I go to Disney World all the time for my job, and that means I’ve eaten a LOT of theme park food. Like, WAY more than the average person.
Regal Eagle food
In fact, I’m currently on a mission to eat at all the quick service restaurants in Disney World, and I’ve checked off a large portion of the list so far. But even though I’ve tried dozens of spots, there are some places that I definitely avoid after that initial visit. Why? Well, it’s not the food!
La Cantina de San Angel
First, I’m kicking off this list with the restaurant that was the inspiration for this article — La Cantina de San Angel. This quick service spot in the Mexico Pavilion is often one I skip because it doesn’t offer Mobile Order and the line can get long, but that’s not the real reason I added it to this list. Why do I avoid La Cantina? Because of the BIRDS.
La Cantina de San Angel
La Cantina is absolutely overrun with wildlife, specifically birds. And it seems to be more of a problem here than at other restaurants in the World Showcase. Unfortunately, every time I’m there, some random parkgoer refuses to abide by the posted signage and decides to feed the birds, which makes them more aggressive in their endeavors to seek human food. During one visit, this led to a bird literally LEAPING up onto my table and stealing my nachos straight from the bowl. I nearly passed out right then and there!
La Cantina
So, dear people of Disney World, I BEG of you — stop feeding the birds and for the love of all that is good, stop encouraging your children to feed the wildlife as well. I just want to eat my nachos in peace and now I have to avoid La Cantina entirely.
The Lunching Pad
Heading over to Magic Kingdom, I have to mention The Lunching Pad as a restaurant that I typically avoid. Why? Because the seating options are absolutely TERRIBLE. Since the restaurant is located smack dab in the middle of Tomorrowland, the tables are often taken up by random families who aren’t eating there.Â
The Lunching Pad
On top of that, most of those tables are in direct sunlight with no air conditioning or fans. It’s BRUTAL out there in the summer. Does anyone really want to eat a hot dog while boiling in the Florida sun? Yeah, me neither.
Dockside Diner
At Hollywood Studios, Dockside Diner has a very similar problem! It’s also a restaurant out in the open where tables get taken up by random passers-by. The bonus here is that most of the tables have umbrellas for a tiny bit of shade.
Dockside Diner
However, the tables are cramped together and the umbrellas are on the smaller side, so often only one side of the table gets shaded at a time. This is also a hot dog restaurant, so without the shade or the air conditioning, it’s not exactly the best experience.
Woody’s Lunch Box
And last but not least, I’m going to throw in a seemingly wild choice — Woody’s Lunch Box. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE the food at Woody’s Lunch Box and I would eat it often if I could…but this restaurant is just too dang popular for me to eat here on a regular basis.
Totchos
When I’m visiting the parks for work, I’m often not thinking about planning my lunch really far in advance, but that’s what you have to do if you want to snag a Mobile Order at Woody’s Lunch Box. On top of that, I can never seem to find a place to sit when I dine here, no matter the time of day! So unless I want to make my Mobile Order 2 hours in advance and eat my totchos standing up at a trash can, I typically end up skipping Woody’s Lunch Box. (However, I highly recommend it for those of you who are heading here for vacation!)
Woody’s Lunch Box Full Spread
We’ll make sure to share any more dining tips or advice for navigating Disney World, so stay tuned to DFB for all of the latest.
The Best Disney World Restaurants for Dinner in 2024 — Click Here!
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Do you avoid any restaurants in Disney World? Tell us in the comments!
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
Love that list and completely agree with you on those restaurants to avoid. And why.
I completely agree with these 3 locations to skip for the reasons why. However, I must recommend planning ahead for seating and/or mobile ordering to try the Totchos at Andy’s Linch Box in Hollywood Studios. Best Quick Service food I had last month!!!!