It’s beginning to look at lot like Christmas at Disney World! Each park is filled with stunning decor and an insane amount of delicious treats. But the holidays in Disney World have really made us realize that 2020 is ALMOST here (holy moly can you believe it), so it’s time to page Mr. Morrow, Mr. Tom Morrow and look towards the future!
Magic Kingdom
Are you planning your VERY first Disney World vacation? Are you wondering where you should eat and which dining locations will give you the best first-timer experience? Then, you’ve come to the right place, because we here at DFB happen to know a thing or two about Disney dining and we’ve gathered the BEST Disney World restaurants for first-timers. Yes…the BEST!
Be Our Guest Lunch
If you’re looking to step inside Beast’s Castle, then you’re going to want to head to Be Our Guest! We love dining here because of the incredible atmosphere and theming. If you ever wanted to feel like you literally stepped INTO Beauty and the Beast, this is the place to do it.
Entrance into Beast’s Castle
While you can eat here for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, our favorite recommendation is for lunch. At lunch, you’ll still have the opportunity to dine in the ballroom or even in the forbidden West Wing. But, you’ll get to do it for a MUCH cheaper price than at dinner time!
Be Our Guest Ballroom
The food isn’t your typical chicken nuggets and pizza found at many other quick-service locations. We’re big fans of a few things on the menu like the Braised Pork, Croque Monsieur, and the Grey Stuff (the Master’s Cupcake)…because, well, it’s delicious.
Be Our Guest Braised Pork
Dining here can be a tough reservation to nab, especially at dinner, but it’s SO worth it. And bonus for you Disney Dining Plan folks — breakfast and lunch here count as a quick service credit! You essentially get a quick sit down meal — no paper plates or plastic forks here! — in a beautiful restaurant for one little quick service credit per person! Crazy awesome. But we suggest placing this one on your list quick because it’s a rather popular Magic Kingdom dining location.
Read our FULL Be Our Guest lunch review here!
Why it’s Great for First-Timers
This really is a magical dining spot for those visiting Disney World for the very first time or for those who keep coming back again and again. Be Our Guest is a great example of what Disney does best — transport guests to another world through visual storytelling. It’s a breathtaking experience to walk around the ballroom so many guests admired while watching the film. Simply put, Be Our Guest is your chance to dine IN a fairytale. And who wouldn’t want that?! It doesn’t hurt the food is pretty top-notch as well!
Space 220
Since we’ve got our eyes set towards the future, we had to chat about the NEW dining location that is currently being built in Epcot — Space 220. The location is set to open this winter, so it should be ready to take travelers into outer space pretty early within the new year.
Space 220 Concept Art ©Disney
While Disney hasn’t shared too much about this location yet, what we do know sounds pretty stellar!! Here, guests will have the opportunity to board an elevator that will simulate rocketing into orbit in real-time. They will also experience both daytime and nighttime views from a “space station” that is hovering above the earth. Sound pretty epic, right?
Space 220 VIEW!
The menu will include international-inspired cuisine and more than 1,000 bottles of the world’s finest wines along with a hefty offering of craft beers.
We’ve been monitoring the construction progress as Disney Cast Members work towards to goal of launching guests into outer space for a dining experience that should be worthy of a must-see list for those visiting in 2020.
Space 220 Construction
Read MORE about the NEW Space 220 here!
Why it’s Great for First-Timers
This restaurant isn’t even open yet and it’s giving us all the futuristic Epcot feels. Epcot has SO MANY dining options to choose from in World Showcase but, for first-timers, we think Space 220 is a great pick. It’s lots of the best parts of Future World packed down into one restaurant! We’re so excited to see the level of creativity put into immersing guests in this spot and think it will be a truly memorable location for first time Disney guests.
Cinderella’s Royal Table
Another place on our must-dine list for first-timers in 2020 is Cinderella’s Royal Table. While this location can be pretty expensive and the food isn’t our #1 fav, it’s still basically a TOTAL requirement to dine like a royal in the castle…especially if you’ve got little ones!
Cinderella’s Royal Table
To start your meal, you meet Miss Glass Slipper herself, Cinderella, before being welcomed into the royal dining hall where you’ll meet even MORE Disney princesses like Aurora, Ariel, and Snow White, what’s better than that?! Plus — you’re EATING IN THE CASTLE!
Aurora at Cinderella’s Royal Table
If you do choose to dine here you’re gonna wanna book EARLY, like 180 days in advance early, because there are LOTS of peeps trying to get in on this magical action. You will be required to pay ahead of time, but hey at least it’ll be paid for and out of the way, right?
Cinderella’s Royal Table Menu and Wand
See why we suggest dining like Royalty on your first Disney vacay here!
Why it’s Great for First-Timers
Eating. In. The. Castle. Nuff said! If you have a little prince or princess with an eye for Disney Royalty this is a slam dunk. Princesses engage with guests throughout your meal and make everyone feel like a royal. The experience is one of a kind and one you certainly won’t forget.
Garden Grill
Another great character dining option that we’re quite fond of, especially for first-timers, is Garden Grill at Epcot. Here, guests can meet Mickey (in his awesome dad overalls), Pluto, Chip, and Dale! Guests can not only meet these awesome pals, but they can actually do so while eating some pretty delicious food served all you care to eat family-style! The dinner menu includes turkey breast, grilled beef, mashed potatoes, stuffing, mac and cheese, veggies, garden salad, fresh-baked rolls, and Berry Shortcake.
Garden Grill
Oh yeah, one more MEGA cool thing worth noting? This restaurant rotates (!!!)Â AND looks down on the Living with the Land attraction!! The restaurant is quite small and usually isn’t too crowded which leads to a more chill atmosphere and the ability to hang with the characters multiple times.
Mickey Mouse at Garden Grill in Epcot
See why we love Garden Grill so much by checking out our full dinner review here!
Why it’s Great for First-Timers
Garden Grill is one of our favorite character dining spots. You get to meet Mickey and some other great characters on top of the novelty of your restaurant rotating! Due to the small nature of the restaurant, guests receive SO MUCH attention from the characters which, for first-timers, can be a priceless experience.
Takumi-Tei
Foodies, this option is for you! A delicious and different type of dining location that we suggest for first-timers in 2020 just opened THIS year! Takumi-Tei in Epcot is the perfect place if you’re looking for an EPIC adventure in Japanese dining.
Takumi-Tei Front Entrance
While it may not be the most kid-friendly, it’s a super great dining location food fanatics. The menu options are so unique and well prepared that you may forget you’re in a theme park. This location is quite stunning on the inside as well. We love how each room follows a different theme and the overall feeling of zen that this location brings.
Takumi-Tei
Now, Takumi Tei is only open for dinner, so you will need to plan accordingly, but if you’re headed to Disney for the first time thinking it’s only hot dogs and burgers, this is the spot to show you how great theme park dining can be!
Mozaiku Sushi
Click here to read all about Takumi-Tei!
Why it’s Great for First-Timers
Newcomers won’t want to visit Disney World without a trip to the mini food theme park that is Epcot’s World Showcase. This spot blends quality dining with gorgeous architecture and design in an immersive experience. If first-timers are looking for a fancy, memorable meal while in Epcot, we think this is one they won’t regret booking.
Homecoming or Raglan Road
Now, if you’re looking for the BEST down-home comfort food, head on over to Disney Springs. Here you’ll find Homecoming and Raglan Road. Both of these locations serve up really fantastic comfort foods like Bangers and Mash, Fried Chicken, and Mac and Cheese! And there should be really good options for everyone in the group!
Homecoming Sign
Raglan Road’s menu features eclectic Irish fare, while Homecoming is all about good ol’ fashion Southern comfort food. Both spots are also great options if you’re looking for brunch. While this is only offered on the weekends, it’s a really great option to kick start the day.
Raglan Road
Read our latest Homecomin’ and Raglan Road reviews here!
Why it’s Great for First-Timers
Raglan Road is a blast for every age group and the food is outstanding. Adults can enjoy a pint or two while kids have the chance to hop on stage and dance with real Irish dancers. Just down the road, Homecoming’s menu is sure to please everyone in your group with its wide variety of foods ranging from fried and cheesy to sweet and boozy. If you want down home-cookin’ at its finest, this won’t disappoint.
And before you go! Check out our DFB Video on 15 Fun and HELPFUL Disney World Dining Hacks! WATCH Before You Go!
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While I agree with your choices as awesome places to go to, I think some fall under the “eventually gotta get there.” I would definitely include Ohana and Boma as 2 must do’s on a first trip. We went to Ohana on our first trip with its amazing meal at the Polynesian and view of the fireworks that made it a must do standout staple for every one of our future trips we have ever gone to. It made such an impact that we include it in our “must do” recommendation outline for friends when asking. Boma with its amazing spread of food and culture based ambiance not only because of the AK Lodge but the staff and music and introduction to amazing foods you may never have tried. Boma transports you to Africa and into a theme that will grab you like few other restaurants will.
And these dining experiences have such variety and availability of different types of food no one in your party will go hungry or complain.
These are all expensive! I couldn’t get my family in those. We only do 1 or 2 table service meals during a weeklong trip to WDW.