UPDATED May 23, 2024

Everyday we receive lots of messages from you, our awesome DFB readers, asking for restaurant suggestions and recommendations. And while we certainly have our favorites, we know that you do, too!

So when a Disney first-time visitor asked what restaurants we would recommend for their upcoming trip, we couldn’t think of a better panel of experts to ask than YOU!

When I originally put the question out on the Disney Food Blog Facebook page, I was overwhelmed by the huge and immediate response that I got! (P.S. And we update this post regularly to make sure we’re still giving you the BEST and most up-to-date recommendations!)

Let’s take a look at your recommendations for the restaurants first timers must experience on that inaugural Walt Disney World trip!

If you have other thoughts or ideas — or, better yet, stories of your favorite restaurants during a first-time visit — please share them with all of us in the comments section! More suggestions are always better!

Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

When it comes to first-time Disney dining, the winning restaurant recommendation is, hands down, Chef Mickey’s in Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Many of you agree that anyone visiting the Most Magical Place on Earth for the very first time MUST experience a buffet that includes lots of character interaction.

But the suggestion is practical, too. Readers pointed out that a character dining experience offers good value for your Disney dollar (or Table Service credit on the Disney Dining Plan), with an all-you-care-to-eat buffet.

And with the addition of characters, you have a less rushed (and air-conditioned!) meet and greet opportunity that guarantees you’ll see lots of characters without waiting in long lines in the parks. And we have to make sure you know that those characters are… THE FAB FIVE!

Yep! Chef Mickey’s is the ONLY Character Meal where you’ll meet Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto! Also, don’t forget that Chef Mickey’s is walking distance from the Magic Kingdom. This is a great place to start or end your Magic Kingdom day!

Be Our Guest Restaurant in Magic Kingdom’s New Fantasyland

Judging from the reader response, we’d say that Disney definitely hit the mark with Be Our Guest Restaurant in Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland.

Set in Beast’s Castle (from Disney’s animated classic, Beauty and the Beast), you can stop here for lunch or dinner. It’s worth mentioning that this restaurant used to be a counter service location for lunch and table service location for dinner; however, this changed when the parks reopened in 2020.

Now, guests need an advanced dining reservation or can try their chances at scoring a spot on the walk-up waitlist to dine here. And, alas, the counter service lunch option is gone (as is breakfast), so our caveat here is that it will absolutely cost you a very pretty penny (or TWO credits on the Disney Dining Plan) to dine here these days, and the meal is prix-fixe, featuring an appetizer and entree of the guests’ choice and a dessert platter).

But if you do indeed partake, you’ll be dining in a setting like no other…

The menu has a French flair and boasts dishes such as Filet Mignon, Trout Amandine, and Short Rib Beef Bourguignon.

But it’s the STUNNING setting that make Be Our Guest Restaurant a must-do for many guests! You’re dining in the Beast’s Castle, after all. In the Grand Ballroom replete with twinkling chandeliers, shades of gold and royal blues, and stunning windows showcasing gently falling snow, you can practically see Belle dancing with The Beast when you walk in and inevitably need a moment to take it all in. In fact, the Beast himself may stroll by your table!

You may also be seated in the Rose Gallery or the foreboding West Wing, where you can gaze upon the Enchanted Rose and watch the petals fall…

(Here’s a TIP: if at all possible, snag a table in the West Wing and keep an eye on the Prince’s portrait!)

Oh, and one more thing… did we mention that the dessert platter includes the famous GREY STUFF?!

“It’s delicious!” 

Without a doubt, Be Our Guest provides an incredibly immersive and memorable dining experience, and you can read more about it here.

Click HERE for the TRUTH about dining at Be Our Guest Restaurant!

‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Resort

The fan base for ‘Ohana in Disney’s Polynesian Resort came out loud and clear in support of their favorite restaurant, and we can’t help but agree!

We heard from lots of you that a Disney World vacation isn’t complete without at least one meal here, with dinner enjoying the highest number of votes. You see, breakfast and dinner offer two distinct experiences. While both offer All-You-Care-to-Enjoy meals served family-style, Dinner presents a truly unique and tasty Polynesian-inspired feast featuring showstoppers like ‘Ohana Noodles (which sound unremarkable… UNTIL YOU TASTE THEM), Chicken Wings, Teriyaki Beef, and Spicy Peel-n-Eat Shrimp.

Want more? Just ask your “cousin” (or server)! After all, ‘Ohana means FAMILY! First-time visitors will walk away with an experience that is both unique and delicious. And, don’t forget to save room for one of the best desserts at Disney — ‘Ohana Bread Pudding!

But another huge reason for the ‘Ohana love is the fantastic view of Magic Kingdom fireworks that you’ll have if you happen to time your dinner reservations just right. Between that and the bread pudding, you’ll be a Disney fan for life!

But we also can’t forget the ‘Ohana Best Friends Breakfast! Mornings at ‘Ohana deliver a Character Meal featuring Lilo and Stitch, as well as Mickey and Pluto.

Pair this with an All-You-Care-to-Enjoy breakfast feast…

… and you’ve got one memorable way to start your day in Disney World!

Click HERE for more about dining at ‘Ohana… day or night!

50’s Prime Time Cafe in Disney’s Hollywood Studios

You had better eat those veggies and keep your elbows off the table! While DFB readers love good eats, fantastic theming and engaging (sometimes downright cheeky) service also win big points. Many of our readers said that anyone venturing to Disney World for the first time must be sure to book a table at 50’s Prime Time Cafe.

Located at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, this table service spot serves comfort food with a hearty helping of nostalgia. Don’t forget to ask for a “TV Table” when you check in!

You see, tiny black and white TVs roll clips from old sitcoms as you feast on Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes or Fried Chicken.

And ordering a drink from Dad’s Liquor Cabinet is a way fun bonus!

If you book a table, be sure to leave yourself plenty of time to explore all the fun decor here. It’s truly an amazing throwback to the mid-20th century. And, here’s a TIP: if you go to the restroom, be sure to note the color of the soap. After all, your “Cousin” (that’s your server) may ask to make sure you washed your hands! (If you’re a 50s Primetime newbie, be sure to read some of our favorite readers’ experiences here!)

We ate EVERYTHING at 50’s Prime Time Cafe! See it all HERE

Liberty Tree Tavern in Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square

While some of you can’t wait to book a table with Mickey and Minnie, still others feel that the quintessential Disney dining experience is tied more to history and reliably good food. Those were the top reasons why you cited Liberty Tree Tavern in Magic Kingdom as a must-do for your first-timers dining list.

Liberty Tree offers all-you-care-to-enjoy, family-style meals for lunch and dinner. Better yet… that meal is basically THANKSGIVING ALL YEAR LONG!

The Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake is to die for…

See what I mean? And if you’re feeling like adding on something unique to drink (for an extra cost, that is) you can try a DOLE WHIP SLUSH (also known as the Tavern Punch on the menu)!

There are SO MANY reasons to love Liberty Tree Tavern, and you can see them all HERE. 

Via Napoli in Epcot’s Italy

Throughout all of the many comments we received, there was another resounding suggestion: first-timers must eat somewhere in EPCOT’s World Showcase. One of your very favorite globally-inspired spots is Via Napoli in the Italy Pavilion. The scene is set with three enormous wood-burning ovens named after Italian volcanoes.

But it’s what comes out of those ovens that makes a visit here truly remarkable. Via Napoli serves up some of the best pizza that we’ve had anywhere, ever (and especially at Disney!). Pizzas are thin-crust and made with imported water to better reach the dough consistency you’d experience if you were dining right in Naples, Italy.

Try the Piccante Pizza, our favorite Quattro Formaggi, or one of the many other pizza options on the menu! And don’t forget to sample some of the amazing beers that they feature here!

Of course, pasta or an a ala carte entree like the scrumptious Chicken Parmesan might also be your choice.

But no matter what you order…

… it’s always served up with a lil’ bit of Disney MAGIC!

Garden Grill at EPCOT

There’s a reason you’re reading about so many Character Meals such as Garden Grill on this list of great picks for First Timers: because there isn’t much that’s more magical than a meal with friends, and that seems especially true when those friends are your hosts Chip and Dale, Mickey Mouse, and Pluto!

They’re also terrific choices because if you’re stressed about finding time to meet oodles of characters during your trip, you can meet several in one location!

In many cases, as it is at Garden Grill, the meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) are all-you-care-to-enjoy. And the food here tends to be consistently good (a rare find, in many instances).

And the reason why Garden Grill specifically finds its place on our list is because it’s housed in EPCOT, and overlooks one of the park’s classic attractions (Living with the Land), as the restaurant ROTATES above the ride!

All this IN ADDITION TO MICKEY! We love it, and find Garden Grill to be utterly charming year after year, and we hope you do, too.

Want to know about WHICH CHARACTERS you can meet at EVERY CHARACTER MEAL? Click HERE. 

Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Fort Wilderness Resort

We were super excited to see that many of our readers loved and suggested the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue Dinner Show at Pioneer Hall at Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground as a favorite for first-timers! This beloved Dinner Show made its debut on June 30, 1974 and has been delivering wonderful vacation memories to Walt Disney World guests ever since.

It’s a classic “hootenanny” that combines singing, dancing, and wacky comedy for 2 hours of family fun that will keep you rolling.

While you enjoy the entertainment, you’ll also be eating ALL YOU WANT from fried chicken (find the recipe here!), ribs, mashed potatoes, and MUCH more.

Grownups can also enjoy unlimited beer, wine, and sangria, and soft drinks are available, too. And be sure to save room for the awesome and delicious Strawberry Shortcake!

Here’s something more that what we want you to know: There are three seating categories that guests may choose from when making their reservation. Categories 1 and 2 offer wheelchair-accessible seating. Every seat in the house offers a great view, but note that Category 3 tables have turn stools where you must swivel to view the show facing a different direction from your table.

The show takes several intermissions, though, for food service… and more eatin’! 😉 That said, we recommend seating in Category 1 or 2 to best enjoy the show, especially if you’ve never seen it before.

Learn all the ins and outs of this beloved Disney World tradition HERE!

Boma at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, and/or Tusker House at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Sometimes at Disney, you need a little something different, and many DFB readers passionately avowed their love for the restaurants on property specializing in African flavors! But of all of them, Boma at Animal Kingdom Lodge and Tusker House at Disney’s Animal Kingdom are your favorites.

With similar menus, you can’t go wrong by choosing one or the other of these buffet-style feasts.

Featuring African specialties like Cape Malay Green Curry Shrimp, Berbere-marinated Pork, and beautiful pastries, breads, chutneys, and spreads, you’ll find a lot to tempt your taste buds. Check out our Tusker House Review for dozens of food photos!

One point of distinction: if you’re looking for a character experience, choose Tusker House for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! Characters do not make an appearance at Boma.

Donald’s Dining Safari features tableside visits from Donald (of course!), Mickey, Daisy, and Goofy, all in their SAFARI BEST!

THIS is what it’s like dining at Tusker House!

Le Cellier Steakhouse in EPCOT’s Canada

Many readers agreed that a first visit to Disney World should include a stop at one of the resort’s Signature restaurants. While a few different spots were mentioned, Le Cellier Steakhouse in EPCOT’s Canada Pavilion garnered the most buzz.

The steaks are terrific, the appetizers (we especially love the Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup) are innovative and hearty, and I’m always up for the Signature Poutine and the unique varieties of the dish served here.

All of this is served up in a charmingly cozy setting, and the service is often very good here as well.

One of my favorite items here is the Le Cellier Filet Mignon. But there are plenty of options to sample. Just remember, this restaurant is a signature meal — which means a hefty price tag — for both lunch and dinner.

P.S. If dessert is on your radar…

…we are big fans of the Maple Crème Brûlée!

Les Halles Bakery in EPCOT’s France

DFB loyal readers want to make sure First Timers don’t miss out on one of EPCOT’s staple Quick Service spots, Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie.

Tucked into the back of EPCOT’s France pavilion is this charming bakery that is packed with truly tasty treats, both sweet and savory.

Stepping inside, you’ll often encounter a line.

But once you lay eyes on that beautiful bakery case, you’ll understand why!

It’s also a terrific stop for those who would like a gourmet coffee or glass of French wine. Check out an extensive EPCOT Les Halles Review — featuring 21 items! — here!

Cinderella’s Royal Table in Magic Kingdom

We simply can’t wrap up our list without a nod to Cinderella’s Royal Table. You simply can’t get any more iconic than Magic Kingdom’s Cinderella Castle. And , YES, there’s a restaurant in there, too!

Personally, I think that a meal at Cinderella’s Royal Table has to be on the bucket list of every self-respecting Disney fan. How can you possibly go through your charmed Disney life without seeing inside those walls?

Cinderella’s Royal Table also just so happens to be a Character Meal — a BIG plus for us. While you enjoy your meal, Cinderella’s princess friends meet and greet and take pictures and offer autographs.

And who are these friends, you ask? Well, the present Royalty may vary, but we’re talking about the likes of  Ariel, Aurora, Jasmine, and Snow White!

(Cinderella herself doesn’t actually mingle, but you have a chance to meet and have your photo taken with her before you’re seated.)

In the past, the food here was considered largely overpriced and forgettable. But in the last few years, that has changed a little. We’re seeing more updates to the breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus as chefs are steered by seasonal ingredients and hot food trends.

And breakfast has been the sweet spot here for a long time — especially the Pastries and the Stuffed French Toast, which changes up now and then.

The characters and ambiance are still the big draw. But chances are nowadays, you’ll enjoy your meal here as well.

It truly is a royal experience, and we’ve got several TIPS for your Cinderella’s Royal Table experience here! We also have tips to landing a reservation this incredibly popular restaurant HERE.

Looking for the best 2024 restaurants for first time visitors? We have a list for you here! 

And, Now It’s YOUR Turn to Share Your Suggestions!

So there you have it! Our DFB Readers’ suggestions for the Disney restaurants that you simply must try on your first visit to Walt Disney World! It’s a big list to be sure, so we recommend taking a few of these picks and incorporating them into your plans. Or, if you’re anything like us, just try them all!

We’d like to thank you for stopping by and making all sorts of fantastic recommendations. And while we couldn’t list them all, we really appreciate all of your input!

 

What are your favorite recommendations for a first time diner at Disney? Leave a comment below and let us know!