We all know that visiting Disney World is tons of fun. That said, it can be a bit stressful as well. This is especially true if you happen to be traveling with kids, and even more so if you find yourself with a picky eater at Disney World.
We all want our kids to eat well, and we know how important it is to eat when walking for miles every day in the parks. However, if your kid is picky enough, there’s a good chance they will outright refuse some foods.
Fortunately, Disney World restaurants are pretty good about accommodating picky eaters whenever possible, and most of the quick-service restaurant option locations have at least one standard “kid food” option, but some of them are better for fussy eaters than others.
Below we’ve put together lists of the best Disney World quick-service location options for picky eaters, as well as some additional tips for making sure your child isn’t hungry throughout your Disney vacation.
The Best Quick-Service Restaurants for Picky Eaters
Let’s start with a list of the best Walt Disney World quick-service restaurant locations for picky eaters. These are spots where you can pick up a meal without a dining reservation any time of day, making each of them a handy option when you’re in the Disney Parks with hungry kiddos who can’t wait around for a scheduled time slot.
Casey’s Corner in Magic Kingdom
This quick and easy Disney dining spot is perfect for the hot dog lover in your life. Whether your child prefers a plain hot dog, a basket of corn dog nuggets, or a chili cheese dog, you’ll find something for them at Casey’s Corner.
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe in Magic Kingdom
Have a little one who prefers burgers and chicken nuggets? Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe is your place. This super fun restaurant offers animatronic entertainment and tons of kid-friendly food options.
Sunshine Seasons at EPCOT
Easily one of the best quick-service spots on property, Sunshine Seasons has options for adventurous eaters, but is also pretty kid-friendly. Pizza and mac & cheese are on the kids’ menu, and the rotisserie chicken and mashed potatoes are great options for most fussy eaters. Of course, there are plenty of other delicious food selections available as well.
Backlot Express in Hollywood Studios
Like Cosmic Ray’s, Backlot Express keeps it simple with traditional fast Disney food such as burgers and chicken strips. There are also salads and hummus available for health-conscious adults, and fun themed desserts to reward those who eat their meals.
PizzeRizzo in Hollywood Studios
We’re pretty quick to admit that Disney World quick-service pizza isn’t anything to write home about. But if you have a picky eater who enjoys pizza, it might be exactly what you’re looking for. In this case, the Muppets-themed PizzeRizzo in Disney’s Hollywood Studios is your spot for a good dining experience.
Restaurantosaurus in Animal Kingdom
We love the theming at Restaurantosaurus at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. We also appreciate the straightforward menu full of burgers, chicken strips, and other kid-friendly foods that are sure to keep our picky eaters happy.
Pizzafari in Animal Kingdom
Serving the same puffy pizza that PizzeRizzo puts out, Pizzafari is another safe bet for those with fussy eaters. In addition to the pizzas, the kids’ menu also has macaroni and cheese and peanut butter and jelly options, meaning you’ll likely be able to feed every kid in your party without issue.
More Tips for Feeding Picky Eaters at Disney World
Choosing from the eateries listed above will definitely be helpful when it comes to feeding your picky kid. And here are a few more tips you might want to keep in mind when planning and enjoying your Walt Disney World vacation.
Related: Tips for Visiting Disney World as a Solo Parent
Pack Snacks
One awesome thing about the Disney theme parks is that Guests are allowed to carry food inside the gates. This means you can easily pack foods you know your child will snack on to keep them happy between meals and/or fill them up if a particular meal is not their favorite.
Take advantage of this! If you’ll be flying in, have groceries delivered to the resort and carry a bag full of healthy, kid-friendly snacks every day.
Use Mobile Ordering
Most Disney World quick-service restaurants now offer mobile ordering. This is fantastic for those with picky eaters in their party, as it means they can easily see their options and customize their orders, removing unwanted toppings and adding extras. It also removes one link in the chain of communication, increasing the likelihood that more complicated orders will come out correctly.
Order from the Kids’ Menu
If your older child (or even an adult) doesn’t like the sound of anything on the adult menu, they are always welcome to order from the kids’ menu. In a table-service setting, they will be served a larger portion and charged a higher price. However, at a quick-service location, people who do this will be charged the kid price and served the kid portion. Therefore, this is also an excellent way to save money, or enjoy a meal without getting too terribly full.
Divide and Conquer
Mobile ordering and the ability to order a kids’ meal are both major perks of using quick-service restaurants when dining with a picky eater. Another benefit? The ability to divide and conquer. Because you’re eating counter-service, the adults in your party can order from different locations, meaning everyone can enjoy the lunch or dinner they prefer.
As you can see, there are plenty of ways to ensure your picky eaters keeps their bellies full at Walt Disney World Resort quick-service locations. Be sure to read our article about the best table-service restaurants for picky eaters as well so you can go in fully prepared to feed a fussy palate while enjoying your Walt Disney World trip.