Top Nine Restaurants for Teens at Walt Disney World
Dining can be a tricky thing if you are traveling to Walt Disney World with a teenager. You will want to find something that is filling and satisfying, but many teens do not like to try something new. This list is not meant to be a definitive source, it is instead intended to be a guide that could help you to find a great meal that your whole family will enjoy.
This list is not meant only for families. Teens head to the parks with their friends and on dates all the time. That was taken into consideration when compiling it. There are some suggestions here that will leave a teen full without taking up his or her entire bank account.
I have included both full service and counter service restaurants here. I have purposely excluded character dining because teens don’t always want to be surrounded by little children. I have also stayed away from the hotel restaurants; even though there are choices at the resorts that have great food and atmosphere it takes a lot of time to get to them. The restaurants here are listed because of the quality of the food, the atmosphere, the ease of access, and to some extent the price. They’re meant to be places that teens can eat while having a great day at a park
Remember that reservations are recommended at full service restaurants. A teen under 18 will need an adult to make the reservation. Visit http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/reservations/dining or call 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463) to reserve a table.
Honorable Mention – 50’s Prime Time Cafe
Echo Lake, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Full Service, open for lunch and dinner
An honorable mention goes to 50’s Prime Time Cafe. It’s a fun place for people of all ages. The reason it didn’t make the actual list is because some teens don’t want to be told to eat their vegetables or take their elbows off the table, especially while they are on vacation. If your teen won’t mind then you might want to make a reservation. You’ll find comfort foods such as Cousin Ann’s Traditional Meatloaf and Grandma’s Chicken Pot Pie in a unique atmosphere. Play along with the server to enhance your dining experience.
9. Lottawatta Lodge and Leaning Palms
Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon
Counter service, open for lunch
On a hot summer’s day most teens will enjoy splashing around in one of Disney’s water parks. The problem with spending time in the water is that it makes you hungry! Both water parks have several choices when it’s time to eat. The two places listed here feature burgers, pizza, and sandwiches. Leaning Palms has cheesecake or a chocolate chip cookie for dessert, while Lottawatta Beach features ice cream sundaes. At either place you can purchase a refillable mug for $9.99, which you can then use all day at any of the refilling stations throughout the park.
Morocco Pavilion, Epcot
Full service, open for lunch and dinner
Although it might be a bit on the pricey side for a teen who is on a budget, Restaurant Marrakesh is a fun place to visit. The atmosphere is incredible, it really does feel like you have stepped into a palace. While some teens might joke about the belly dancer, the show is tastefully done and fun to watch. If money is a problem make a meal out of appetizers, the servings are fairly large. There are some appetizers for two so you can sample a couple of different offerings and still not spend too much.
For a no obligation, FREE Quote with new bookings contact our sponsor Magical Vacation Planner by calling: 1(407)442-0289
Or for a free no obligation quote with new bookings you can fill out the form by Clicking HERE!
7. Pizza Planet Arcade
Streets of America, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Counter service, open for lunch and dinner
Teens and arcade games go hand in hand. Throw in pizza and you have a winning combination. While some people might think that Pizza Planet is for a younger crowd, it is still a place that a teen will enjoy. It may not be the best pizza that you will find at Disney but it is filling and affordable, at least when compared to other Disney restaurants. Pizza Planet is a fun place to get away from the heat or to hang out in when it rains. You can stay busy and try to get a high score while the storm passes.
6. Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe
Tomorrowland, Magic Kingdom
Counter service, open for lunch and dinner
If you’re looking for an affordable, filling burger this is where to go! The portions at Cosmic Ray’s are large to begin with, but they also have a toppings bar. You can turn your burger into a masterpiece by adding lettuce, tomatoes, onions, sauteed mushrooms, cheese, and other items as well. They also sell wraps and chicken. The atmosphere is a bit on the campy side, especially when Sonny Eclipse serenades the crowd, but it’s all in good fun. Cosmic Ray’s is usually packed around noon and dinnertime, so you might want to take that into account.
5. Planet Hollywood
West Side, Downtown Disney
Full service, open for lunch and dinner
If your teen is a movie buff he or she will want to check out Planet Hollywood! It is packed with movie memorabilia and costumes from blockbusters. The music is loud and there are videos that play to add to the atmosphere. Diners are encouraged to walk around all the floors so that they can see everything. The food is also good, with an extensive menu that features steaks, burgers, chicken, seafood, and pasta. Make sure you bring your camera (or use your smart phone) because you’ll want to take plenty of pictures.
Discovery Island, Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Counter service, open for lunch and dinner
You will be surprised that you can get barbeque this good at a theme park! Flame Tree Barbeque is a popular spot that gets crowded, so plan accordingly. You can order chicken, pork, or a half slab of ribs. Try the fruit plate for something a bit lighter. The prices are reasonable for the portion size. Cool down with Key Lime or Chocolate Mousse for dessert. Flame Tree Barbeque is a great place to take an afternoon break and relax for a little while. Seating is outdoors but it is covered so you can get out of the sun or rain.
3) Teppan Edo
Japan Pavilion, Epcot
Full service, open for lunch and dinner
It’s the atmosphere that makes Teppan Edu so special. It’s the perfect place to impress a date or to try something a little bit different. The chefs will prepare your meal right before your eyes for an experience that you will never forget. While the food is a bit expensive, a filling meal can be made from the appetizers if money is tight. Book the Candlelight Processional Package during the holiday season to make it a special evening.
Main Street, U.S.A., Magic Kingdom
Counter service, open for lunch and dinner
Casey’s Corner is simple and enjoyable. The menu consists of various types of hot dogs and other ball park fare. There is a pianist who entertains the diners and passersby, the performances are listed in the Times Guide that you can pickup at the park entrance. The hot dogs are large and come with either french fries or apple slices. Because of its location the restaurant can get packed so try to hit it when it is not a traditional meal time.
1) Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater
Commissary Lane, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Full service, open for lunch and dinner
This restaurant is just plain fun. It is a throwback to the cheesy movies that played at drive-in theaters back in the 1950’s. Your table is a “car” and you’re parked at a drive-in. There is a giant screen at the front that plays trailers from old science fiction movies such as Attack of the 50 Foot Woman. While the food may not be the best that you will find at Walt Disney World, the dishes are still creative and the portions large. It is also less expensive than many of the full service restaurants, if you stay away from the steak. The menu has several options for burgers and sandwiches. For a real treat try the Oreo Cookie Milkshake. Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater is the perfect blend of good food and great atmosphere. It will make many of the other Disney restaurants seem plain.