You Won’t Believe Which Disney World Restaurants Are Overhyped According to Guests
Walt Disney World Resort, home to over 400 dining establishments, is often celebrated for its culinary variety. Whether you’re craving international cuisine, classic American comfort food, or unique Disney-themed dishes, the park is full of food choices that cater to almost every taste.
Visitors from around the world flock to Disney World not just for the rides and attractions, but for the chance to indulge in a one-of-a-kind dining experience. From five-star signature restaurants to casual quick-service meals, there’s something to please every palate.
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However, not every dining experience at Disney World lives up to the lofty expectations that guests have. While some restaurants consistently wow guests, others don’t quite hit the mark, despite their reputation. A recent Reddit thread asked Disney fans to share their opinions on which restaurants don’t live up to the hype, and the responses were more candid than you might expect.
Despite the magical atmosphere and immersive theming of some of these restaurants, many guests feel let down by the food quality, service, or price point. So, let’s dive into which Disney World dining spots have earned the reputation of being “overhyped” in the eyes of guests.
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Be Our Guest: A Beautiful Setting, But Is It Worth It?
When Be Our Guest opened in 2012 as part of the Fantasyland expansion at Magic Kingdom, it was met with much fanfare. Guests marveled at the restaurant’s gorgeous theming, which brought the iconic Beast’s castle to life in stunning detail. It wasn’t long before the restaurant became one of the park’s most popular spots, offering a quick-service lunch and a table-service dinner. But over time, guest reviews have started to reflect a shift in opinion.
While Be Our Guest is undeniably beautiful, many guests now feel that the dining experience doesn’t match the price. Lunch and dinner are both prix-fixe menus, with prices starting at $72 for adults and $43 for children. Guests who initially loved the experience now feel that the quality of the food doesn’t justify the steep price.
One reviewer mentioned that they had waited a considerable amount of time for their table, despite having a reservation, only to feel rushed during the meal.
I agree. We managed to snag a last minute reservation in 2022. The food was okay, just okay and honestly “the gray stuff” is not delicious. We waited for quite a while for our table despite having a reservation and then felt incredibly rushed during our meal as they seemed to prioritize a high turnover rather than an enjoyable experience. Even the waiter spoke fast!
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To make matters worse, the meet-and-greet with the Beast that was once a major draw for the restaurant is no longer offered. Instead, the Beast simply walks through the dining room, offering a wave to guests, a far cry from the magical photo opportunities guests had hoped for. For some, the charm of Be Our Guest has worn off, leaving them questioning if the experience is truly worth the money.
The Cake Bake Shop: A Newcomer With a Price Tag That Doesn’t Match the Quality
New to Disney World, The Cake Bake Shop at Disney’s BoardWalk created quite a stir before it even opened. With a reputation for being an upscale bakery, the prices on the menu set expectations high. Guests braced themselves for a refined dining experience, but what they encountered left many feeling disappointed.
For one thing, the food is notoriously expensive. A slice of cake at The Cake Bake Shop will set you back $22, while other sweets, like the Walnut Brownie, are priced at $11. Even a Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse Pie Cup costs a whopping $15. The savory items aren’t any cheaper, with a crab cake appetizer priced at $27, a Lemon Caesar Salad costing $25, and a Shrimp Po’Boy coming in at $36. For breakfast, prepare to pay $26 for Eggs Benedict.
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For many guests, these prices simply don’t match the quality of the food. One reviewer described their experience at the restaurant as “the worst service and the most mediocre food” they’d ever had at that price point.
Worst service and the most mediocre food I’ve ever had at that price point. Maybe my expectations were higher given the price tag but I wouldn’t even buy a piece of cake from the bakery after our experience there. We didn’t even have a waiter or waitress after our initial order. We were told that we had to go to the bar and ask the bartender if we needed anything else It was pretty awful. My husband liked his burger but my food was soggy and cold and the cake was dry. I really hope it was a one off event for everyone else’s sake but we would never eat there again.
Space 220: The Hype Isn’t Always the Reality
One restaurant that consistently sparks debate is Space 220 in EPCOT. This space-themed eatery offers a truly unique experience—guests dine in a space station with spectacular views of Earth from above, all while enjoying a prix-fixe menu.
However, as one guest pointed out, the food is “fine,” but not quite extraordinary enough to justify the inflated price tag. While the appetizers at Space 220 may be praised, many guests feel the main courses fail to live up to expectations.
It’s not hate, it’s just disappointment. The food is fine. It used to be quite the challenge to get a reservation, and thus the reward feels like it should be higher than it is. It also gets negative points for being prix fixe, so you can’t just get every app on the menu and have tapas.
Everything I have ever eaten at Space 220 doesn’t rank on any list. It’s not the cheapest or most convenient. I like the salad, but again, just at Epcot and offhand, I’d rather have the salads at Connections, Le Cellier, Via Napoli, and Sunshine Seasons has a pretty solid power salad. Lunar carrot cake? I’m going to the Karamell Kuche for the carrot cake whoopie pie or Rose and Crown for sticky toffee pudding. Unless the category has the qualification “at a space themed restaurant,” nothing there is my go to for anything I have had there. Nothing has been bad per se, there are just better options at other places and I get more control over what I am eating.
If you notice, even you called it best for value, not best tasting.
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While the atmosphere is undoubtedly fun for the novelty factor, Space 220 has left many guests wondering if the experience is worth the hype—or the price. It’s certainly a one-of-a-kind concept, but when it comes to the food, many feel there are better options within EPCOT.
Other Overhyped Disney Dining Spots
In addition to the aforementioned eateries, a few other restaurants frequently appear in guest discussions about overhyped dining experiences. Notably, ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort have all received criticism for their overblown reputations.
While these restaurants are well-known and beloved by some, a number of guests feel that they don’t offer the exceptional dining experience they’re touted to provide.
For example, ‘Ohana, known for its all-you-can-eat family-style dining, has faced mixed reviews over the years. While some love the tropical flavors and character interaction, others feel that the food is far from the “must-try” status it’s often given. Similarly, Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant has earned its place as a quirky dining experience, but some guests feel the novelty isn’t enough to overcome the lackluster food quality.
Despite these varying opinions, Disney fans know that Walt Disney World Resort offers more than just the big-name restaurants. While certain dining locations may be overhyped, there are plenty of underrated gems across the parks and resorts that offer delicious meals without the hefty price tag or long wait times. Sometimes, the best experiences can be found by stepping away from the crowds and exploring the lesser-known spots.
Do you agree with the list of overhyped restaurants at Disney World? Are there other dining locations that you believe fall short of their reputation? Share your thoughts and your personal dining experiences with us in the comments below. Your feedback could help future guests make informed dining choices and find hidden gems throughout Walt Disney World Resort!
