5 Things You Will Love About The Diamond Horseshoe in the Magic Kingdom

Located in Magic Kingdom, the Diamond Horseshoe began serving meals to hungry park guests on opening day in 1971. With few dining options available at time, this restaurant became a favorite of many Walt Disney World visitors throughout the years. The Diamond Horseshoe Revue once featured Western-themed shows with plenty of music and comedy that was similar to the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at the Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. The show has been retired, and the counter-service restaurant closed for a period, however the Diamond Horseshoe reinvented itself as a table-service restaurant that has been serving lunch and dinner since March 13, 2016. Consider these five reasons why you’ll love dining there.

5. The Location

While there are no bad locations in Magic Kingdom, the Diamond Horseshoe finds itself in the middle of the action at Liberty Square, just a short jaunt from Cinderella Castle, yet not too far from Haunted Mansion and the exciting attractions in Frontierland. And if you want to take a cruise around Tom Sawyer Island after your meal, you can hop on the Liberty Belle riverboat nearby. Yet, despite being located in the middle of it all, the Diamond Horseshoe doesn’t feel overcrowded, even during peak season.

4. The Décor

This restaurant models its décor after an Old West music hall, though not quite in the vein of the rustic, small-town saloon that’s iconic in Western films. Rather, the restaurant is an elegant establishment with white and gold colors, beautifully framed photographs and artwork, and a charming stage. A classic self-playing piano sits center stage at the front of the horseshoe-shaped dining hall. Though not playing, it still conjures up the sights and sounds of the Old West for those who love the theme. Although the décor appears attractive and sophisticated, the atmosphere of the Diamond Horseshoe feels cozy and casual.

3. The Service

Part of the homey atmosphere is created by the friendly restaurant staff. The host or hostess sounds off with a toothy “howdie” and greets your family by name. They will call out that they’re seating the “Smith” family (just insert your surname), even if you’re a couple or dining alone. After being seated, your server provides the excellent Disney service that repeat visitors to Walt Disney World expect. Even with a full house, the servers attend to your group’s dining needs in a quick manner not experienced at most busy restaurants. Of course, the speed of service has a lot to do with their selected cuisine choices.

2. The Cuisine

The Diamond Horseshoe doesn’t offer a complicated menu with abundant selections, but the food here tastes nothing short of delicious. Actually, the limited menu is true to “Old West” dining, where menus didn’t offer much variety. At the start, the server delivers a family portion of moist cornbread with soft, whipped butter that doesn’t tear the bread when spreading. Next, your group will enjoy the Frontier Salad tossed with a chipotle-ranch dressing infused with strawberries. The entrée selections are beef with mashed potatoes and gravy, sliced ham with baked beans, or barbecue pulled turkey over cornbread. All three taste delicious, providing diners flavors of down-home, country cooking with telltale Disney cuisine enhancements. For example, the chefs stew their beans with sizzled chunks of ham that will even thrill the taste buds of diners not fond of baked beans. Have a sweet tooth? You won’t be disappointed with a campfire brownie topped with marshmallow or an apple tart that can be described as sweet, apple crisp with a touch of tart cranberries over a pie crust. No matter what cuisine options you choose to explore, you won’t be disappointed eating at the Diamond Horseshoe.

1. The Satisfied Appetite

The Diamond Horseshoe’s commitment to satisfying every diner’s appetite continues to be the most amazing thing about eating there. That’s why they’ll serve you as many helpings as you want. Don’t think this all-you-can-eat service means you’ll be picking over lukewarm buffet trays, searching for something edible to fill your stomach. No, the Diamond Horseshoe is not a buffet; the servers deliver fresh helpings straight from the kitchen. This means that you can try all three entrées and both desserts, if you have room for all that food. Or perhaps you might want to fill up on cornbread and salad. Whatever your preferences, it’s great to know that you have options, and you won’t leave the restaurant hungry. Some diners eat a light breakfast or lunch because they know they’ll have their fill of mouthwatering cuisine at the Diamond Horseshoe for dinner. Others will fill up at lunch to fuel themselves for evening events at Magic Kingdom. No matter what time of day you dine at this restaurant, you’ll discover that it provides high-quality meals at a great value.