Disney World Restaurants That Are Leaving Guests Shocked and Disappointed
Walt Disney World Resort is known for creating immersive, magical experiences in every corner of its expansive parks. Beyond the thrilling rides, beloved characters, and enchanting parades, one of the major draws for guests is the incredible variety of food.
From iconic snacks like the famous Mickey-shaped pretzels to unique dining experiences like Cinderella’s Royal Table, Disney has cultivated a reputation for offering something for everyone.
Related: The WEIRDEST Food We Have Seen at Disney Parks!
However, with so many dining options to choose from, not every restaurant can live up to the high expectations of visitors. While some meals are universally adored, others have left a sour taste in the mouths of guests, leading to the surprising revelation of certain Disney World restaurants that didn’t quite deliver.
Recently, guests took to Reddit to share their most disappointing dining experiences at the parks, offering an honest look at where the magic fell short.
Reddit user menegerie5 shared that they recently dined at Sanaa—famous for its popular bread service—but found the experience disappointing. They then turned to fellow Redditors, asking which Disney World restaurant had let them down the most, whether due to subpar food, atmosphere, or service.
“Which table service did people feel most let down by? Either as it just wasn’t good, or was overhyped! For us it was Sanaa. We both love spicy food and found it all really rather bland. Was so disappointed.”
https://www.reddit.com/r/DisneyWorld/comments/1kg0ysd/most_disappointing_table_service/?share_id=-nq1pWWPyqcwNN6W8JMQr&utm_content=2&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_source=share&utm_term=1&rdt=38710
Related: The Ultimate List of Foods You Can’t Miss in the Magic Kingdom
Ohana: Once the Crown Jewel, Now a Letdown?
Another recurring name in the Reddit thread was ‘Ohana, the all-you-care-to-eat restaurant at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Once known for its warm, inviting atmosphere and delicious offerings like noodles, pork dumplings, and skewered meats, the restaurant’s reputation has taken a hit in recent years. Following its post-COVID reopening, many guests have commented on a decline in quality and service.
One guest recalled their experience, sharing, “Went for my birthday for breakfast and I was not impressed, the food was fine but the price was insane for what it was, I also felt rushed, but I did get the last reservation of the morning.” The sentiment here echoes a recurring complaint: the food no longer justifies the price.
Despite still offering some of its fan-favorite dishes, like the ‘Ohana Noodles, ‘Ohana seems to have lost its charm for some visitors, leaving them questioning whether it’s still worth the hype.
Related: Guests Claim Popular Disney World Dining Spot is Comparable to Golden Corral
Cinderella’s Royal Table: A Royal Letdown?
One of the most coveted dining experiences at Disney World is inside Cinderella Castle, where guests can meet various princesses and enjoy a character dining experience like no other. But according to many Reddit users, the high cost of Cinderella’s Royal Table doesn’t quite match up to the experience.
Despite the magical setting, the price tag for breakfast at Cinderella’s Royal Table is steep: $74 per adult and $45 per child. Lunch and dinner come with an even higher price tag of $88 per adult and $52 per child. For many, the cost doesn’t seem justified.
Cinderellas Royal Table the last time we had it. Food wasn’t special, princesses were rushed and because of a timing issue we didn’t see Cinderella going in and when we came down stairs we were instructed to return at a later time to see her.
Related: One Time Only: Disney Restaurants We Won’t Be Dining at Again
While meeting the princesses is undeniably a highlight for many young guests, the dining experience itself is leaving some wondering if it’s worth the hefty price.
Space 220: All The Space, But Where’s the Flavor?
Another newer addition to the Disney dining scene, Space 220 at EPCOT, offers a futuristic dining experience where guests are “sent” 220 miles above Earth to dine in outer space. The theming is certainly impressive, but some guests feel that the food didn’t live up to the excitement of the atmosphere.
Despite the spectacular view and the immersive experience, some visitors feel that the high cost of the meal doesn’t justify the lackluster food. It’s a one-off experience for many who have checked it off their list but won’t be rushing back.
“Space 220 – so expensive, took a long time, and food was just okay. The space theming was cool but not worth the price (and our kids were just meh about it). It’s a one and done for us.”
The Old Standbys: Tony’s Town Square and Mama Melrose’s
While newer restaurants like Space 220 may have struggled, some long-established Disney World dining spots also make the list for disappointing experiences. Tony’s Town Square at Magic Kingdom and Mama Melrose’s at Disney’s Hollywood Studios are two restaurants that have consistently received mediocre reviews.
Mama Melrose’s, in particular, will close permanently on May 11, 2025, to make way for new developments in the park, including the transformation of the area into Monstropolis from Monsters, Inc.(2001).
Despite undergoing a recent menu overhaul, Tony’s remains a divisive spot, with some guests noting slight improvements, but it still lags behind other options in terms of quality. While these spots have not earned the same level of disdain as some of the other choices mentioned, they still leave many questioning whether they are worth a visit.
Disney World is full of culinary surprises—some delightful, others, not so much. Have you had a disappointing dining experience at Disney World? Whether it was the food, the service, or the atmosphere, many guests have voiced their frustrations with some of the park’s dining options. What restaurant did you find to be the biggest letdown, and why? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
