so frequently the VCR actually broke. I ordered the penne with chicken al forno, and the toasted cheese on top made it extra savory.
Magic Kingdom Table Service- Fancy
The majority of the fancier table service options in Magic Kingdom are also character experiences and book out pretty quickly. In the past, you used to be able to make reservations for dining 180 days out, but now there is a 60 day window. Getting those reservations as close to that 60 days out time period would increase your chance of snagging a spot at these two restaurants during your vacation.
Be Our Guest is an option in FantasyLand where you can dine with The Beast and hopefully see Gaston and Belle nearby. At this time, they only serve lunch and dinner, which might be a good idea considering we had a very unfortunate event occur while having breakfast at this establishment. The flat fee of $67 per adult and $39 per child gets you the choice of an appetizer, entree, and dessert trio. A non-alcoholic drink is included, but there will be an upcharge for alcoholic beverages. If you want the option to be fancy breakfast, lunch, or dinner you can dine at Cinderella’s Royal Table and see princesses such as Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Snow White, and Jasmine. I have been to this restaurant before and don’t remember the food as much as I remembered being just as excited as the four year olds to get photos with the princesses.This meal also comes with the choice of appetizer, entree, and dessert with a non-alcoholic beverage.
Budget Bites:
It is no secret Disney World is pretty expensive to visit, and the scary virus that caused the entire world to be shut down did nothing but increase the price. However, if you still want to visit on a budget there are a few food options I would gravitate towards to get the most bang for your buck. Sleepy Hollow has a sweet and spicy chicken waffle sandwich for $11.59 that includes honey sriracha, broccoli slaw, and homemade potato chips. Sunshine Tree Terrace has crispy chicken dumplings with orange ginger glaze $8.49, which is basically a more delicious orange chicken. They also have fried pot stickers for $7.29 that are stuffed with pork and veggies. I find these options to be more special than a giant turkey leg, but also is less than I would spend at Panera or other comparable chain restaurants. There is always an option to bring your own food if that is how you can make your vacation work, but I personally find eating in the parks to be part of the experience.
Special Events:
Magic Kingdom constantly has special parades, fireworks shows, and special celebrations going on throughout the year. While Christmas is super magical in the park with Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, my personal favorite is Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party that runs August through October. Getting an extra ticket to this event is totally worth the money, and I still remember seeing the headless horseman, graveyard dancers, and Disney Villians for the first time in the seventh grade. The only regret I have is thinking I was too cool to dress up because it was the perfect opportunity to go all out. Besides getting to trick or treat throughout the park, there are also extra dining events such as dessert parties at the Tomorrowland Terrace and Plaza Garden.
After completing this how to guide of dining through Magic Kingdom I am starting to conclude I am in fact a Disney adult. However, I will do my very best to harness those magical powers for good and find the best possible restaurants that will make your Disney World trip spectacular. Stay tuned for round two of four parks in four parts.