I don’t know if you’re like me or not, but when I start planning a Walt Disney World vacation, one of the first things I think about is “Where am I going to eat?!” Some of my favorite memories during our vacation have been made sitting around a table with my family – and meeting our favorite Disney characters at the same time! There are some really great options when it comes to dining at the Walt Disney World theme parks so here are our Top 8 Disney World Theme Park Restaurants!
8. Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano (Disney’s Hollywood Studios): If a warm and cozy atmosphere is what you’re looking for, you’ll find it here! The decor reminds me of my aunt’s house when I was growing up so I get a bit of a nostalgia vibe too. The food is classic Italian cuisine. I’m a big fan of the Oven-baked Chicken alla Parmigian, a classic in my opinion, and Mama’s Italian Pasta is amazing with roasted garlic, tomato, fresh basil. I like to start out with one of the appetizers, like the Arugula-Prosciutto Flatbread and you’ve just got to finish with a dessert! I find the portion sizes to be really generous – definitely worth the cost.
7. Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (Norway Pavilion, Epcot): This is a Princesses Paradise! You’ll dine in a medieval castle surrounded by Disney Royalty! Guests will get to interact with the likes of Snow White, Cinderella, Belle and more! Breakfast lunch and dinner are served here. In the morning, served All-You-Care-To-Enjoy style you’ll find scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage and potato casserole. You’ll also find a Norwegian Smorgasbord that includes Dilled Salmon Gravlax, Jarlsberg Cheese and Roasted Turkey. Lunch and dinner start with an authentic “Taste of Norway” featuring some of the finest Scandinavian Seafood, Imported Cheeses, cured and sliced Meats, and a vast selection of Salads and Fruits. Entrees are all delicious – my husband loves the Viking Mixed Grill which has tasting portions of Fillet of Salmon with Ragoût of White Beans, Norwegian Meatballs with Mashed Potatoes and Lingonberry Sauce, and Grilled Vossakorv Sausage and Braised Red Cabbage! Yum!
6. The Crystal Palace (Main Street USA, Magic Kingdom): This is one of my favorite character meals in the theme parks. A meal with Pooh and the rest of my friends from Hundred Acre Woods is always a blast – in fact, we celebrated my oldest son’s 1st birthday here! Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all all you can buffets. While the food at lunch and dinner is good, I think this is the prefect place to enjoy breakfast. It’s a fairly traditional breakfast menu – with something for even the littlest guest. And they are always wonderful at making sure those with any type of food allergies or restrictions are taken care of. And now you can enjoy an adult beverage with your meal at Crystal Palace!
5. Garden Grill (The Land Pavilion, Epcot): What could be better than dinner with Chip ‘n Dale and Friends? Getting to enjoy it in a revolving restaurant that passes by scenes from the Living with the Land attraction! This is one of my favorite dining experience in all of Walt Disney World. For lunch and dinner you’ll find all-you-care-to enjoy meal served family style and includes Salad, Turkey Breast, Pot Roast, Pork with Apple Chutney, Mashed Potatoes, Fries, Mac & Cheese, Stuffing, Seasonal Veggies and Berry Short Cake. Breakfast is also all-you-care-to-enjoy and includes Mickey-shaped Waffles with Warm Chocolate-Hazelnut Drizzle – YUM! This is always a must for us when we visit Walt Disney World.
4. 50’s Prime Time Cafe (Disney’s Hollywood Studios): Take a trip back to the 1950’s without leaving Hollywood Studios: from retro decor, classic home-cooked entrees and a wait staff that is sure to keep you on your toes! If you’re looking for some home-cooked comfort food you’ll find it here. I’d suggest trying A Sampling of Mom’s Favorite Recipes which includes crispy fried chicken, fork tender pot roast and traditional meatloaf with all the fixings! I’m also a big fan of Grandma’s Chicken Pot Pie – and so are my kiddos since they always steal bites of mine even though we love their Kids Menu options a lot. And remember, no meal at 50’s Prime Time Cafe is complete without a Peanut Butter and Jelly Milkshake. But don’t forget to keep your elbows off the table and to clean your plate, or Dad might not let you watch TV before bed!
3. Le Cellier (Canada Pavilion, Epcot): Since this is the third Epcot restaurant to make the list, it’s safe to assume that they’ve got some pretty amazing places to eat. Depending on the type of food you like, there is certainly something for every taste. Le Cellier you’ll head into the cozy cellar of a Canadian château where the menu is known for their steaks. And the Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup. Seriously, if they offered an endless supply of that soup I’d be set! The atmosphere is upscale wine cellar-esque, although this is one restaurant that doesn’t scream theme like many others at Walt Disney World do – it’s certainly more refined and perfect for a date night if you find yourself looking for a special meal with your special someone. One thing to note, Le Cellier is a Signature Dining restaurant and will cost you 2 Table Service credits off of the Disney Dining Plan.
2. Tusker House (Africa, Disney’s Animal Kingdom): What do you get when you head out on an African Safari with Donald Duck and some of his pals?! And awesome, buffet-style dining experience is what! This buffet style restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The themeing of this restaurant is just incredible! The seating area is set up as as the offices and waiting rooms of a Safari Company. They are certainly not lacking in the attention to details department! If you find yourself with a few minutes to spare, take a little stroll around to check out the little touches. And the food – oh the food! The first time we brought my mom here she was blown away – and we’ve eaten at A LOT of Disney buffets y’all! We love breakfast but Tusker House for lunch or dinner! The buffet offers both African and American Cuisine. I am a big fan of the Basmati Rice and Curry Chicken and the Tabouli and Hummus Dips. And as always, don’t forget to check out the dessert options.
1. Be Our Guest (New Fantasyland, Magic Kingdom): I still think this is one of the hottest places to eat at Walt Disney World. Who wouldn’t want to eat in the Beast’s Castle after all! There are three dining rooms, the Grand Ballroom, the West Wing and the Castle Gallergy – all of which are dripping with Disney touches! Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner this is a really fun experience for the whole family! Please note that there are changes coming to dinner. Beginning July 27th Be Our Guest Restaurant will introduce an enhanced dinner experience—with a prix fixe, 3-course menu. À la carte dinner options will be offered through July 26th. Oh and while you’re there, make sure you try The “Grey Stuff.” Like the dishes say, it’s delicious!
Well, what do you think of our list? Would you add any theme park restaurant to it? Make sure and let us know if you think there are restaurants missing from our list.
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