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10 Great Places to Have a Picnic at Walt Disney World

Tom Sawyer Island
Credit: DisneyDining

Looking for a way to save time and money while still having an awesome time in Disney World? Our top suggestion is to pack a picnic or two. Food is allowed in all the Disney parks, and this means you can save a small fortune on food while also saving yourself the time it takes to wait in line at a restaurant. The question is, where does one sit to enjoy a picnic in Disney World? Fortunately, there are numerous places to sit and enjoy a meal. Whether you’re looking to spread out in the grass, grab a table, or even enjoy a show while you dine, finding a place to enjoy your picnic lunch or dinner is 100% possible. Below are a few of our favorite picnic spots in Disney World. Give them a try and let us know what you think!

 

Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom is definitely one of the best parks for a picnic. There are probably over a dozen fabulous places to stop and eat during your visit. That said, some are superior to others. The three below are the best of the best.

1. In Front of the Castle

Situated right in front of the castle you’ll find a few plots of artificial grass that are fenced off from the walkway. These grassy areas offer a fabulous view, some incredible people-watching, and an all-around great place for a picnic.

2. Tom Sawyer’s Island

Most people don’t take the time to visit Tom Sawyer’s Island, and honestly, we can’t blame them. There really isn’t all that much to do over there anymore. That said, there is plenty of peace and quiet, as well as some glorious shade. These things make this the ideal picnic spot.

3. Porch in Liberty Square

In Liberty Square, right next to the Hall of Presidents, you’ll notice a small porch with rocking chairs. These chairs make an awesome relaxing picnic spot. If your whole family won’t fit on the small porch, even the area right in front of the porch is a great option, perfect for people-watching and far enough out of the way to ensure you aren’t stepped on.

 

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Epcot

Epcot is our other favorite park for enjoying a picnic. This is because almost all of the pavilions in the World Showcase offer nice, out-of-the-way seating areas and lovely views.

4. Japan Pavilion

The Japan Pavilion boasts a gorgeous tea garden that is lovely and tranquil despite the hustle and bustle of the park. This garden is a wonderful place for a picnic. Unfortunately, the tables in the area are limited, so you will have to jump in at just the right time to snag one.

5. UK Pavilion

Similar to the Japan Pavilion, the UK Pavilion is also home to a beautiful garden. This garden is tucked away in the back of the pavilion, and has benches scattered throughout. It is great for a picnic, and sometimes you might even catch a show during your meal.

6. Morocco Pavilion

The last of our top three Epcot picnic spots can be found in the very back of the Morocco Pavilion. Here there is a shaded area that is far from the crowds. There aren’t any tables or chairs in this area, but if you aren’t opposed to sitting on the ground, there is plenty of space to spread out.

Hollywood Studios

Of all the parks in Disney World, Hollywood Studios is our least favorite for a picnic. There just don’t seem to be that many options, and those that are available simply are not as nice as the ones in other parks. Still, it is possible to picnic here, and there is one spot we don’t mind taking advantage of once in awhile.

7. Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner

Right at the end of Hollywood Boulevard and to your left (by the water) you’ll notice Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner. In front of the quick-service restaurant, there is plenty of seating and a table is almost always available for those enjoying a picnic. We like the spot for its view of the water.

Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom has plenty of outdoor seating that could be used for picnic eating purposes. That said, much of this seating is in full sun, something that can make the picnic experience less fun, especially on a hot day. Fortunately, there is one awesome option that offers plenty of shade.

8. Flame Tree Barbecue

Right beside Flame Tree Barbecue, there are four shaded pavilions which are chock-full of tables and chairs. This seating area rarely fills up, meaning eating your picnic here is almost always possible. The shade is lovely, the view is nice, and the location couldn’t be better.

Disney Springs

Disney Springs isn’t really set up for picnicking. After all, there are dozens of fabulous restaurants in this shopping complex, and the goal is likely to get people to eat out. That said, we have managed to find a few spots to enjoy a quick bite before continuing our explorations of the place.

9. Performance Seating Area

Our favorite spot to eat in Disney Springs is the performance seating area. When there is no performance going on, this area offers plenty of seating, meaning you can really spread out. However, eating there during a performance is also tons of fun because you get to enjoy dinner and a show.

10. Scattered Tables and Benches

There are also several benches and picnic tables scattered throughout the complex. Unfortunately, none of these is particularly noteworthy, and they tend to move from one place to another, making it hard to pin any one down. However, any would do in a pinch. On a recent trip we enjoyed sitting in a little nook between the LEGO Store and World of Disney. The tables outside of Disney’s Days of Christmas have also served us well.

About Chelsea Gonzales