Itβs no small feat to try to decide where to dine at the Walt Disney World Resort, thanks to literally hundreds of locations that each feature unique theming and menus that allow Guests to sample American and international cuisines in quick-service and table service settings. With so many options, Guests might just lean towards eating at popular locations, but they really should do some research into menus and specific details before making any decision.
Letβs check out some recommendations on Disney dining locations to not miss and others that can be skipped for a variety of reasons at the Walt Disney World Resort.
RELATED: Eat This – Not That in Walt Disney World
Kona CafΓ© – Not βOhana for Breakfast
Disneyβs Polynesian Village Resort is home to two table service restaurants that can both be found on the upper level of the Great Ceremonial House, right next to each other. βOhana is a family-style restaurant open for breakfast and dinner each day and Kona CafΓ© is open for all three meals daily, but those who are headed to the Disney Resort for breakfast should absolutely opt for Kona CafΓ©.
Breakfast at βOhana is a family-style American meal with some Polynesian flavors, but essentially Guests will find themselves with platters of Mickey Waffles, scrambled eggs, fruit, bacon, and sausage for the hefty cost of a table service meal. Instead of dropping so much money on a meal that could be enjoyed at a quick-service location for a fraction of the cost, breakfast should instead be enjoyed at Kona CafΓ© where delicious menu options include Tonga Toast, Macadamia Nut Pancakes, and Two Eggs-Any Style for a unique Disney experience.
RELATED: The Best Table Service Breakfasts at Disney Resorts
βOhana – Not Kona CafΓ© for Dinner
While Kona CafΓ© is the definite better choice for breakfast, the tables turn for dinner when Guests should opt instead for a meal at βOhana. Kona CafΓ© does feature some delicious pan-Asian meals for dinner, but the family-style feast at βOhana is bursting with indulgent and flavorful island favorites, including Honey-Coriander Chicken Wings, βOhana Noodles, Spicy Peel-n-Eat Shrimp, and the famous βOhana Bread Pudding.
Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen β Not Be Our Guest Restaurant
While in the Magic Kingdom, Guests have several table service restaurants to choose between for lunch and dinner each day, including two popular options. Be Our Guest Restaurant in Fantasyland is a table service restaurant that features a menu of traditional French cuisine that Guests can enjoy inside of The Beastβs Castle and Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen in Adventureland continues the quirky spirit of the Jungle Cruise and its skippers with flavorful international cuisine.
While Be Our Guest Restaurant features a beautiful and immersive setting that brings Guests into Beauty and the Beast, the prix-fixe menu is extremely pricey and limited. Instead, Guests should plan on dining at Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen, which is bursting with vibrant and interesting details and amazing dishes including Orinoco Idaβs Cachapas, βTastes like Chickenβ Because it is!, βHardy Har Charβ Sui Pork, Irrawaddy Irmaβs Hangar Steak, and Perkins Thai Noodles.
Tiffins Restaurant β Not Tusker House Restaurant
There are several popular table service restaurants throughout Disneyβs Animal Kingdom that focus on cuisine from around the world, each with unique and immersive settings that Guests love. Tiffins Restaurant can be found on Discovery Island and features an unforgettable menu of international flavors inspired by the spirit of adventure, and Tusker House Restaurant in the Asia area of the Disney Park serves up family-style feasts of American favorites with some African flavors.
Tusker House Restaurant is definitely popular and features a great atmosphere and character dining, but dining at Tiffins Restaurant is so much better in Disney’s Animal Kingdom as the menu features a vast array of bold flavors and the setting truly whisks Guests to all corners of the globe with stunning artwork and artifacts. Some menu items at Tiffins Restaurant that canβt be missed include Tiffins Signature Bread Service, Charred Octopus, Butter Chicken Surf and Turf, and Tamarind-braised Short Rib.
50βs Prime Time CafΓ© β Not Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant
There are two table service restaurants in Disneyβs Hollywood Studios that boast completely immersive and unique atmospheres that transport Guests back in time for unforgettable meals. The Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant whisks Guests to a classic drive-in theater at night where they can dine in vintage cars and watch sci-fi clips and the 50βs Prime Time CafΓ© welcomes Guests into a family home from the wholesome era to enjoy passed down family recipes.
The atmosphere at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant is definitely memorable and worth enjoying once, but the 50βs Prime Time CafΓ© is one of the best places to dine as Guests can truly soak in the theme and also play along with the servers who are all βcousinsβ and remind them to keep their elbows off the tables and eat their vegetables. The interactive atmosphere and delicious menu items including Beer-bettered Onion Rings, Aunt Lizβs Golden Fried Chicken, Momβs Old Fashioned Pot Roast, and Cousin Meganβs Traditional Meatloaf make any meal at the 50βs Prime Time CafΓ© unforgettable.
Paddlefish β Not The Boathouse
Guests who enjoy time in Disney Springs might be completely overwhelmed when deciding where to enjoy a meal, as there are so many incredible options open throughout each day. Two locations in The Landing area that have become Guest favorites are The Boathouse which boasts a nautical theme and stunning views of Lake Buena Vista from outdoor decks and Paddlefish, which serves up fresh seafood on a docked steamship.
Both The Boathouse and Paddlefish offer up menus of delicious seafood options and panoramic views of Lake Buena Vista, but Guests who are looking for a better experience should opt for Paddlefish. With an extensive menu of fresh seafood including options like Crab-topped Fries, Whole Maine Lobster, Salmon, Fish Tacos, and Mahi, and the unforgettable feeling of enjoying the water view from an actual boat, Paddlefish is one of the best Disney dining experiences available in Disney Springs!
Do you agree with our choices? What are some of your favorite places to eat?