Dining in Disney World can be harder than you may realize!
Not only are there countless restaurants inside Disney World’s four parks, but there are MORE restaurants located at each hotel on property, as well as in Disney’s BoardWalk area and Disney Springs. So how do you decide where to go? Well, that’s what we’re here for! We’ve eaten at every Disney World restaurant and can give you the scoop on what’s worth your time and money, and what you may want to skip. It’s important to remember though that while Disney World is a family park, there are certain areas that kids aren’t allowed (namely, bars), and while we love going to Disney World with our families, we do think there should be an age minimum placed at these restaurants at certain times of day.
Now, to start, we want to preface by saying that we’re not saying kids shouldn’t be allowed at these restaurants AT ALL — we’re just saying that a certain late hour of the night, maybe it’s time for an 18+ or 21+ experience (and kids are usually exhausted and need to go to bed by this time anyway). Something similar to what Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto and Tiki Bar at Disney’s Polynesian Village does! After 8PM each night, only guests 21+ are admitted to Trader Sam’s, and we think that would do well to be applied to a few more places (with maybe a slightly later start time).
California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
First up on our list is California Grill. This restaurant is typically open until 10PM most nights, with dinner being served from 5-10PM. That’s relatively early, but we do think maybe starting adults-only (or 16+) reservations at 8PM could be beneficial, OR having certain days a week where dining is adults-only. Families wouldn’t be able to book a reservation on those particular nights and add their kids on, so just in case they miss the statement saying that 1-2 nights a week it’s adults-only dining, they wouldn’t be able to make a reservation only to be disappointed later.
While the panoramic views at this restaurant can be enjoyed by everyone, it is a more upscale environment, which some kids find to be more boring, and sometimes the menu doesn’t appeal to their tastebuds either. However, if you’re an adult visiting and you want to dine here, and hope it’s a little quieter, you can also always check out the lounge! Kids are, of course, allowed in here as well, but since it’s first-come, first-served, many families will prefer a solid reservation to ensure they’ll get to eat.
Getting a spot at the lounge is never guaranteed, but the earlier you arrive that evening, the better chance you’ll have!
Cítricos at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Next up on the list is also on the Magic Kingdom Hotel area Monorail loop, but we also think Cítricos could benefit from some adults-only or 16+ dining every once in a while, especially around dinner time. Now, this restaurant is typically only open until about 9:30, so for here, we think having adults-only reservations begin at 8PM 1-2 days a week could be beneficial.
This is another fine-dining establishment, although it’s not as expensive as California Grill, which sits at $60+ per adult for its prix-fixe meal. Attire is expected to match the upscale environment, and while there is a kids menu, it may not what you want to be spending this money on (for example, a Grilled Cheese Sandwich meal served with JUST a Small Lowfat Milk, Small DASANI® Water, or Small Minute Maid® Apple Juice, is $13.50).
There is a lounge here as well, so if you’re visiting soon, be sure to get in line and request a spot in the lounge close to when they open at 5PM.
Flying Fish at Disney’s BoardWalk
Many guests forget about Disney’s BoardWalk, but it’s just a few minutes away by foot from EPCOT, and is easily accessible by Disney’s Hollywood Studios as well. You don’t need to be staying at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn to check out the dining options over here, one of which is Flying Fish. This is another fine dining restaurant that serves gourmet seafood.
Now, the kids menu here is a little more tied to the restaurant’s seafood theme (but there are other options as well, for kids and adults), but again, since the restaurant is open until 9:30PM, we do think adults-only reservations beginning at 8PM (or adults-only dining on certain days of the week) may be a good idea.
While Abracadabar is right next door, it doesn’t have the same menu as Flying Fish, which DOESN’T have a lounge. So if you’re wanting to try out this menu, dining at the restaurant itself, which ranges in price of $35-$60 per adult, is your only option.
We’re always here to keep you updated on the latest and greatest Disney World dining news, tips, and tricks, so stay tuned to DFB!
This Disney’s Hollywood Studios Cheese HACK Just Changed My LIFE
Need Disney Restaurant Advice? We’ve Got EVERYTHING You Need to Know
The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining!
See Our Complete Disney World Restaurants Guide
The Best Magic Kingdom Restaurants
The Best EPCOT Restaurant Restaurants
The Best Hollywood Studios Restaurants
The Best Animal Kingdom Restaurants
The Best Disney Springs Restaurants
Check Out Dozens of Disney Dining Tips and Tools
Learn All About Tipping at Disney Restaurants
How to Use Mobile Order in Disney World
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney food news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
What other restaurant would you add to this list? Tell us in the comments!
TRENDING NOW