As you know, we loooove eating our way around Disney World!
Cinderella’s Royal Table
But anytime someone asks us what restaurant they should try, we always have to say “that depends!” There are so many different dining experiences available in Disney, and the best choice is always what’s best for YOU! That said, we have some advice. Here are 5 categories that you might want to avoid on your next trip.
Looking for TONS of our Disney World Restaurant advice? Check out our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining e-Book here! It’s full of literally EVERYTHING we know about Disney World restaurants, special events, and more!
On A Budget?
Looking to save your Disney budget for upgrades like holiday parties or must-have merch? Then you might want to avoid signature dining restaurants.
Signature dining restaurants are higher-end locations like California Grill, Cinderella’s Royal Table, and Jiko. And while these restaurants offer fancy-schmancy digs and high-end menus, they have a price tag to match!
Cinderella’s Royal Table
If you’re using the Disney Dining Plan (when it’s available) on your trip, these spots will cost you 2 sit-down meal credits instead of the standard 1. So think carefully if the cost is worth it for your crew. If you’re counting each and every one of those Disney dimes, consider grabbing a (massive!) hot dog from Casey’s Corner and save the signature dining for another time!
Check out our video of the best Disney World restaurants when you’re on a budget!
Honeymooning?
Disney World can be a very romantic place! There are fireworks, princes and princesses, and magical memories to be made! But some restaurants don’t have quite the same level of allure as others! If you’re looking for a romantic night out, we suggest steering clear of animatronic-heavy restaurants that are themed with the kiddos in mind. Take, T-Rex and Rainforest Cafe, for example!
Rainforest Cafe
While these locations certainly serve their purpose for all the animal and dino enthusiasts out these (and I know that some of our readers and YouTube viewers HAVE prioritized these restaurants on their honeymoon, so different strokes!), the atmosphere tends to be a bit hectic. (We’re all for shouting “I LOVE YOU,” but it’s more romantic when it isn’t done over a dinosaur roar.) And the food tends to be mediocre at best for the prices you’re paying.
Here are our picks for the best Disney restaurants for romance!
Want to Try Something New?
Are you the type of vacationer that likes to try places you CAN’T find back home? Then there are a few places to keep an eye out for here!
Most dining spots in Disney World are unique to Disney and you won’t find anything like many of them back home. The main exception to this is Disney Springs, where you’ll find a few restaurants chain restaurants with locations across the country. The previously mentioned Rainforest Cafe is one example, and other names like Blaze Pizza and Planet Hollywood can be found elsewhere as well. And, of course, you’ll find Starbucks locations throughout Disney property (and on just about every block in America)!
Blaze Pizza
If you’re a “go wherever sounds good” type of person, then have at it! But if you’re looking for something you can ONLY find at Disney, there are plenty of great options to choose from! Again, if you’re eating inside of one of the parks, just about all of the restaurants will be unique to Disney. At Disney Springs, a few of our favorite options are Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, Raglan Road, The Boathouse, and Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar!
Check out these Disney World dining experiences you’ve probably never heard of before to add some adventure!
Wanna Keep It Casual?
For the most part, you can expect a laid-back atmosphere with most Disney dining. Hey, Cast Members know that you’ve probably been running around in a theme park all day in scorching-hot weather! So, most places are okay with guests in theme park attire. But there are a few exceptions to the rule.
Signature dining restaurants located OUTSIDE the theme parks do try to enforce a dress code. A few examples include Citricos, and Flying Fish.
Flying Fish at Disney’s BoardWalk
Inside the parks over at Epcot you’ll find two signature dining spots that uphold a dress code as well — Monsieur Paul and Takumi-Tei , both of which are closed at this time. So, if you’re set on sticking to flip-flops and cut-offs the whole vacation, you might want to leave these restaurants off your list!
Check out our video of the best counter service restaurants if you’re looking for a place to keep it super casual!
On a Time Crunch?
Maybe you only have a few days in Disney and you want to get in as many rides as you can. Or maybe you’ve got a strict schedule you want to keep.
If you want to get in, eat, and get out, then skip restaurants with a dinner show like Hoop Dee Doo Revue .The entertainment here can be a lot of fun, but with shows that run about two hours long, it isn’t a quick trip!
Hoop Dee Doo
So, before booking dinner that comes with its own entertainment, be sure to check your schedule and make sure you have the time to spare!
Here are our picks for the BEST Disney restaurants for first-timers!
We’ve eaten at EVERY restaurant in Disney World, and we can say they all have their pros and cons! Every Disney restaurant is right for SOMONE, but none of them are right for EVERYONE. And that’s OK! That’s why Disney has so many varied experiences — everyone can find something that fits their needs. So, it all comes down to what you want (and DON’T want!) on your Disney World experience. Keep these things in mind when snagging your reservations and you’ll set yourself up for a magical dining experience!
Click here to read our Top 50 ALL-TIME BEST dining tips!
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!
What restaurants are on your must-do list for your next trip to Disney World? Let us know in the comments!
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
Sorry, I ave to disagree strongly with you on Blaze Pizza. The closest location to one of these for us at home is over a 100 miles and for many people this restaurant is, in fact, a unique experience. Looks at their location map, there are significant portions of the United States that don’t have a franchise. More importantly, is is one of the few bargains in all of the WDW complex. If it makes a list, put it at the top the budget[-friendly list. If Blaze is a skip restaurant then so are most the counter-service restaurants which serve pretty much what you could get anywhere in the country (burgers, sandwiches, chicken strips, pizza, etc,). I would consider any counter-service pizza at the WDW Resorts as among the most mediocre pizza you can find anywhere on the planet. Best wishes.
You say that Artist Point is a signature restaurant that tries to enforce a dress code…it’s been the Snow White character meal for awhile now with definitely no dress code.
Honestly, Rainforest is not that bad and could be romantic if setup the right way.
I love what you guys do but could you simplefy your pages. I click the link to see what restraunts to avoid but I don’t know what I’m looking at as it’s over whelmed with so much information and adverts. I’m sorry if it offends you, just my opinion.