Must-do dining picks at Walt Disney World
Must-do dining picks at Walt Disney World
My top three picks across six restaurant categories
If there’s one thing I love to do while I’m at Walt Disney World, it’s tracking down Donald Duck. My second favorite thing? Trying out some new snacks, drinks, and restaurants because boy, are there a lot.
But even with so many new things to devour, I love revisiting tried-and-true favorites. So for today’s post, I thought it’d be fun to highlight my go-to picks across six different dining categories - food kiosks, quick service spots, bars and lounges, table service restaurants, character dining, and signature restaurants.
With so many dining spots to choose from, I hope that this selection can help generate ideas or narrow down your list for a future trip. If you’d like to see up-to-date menus for any of the restaurants included, you can view them here.
Let’s proceed, shall we?
Pricing key (per adult): $ - $14.99 and under | $$ − $15 to $34.99 | $$$ - $35 to $59.99 | $$$$ - over $60
Food kiosks
Woody’s Lunchbox | Hollywood Studios - Toy Story Land | $
This is a must-do for me and my husband on any morning in Hollywood Studios. We grab coffee from the Trolley Car Café (aka Starbucks) once we enter the park and then make a beeline for Toy Story Land to enjoy our favorites: the Breakfast Bowl and whichever seasonal pastry tart is on the menu. It’s filling, delicious, and a great value! Not to mention, watching the land wake up is a great way to start the day.
Ronto Roasters | Hollywood Studios - Galaxy’s Edge | $
If you’re looking for a relatively healthy snack or meal in Hollywood Studios, add this spot to the top of your list. Ronto Roasters offers a variety of wraps, along with a few vegetarian offerings that sounds incredibly tasty. We’ve only had the Ronto Wrap here, but it was more than enough to earn the kiosk a spot on this list.
Yorkshire County Fish Shop | Epcot - United Kingdom Pavilion | $
You won’t be able to walk past this longtime favorite without smelling the delicious, fried morsels offered within. Yorkshire County Fish Shop is where you can find beer-battered fish and chips, a couple types of beer, and that’s about it. Simple and delicious.
Honorable mentions: Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe and L’Artisan des Glaces
Quick service
Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie | Epcot - France Pavilion | $
If you don’t already know this about me, I love French pastries and baked goods. I love researching them, baking them, eating them, buying them, looking at them, you name it, and Les Halles is one of the best places on property to find them. I love the fraises tart, tarte au citron, both quiches, and croissant, and my husband is a huge fan of the pain au chocolat.
This spot can get pretty busy during the afternoon and evening hours so if you want to experience it with less hustle and bustle, I’d recommend paying a visit within the first couple hours of park opening.
Casey’s Corner | Magic Kingdom - Main Street U.S.A. | $
Because few things are more American than devouring a tray of fries and corndog nuggets on Main Street U.S.A. You can also find a variety of hot dogs here, including a couple plant-based “sausage” dogs. Yum!
Satu’li Canteen | Animal Kingdom - Pandora | $
Lunch at Animal Kingdom is always, without a doubt, at Satu’li Canteen. Tucked away in Pandora, this is where you can find a smattering of nutritious and delicious bowls with different proteins, bases, and sauces to choose from. I always pick the Chopped Wood-Grilled Chicken Bowl with a salad base and the charred green onion vinaigrette on top. It’s so good, and it leaves me with just enough room to enjoy the Blueberry Cream Cheese Mousse for dessert.
Honorable mentions: Primo Piatto (blueberry-lemon pancakes!), Capt. Cook’s (tonga toast!), The Mara (zebra domes!), Columbia Harbor House, Karamell-Küche, ABC Commissary, and Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo
Bars and lounges
Oga’s Cantina | Hollywood Studios - Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge | $$
Star Wars fans, rejoice! If you’ve ever wanted to jam out to the sweet, sweet sounds of the cantina band with a Fuzzy Tauntaun in hand, Oga’s is for you. We love coming here for the drinks and vibes. My picks: the Jedi Mind Trick, Outer Rim, and Fuzzy Tauntaun (which is topped with the “Buzz Button Tingling Foam”).
Pro tip: If you want to capture some great photos of Galaxy’s Edge with very few people around, be sure to grab one of the later reservations.
Nomad Lounge | Animal Kingdom - Discovery Island | $$
There aren’t enough words to describe my adoration for this cozy lounge. It’s such a nice place to relax in the park and offers an array of tasty bites and refreshing libations. We’ve loved the Bangkok Chicken Wings, Tiffins Bread Service, Pineapple-glazed Pork Belly, and churros with dipping sauces. This spot also introduced me to my favorite liquor, gin. I have the Annapurna Zing to thank for that!
Pro tip: If you’ve been wanting to try Tiffins next door but haven’t yet done so, order a plate or two of small bites from Nomad Lounge. They come from the same kitchen, so it’s almost like you’re there.
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto | Polynesian Village Resort | $$
This spot is almost like a speakeasy of sorts, except it’s not much of a secret. Those who want to be among the first to grab seat at this beloved tiki bar line up outside of a nondescript door down the hall from Capt. Cook’s 90 minutes prior to opening (yea, I know). Around 60 minutes prior to opening, a cast member will start taking names. The early bird gets the worm, folks. It’s a super fun and atmospheric experience so if you love rum or tropical drinks or funny bartenders, definitely make it a priority for your next trip!
Honorable mentions: Geyer Point Bar & Grill, Enchanted Rose, and BaseLine Tap House
Table service
Olivia’s Cafe | Old Key West Resort | $$
Okay, listen - everything about Old Key West is underrated, including this gem of a restaurant. The atmosphere is so laid back, and the food is fantastic. We’ve been here for breakfast and dinner and while both are fantastic, I think we’d pick dinner again for our next visit. You just can’t beat some good ole, Southern comfort food. After your meal, take a lil’ digestive walk around the resort to see its easy-breezy, coastal charm for yourself.
Sanaa | Animal Kingdom Lodge - Kidani Village | $$
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (with to-go service, as well), this restaurant offers guests “African cooking with Indian flavors” that can be enjoyed while taking in the sights of the Sunset Savanna just outside its floor-to-ceiling windows. The Indian-style Bread Service is legendary, and we’ve also loved the plant-based samosas and Tandoori Chicken.
Pro tip: If you can’t get a table at Sanaa, you can still order from the full menu at the lounge next door.
Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen | Magic Kingdom - Adventureland | $$
The name of this restaurant cracks me up every time I see it because it’s so extra, but it’s also so perfectly in theme with the Jungle Cruise. I love this spot because the menu features some unique and tasty Asian-inspired offerings that aren’t found elsewhere in the Magic Kingdom. Plus, it’s fun! It’s the skipper canteen for crying out loud. I love the “Tastes like Chicken” Because it is! and Falls Family Falafel (again, the names).
Honorable mentions: Boma, Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, Kona Cafe, Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant, Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria, Steakhouse 71, and Grand Floridian Cafe
Character dining
Topolino’s Terrace | Riviera Resort | $$$
Breakfast at Topolino’s is one of my favorite dining experiences on property. It’s a great value, the food is delicious, and the characters are lively and dressed in the best outfits. To start things off, your table will receive a bounty of muffins and pastries to nibble on while you browse the menu. You’ll then select your entrée from a preset list. I chose the Wood-fired Steak and Eggs and it was a surprisingly decent-sized portion. I would definitely get it again! Also, the views from the restaurant’s rooftop lounge are spectacular so be sure to pay it a visit during or after your meal.
Tusker House Restaurant | Animal Kingdom - Africa | $$$−$$$$
If you ever inhale the scent of Mickey waffles while walking toward Mombasa Marketplace, it’s coming from this restaurant. All meals are served buffet-style and I think out of all the buffets I’ve dined at, this one is my favorite purely because of the variety of food offered. There’s truly something for everyone! You’ll also get the chance to meet Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and other pals all decked out in their safari gear, which is so fun!
If you prefer brunch offerings, here’s a tip: book a breakfast reservation closer to 10:15 to 10:30 a.m. Around 11 a.m., the breakfast dishes are swapped for lunch offerings. You get the best of both worlds, but at a cheaper price because you’ll be paying for a breakfast reservation.
‘Ohana | Polynesian Village Resort | $$$−$$$$
I’ve got two words: POG juice.1 ‘Ohana is a fan favorite for so many reasons. For starters, meals are served family-style and they’re all-you-can-eat! Breakfast diners can enjoy traditional offerings (including Mickey waffles) and be visited by Lilo, Stitch, and other friends. In the evening, diners can fill their plates with a variety of savory, Polynesian-inspired dishes, including a mixed greens salad, chicken wings, dumplings, and different protein options with noodles and stir-fry veggies. Oh, and for dessert? The famous ‘Ohana Bread Pudding. We’ve only dined here for breakfast, but I’m definitely making dinner a priority for our next trip!
On my wishlist: Garden Grill Restaurant
Signature dining
I’ve dined at a few signature restaurants but I don’t feel like I can say that they’re my favorites or top picks in this category. All three were at Disney Springs - Morimoto Asia (get the sake sangria), The BOATHOUSE, and Paddlefish, and all three were great options. I’ll need to gather more data in this category (wink) before I narrow down my choices but for now, here’s a few that are high on my list for future trips:
California Grill | Contemporary Resort | $$$$
Jiko - The Cooking Place | Animal Kingdom Lodge - Jambo House | $$$
Cítricos | Grand Floridian Resort & Spa | $$$
Tiffins Restaurant | Animal Kingdom - Discovery Island | $$$
Well, it’s safe to say that I’ve developed quite an appetite after compiling that list. I cannot wait to stop by some of these spots again on my next trip and carve some time out for the ones on my wishlist.
Alright, I’m dying to know - what are some of your favorite dining spots on property? Let us know in the comments below!
See ya real soon,
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This beloved Disney beverage is a blend of passion fruit, orange, and guava juices. You can also find it at Tusker House Restaurant.
We loved Woody's Lunchbox and Les Halles! There are so many great places to eat on Disney property. I'm all about the snacks. I like the dole whip and cheeseburger egg rolls from the carts in Adventureland. On our last trip, we had the dinner buffet at the German Biergarten and it was a fun experience for everyone. My kids like dancing the polka! I want to go on an adults-only trip someday to eat at some of the finer dining options.