Chow Time! Dining at Disney World
If food was the only thing offered at Disney World...it'd be enough! The magical world of Disney tickles the taste buds with everything from fine dining cuisine to mounds of sugary snacks. Classics like the Mickey Pretzel and Dole Whip are often a must try inside the Magic Kingdom. But there are other dining experiences you can't miss as well.
This section will explore some of the awesome food and dining experiences that we recommend.
This section will explore some of the awesome food and dining experiences that we recommend.
Mickey Ice Cream!
There are too many great snacks in the Disney Parks to mention but one that seems to captivate the kids is the Mickey Ice Cream. It's a deliciously fun snack and great for those hot, Florida afternoons. Eat fast though, they melt quickly in the sun. Don't forget to wear your celebration buttons if you are celebrating any special occasions at Disney World. My son was wearing his 'Happy Birthday' button and one of the vendors gave him a free Mickey Ice Cream and said "Happy Birthday from Mickey!" Another magical moment!
Five Great Disney Dining Experiences You Must Try!
1. Cinderella's Royal Table
By far, the best dining experience we've had at the Disney Parks. Here, your young ones will get the chance to meet many of their favorite Disney princesses. Again, saving you time rather than waiting in line to see them each individually in the park. Get your picture taken with Cinderella, meet Jasmine, Ariel, Snow White, and Princess Aurora. The food is some of the best in the park too. Not to mention the excitement of eating inside Cinderella's Castle. For young kids, both girls and boys, this dining experience is worth it at least once in our opinion. Keep in mind, if you are on the dining plan it'll cost you TWO table service meals for each person.
By far, the best dining experience we've had at the Disney Parks. Here, your young ones will get the chance to meet many of their favorite Disney princesses. Again, saving you time rather than waiting in line to see them each individually in the park. Get your picture taken with Cinderella, meet Jasmine, Ariel, Snow White, and Princess Aurora. The food is some of the best in the park too. Not to mention the excitement of eating inside Cinderella's Castle. For young kids, both girls and boys, this dining experience is worth it at least once in our opinion. Keep in mind, if you are on the dining plan it'll cost you TWO table service meals for each person.
2. Chef Mickey's
We highly recommend this dining experience for dinner. Located in the Contemporary Resort, you won't need to purchase a park ticket. However, you will need a reservation. The best part about this restaurant is that you get to meet Mickey and the whole gang during your meal (Pluto, Minnie, Donald, Goofy.) This can save you a ton of time in the park waiting to get that coveted autograph from Mickey. The food is pretty decent as well in a buffet style service line. There is plenty of food to choose from. * Tip: Make sure your kids approach the characters from a few feet away so that they can be seen. In our experience at Chef Mickey's, a small child standing close or trying to hold an autograph book under the character's nose may not be seen since the character's have large, bulky heads with eye holes that sometimes make it difficult to see everything right in front of them.
We highly recommend this dining experience for dinner. Located in the Contemporary Resort, you won't need to purchase a park ticket. However, you will need a reservation. The best part about this restaurant is that you get to meet Mickey and the whole gang during your meal (Pluto, Minnie, Donald, Goofy.) This can save you a ton of time in the park waiting to get that coveted autograph from Mickey. The food is pretty decent as well in a buffet style service line. There is plenty of food to choose from. * Tip: Make sure your kids approach the characters from a few feet away so that they can be seen. In our experience at Chef Mickey's, a small child standing close or trying to hold an autograph book under the character's nose may not be seen since the character's have large, bulky heads with eye holes that sometimes make it difficult to see everything right in front of them.
3. Be Our Guest Restaurant
This newest addition to Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom is an excellent choice for fans of all ages. We loved the ambiance and the choice of one of three rooms found in the Beast's Castle. Although this is considered a 'quick service' meal there is plenty of food. So, plan to eat well when you go. However, the secret is out and many people line up early to get a seat in this new meal option. So, plan to get in line early as there are no reservations at lunch. In our experience the line moves pretty quickly but again, standing in the heat in the middle of the day could be too much for some. So, take an umbrella to keep the sun away and to keep you prepared for those sudden Florida downpours.
This newest addition to Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom is an excellent choice for fans of all ages. We loved the ambiance and the choice of one of three rooms found in the Beast's Castle. Although this is considered a 'quick service' meal there is plenty of food. So, plan to eat well when you go. However, the secret is out and many people line up early to get a seat in this new meal option. So, plan to get in line early as there are no reservations at lunch. In our experience the line moves pretty quickly but again, standing in the heat in the middle of the day could be too much for some. So, take an umbrella to keep the sun away and to keep you prepared for those sudden Florida downpours.
4. 'Disney Junior Play ‘n Dine' at Hollywood & Vine
If you're visiting Hollywood Studios, you might consider surprising your young ones with a stop for lunch at "Disney Junior Play 'n Dine." Jake The Neverland Pirate, Special Agent Oso, Handy Manny, and June (Little Einsteins) work the room and sign autographs. We enjoyed this meal although our wait outside in the heat of the day was way too long. With all Disney meal reservations you'll still need to plan to wait a little while. But, the day we visited our wait was between 45 minutes and an hour even with our reservation. While this doesn't seem like long in most cases, keeping your kids comfortable in 90+ degree, humid summer weather for that long can be difficult. So, it's just a good reminder to come prepared to wait at times although most of our reserved dining experiences were less than 20 minutes.
5. Crystal Palace
This buffet style meal is also a good option. While not our top choice, for those who love Winnie the Pooh and his gang it's worth the stop. Located in the Magic Kingdom and right off of Main Street, the palace has a great location for those wanting to stay close for the evening's fireworks display. For us, the food was only 'ok.' However, the restaurant is known more for it's breakfasts, which we've yet to try. Here you can once again pile your plate high at the all-you-can-eat buffet. Just so you know, it's not just a one trip meal so you can still get your food in moderation knowing you will be able to go back for more if you'd like. This quick note is for the person I was stuck behind in the buffet line there who took forever piling her plate four inches high with shrimp.
This buffet style meal is also a good option. While not our top choice, for those who love Winnie the Pooh and his gang it's worth the stop. Located in the Magic Kingdom and right off of Main Street, the palace has a great location for those wanting to stay close for the evening's fireworks display. For us, the food was only 'ok.' However, the restaurant is known more for it's breakfasts, which we've yet to try. Here you can once again pile your plate high at the all-you-can-eat buffet. Just so you know, it's not just a one trip meal so you can still get your food in moderation knowing you will be able to go back for more if you'd like. This quick note is for the person I was stuck behind in the buffet line there who took forever piling her plate four inches high with shrimp.