If you love learning about new, secret, or underrated eats at Walt Disney World, you have come to the right place. I’m all about Disney dining at fun spots that are not those first in the minds of other Park Guests. Let’s chat about what I think is the most underrated Magic Kingdom restaurant. Did I mention it’s a quick service location? Yep, no dining reservation is needed for this hidden gem.
Ready for me to blow your mind even more? You can chow down on lobster at this spot in Magic Kingdom Park. But be careful not to walk right past this eatery’s entrance. Most Guests do! It’s in a high-traffic walkway between Fantasyland and Liberty Square, so if you have ever dashed from Peter Pan’s Flight to Haunted Mansion, you have passed this spot.
Without further ado, I give you the most underrated restaurant –– Columbia Harbor House!
Walk down Main Street U.S.A., past Cinderella Castle through Fantasyland, or cut through Liberty Square past the Hall of Presidents near Liberty Tree Tavern to hit this quick-service dining spot for lunch or dinner. This restaurant busts myths about not enjoying yummy food during a Park day at an affordable Disney restaurant.
Sure, you’ll find plenty of theme park fare (think corn dogs, chicken tenders, churros, and nachos) atthe Walt Disney World Resort. But you’ll also find unexpectedly delicious food to break from your Park day and enjoy. If you are looking for shareable eats, healthy eats, fresh food, or allergen-friendly food, Disney has options and Disneydining.com probably has an article with more information.
Theming is what set Disneyland Resort, and later Walt Disney World Resort, apart from any attraction, carnival, or boardwalk that came before. Inclusive family fun that allowed the parents and children to have fun together was Walt’s wish when creating Disneyland.
In his quest to craft a world of fantasy, adventure, tomorrow, the wild west, and colonial America, every detail was accounted for. Cohesive and immersive theming on everything from rides and restaurants to bathrooms and ride queues are what set Disney Parks apart from other attractions fifty years ago and today.
You won’t just find a random hot dog stand set up near Jungle Cruise or Peter Pan’s Flight. Each restaurant is themed to perfection. This means having a New England-style eatery with fish and chips, lobster rolls, and flavorful fish and shrimp in Liberty Square makes perfect sense.
Columbia Harbor House is open from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. each day. You may be greeted outside this eatery by a traditional colonial “bell ringer”. This Cast Member will direct traffic as you funnel into the restaurant. If you would prefer to order ahead, this spot provides Mobile Order options, so you can decide on your food before popping into the restaurant. A Cast Member will help you at a quick service order kiosk if you want to order after arrival. Pssst, want a quieter dining space with a great view? Head upstairs to enjoy your meal.
@magicalmomentswithemma one of my favorite rest spots #disneytravelagent #disneyvacationplanner #disneytipsandtricks #magickingdom
There are several succulent seafood options on this menu. The Grilled Shrimp Skewer is a good basic menu item that has simple ingredients and great flavor. For $14.29 this shrimp skewer is served with green beans and rice. Another delicious shrimp option is the New England Shrimp Boil. For $15.99, you’ll get a healthy helping of shrimp, potatoes, corn, and Andouille Sausage cooked in a savory spiced broth. The meal is served with warm Parker House Rolls.
If fish is more your speed, try the Grilled Salmon. This is a great option for folks looking for a lighter option or a healthier meal during the Park day. This meal is priced at $14.29 and consists of perfectly grilled salmon, green beans, and rice.
If you want to taste several options, try the Trio Platter for $14.29. You’ll get a hearty helping of a combination of fried shrimp, juicy chicken strips, and flaky battered fish served with hush puppies and your choice of side. You can choose from options like fries, green beans, rice, or New England Clam Chowder.
For a mouthful of fried goodness, try the Sea Captain Catch ($13.29) which is topped with Cabbage Slaw and Tartar Sauce, and served with French Fries. My all-time favorite menu item from Columbia Harbor House is easily the Lobster Roll. It is the priciest thing on this menu at $16.99, but as lobster lovers know, this is a fairly priced dish for a lobster roll and side.
The entrée is perfect for the Park day, made with chilled lobster with a bit of mayonnaise and seasoning, served on a New England-style bun, and paired with French Fries. Talk about yummy. This meal hits the spot and is one you might not expect to enjoy in a Disney Park.
If you are looking to forgo the seafood entirely, you have options. Try the 4 Piece Chicken Tender Meal with fries for $10.49 or the Hail To The Leaf! (cutest salad name ever, right?) for $12.59. This is a super fresh and flavorful salad made with mixed greens with apples, cheddar cheese, dried cranberries, onions, and apple vinaigrette topped with juicy chicken strips.
The dessert menu is updated regularly, but almost always has options I have a difficult time passing up. The Happy Haunts Milkshake ($7.99) is the dessert of choice these days and is a fruity option made with a blackberry milkshake base, topped with a purple chocolate-glazed doughnut covered with black sprinkles.
Sure, table service dining at spots like Tony’s Town Square, Crystal Palace, Plaza Restaurant, Cinderella’s Royal Table, and Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen are fun. But you can’t beat the convenience of being able to snag a great meal on a whim during your Magic Kingdom Park day. What do you say? Will you try this underrated Walt Disney World dining option in Magic Kingdom on your next family vacation?
