I don’t know about you, but when I am thinking about where to go for vacation, the food is a major factor – I want to enjoy good food and get the chance to try new things too! This is just one of the many reasons why I love vacationing at Walt Disney World – they offer tons of amazing food and dining options – so many that it can be hard to narrow it down at meal or snack time! In case you aren’t sure where to eat, check out some of my picks for the Best Places To Eat at the Disney Parks – broken down by top table service, counter service, and snack locations at each Park:
Magic Kingdom: When it comes to a sit down meal in MK, my top pick has always been, and always will be – the Crystal Palace – they serve up a buffet of fresh, delicious foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner – and on top of that, it’s a character meal where Winnie The Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore and Piglet work the restaurant giving out hugs and autographs and posing for photos. If you don’t have time for a sit down meal, then I suggest grabbing lunch or dinner at Columbia Harbour House – where the Clam Chowder is out of this world, and the fried shrimp and tuna sandwiches are delicious too. Take advantage of the seating upstairs and do some people watching while you enjoy your meal. And if you’re just looking for a quick snack –Main Street Bakery is the place to go – cookies, cupcakes, fudge, cake pops – your sweet tooth will thank you, trust me.
Hollywood Studios: I can’t think of a more classy, Hollywood-esque place to eat than at the Hollywood Brown Derby – where you can gaze at photos of the stars while enjoying your cobb salad and grapefruit cake (both signature items that the restaurant is well known for!). Lunch and dinner options range from items like the Asian Chicken Salad, Angus cheeseburger, steak, and a chicken club at the popular ABC Commissary – which is my favorite place to grab a quick meal at HS (they even serve up beer and wine too!). When it comes to snacking at HS – the only place that’s worth going to in my opinion is Starring Roles Café – the baked goods case is stuffed with drool-worthy treats like giant cupcakes, turnovers, pastries, and more (the Butterfinger Cupcake is a personal fave of mine!) – and they even have sushi and sandwiches available too
Epcot: Now this was a tricky Park to narrow down – as Epcot offers TONS of amazing places to eat between Future World and the World Showcase – so after much deliberation here are my picks: San Angel Inn in the Mexico Pavilion offers up some truly delicious authentic Mexican dishes – Mole, tacos, enchiladas, grilled fish – all of them are always on point. Pair it with some fresh chips and salsa and a margarita and you’re in heaven! < ahref=http://www.chipandco.com/planning/guide-to-disney-world/restaurant-and-snack-options/epcot/sunshine-seasons/>Sunshine Seasons is one of the best counter service locations in all of WDW – the smell of the chicken rotisserie hits you as soon as you walk in, and the Asian dishes and salads are prepared as you watch (using ingredients grown on site!), and their desserts are to die for too – especially the strawberry shortcake. If a quick nibble is what you’re after, then head over to the Germany pavilion – where the caramel haven that is Karamell Kuche awaits – the fresh Caramel Corn is a must try, and the salted caramels are a top pick too. Caramel cheesecake, toffee bark with caramel, caramel apples, chocolate & caramel covered strawberries…the list goes on, and they are all worth the wait (as there’s usually a line out the door!)
Animal Kingdom: I highly recommend booking a breakfast at Tusker House – where you’ll find traditional breakfast buffet items like Mickey waffles, potato dishes, and bacon/sausage – but you’ll also have a chance to try some authentic African dishes – like bobotie (a seriously amazing quiche like dish with spiced meat that is just the best), plus it’s a character meal – where Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Daisy strut around dressed in adorable safari outfits – and the meal is hosted by Donald – who you get to pose with for pictures upon your arrival (something to note – Donald also hosts lunch, but dinner is a character-free meal). You can smell the ribs and chicken from Flame Tree BBQ way before you can see the counter service restaurant – and they are both delicious. Try the platter that comes with both, or enjoy a smoked chicken salad or sandwich. I love the outdoor seating at Flame Tree too – and don’t despair at the long line, it’s worth it (trust me!). There’s no place I’d rather go for a coffee and pastry than Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery – strong, fresh coffee drinks, cookies, cupcakes, brownies, a huge cinnamon roll (served warm!) – it’s a great place to grab a treat in between rides, that’s for sure
Of course you’ll want to make ADR’s (Advance Dining Reservations, that is!) for all your table service meals – as these are REALLY popular restaurants. As for the counter service & snack locations – you may want to avoid them during peak meal times (noon hour especially!), as the seating and lines for food can get really crowded – and you’ll want to take your time enjoying these awesome spots!
What about you – what’s YOUR favorite dining spot at the Disney Parks?
