Welcome to the Walt Disney World restaurants! You won’t find anything “typical” around here. Not only do these restaurants boast unique themeing, many are known for creative menus, special diet options, and friendly servers.

Expect the same kind of theming and fantasy you’ll find in the rest of the theme parks and resorts, along with some incredible (and some not so incredible – we’re just being honest) food. Ranging from pizza and burgers to five-star cuisine, Disney restaurants can fit any palate.

And what we find the most intriguing about dining here is all of the detail that goes into the design of each restaurant. While you’re rushing from attraction to attraction in the theme parks, take a moment to slow down and truly appreciate the incredible “props” in many of the restaurants.

With over 200 places to eat in Disney World, it can be a bit tricky to figure out where you want to grab a meal or snack. Let’s explore the types of restaurants that you’ll have to choose from.

Types of Restaurants & Definitions

Snack Kiosks

Not really “restaurants” but you can sometimes find some meal-sized snacks here and there. Some of these small spots offer up really delicious tastes!

For instance, Eight Spoon Cafe at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, features amazing Baked Macaroni and Cheese dishes as well as a surprising Pulled Pork-Jelly Doughnut Sandwich.

And don’t forget the booths at EPCOT festivals.

You’ll find  a smorgasbord of eats by wandering World Showcase during EPCOT Festival of the Arts, EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival, EPCOT Food and Wine Festival, and EPCOT Festival of the Holidays.

Best Snacks in Animal Kingdom for 2023

Quick/Counter Service

A Quick Service (also called counter service) restaurant is one in which you place an order at a walk-up counter.

You may also use Mobile Order at participating locations.

How do you know it’s a Quick Service restaurant? Well, at these spots you will pay for your meal before receiving food that is presented on a tray. You’ll need to find a table on your own. Clearing the table after your meal will be your responsibility. Another sign that you’re at a Counter Service restaurant? Reservations are neither required nor accepted at the venue. A real world example would be a fast food restaurant or mall food court.

While this might be “fast food”, many of these restaurants offer memorable meals. Casey’s Corner is a Magic Kingdom staple!

This spot also has one of our absolute favorite meals — corn dog nuggets with plastic cheese!

The 10 BEST Quick Service Restaurants in Magic Kingdom for 2023

Table Service

A Table Service restaurant is one at which you are seated by a host/hostess at a specific table and have some portion of your meal brought to you by a server. At Walt Disney World, buffet-style meals are considered table service because of both the extensive amount of food available and the fact that a server brings your drinks and clears your table.

At a table service meal, you pay your server (including gratuity) at the end of the meal, after he or she brings you a bill.

Generally you can, and should, make Advance Dining Reservations for table service meals.

Plus, you’ll want to carve out at least an hour of your touring time to dine at one of these venues.

PRO Tips for Disney World Buffets — Don’t Make the Same Mistakes We Did

Signature Dining

Some of Disney’s dining experiences are called Signature Dining. They are special, fancy, or just plain expensive. And they likely have a dress code!

These might be more like your “special occasion” kind of restaurant options like a Ruth Chris, instead of a “random Tuesday night” dinner you might get at an Outback Steakhouse.

If you are looking for a fine-dining experience during your vacation, Disney World actually has some great options! Expect a more upscale ambiance and beautifully prepared dishes — perfect for a memorable meal.

REVIEW: Why We’re Willing to Pay $93 for Dinner at Flying Fish in Disney World

Lounges

At Disney World, Lounges can typically be found attached to a table service counterpart, thus you will usually find a few appetizers on the menu.

While they offer limited seating and a limited menu, there are some amazing views, brilliant beverages, and incredible appetizers to be had.

Some lounges are quiet with an old-school atmosphere, while others offer loud (and possibly crazy) fun!

When you are looking for a last minute place to unwind with family or friends (or even by yourself!), lounges are a great bet as they don’t accept advance dining reservations.

Top 16 Bars and Lounges at Walt Disney World

Character Meals

Character meals are dining experiences in which Disney characters meet and greet guests in the restaurant. Disney pals generally travel from table to table, stopping to interact with each party for a hug, photo, autograph, or possibly a conversation.

Your group gets guaranteed quality time with characters in air-conditioned comfort (rather than standing in endless autograph-and-picture lines), while simultaneously enjoying waffles, pasta, carved meats, or in some cases, adult beverages. Some of these meals are served buffet-style, others offer plated entrees or family-style skillets.

It’s a win for junior as well as mom and dad. Only a Disney vacation offers meals with this much character.

Ranking the Best Character Dining in Disney World for 2023

All-You-Care-to-Enjoy

These are a type of table service meal and there are two versions. First, is a pretty common one you’ve likely experienced: buffets.

At buffet-style meals, there is a central location with several food stations where you can select what and how much you want of each item. And you can return to those stations as often as you like.

The other version are considered “family-style,” where instead of visiting a food station, a server will bring a platter of assorted entrees and sides to your table. And you request “refills” of any of your favorite items.

Every Disney World Buffet Ranked From BEST to WORST

Where can you find these restaurants?

Every Disney Park provides a vast array of snack kiosks, quick service restaurants, and table service restaurants. You’ll also find a few lounges and signature dining locations.

Every Disney Resort will provide at least a quick service location for fast meals with grab-and-go options and a bar by the pool for a refreshing drink. Most Moderate Resorts will offer a quick service option and a table service option. Deluxe Resorts have the most variety with quick service, table service, and often signature dining and lounges.

Disney Springs offers the largest selection with the widest range of options. You’ll find everything from kiosks to fine dining!

Disney Water Parks tend to only have quick service locations and snack kiosks.

Guess fine dining and bathing suits don’t go together.

Our Top Tips for the Best Restaurants

• Grab our DFB Guide Book for all of the details on EVERY. SINGLE. Disney World Restaurant. For an in-depth look at dining in Disney World, including over 900 pages of tips, recommendations, photos, and more, check out our Disney Food Blog Guide to Walt Disney World Dining e-Book!
• Sometimes TOO many options can be overwhelming. So, that’s why we’re here! We’ve tried out ALL of the restaurants in Disney World so we can tell you which places are worth your time and money.

Whether you’re a novice or local expert to Disney World restaurants, there’s always something new happening. From new menus to unexpected closings to innovative policies, we understand how difficult it can be to keep up with it all. We aim to keep you updated on Walt Disney World Resort Restaurants, so stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for the latest information!

Are you still confused about Disney restaurants? Let us know what we can help clarify. If we don’t know the answer, we’ll try to find it!