The World of Disney food is a complex and ever-changing one, and that makes keeping track of it all darn near impossible.
Cinderella Castle
Worried? Don’t be! That’s why you have us. 😉Here we will unravel 20 of the most prolific Myths About Walt Disney World food!
1. The kids’ menu is only for kids.
If you’re heading to a quick service restaurant, you can choose from whatever menu you’d like, whether you’re ordering at the counter or taking advantage of Disney World’s Mobile Order system. (Don’t worry, they won’t ask you if it’s actually for a child!) And you may be surprised by the options you find on the kids’ menus, from the more traditional chicken strips at places like Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe to more unique choices like Cheeseburger Pods and Tofu Bowls at Satu’li Canteen.
A bun filled with cheeseburger deliciousness!
If you’re dining at a table service restaurant, your mileage may vary on this trick. Some restaurants will require you to order off the adult menu, but you can always ask your server to see if the particular place you’re dining will allow it!
2. Only sit-down restaurants are high quality.
This might have been true in the old days (okay, even in the not-so-old days), but now, high-quality eats can be found in every type of food spot: table service, quick service, and snack stalls alike. Some of our favorite snacks can be found at the small stands that dot the parks — including the killer Baked Mac and Cheese Bowls at Eight Spoon Cafe in Disney’s Animal Kingdom! (Note: 8 Spoon Cafe is temporarily unavailable right now.)
Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese from Eight Spoon Cafe!
And counter service restaurants around Disney World have really stepped up their game! We love the various options at the revamped ABC Commissary in Hollywood Studios, where delicious tacos are now available. And who can forget the quality eats at Flame Tree Barbecue in Animal Kingdom?
Sampler
You can see some of our favorite out-of-the-box restaurants here!
3. It’s impossible to eat on a budget.
A Walt Disney World vacation is an investment (in fun!) — but it’s a myth that you have to break the bank in order to eat well at the parks! We’ve discovered lots of tips over the years to help mitigate the costs of those quick service and table service meals.
If the Florida heat has you sweating to the oldies, remember that counter service locations in every park will provide cups of free ice water upon request.
Stay hydrated, folks!
If you want to capitalize on a great snack bargain, buy your popcorn in a bucket! The initial investment in the basic refillable popcorn bucket is about $12 at popcorn stands all over the World — but the length-of-stay refills are only $2 each! If you’ve got a popcorn-lovin’ crew and several days of theme park fun on tap, this could be a huge money-saver!
You can pay a little extra to get popcorn buckets with special designs!
It’s no question that the cost of meals in the Parks can be, well, shocking at times. But many of them are also shareable. At table service spots, your meal might even be split and presented on two plates. At counter service locations, just request a second plate if you need one!
Some things are made to share — like pizza at Via Napoli!
And don’t forget that Walt Disney World allows guests to bring food into the parks with them. So if you want to save money on snacks, tote in some sandwiches for lunch, or ensure that you have allergen-free eats if you need them, you can bring in your own! And we all know that grabbing grub at an off-property locale will save money.
Find these beauties off-site — and save!
4. Same-day Advance Dining Reservations are impossible to find.
You know we always recommend making Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs) as soon as you can (60 days ahead of your arrival is when you can start making them at this time!), but that doesn’t mean that same-day ADRs are impossible to score. In fact, we’ve heard of guests getting reservations within minutes of looking for them, and some guests even enjoy the spontaneity of dining wherever they can find an ADR on the day they want one!
Same-day ADRs can be had — even at Be Our Guest Restaurant!
Two things are typically helpful for finding same-day ADRs: persistence and flexibility. Be persistent: check the Disney World app repeatedly throughout the day. And be flexible: if you don’t mind dining at an off-time (say, late at night), you might get lucky! Plans change, and guests change their ADRs all the time. You could be the beneficiary!
5. Character meals are only for kids.
If you’ve experienced the magic (or misery, in some cases) of a child meeting his or her favorite character for the first time, you know what a significant memory that can be. And Character Meals are an awesome opportunity to meet several characters at once while enjoying some air conditioning and tasty food. But if you think that character meals are only for kids, you’ve got another thing comin’!
Mickey and Pluto at Garden Grill Restaurant
Although every experience at a character meal is different, generally speaking, characters are great at interacting with guests of all ages — even if you’re dining without little ones! Check out our guide to finding out which character meal is right for you!
Hey Nancy!
And while some of us might feel totally at home talking to a massive mouse and a pretty princess, others of us might be a little… unsure. No prob! We recommend coming up with a question or comment about the character’s tale or wearing a piece of clothing that’s sure to generate chatter (think: a fun tee or hat!). Then just relax and have fun!
Mickey at Topolino’s Terrace
Looking for some recommendations? Check out some of our favorite Character Meals in Disney World in the video below! Keep in mind that some of these options are not currently available, so see our list of open restaurants before making your plans. Also note, that character dining is modified right now and not every location is open.
6. You can’t bring in your own food and drinks.
We touched on this one when we discussed saving some moolah in the Disney Parks, but it bears repeating again. Walt Disney World allows guests to bring food and drinks into its parks. And this is super helpful for reasons beyond cost-saving, including if you have a picky eater, dietary restrictions, or a youngster who doesn’t eat enough to justify ordering a full meal.
Feel free to bring your own food!
The rules here are pretty simple: no alcohol and nothing in glass containers (with the exception of baby food in glass jars). That’s it! There are no restrictions on the quantity or type of food you can bring in, so you can feel free to do what’s right or useful for your family! Be sure to read our 13 Questions and Answers about Bringing Food Into the Parks!
7. There’s nothing healthy to eat at a theme park.
This one might’ve been true in years past, but the Walt Disney World Parks are really upping their game to provide healthy options for diners at quick service, table service, and snack stands all over the World. When ordering, look for healthier-for-you sides like cucumber salad or fruit.
There are great choices for healthy eating all around the parks and resorts!
As for the kiddos, look for Mickey Check meals on the menus. These meals follow nutritional guidelines that limit saturated fat, sodium, sugar, and calories. And you can always find healthy sides for kids’ meals too!
Sides for kiddos
8. Everything is frozen or processed.
Good news! This myth has totally been busted in the parks of Walt Disney World! There are plenty of fresh options, including snacks and meals, plus organic snacks!
Grab and Go
Many of the table service restaurants at Walt Disney World pride themselves on using seasonal and local ingredients. California Grill does this exceptionally well.
California Grill has plenty of fresh dishes!
For organic snacks you can grab and go, we recommend checking out the various fruit stands around the parks.
Harambe Fruit Stand
9. Alcohol isn’t served in Disney Parks.
When Walt Disney conceptualized the Magic Kingdom, he decreed that it (and Disneyland over on the west coast) should remain dry, with no alcohol served on the premises (except for Club 33 in Disneyland). But that tradition ended in 2012 when Be Our Guest Restaurant in new Fantasyland began serving adult beverages at dinner.
Glass of Wine at Be Our Guest Restaurant
Now, alcohol can be found in all four of the Walt Disney World parks, at table service, quick service, and snack stands all over the parks. And, WOW, are there ever some fun choices (including non-alcoholic mocktails, too)!
Beautiful drinks abound!
10. There’s nothing but burgers and fries.
How wrong this myth is! Of course, you can find burgers (really good ones at places like D-Luxe Burger!) and fries (we love us some French fries, y’all! Check out our French Fry Crawl in Disney World!) at most restaurants — quick and table service alike. But by no means are these classics the only options!
Pulled Pork Cheese Fries at FlameTree Barbecue because if you want to eat fries, they might as well be amazing!
Walt Disney World is packed with alternatives to burgs and fries, like the absolutely astounding food at Morimoto Asia in Disney Springs! There’s nothing ordinary about a plate of glossy Peking Duck!
Peking Duck
For seafood lovers and those seeking seasonal dishes, Narcoossee’s at the Grand Floridian and California Grill at the Contemporary Resort are shining stars.
Key West Shrimp and Garganelli Pasta
And if you want adventurous eats, look no further than Tiffins at Animal Kingdom or any of the restaurants (Boma, Jiko, and Sanaa) at Animal Kingdom Lodge!
Tiffins’ Whole Fried Sustainable Fish — Another View
Bye-bye, burgers and fries! Hello, just about anything you can dream up!
It’s actually difficult to narrow it down, but let’s take Epcot’s Japan Pavilion as just one example of an area with unique offerings in Disney World parks…
11. There aren’t any Romantic Disney restaurants.
Ooh, la, la: you want a romantic getaway with your sweetie while on vacation — but where in the World of cartoon characters and giggling kids can you find a romantic restaurant? So. many. places! For the absolute height of fine Disney dining, splurge on a meal at Victoria & Albert’s at the Grand Floridian.
Main Dining Room at Victoria & Albert’s
Want your romance with a stunning view? Book a late dinner at California Grill, and watch the fireworks from the resort’s balcony! (When they come back — they aren’t being offered right now!)
View of Fireworks from the Contemporary
For a meal that you’ll both be talking about for a long time, try Jiko or Sanaa, which features African- and Indian-inspired dishes sure to tantalize the taste buds!
A table with a view at Sanaa!
While children are allowed in all of these restaurants (Victoria & Albert’s is restricted to diners 10 and up), you’re more likely to find a quieter dining experience than at some of the other, less sophisticated locations.
12. There are no good bars/lounges in Disney World.
Say what?! Okay, this myth was true in the past — but Walt Disney World has come a long way in providing options for those who enjoy a pub, bar, or lounge. From the authentic Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant to the quirky Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto (when it’s open), there’s a watering hole for every Disney drinker!
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto
For awesome margaritas, guests (and the DFB!) love La Cava del Tequila. The Avocado Margaritas are refreshing in the best way possible!
Avocado Margarita
And for some awesome dueling pianos action, you have to check out Jellyrolls (when it’s open), located at the BoardWalk Inn! This is raucous and totally fun entertainment!
Jellyrolls at Disney’s Boardwalk
And the always-entertaining The Edison brings two stories of drinks, eats, and entertainment to Disney Springs — complete with three bars and lots of variety on the main stage!
Aerialist ©The Edison
Just take a peek at a few of our favorite watering holes!
13. Table service restaurants are too stuffy for kids.
If you’re looking for a stuffy table service experience where kids are persona non grata, you’ll have to look pretty hard at Walt Disney World. In fact, you’re much more likely to find table service locales that have special activities or engagements that appeal specifically to littles!
Blueberry Mickey Muffin
At Whispering Canyon Cafe, kids may be able to participate in a stick horse race or be tasked with delivering ketchup bottles to other tables. (Although some of these antics are suspended currently.) And let’s not forget the fun they might get to have at their parents’ expense!
Dining Room During Morning Races
Cinderella’s Royal Table offers character interactions at a snazzy table service location, and kiddos are always encouraged to interact with the characters.
Cinderella at her namesake restaurant.
In fact, there are several sit-down restaurants where the kiddos are likely to feel right at home.
14. Dining with allergies is too hard.
We know that going on vacation while dealing with food allergies can be tough — and sometimes dangerous — experience. But Walt Disney World has made a lot of strides over the past several years in providing options for guests with food allergies. This attention to allergens even finds a place at special events — like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, where allergy-friendly snacks and small activities were available for guests who require them.
Teal Allergy-Friendly Trick or Treat Bag
But dining with special diets is possible just about anywhere in the World, with quick service, table service, and food carts all required to have binders of ingredients for food items, allergy menus, and chefs who can provide one-on-one dialogue about the guest’s needs. Plus there are lots of packaged treats and eats that feature nutritional information on the label, letting guests stay informed.
Snacks With Character Allergy Friendly Snack
The most important tip we can offer is to be vocal about what you need — and to check out our Dining with a Special Diet page for even more tips!
15. It’s too hard to visit Disney World with a baby.
Walt Disney World is a place for families — with members young and old. If you’re planning a trip with really little one, don’t fret! There are places designed with you in mind: Baby Care Centers are located in all four parks, and they are terrific, quiet spots to take care of your little one.
Baby Care Center
Baby Care Centers have private rooms for breastfeeding; bottle warming capabilities; changing tables; feeding areas with high chairs; and baby formula, food, juice, diapers, etc. available for purchase. In addition to the Baby Care Centers, baby and toddler food is available for purchase throughout the parks, including in the gift shops of Walt Disney World Resorts Hotels.
The perfect place to relax with your little one!
Disney also offers a ride-switch program, where you and your spouse or other caregiver can both ride an attraction separately (while the other watches the child) without waiting in line twice.
16. There’s no good, high-end food.
Oh, friends, how wrong this is! If you’re looking to splurge on high-end dining at Walt Disney World, there are lots of options for you. The highest of the high-end is Victoria & Albert’s at the Grand Floridian, where diners don their finest, and the restaurant serves course after course of five-star cuisine.
Berkshire “Porchetta”at Victoria & Albert’s
For high-end that isn’t quite as posh, make an ADR for California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort or Morimoto Asia in Disney Springs.
While California Grill offers an upscale dining room and food to match, the exquisite design of Morimoto Asia is surpassed only by its stunning dishes — including the highest grade of Wagyu Beef in the world.
Seared Wagyu at Morimoto Asia
Learn more about all calibers of Disney World food in our Best Restaurants for 2021 video!
17. Disney’s just for kids with no places for an adults-only group.
While Walt Disney World is known for being exceptionally kid-friendly, there are ways to create adults-only memories. The most obvious way is to take advantage of the ever-expansive nightlife at Walt Disney World.
The dining and bars of the BoardWalk Inn offer late-night fun, while The Edison is raising the bar even more, with three bars and a stage ripe with cabaret and live entertainment.
The Breaker Bar at The Edison
Another way to enjoy (almost) adults-only time at the World is to dine in some of the World’s more romantic restaurants. California Grill is a good bet (although not a guarantee), while Victoria & Albert’s has a no-diners-under-ten rule. Other quiet(er) locations include Citrico’s and Narcoossee’s at the Grand Floridian, Flying Fish Cafe on the BoardWalk, and Jiko at Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Citricos
18. There’s always a line for everything.
Well, this is sort of true for a lot of things a lot of the time in the World, but with pre-ordering meals, FastPasses, great kiosk eats, and mobile ordering, Walt Disney World has given guests some options for cutting down on the amount of time they have to spend in line waiting.
Recent Wait Time for Frozen Ever After
Another way to beat the lines at quick service locations is to make a meal of yummy kiosk and snack stand eats. One of our favorite places to do this is at Animal Kingdom, where kiosks like Eight Spoon Cafe serve up stellar (and filling!) eats like Pulled Pork Baked Mac and Cheese! But you can pull this off at any park. Use our Restaurant Search Tool, and narrow your search by Snack Cart and whatever park you’ll be enjoying. Then, check out the menus to find just what you want. You’ll find shorter lines and get to try several smaller bites!
Mr. Kamal’s Kiosk is another tasty spot!
Check out some of our absolute favorite snacks here!
19. All parks pizza is created equal.
There are lots of unusual eats to be found in the Parks of Walt Disney World, but sometimes, you just want pizza. And we do, too. But not all pizza in the World is created equal! You know all about our love of Via Napoli, with its authentic take on the pizza of Naples, Italy. It’s always a winner!
Pizza at Via Napoli
Seriously, you gotta check it out… .
Chili Coffee Rubbed Pork Flatbread
But if you prefer your pizza frozen before it hits the oven, you can do no better than Pizzerizzo! Yup, that’ll hit the spot, too.
Closeup on Vegetable Pizza
20. There’s nothing for vegetarians to eat.
Our final food myth is one that a lot of our readers fear: there’s nothing for vegetarians and vegans to eat. But this myth is totally busted! Last year the Disney parks rolled out a new veggie-friendly menu offering at every single one of their restaurants. That means no matter where you find yourself in Disney World, you’ll have plenty of options! Signature dining like Jiko features an awesome vegetarian menu, while quick service spots like Satu’li Canteen have stepped up the game for plant-based diners as well.
Satu’li Bowl with Tofu
We’ve also assembled some info for vegetarians on our Vegetarian Dining in Disney World page and created a video for our YouTube channel covering this topic! We often hear from guests looking for plant-based diet options, so rest assured, we’ll keep bringing you the vegetarian and vegan hits!
That’s it! Our 20 Myths About Walt Disney World Food and all the myth-busting we could muster!
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By far the best article ever written on your site, bravo!!! And the way you interspersed the videos that go with each point was extremely well thought out! You really have outdone yourself on thoroughness and variety and removed all excuses that people who chose to diss Disney have come up with!! AWESOME
Thanks, Dave! We’re glad you liked it!
I have wondered many times about adults being able to ea from the kids menu (some places the food is just too huge otherwise). Thanks for clearing that up!
Maybe this is not a myth and maybe its very well known, but you can take # 1 and flip it.
Just because your age 3-9 child is on the dining plan you DO NOT have to order from the kids meal at a counter service location.
We almost always purchase the quick service plan for 2 adults and 2 children ages 3-9 and have NEVER purchased a kids meal.
We usually share 3 meals or 2 meals and use a counter for 3 snacks when a good offering is available.
Look at your receipts, it doesn’t say 10 adult counters and 10 child counters remaining.
If we have a reservation for 4 at BOG, and only two of us end up eating, but all four of us go, will we be charged $10 pp for those who don’t eat? (Our kids eat free at our hotel, but they will be with us when we go to BOG.
I know it makes no difference at counter service places, but are children over nine allowed to eat off the children’s menu at table service restaurants?
We will be visiting at Christmas, my daughter will be turning eleven during the trip. She has a small appetite and can be a bit fussy with new things, I don’t mind if she wants to order from the adult menu but I also don’t want to be forced into ording from the adult if she’d prefer something from the children’s menu.
Great article! Very good to know on kids menu.
Where is that chick pea cucumber salad? I don’t recall seeing that.
Disney is, indeed, very veg friendly. In addition to watching the video here, people who want a lot of detail can join the Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/509637195830619/.
Mel D., while you might get a little push-back at some restaurants, your daughter should be able to order off the kids’ menu anywhere you go. You might encounter restaurants that want to charge more in order to serve a slightly larger portion than the actual kids’ menu item, but be insistent about what is best for your family. Have fun!
Holly, I assume you’re referring to the penalty fee for missing an ADR. In that case, we would not expect you to be charged $10 for the kids, since you’re all there for the reservation.
Mike V., that’s an excellent point!
Never had an issue with the counter service, but we’ve definitely been told no for ak ids menu at some of the sit-downs. Most particularly the ones that are owned by outside companies. I remember Tutto Italia where an adult member of our party, very picky eater, asked for a kids menu and they just refused. So he sat there and ate nothing. I don’t understand why they wouldn’t want him to order something rather than nothing, but I’d be aware it does happen.
What Disney needs is some smaller portion, $5 value meals, that aren’t 1000 calories or full of sugar for those of us on diets or just trying to watch our weight. Everything you post seems to be big huge cup cakes or full of melted cheese. Every now and then, that stuff is great, but not day after day.
Have always loved your blog and this article is Practically Perfect. *o*
Good luck getting a last minute ADR at a popular restaurant! Every year we visit, I’m amazed at the amount of times I’ve heard hostesses tell guests without and ADR that there’s a 1-1/2 hour wait for a table, and that’s even been at some of the resort table restaurants. Even with an ADR, we had to wait for our table at Beaches and Cream. I’d rather get them 180 days out then spend precious park time on my phone accessing the MyDisney app to try and get someone’s last-minute cancellation (that others are also trying to snag).
So many true things!! My husband and I went last Christmas and were able to get reservations only one month in advance to: Be our guest, the new Snow White character dinning (after your review for 6 people, so believe me it took a lot of persistence) and Liberty Tree on Christmas Day! So it is possible! We also were able to do everything we wanted with minimal to no lines – DURING CHRISTMAS WEEK! – all it took was planning, fastpasses on point , mobile order and hours of DFB videos and tips!
Thanks, Andi!
Table service too stuffy got kids? No way. At the Plaza my grandchildren were made honorary mayor and given the grand mayoral treatment. Sounds to me like they love kids there.