UPDATED May 23, 2024
Everyday we receive lots of messages from you, our awesome DFB readers, asking for restaurant suggestions and recommendations. And while we certainly have our favorites, we know that you do, too!
So when a Disney first-time visitor asked what restaurants we would recommend for their upcoming trip, we couldn’t think of a better panel of experts to ask than YOU!
When I originally put the question out on the Disney Food Blog Facebook page, I was overwhelmed by the huge and immediate response that I got! (P.S. And we update this post regularly to make sure we’re still giving you the BEST and most up-to-date recommendations!)
Let’s take a look at your recommendations for the restaurants first timers must experience on that inaugural Walt Disney World trip!
If you have other thoughts or ideas — or, better yet, stories of your favorite restaurants during a first-time visit — please share them with all of us in the comments section! More suggestions are always better!
Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
When it comes to first-time Disney dining, the winning restaurant recommendation is, hands down, Chef Mickey’s in Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Many of you agree that anyone visiting the Most Magical Place on Earth for the very first time MUST experience a buffet that includes lots of character interaction.
Mickey Mouse!
But the suggestion is practical, too. Readers pointed out that a character dining experience offers good value for your Disney dollar (or Table Service credit on the Disney Dining Plan), with an all-you-care-to-eat buffet.
You can make your own charcuterie!
And with the addition of characters, you have a less rushed (and air-conditioned!) meet and greet opportunity that guarantees you’ll see lots of characters without waiting in long lines in the parks. And we have to make sure you know that those characters are… THE FAB FIVE!
You’ll meet them ALL!
Yep! Chef Mickey’s is the ONLY Character Meal where you’ll meet Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto! Also, don’t forget that Chef Mickey’s is walking distance from the Magic Kingdom. This is a great place to start or end your Magic Kingdom day!
Be Our Guest Restaurant in Magic Kingdom’s New Fantasyland
Judging from the reader response, we’d say that Disney definitely hit the mark with Be Our Guest Restaurant in Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland.
Be Our Guest Restaurant
Set in Beast’s Castle (from Disney’s animated classic, Beauty and the Beast), you can stop here for lunch or dinner. It’s worth mentioning that this restaurant used to be a counter service location for lunch and table service location for dinner; however, this changed when the parks reopened in 2020.
Now, guests need an advanced dining reservation or can try their chances at scoring a spot on the walk-up waitlist to dine here. And, alas, the counter service lunch option is gone (as is breakfast), so our caveat here is that it will absolutely cost you a very pretty penny (or TWO credits on the Disney Dining Plan) to dine here these days, and the meal is prix-fixe, featuring an appetizer and entree of the guests’ choice and a dessert platter).
Short Rib Beef Bourguignon
But if you do indeed partake, you’ll be dining in a setting like no other…
The Grand Ballroom in Be Our Guest Restaurant
The menu has a French flair and boasts dishes such as Filet Mignon, Trout Amandine, and Short Rib Beef Bourguignon.
Center-cut Filet Mignon — part of the Prix Fixe menu at Be Our Guest
But it’s the STUNNING setting that make Be Our Guest Restaurant a must-do for many guests! You’re dining in the Beast’s Castle, after all. In the Grand Ballroom replete with twinkling chandeliers, shades of gold and royal blues, and stunning windows showcasing gently falling snow, you can practically see Belle dancing with The Beast when you walk in and inevitably need a moment to take it all in. In fact, the Beast himself may stroll by your table!
The master comes out to say, “hello!”
You may also be seated in the Rose Gallery or the foreboding West Wing, where you can gaze upon the Enchanted Rose and watch the petals fall…
Enchanted Rose at Be Our Guest Restaurant
(Here’s a TIP: if at all possible, snag a table in the West Wing and keep an eye on the Prince’s portrait!)
Oh, and one more thing… did we mention that the dessert platter includes the famous GREY STUFF?!
Chocolate Tart filled with The Grey Stuff
“It’s delicious!”
Without a doubt, Be Our Guest provides an incredibly immersive and memorable dining experience, and you can read more about it here.
Click HERE for the TRUTH about dining at Be Our Guest Restaurant!
‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Resort
The fan base for ‘Ohana in Disney’s Polynesian Resort came out loud and clear in support of their favorite restaurant, and we can’t help but agree!
‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
We heard from lots of you that a Disney World vacation isn’t complete without at least one meal here, with dinner enjoying the highest number of votes. You see, breakfast and dinner offer two distinct experiences. While both offer All-You-Care-to-Enjoy meals served family-style, Dinner presents a truly unique and tasty Polynesian-inspired feast featuring showstoppers like ‘Ohana Noodles (which sound unremarkable… UNTIL YOU TASTE THEM), Chicken Wings, Teriyaki Beef, and Spicy Peel-n-Eat Shrimp.
‘Ohana Skillet
Want more? Just ask your “cousin” (or server)! After all, ‘Ohana means FAMILY! First-time visitors will walk away with an experience that is both unique and delicious. And, don’t forget to save room for one of the best desserts at Disney — ‘Ohana Bread Pudding!
‘Ohana Bread Pudding!
But another huge reason for the ‘Ohana love is the fantastic view of Magic Kingdom fireworks that you’ll have if you happen to time your dinner reservations just right. Between that and the bread pudding, you’ll be a Disney fan for life!
But we also can’t forget the ‘Ohana Best Friends Breakfast! Mornings at ‘Ohana deliver a Character Meal featuring Lilo and Stitch, as well as Mickey and Pluto.
Mickey at ‘Ohana breakfast
Pair this with an All-You-Care-to-Enjoy breakfast feast…
Breakfast Skillets
… and you’ve got one memorable way to start your day in Disney World!
Click HERE for more about dining at ‘Ohana… day or night!
50’s Prime Time Cafe in Disney’s Hollywood Studios
You had better eat those veggies and keep your elbows off the table! While DFB readers love good eats, fantastic theming and engaging (sometimes downright cheeky) service also win big points. Many of our readers said that anyone venturing to Disney World for the first time must be sure to book a table at 50’s Prime Time Cafe.
50s Prime Time Cafe
Located at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, this table service spot serves comfort food with a hearty helping of nostalgia. Don’t forget to ask for a “TV Table” when you check in!
As for a TV table!
You see, tiny black and white TVs roll clips from old sitcoms as you feast on Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes or Fried Chicken.
Our Spread from 50s Prime Time Cafe
And ordering a drink from Dad’s Liquor Cabinet is a way fun bonus!
Dad’s Electric Lemonade From The Tune-In Lounge
If you book a table, be sure to leave yourself plenty of time to explore all the fun decor here. It’s truly an amazing throwback to the mid-20th century. And, here’s a TIP: if you go to the restroom, be sure to note the color of the soap. After all, your “Cousin” (that’s your server) may ask to make sure you washed your hands! (If you’re a 50s Primetime newbie, be sure to read some of our favorite readers’ experiences here!)
We ate EVERYTHING at 50’s Prime Time Cafe! See it all HERE
Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise.
(Why should you use a travel agent when you go to Disney? See what we think here! Or click here for a no obligation price quote today!)
Liberty Tree Tavern in Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square
While some of you can’t wait to book a table with Mickey and Minnie, still others feel that the quintessential Disney dining experience is tied more to history and reliably good food. Those were the top reasons why you cited Liberty Tree Tavern in Magic Kingdom as a must-do for your first-timers dining list.
Liberty Tree Tavern
Liberty Tree offers all-you-care-to-enjoy, family-style meals for lunch and dinner. Better yet… that meal is basically THANKSGIVING ALL YEAR LONG!
A full Thanksgiving spread at Liberty Tree Tavern
The Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake is to die for…
Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake
See what I mean? And if you’re feeling like adding on something unique to drink (for an extra cost, that is) you can try a DOLE WHIP SLUSH (also known as the Tavern Punch on the menu)!
There are SO MANY reasons to love Liberty Tree Tavern, and you can see them all HERE.
Via Napoli in Epcot’s Italy
Throughout all of the many comments we received, there was another resounding suggestion: first-timers must eat somewhere in EPCOT’s World Showcase. One of your very favorite globally-inspired spots is Via Napoli in the Italy Pavilion. The scene is set with three enormous wood-burning ovens named after Italian volcanoes.
Wood-burning “Volcano” Ovens: Stromboli, Vesuvio, and Etna
But it’s what comes out of those ovens that makes a visit here truly remarkable. Via Napoli serves up some of the best pizza that we’ve had anywhere, ever (and especially at Disney!). Pizzas are thin-crust and made with imported water to better reach the dough consistency you’d experience if you were dining right in Naples, Italy.
“MEZZO SIZE, please!”
Try the Piccante Pizza, our favorite Quattro Formaggi, or one of the many other pizza options on the menu! And don’t forget to sample some of the amazing beers that they feature here!
Of course, pasta or an a ala carte entree like the scrumptious Chicken Parmesan might also be your choice.
Chicken Parm at Via Napoli
But no matter what you order…
MICKEY made of Parmesan and red pepper flakes
… it’s always served up with a lil’ bit of Disney MAGIC!
Garden Grill at EPCOT
There’s a reason you’re reading about so many Character Meals such as Garden Grill on this list of great picks for First Timers: because there isn’t much that’s more magical than a meal with friends, and that seems especially true when those friends are your hosts Chip and Dale, Mickey Mouse, and Pluto!
Garden Grill Character Signing Card
They’re also terrific choices because if you’re stressed about finding time to meet oodles of characters during your trip, you can meet several in one location!
Mickey Mouse at Garden Grill
In many cases, as it is at Garden Grill, the meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) are all-you-care-to-enjoy. And the food here tends to be consistently good (a rare find, in many instances).
Farmer’s Skillet at Garden Grill
And the reason why Garden Grill specifically finds its place on our list is because it’s housed in EPCOT, and overlooks one of the park’s classic attractions (Living with the Land), as the restaurant ROTATES above the ride!
See? The background is different not because YOU have moved, but because the RESTAURANT has!
All this IN ADDITION TO MICKEY! We love it, and find Garden Grill to be utterly charming year after year, and we hope you do, too.
Want to know about WHICH CHARACTERS you can meet at EVERY CHARACTER MEAL? Click HERE.
Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Fort Wilderness Resort
We were super excited to see that many of our readers loved and suggested the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue Dinner Show at Pioneer Hall at Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground as a favorite for first-timers! This beloved Dinner Show made its debut on June 30, 1974 and has been delivering wonderful vacation memories to Walt Disney World guests ever since.
Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue
It’s a classic “hootenanny” that combines singing, dancing, and wacky comedy for 2 hours of family fun that will keep you rolling.
Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue
While you enjoy the entertainment, you’ll also be eating ALL YOU WANT from fried chicken (find the recipe here!), ribs, mashed potatoes, and MUCH more.
We love that fried chicken!
Grownups can also enjoy unlimited beer, wine, and sangria, and soft drinks are available, too. And be sure to save room for the awesome and delicious Strawberry Shortcake!
Strawberry Shortcake
Here’s something more that what we want you to know: There are three seating categories that guests may choose from when making their reservation. Categories 1 and 2 offer wheelchair-accessible seating. Every seat in the house offers a great view, but note that Category 3 tables have turn stools where you must swivel to view the show facing a different direction from your table.
Step inside Pioneer Hall!
The show takes several intermissions, though, for food service… and more eatin’! 😉 That said, we recommend seating in Category 1 or 2 to best enjoy the show, especially if you’ve never seen it before.
Learn all the ins and outs of this beloved Disney World tradition HERE!
Boma at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, and/or Tusker House at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Sometimes at Disney, you need a little something different, and many DFB readers passionately avowed their love for the restaurants on property specializing in African flavors! But of all of them, Boma at Animal Kingdom Lodge and Tusker House at Disney’s Animal Kingdom are your favorites.
Boma is a HUGE fan-favorite!
With similar menus, you can’t go wrong by choosing one or the other of these buffet-style feasts.
Featuring African specialties like Cape Malay Green Curry Shrimp, Berbere-marinated Pork, and beautiful pastries, breads, chutneys, and spreads, you’ll find a lot to tempt your taste buds. Check out our Tusker House Review for dozens of food photos!
We could eat this mac and cheese FOR DAYS.
One point of distinction: if you’re looking for a character experience, choose Tusker House for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! Characters do not make an appearance at Boma.
He’s #1! Donald at Donald’s Dining Safari
Donald’s Dining Safari features tableside visits from Donald (of course!), Mickey, Daisy, and Goofy, all in their SAFARI BEST!
THIS is what it’s like dining at Tusker House!
Le Cellier Steakhouse in EPCOT’s Canada
Many readers agreed that a first visit to Disney World should include a stop at one of the resort’s Signature restaurants. While a few different spots were mentioned, Le Cellier Steakhouse in EPCOT’s Canada Pavilion garnered the most buzz.
Le Cellier Steakhouse in EPCOT
The steaks are terrific, the appetizers (we especially love the Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup) are innovative and hearty, and I’m always up for the Signature Poutine and the unique varieties of the dish served here.
Cheddar Cheese Soup from Le Cellier
All of this is served up in a charmingly cozy setting, and the service is often very good here as well.
Le Cellier
One of my favorite items here is the Le Cellier Filet Mignon. But there are plenty of options to sample. Just remember, this restaurant is a signature meal — which means a hefty price tag — for both lunch and dinner.
Who’s ready for some steak?
P.S. If dessert is on your radar…
Maple Crème Brûlée
…we are big fans of the Maple Crème Brûlée!
Les Halles Bakery in EPCOT’s France
DFB loyal readers want to make sure First Timers don’t miss out on one of EPCOT’s staple Quick Service spots, Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie.
Les Halles
Tucked into the back of EPCOT’s France pavilion is this charming bakery that is packed with truly tasty treats, both sweet and savory.
Viennoiserie Pomme
Stepping inside, you’ll often encounter a line.
Les Halles
But once you lay eyes on that beautiful bakery case, you’ll understand why!
Fraises — Strawberry Tart
It’s also a terrific stop for those who would like a gourmet coffee or glass of French wine. Check out an extensive EPCOT Les Halles Review — featuring 21 items! — here!
Cinderella’s Royal Table in Magic Kingdom
We simply can’t wrap up our list without a nod to Cinderella’s Royal Table. You simply can’t get any more iconic than Magic Kingdom’s Cinderella Castle. And , YES, there’s a restaurant in there, too!
Cinderella’s Royal Table
Personally, I think that a meal at Cinderella’s Royal Table has to be on the bucket list of every self-respecting Disney fan. How can you possibly go through your charmed Disney life without seeing inside those walls?
Inside Cinderella’s Royal Table
Cinderella’s Royal Table also just so happens to be a Character Meal — a BIG plus for us. While you enjoy your meal, Cinderella’s princess friends meet and greet and take pictures and offer autographs.
Aurora at Cinderella’s Royal Table
And who are these friends, you ask? Well, the present Royalty may vary, but we’re talking about the likes of Ariel, Aurora, Jasmine, and Snow White!
Snow White at Cinderella’s Royal Table
(Cinderella herself doesn’t actually mingle, but you have a chance to meet and have your photo taken with her before you’re seated.)
Cinderella at Cinderella’s Royal Table
In the past, the food here was considered largely overpriced and forgettable. But in the last few years, that has changed a little. We’re seeing more updates to the breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus as chefs are steered by seasonal ingredients and hot food trends.
Parisian Gnocchi at Cinderella’s Royal Table
And breakfast has been the sweet spot here for a long time — especially the Pastries and the Stuffed French Toast, which changes up now and then.
Breakfast at Cinderella’s Royal Table
The characters and ambiance are still the big draw. But chances are nowadays, you’ll enjoy your meal here as well.
It truly is a royal experience, and we’ve got several TIPS for your Cinderella’s Royal Table experience here! We also have tips to landing a reservation this incredibly popular restaurant HERE.
Looking for the best 2024 restaurants for first time visitors? We have a list for you here!
And, Now It’s YOUR Turn to Share Your Suggestions!
So there you have it! Our DFB Readers’ suggestions for the Disney restaurants that you simply must try on your first visit to Walt Disney World! It’s a big list to be sure, so we recommend taking a few of these picks and incorporating them into your plans. Or, if you’re anything like us, just try them all!
We’d like to thank you for stopping by and making all sorts of fantastic recommendations. And while we couldn’t list them all, we really appreciate all of your input!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
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I can agree with many restaurants you have chosen. A few other good ones are: Raglan Road in Down Town, Chefs De France, and yak and yeti.
I have had terrible experiences at Boma, and Le Celliar. and The Brown Derby. For newbies I would tell them not to waste 2 table credits on The Brown Derby…unless you are on the Deluxe Dining
We went for our honeymoon in April 2013!!
1.) Jiko at Animal Kingdom Lodge– ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!! amazing food, wonderful people and has the largest selection of south african wine of any other restaurant in the U.S.
This was by far our favorite place! just amazing. If you don’t go then you should regret it lol
2. Akurshus at Epcot– the princesses were wonderful! I am a vegetarian and they didn’t have a wide range of options on the menu so my waitress had the head chef come out and speak with me, He was SO kind and created an off menu dish for me. Seriously amazing. My husband who isn’t a vegetarian also really enjoyed his dining experience.
3.) Biergarten in Epcot Germany– super fun and the food was fantastic!
4.) Yak & Yeti at Animal Kingdom– SO good!
5.) Marakish in Epcot Morocco– so fun and authentic moroccan food! VERY good!
we ate at a few of the other places that have been mentioned but these were by FAR our favorites! we would also recommend staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge if you are an animal lover. Its a beautiful place for honeymooners!
Kristia — Thanks for sharing your favorites!!! Congrats on your honeymoon!!
We ate at Le Cellier the last time we went. Without a doubt the BEST filet we had ever had. The atmosphere is also very romantic.
Doing Disney on a budget, I would vote for any buffet meal.
Can’t beat Crystal Palace for Character breakfast.
50’s Prime time great fun and atmosphere.
1900 Park Fair in the Floridian for Character Dinner always a great time.
I could go on and on…….
Kona Cafe at the Polynesian and La Hacienda de San Ángel at Mexico in Epcot 😉
Chef Mickey’s is one of those places you HAVE to go when going to Disney World!!! Its the best place we went and we had soooo much fun!! Great for Kids & Adults! 100% recommend
I agree with many of the choices here and I can add a few: California Grill and Narcoossee’s are my family’s favorites. Great atmosphere, great view and great food at both. Beaches & Cream my personal favorite for lunch. Boma is wonderful for breakfast. So any outstanding restaurants to choose from! Your blog really helps to narrow them down.
I scored Le Cellier on my first call (I was outside at 6 am with my coffee on day 180 out!)!!! Hubs & I did this for “date night” (we had a family group of 24!)…and it was WONDERFUL!!! Best steak…E.V.E.R…did the Kansas City Coffee Rub steaks…melty!
Best entree’ my 2 boys are still raving about (and asking me to make) is the Lobster Bisque from Coral Reef…which is probably my favorite so far (we’ve only been to WDW once…so far!). Everything there was DELICIOUS…I had the seared tuna. Mmmm…
We carried snacks & water in our backpack (and breakfast at the hotels) so we could splurge on special dinners…and we ate a few counter service lunches…my mostly we were so busy & adrenaline-filled we didn’t eat much in one sit-down! It was go-go-go!!!
I do have to say tho…the only bad food I had was at a counter service Mexican restaurant in Epcots Mexico (right across from the Myan staircase I think)…my burrito was AWFUL…but it was too crowded to return, so I just didn’t eat. SO…be wary of that one.
I absolutely LOVE Le Cellier! My favorite. Hands down.
My fiance and I stayed at Disney for an early anniversary vacation back in March, and we scored reservations for Be Our Guest (exactly 180 days from the day I wanted to go there I made the reservations). I ended up being sick that day, and barely ate any of the food. I My fiance absolutely loved it though. I remember enjoying what I ate, though.
If you have little ones, go to Whispering Canyon Cafe at Wilderness Lodge. It is pretty darn funny! The kiddos will really enjoy the atmosphere the restaurant and servers present.
We did not have the best experience at 50’s Prime Time Cafe. I have eaten there before with amazing experiences, but recently, the servers have been slacking on their theming. The food there is also nothing special.
Last Summer we went to Disney World, here are the restaurants that we dined at in order of preference (Location/restaurant name/highlights/notes):
1. Downtown Disney, Fulton’s Crab House, Lobster Corn Dogs-need I say more?, best meal in Disney
2. Epcot, Rose & Crown, fish & chips, request seat on patio facing the lake-it’s a perfect view for the nighttime fireworks.
3. Magic Kingdom, Cinderella’s Royal Table, pictures with Cinderella included and all princesses make an appearance.
4. Downtown Disney, Wolfgang Puck Grand Cafe, really good pizza and
5. Epcot, Akershus, Swedish meatballs were very good, pictures with Belle included and all princesses made an appearance here as well!
6. Grand Floridian, Supercalafragilistic Breakfast 1900 Park Fare, breakfast character buffet, great breakfast buffet with Pooh & friends, Alice in wonderland characters, & Mary Poppins.
7. Magic Kingdom, Main Street Bakery, ham egg & cheese croissant, large breakfast sandwiches were very good-great breakfast.
8. Animal Kingdon, Tamu Tamu, ham egg & cheese flatbread, french toast sticks, fruit salad, on the way to the Safari. Very good.
9. Beach Club Resort, Cape May Cafe, great character breakfast buffet.
10. Contemporary Resort, Chef Mickey, character buffet. Character’s were great but will pass on this next time. Food way okay but definitely not worth it.
11. Downtown Disney, Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop!!! – LOVED IT., not a meal but counted as a snack on the DDP. Unbelievable dessert.
Thank you AJ for your comment about mugs. I´ll be at All Star Movies with quick dining plan. I think that my Kids (Stefano 7 and Luca 4) will enjoy a Breakfast with characters so which one you recommend the most? (I know that I have to pay for it). And one more question, do you know if is possible to upgrade your plan? Mine is included with the room.
Yup Pedro, you can pay to upgrade 🙂
Wow! so glad I stumbled upon this blog, my brother and I were lucky enough to go to WDW 10 years in a row as children, so we’ve been able to sample a good deal that Disney has to offer. I have always LOVED Le Cellier! So many wonderful things to choose from! The Be Our Guest Restaurant looks fantastic and I can’t wait to try that one this fall when we take my little boy for the first time. We always loved the Sci-fi drive in restaurant at MGM Studios. Unbelievable malt shakes and burgers and such a neat atmosphere!!
It´s difficult to make a reservation for September right now. Any ideas to have breakfast, lunch or dinner with Mickey and the gang?
Lunch in Chef Mickey is without reservation? Disney web page reservations is for breakfast and dinner.
Pedro — Lunch is not served at Chef Mickey’s except for in very busy seasons.
I’ve heard a lot of parents say they like the character meals because of the time-saving eat while meeting characters thing. But my experience was that my kid was too excited and distracted by the characters and goings on to eat much and was hungry 30 minutes after we left. Given how much the meals cost this is something to keep in mind, especially with smaller kids.
My best tip for dining at Disney is to try to order kids meals you can take with you in case they get hungry later after not eating at meal time. chicken fingers, waffles (with fixins on the side) traveled well.
At Hollywood studios, Sci-Fi Dine in Theatre. Surprised it wasn’t mentioned. Neat 50’s throwback where you dine in cars and watch clips, trailers of old b movies. Burgers and milkshakes style food but great for lunch and a unique driving er dining experience. Book ahead for shorter wait and guaranteed in car seating, otherwise there are picnic table style seating if restaurant is full and you are a walk in which may lessen the experience for some. Most seats are in the 50s Belvedere style cars facing movie screen. Some cast members (former roller skating hostess here) even roller skate through the restaurant. Fun and unique spot.
Pedro I would book breakfast or lunch at Tusker House in Animal Kingdom for your boys. The food is amazing and they’ll get lots of time with Mickey, Minnie, Daisy & Goofy. The kids even get to have a parade through the restaurant! It’s the best character meal we’ve been to at Disney.
Now I am HUNGRY!!!!!!! Hurry up September!!!!!!!
We go to Disney World once or twice a year and here are our top favourites:
Chef Mickey’s – a must do with children. The food was better this year than in previous years. Large buffet with lots of selection. Characters are great.
La Hacienda de San Angel – amazing food and décor. Try to get a table by the window to view the Epcot fireworks at 9:00 pm.
Hollywood & Vine Dinner Buffet – good variety and desserts at the buffet are fantastic.
1900 Park Fare: great dinner buffet, including higher end items not found at other character buffets. Never been disappointed.
Liberty Tree Tavern – fantastic any time you go. Great service, too.
Many of the others listed above are great such as the 50’s Prime Time Café, Sci-Fi Dinner Theatre, O’Hana’s, Cinderella’s Royal Table, and Crystal Palace, as recommended. Not a big fan of Le Cellier or Tony’s Town Square. They were both average at best.
We travelled to disney world back in March for our honeymoon, and I have to say that my favourite resturant was the Coral Reef in epcot. The food was delicious and the atmosphere was so amazing, you sit infront of the massive aquarium and watch sea turtles and rays swimming by you as you eat. I couldnt take my eyes off them for the whole time we were
There, it really was magical!
No one has mentioned san angel? we were hoping to dine there before fireworks one night. Any reviews?
I would definitely recommend Sci Fi Diner, Hollywood Brown Derby and La Hacienda de San Angel never had a bad meal at any of these and for children the Sci Fi Diner is amazing sitting in cars. My worst experience was the Rose and Crown in Epcot had to wait an hour for reservation even though we had booked months in advance and the service was appalling (and I’m from UK ) .
My other tip to newbies is to make reservations well before your holiday or else you really won’t get in any of the good ones.
Also not strictly a meal but the Tomorrowland Terrace fireworks and cakes is a fantastic experience. Buffet of lots of delicious desserts and cakes and drinks while watching Wishes from a prime spot.
I went to Disney with my husband two years in a row, once for our honeymoon and again for our 1st year anniversary in January this year (beats our cold New Hampshire weather). At first, I was nervous we wouldn’t find dining options to satisfy both of us as I am a vegetarian and he is not. There was certainly no need to be concerned. We enjoyed all of our meals.
We absolutely LOVED Be Our Guest and Boma!
The two I would love to add to the list are:
The Garden Grill at Epcot. I don’t think we could go to Disney without going to the Garden Grill. The food is wonderful, you can meet Chip and Dale and possible farmer Mickey, and you eat in a rotating dining room overlooking a section of The Land attraction. What I suggest is to check out The Land attraction right before your dining reservation.
The Hollywood Brown Derby in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. We dined there on our Honeymoon and were each blown away by our dishes. There vegetarian option was easily one of my favorites at Disney.
Correction: *Their* vegetarian option was easily one of my favorites at Disney.
Great suggestions, but many first timers don’t realize the need to plan your meals 6 months in advance, which several of these choices (Le Cellier, Be Our Guest(dinner), Hoop-dee-doo) require.
Lol – just goes to show the diversity of opinion when it comes to Disney dining. The 5 spots (in order) I force my first time friends to visit when they finally succumb to the Disney trip are:
1. Jiko
2. Chef Mickey’s
3. Teppan Edo
4. 50’s Prime Time Diner
5. Kouzzina
I love your list! We ate at many of these places on our 1st visit!!
I would add Teppan Edo in the Japan Pavillion to this list too as we found it to be both delicious and entertaining! We laughed a lot with our wonderful chef and then enjoyed the food she had prepared for us. Great night!!!
My absolute fave restaurant at WDW is Flying Fish! It might not be a must do for first timers, though. It would depend on your audience.
We experienced our first trip to WDW Sept 7-14 and I cannot believe the attention to detail every restaurant displayed for the guests in the taste of the food, service and atmosphere! It was awesome. We took our 2 oldest grandsons ages 7 & 10, and they not only had a wonderful time with the Characters, but ate very well. Our oldest grandson is type 1 diabetic, and “every” restaurant had the chef come out to discuss the best meal for him, WOW!! (He didn’t have to inject insulin the entire week-which is very unusual) We tried to fit in as many character meals possible and I’m so glad we did. Our favorite was Be Our Guest, but we loved all the others too. Crystal Palace, Tusker House, Coral Reef, Chef Mickey and most of the others mentioned here. The first thing I did when I got home was call our travel agent and book our 2nd trip. In my opinion WDW goes out of their way to make certain everyone has a wonderful time.
We love all your choices, but they focus only on table service. If you’re willing to go outside table service, we all love Flame Tree Barbecue in Animal Kingdom. My son and I love the pulled pork sandwich, and my husband can’t wait to get back next month for the smoked chicken salad. Portions are generous and food tastes fabulous!
I agree with Idelis, our favorite was the Si-Fi Theater. It was fun to sit in the cars for kids and adults, it was the quietest dining experience we had as kids were busy looking and the food was great!
Cape May Cafe at the Beach Club.
Best kept food secret in all of Disney.
Liberty Tree Tavern is a must for any fisrt time disney world guest. If you can get in Cinderellas Royal Table is my absolute favorite! Sanaa at Animal Kingdom Lodge is amazing. You have to get the Indian bread service. My favorite at Hollywood Studios (that’s very price friendly) is Starring Rolls, they have huge yummy sandwiches and amazing desserts . If you like sushi Tokyo Dining in Epcot is really good and a perfect place to watch the fireworks. The pizza at Via Napoli is to die for and you can’t go wrong either San Angel resuruant.
We have been many times and I must say that Whispering Canyon has some great food and it is so much fun!! It is in Wilderness Lodge!! I strongly believe this is a must visit restaurant. Go on a special occasion its even more fun!!
We ate at theexican restaurant on a dining reservation that one of the earlier people warned against last night. I booked a candelight processional package. La Hacienda de San Angel. We live 30 miles away and wanted to see Trace Adkins narrate the Christmas story. Absolutely an incredible experience. We shared the Delar which is designed for 2, but we ate less than half. Not for lack of trying, it was fantastic. It was the kid of experience that’s got me looking into booking more dining reservations. I booked Be Our Guest for Valentines Day, and that will be my 2nd Disney dining experience. I will keep you posted.
Del Mar. Dadgum auto correct. The empanadas were the best desert I’ve ever tasted
Our family of six will spend 15 days at WDW next Christmas (Dec 19-Jan 3). I’ve been 3 times but this will be my families first visit. The kid’s ages range from 22, 20, 17 and 7. My concern is my wife and 3 step children would greatly prefer Asian food (they are from Thailand) and really wouldn’t eat breakfast. I may take the 7 year old to a character breakfast and take the family out to an Asian restaurant at Disney on Christmas Eve, which would allow them to watch a spectacle or firework’s display. Any suggestions?
Dean — The only Asian restaurant where you could watch “fireworks” I believe would be Teppan Edo at the Japan pavilion at Epcot where you can watch IllumiNations if you’re at a table by a window…not sure if you can see anything from the China pavilion. There’s no Thai restaurant at Disney World, but maybe some Asian flavors in Animal Kingdom. There’s no evening show in Animal Kingdom at present, though.
As for the character breakfast for your 7 year old, it depends which characters he or she likes — there are several good ones — Winnie the Pooh and Friends at Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom, Alice and Wonderland friends and Pooh characters at 1900 Park Faire at the Grand Floridian and of course, Princesses at Cinderella’s Royal Table in Magic Kingdom or Akershus in the Norway Pavilion at Epcot. I could go on and on, but here’s a good link to tell you where to find all the character meals: http://allears.net/din/cbchar.htm
I could go to WDW every year! We have a few favorites:
1. Whispering Canyon Cafe – hilarious fun!
2. San Angel de Hacienda – great atmosphere!
3. Boma – great culture and flavors!
4. Sci-fi theater – just a great theme
5. Prime Time Cafe – great food and so fun!
6. Chef Mickey’s Breakfast. Buffet and Character Meal
We always have fun and love the food! We just pick the restaurant based on the menu for a more appropriate lunch or dinner.
HOOP DE DOO REVUE is a MUST!!! My family has been three times and we will be going again this year for a fourth. It is SO much fun and the food is really yummy! The entertainment value cannot be stressed enough. You will love it from beginning to end!
Hoop De Doo Revue is a must and so is Chef Mickey! I have been to Disney World many many times and these are the two i never miss!!
I was real big into characters so I recommend Akershus at Epcot, Crystal Palace at Magic Kingdom, 1900 Park Fare at Grand Floridian, Cape May at Beach Club. Those were my first timer experiences and I would love to visit some of the ones listed above if I get to go back.
I cant believe you didn’t suggest the BierGarten in EPCOT. that is in my opinion the best in all of Disney World, Also the Rose and Crown.
Interesting to see others’ takes on this. We have young ones, but like to mix up the Character Dining with more relaxing sit down meals. My own must-eat list for first-timers would include (assuming you’re traveling with children):
Le Cellier (For me, it’s not a trip to WDW without coming here. The house filet is delish.)
Tusker House (Way better breakfast then Chef Mickeys, IMO. Better buffet, more spacious, and more time with the characters.)
Akershus (The salmon and meatball dishes are both great, the appetizer buffet could be a meal in and of itself. QT with princesses, this makes a good alternative to dining at the Castle if you can’t score reservations there.)
Kona Cafe (Great breakfast. I highly recommend the pineapple macadamia pancakes. Good coffee too, an occasionally elusive thing at WDW restaurants.)
Cinderella’s Royal Table (Mostly because it’s part of the whole deal. The food is good, though nowhere near the best.)
Cape May Cafe (Because all you can eat crab legs.)
1900 Park Fair (Breakfast was good here, but if you go for dinner, the buffet has some really great choices.)
I would certainly not recommend Hollywood and Vine we had the worst experience ever last October. They lost our reservation and the Waitress went out of her way to be difficult and then charged for NOT Attending. The food was mediocre and it wasn’t made clear how the buffet system worked. Most people took their starter and main course together. Never again
Fulton’s Crab House and Kona Cafe were the best we ate at. obviously Be Our Guest was fantastic too although we only had lunch…twice! 🙂
Overall ambiance goes to Coral Reef and Cinderella’s Royal Table
Can’t wait to go back and eat at all of these places again!!!