- Disney World has an abundance of dining options from snack carts to a Michelin-starred restaurant.
- Most restaurants at the parks, resorts, and Disney Springs allow you to make dining reservations 60 days in advance.
- One of my favorite restaurants is Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort, which offers character dining in the morning and an elegant table-service meal in the evening.
One of the most exciting yet stressful steps in planning your Disney vacation is deciding which Disney World restaurants to eat at. I always struggle with figuring out where to eat because there are hundreds of Disney eateries in the parks and Disney World hotels at the Most Magical Place on Earth.
While one strategy would be to wing it and decide where to grab breakfast, lunch, and dinner once you’re inside the parks, doing so would almost certainly mean missing out on some seriously cool Disney World dining experiences. For many fans, the best restaurants are as big a draw as the rides, character experiences, and special theme park perks.
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Whether you’re looking for a character dining experience or a signature dining experience at one of the best restaurants in Disney World, there’s a special sit-down table-service restaurant for you. And with everything from a standard cheeseburger joint to Michelin-starred dining experiences, Disney World’s parks and hotels cater to a wide variety of palates and budgets.
Disney World dining guide: where to eat and how to reserve restaurants at Disney World
If you’ve decided to include a few of the top Disney World restaurants in your upcoming vacation, the next step is to mark your calendar and set your alarm. Getting restaurant reservations is the key to ensuring your family gets the dining experience you’re hoping for.
While you may be able to book a reservation at your favorite local restaurant a few days out, the same cannot be said for most Disney World restaurants. Many (in fact, most) are in extremely high demand throughout the year, so no matter when you choose to visit Disney World, your dining reservations are not something you can leave until the last minute.
At Disney World, you can begin to book your advance dining reservations 60 days prior to your arrival. When your dining reservation window opens up, you can book restaurants for the entire length of your trip, or up to 10 days, whichever is shorter.
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Disney World dining reservations can be booked on Disney World’s website or through the My Disney Experience app. You can also book reservations over the phone. Reservations at Disney World restaurants open early each morning, typically right around 6:00 a.m. (though if you want to err on the side of caution, you can start refreshing your page a little before 6:00 a.m.). Setting your alarm for an early wake-up call is going to be necessary if you want reservations for the hard-to-get Disney World restaurants. If you want to dine somewhere at Disney Springs you can also check availability through OpenTable, as many of these locations are run by third parties.
Some Disney World dining reservations are harder to get than others. Typically, character dining, signature dining, and new restaurants are among the most challenging reservations to get. But if you’re visiting during a busy time of the year, such as Christmas vacation or over spring break, you may find most sit-down restaurants inside Disney World hard to get without booking 60 days in advance.
It’s always a good idea to have backup choices ready in case your top Disney World restaurants are unavailable. Having a backup reservation is better than having no reservation at all. If a reservation at your preferred Disney World restaurant opens up you can always cancel your original one.
Speaking of reservations popping up, keep checking Disney’s website or app before your trip because other people’s itineraries and plans can, and often do, change. While this can never be counted on, last-minute reservations at Disney World restaurants are not entirely unheard of, even at some of Disney’s most popular dining spots.
How to choose the best Disney World restaurants for your vacation
Before deciding which Disney World restaurants should top your must-eat list, consider things like: Do you want a fireworks view? Do you want to dine with characters? What sort of theme would your family enjoy? What budget do you have set aside for food? What kind of dietary restrictions or allergies does your party have?
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The answers to these questions can help you narrow down the list of restaurants that could work for your family. Disney World’s website and app list the menus for every sit-down restaurant at the parks, hotels, and Disney Springs. Try to see what each restaurant serves and at what price range.
With these factors in mind, here are our picks for the best sit-down restaurants at Disney World, including Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney Springs, and even a few Disney World hotels around the resort.
The best Disney World restaurants at Magic Kingdom
Be Our Guest Restaurant
Disney World’s Beauty and the Beast-themed restaurant, Be Our Guest, is a must-eat dining location at Magic Kingdom. The atmosphere is a masterpiece with the iconic ballroom and West Wing from the film brought to life. Be Our Guest serves a prix fixe menu for lunch and dinner with selections including center-cut filet mignon and sweet corn bisque. Though it’s not technically considered a Disney World character dining experience, the Beast walks through the restaurant waving at guests. At the end of your meal, you will get a signed autograph card from Beast that you can take home with you. Lunch and dinner are the same price, $41 for kids and $70 for adults, so grab the reservation for whatever time you can get one for.
Cinderella’s Royal Table
Dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table is a must if you have kids who are into Disney princesses. This Disney World restaurant is nestled inside the iconic Cinderella Castle and features a signature prix fixe menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The big draw here is the princesses, but the food is also decent. If you want to save a few bucks, opt for a breakfast reservation, which is $42 for kids and $69 for adults, over lunch or dinner, which is $49 for kids and $84 for adults. No matter which meal you choose, you’ll get to see the princesses, who stop at every table to sign autographs and take photos.
Liberty Tree Tavern
You have to shell out a ton of cash to dine at one of the best restaurants in Magic Kingdom. Liberty Tree Tavern in Liberty Square is just as good as some of the more expensive options, with a more affordable cost. The restaurant serves up a family-style “Patriot’s Platter,” which includes all of the fixings you may have with a traditional Thanksgiving Day dinner. Another bonus of eating here: You’re likely to find plentiful dining slots when you’re making a reservation. Liberty Tree Tavern is open for lunch and dinner and has a set cost of $23 for kids and $42 for adults.
Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen
If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, consider looking into the zany fun that is Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen (or Skipper Canteen for short). Located in Adventureland, this Jungle Cruise-themed restaurant comes with all of the usual banter you would expect from the neighboring ride’s Skippers, along with a lunch and dinner menu that includes unique dishes like char siu-marinated pork, crispy-fried chicken with sweet chili glaze, and curried vegetable stew. Meals here are a la carte, so expect to pay $10 to $16 for appetizers and $23 to $38 for entrees.
The best Disney World restaurants at EPCOT
Le Cellier Steakhouse
Picking one “best” restaurant in EPCOT’s World Showcase is like choosing the best ice cream flavor. It’s impossible—there are too many great options. That said, none are quite as popular or widely beloved as Le Cellier Steakhouse in the Canada Pavilion. Le Cellier has long been a tough dining reservation to grab, but for good reason: Savory cuts of steak are plentiful in this cozy château cellar. If you want to experience the best of the best when it comes to EPCOT dining, Le Cellier is a safe bet. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and offers an a la carte menu with dishes ranging in price from $14 to $115.
Tip: Other fantastic sit-down dining options around World Showcase include Rose and Crown Dining Room in the U.K. Pavilion, Tutto Italia Ristorante in the Italy Pavilion, and Biergarten in the Germany Pavilion. If you’re looking for character dining, you can meet the princesses at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in the Norway Pavilion.
Space 220
Located right next door to the Mission: SPACE attraction, Space 220 is an out-of-this-world dining experience that brings you (a virtual) 220 miles above EPCOT to the Centauri Space Station. Here you’ll order from a space-themed two-course prix fixe menu with items like tempura fried cauliflower, miso-glazed salmon, and a white cheddar cheeseburger. Dessert is not included in the prix fixe price at lunch but is part of the cost at dinner.
From a pricing standpoint, Space 220 is a bit more moderate than other prix fixe menus at Disney World, especially if you go at lunch, where you can expect to pay $55 for adults and $29 for kids. Dinner is more expensive, but you are adding on an extra course. Adult dinners at Space 220 are $79 and kids are $35.
But if you’re curious to see what eating at a virtual space station would be like, this is a stellar (pun intended) restaurant to dine at. Additionally, the Space 220 Lounge is located near the bar area with its own a la carte menu at much lower price points, though the lounge is filled on a first-come first-served basis.
The Garden Grill Restaurant
Looking to dine with Mickey? Look no further than Garden Grill at EPCOT. You may recognize this as the “spinning” restaurant inside The Land Pavilion, where diners get a balcony view of the park’s Living with the Land attraction and can meet some iconic Disney characters. The menu at this Disney World restaurant is pretty simple no matter whether you’re going for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The morning prix fixe family-style meal is filled with delights like Mickey-shaped waffles, eggs, and bacon. If you plan to dine at breakfast, the cost is $30 per child and $47 per adult.
The lunch and dinner family-style “Harvest Feast” includes crowd-pleasers like roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and macaroni and cheese. The afternoon and evening meals are a bit more expensive at $40 for kids and $62 for adults. This under-the-radar dining experience is one of the best restaurants at Disney World if you’re vacationing with toddlers or young kids.
The best Disney World restaurants at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Roundup Rodeo BBQ
Pixar fans, this is the Disney World dining experience for you! Located in the Toy Story Land area of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the table-service Roundup Rodeo BBQ features (you guessed it) barbecue in a Toy Story-inspired setting. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, and pricing for both meals is the same, $25 for kids and $45 for adults.
Surrounded by Andy’s rodeo, you’ll experience life as one of Andy’s toys while dining on house-smoked meats like ribs, brisket, and sausage, plus all of the typical barbecue sides served family-style. Even though the meats are the star here, the meal also comes with a delightful basket of cheddar biscuits and pepper jelly, two different salads, a choice of dessert, and non-alcoholic drinks.
Hollywood Brown Derby
The signature restaurant at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is The Hollywood Brown Derby. Inspired by the famed Brown Derby in Hollywood, California, this restaurant is home to the famous Cobb salad and the tantalizing grapefruit cake for dessert. If neither of the previous options tickles your fancy, other great dishes include filet mignon, pan-roasted halibut, and a delightful charcuterie board. The menu here is all a la carte, with dishes ranging from $13 to $49.
There’s also the connected outdoor Brown Derby Lounge, which serves the same menu as the main restaurant, with a few additions exclusive to the lounge. The lounge is a great spot to enjoy a cocktail and take in the park ambiance.
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant
Hollywood Studios is also home to some truly one-of-a-kind Disney dining experiences, and at the top of that list is the park’s Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant. Guests are seated in old-fashioned car-shaped booths that are arranged so you get to eat while watching sci-fi clips on the big screen, just like a drive-in theater. The restaurant gets big points on the vibe, and this is definitely the kind of meal where you’re there for the experience. But don’t let the experience overshadow the retro a la carte menu filled with shareables like onion rings and fried pickles, and four different burgers to pick from. The pricing is reasonable with appetizers being anywhere from $11 to $15, while entrees will set you back $19 to $30.
50’s Prime Time Café
Kitchy is definitely the best way to describe 50’s Prime Time Café, where it feels like you’ve just stepped into your grandmother’s kitchen. The a la carte lunch and dinner menu is filled with homestyle favorites like golden fried chicken, succulent pot roast, and traditional meatloaf. Whatever you get, pair it with one of the restaurant’s signature milkshakes. The peanut butter and jelly option is a fan favorite. Entrees here range from $17 to $30 and a milkshake will set you back $9. And, just like any family dinner, the antics provided by the servers are at an all-time high.
Hollywood & Vine
If you’re looking for character dining at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you’ll want to make a reservation at Hollywood & Vine. Here, you’ll get the chance to say hi to Minnie Mouse and her friends during lunch and dinner (the theme of the restaurant and character outfits changes seasonally), or you can meet characters from Disney Junior shows during breakfast. This is one of the Disney World restaurants that offers buffet-style dining for all three meals. Breakfast is the cheapest option with kids costing $30 and adults costing $47. Lunch and dinner are the same price, $40 and $63 for kids and adults, respectively.
The best Disney World restaurants at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Tiffins Restaurant
If you’re in Disney’s Animal Kingdom and you’re looking for signature dining try making a reservation for Tiffins Restaurant. The upscale eatery features a globally inspired a la carte menu with dishes like tamarind-braised short rib as well as a surf and turf plate with beef tenderloin and scallops. The menu also features a lengthy list of appetizers including gobi manchurian (fried cauliflower tossed in a tangy sauce) and lobster macaroni and cheese. Tiffins is open for lunch and dinner, and prices per plate range from $11 to $68.
If you can’t get a dining reservation at Tiffins, head next door to Nomad Lounge for some small bites and cocktails. The lounge is known for its bread service and churros, which make for a tasty snack while sipping on a well-crafted cocktail. On nice days, try to sit in the outdoor section of the lounge to watch people go in and out of Pandora – The World of Avatar.
Yak & Yeti Restaurant
For pan-Asian cuisine, consider Yak & Yeti Restaurant as your sit-down restaurant choice while visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. The a la carte menu is filled with scrumptious options like Korean fried chicken, wonton soup, and chicken tikka masala. If you’re looking for a sharable option, the ahi tuna nachos are perfect for lunch or dinner for two people. Adult-sized dishes here range in price from $8 to $38.
The restaurant is also a good bet for families with picky eaters since it offers kid-friendly meals like macaroni and cheese and chicken tenders. Yak & Yeti is owned by Landry’s, the company behind Rainforest Cafe. If you are part of Landry’s membership program, you can use your rewards here for perks like priority seating and birthday rewards.
Tusker House
Tusker House in Animal Kingdom is a buffet-style character dining experience. Mickey, Donald, and their friends are dressed in fun safari-themed outfits, and the lunch and dinner buffet offers a nice variety of food choices from traditional entrees to African-inspired options like tandoori chicken and green curry shrimp. The afternoon and evening meals are priced at $62 for adults and $40 for kids. Tusker House is also open for a character dining breakfast but at a slightly lower price, $30 for kids and $47 for adults.
The best Disney World restaurants at Disney Springs
Morimoto Asia
There are many wonderful sit-down restaurants in Disney Springs, which is Disney World’s shopping and dining district. But for signature dining, it’s hard to beat Morimoto Asia. Owned by famed Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, this Disney Springs restaurant packs a punch with a wide selection of high-end Asian dishes like kalbi beef ribs, Peking duck, and miso-glazed Chilean sea bass, all of which are only served at dinner. If you’re going here at lunchtime, consider trying a bowl of ramen, orange chicken, or a selection of sushi. Meals here are a la carte, with singular dishes ranging from $10 to $79 at lunch and dinner.
For a more budget-friendly option, there’s Morimoto Asia Street Food, a quick-service eatery with ramen and other small bites, where prices range from $5 to $18.
Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’
If traditional Southern comfort food is your cuisine of choice, then Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ should be on your list of Disney World restaurants to try. You simply can’t go wrong with fried chicken, shrimp and grits, or fried catfish for lunch or dinner. Homecomin’ also boasts a delightful brunch, which features everything from short rib hash with two sunny side up eggs to fried chicken served with house-made sugared donuts. The restaurant is also famous for its moonshine-based cocktails, which can be ordered with a meal, or to-go at an outdoor bar. Dishes here cost anywhere from $14 to $34.
Wine Bar George
Those in the know will tell you that the best place to grab a bite to eat and a glass of wine in Disney Springs is Wine Bar George. Owned by Master Sommelier George Miliotes, this restaurant leaves a lasting impression. Choose from a food menu filled with small bites like crispy mac & cheese bites or burrata, or go all-out with entrees such as grilled ribeye or a whole Greek sea bass that’s presented and deboned tableside. The big draw here is, of course, their large wine selection, of which you can order anything by the ounce, glass, or bottle. There’s also brunch service on the weekends, where highlights include a fried chicken biscuit topped with pimento cheese and s’mores pancakes. Plates at Wine Bar George are reasonably priced with dishes costing anywhere from $9 to $78.
Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant
For a sit-down restaurant at Disney Springs that’s sure to please everyone in your group, look no further than Raglan Road Irish Pub. This energetic Irish pub hosts nightly live music and Irish step dancing, all while you dine on a menu that includes traditional Irish fare like fish and chips, bangers and mash, and shepherd’s pie. There’s also more American-style fare like burgers, chicken, and salmon dinners. Pair any of your dishes with a pint of Irish beer. Lunch and dinner here range in price from $11 to $39.
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California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
With its location on the fifteenth floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, you could easily make the argument that California Grill has the best views of any restaurant in Disney World with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Magic Kingdom. The restaurant showcases California-style cuisine with a three-course prix fixe menu. Appetizers include the iconic goat cheese ravioli and a selection of sushi, while entrees feature seared scallops and herb-crusted lamb. Be sure to leave room for dessert, where the options change with the seasons.
After dinner step out to the outdoor terrace, which is available nightly for restaurant guests to watch the fireworks complete with the soundtrack piped into the restaurant and on the terrace. Don’t worry if your dinner was early though, because you can regain entry into the restaurant to watch the fireworks by showing your receipt.
‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
One of the most highly sought-after Disney World dining reservations is for ‘Ohana. Located at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, this has been a fan favorite for decades. In the morning, you can dine alongside Lilo and Stitch in a family-style character breakfast featuring Mickey waffles and all of the traditional breakfast sides. Breakfast is a bit pricey at $30 for kids and $49 for adults.
Dinner at ‘Ohana is a family-style all-you-care-to-eat service that starts with salad and bread, then skillets filled with the restaurant’s signature noodles, chicken wings, dumplings, and veggies. Then bowls of teriyaki beef, peel-and-eat shrimp, and grilled chicken are brought to the table. ‘Ohana continues to be a tough reservation to grab year after year, so if this is on your must-eat restaurant list, be sure to book it early. Evening meals run $40 for kids and $62 for adults.
Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera at Disney’s Riviera Resort
You can have a character dining experience at Topolino’s Terrace, which opened at Disney’s Riviera Resort in 2019. Enjoy “Breakfast à la Art” with Mickey and friends dressed in outfits you’ll only find at Topolino’s Terrace. Breakfast includes a tasty pastry basket, plus your choice of entree and drink included in the $49 price tag for adults. Kids are $30.
Dinner does not include characters, but adults looking for a date night out will love the signature menu featuring hand-crafted pasta, plus Mediterranean-inspired meats and seafood. Prices per dish range from $12 to $59. Like California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Topolino’s Terrace offers sweeping views of the surrounding Disney World Resort. You can even step out onto the patio connected to the restaurant to enjoy the nightly fireworks from EPCOT.
Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Another restaurant with a view at Disney World is Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village, though it might not be the resort view you’re expecting. This table service restaurant is nestled within the resort’s Sunset Savanna, meaning you’ll be able to dine on African- and Indian-inspired cuisine while animals like zebras, giraffes, and gazelles roam by in the distance.
Sanaa is known for its bread service, which includes five different breads and nine different dips and accompaniments. The lunch menu here is the better option if you’re traveling with picky eaters since it includes a burger and tandoori chicken. It’s usually easier to get a lunch reservation than a dinner reservation here. Lunch can cost anywhere from $9 to $33 per plate.
Victoria & Albert’s Restaurant at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
The crown jewel of Disney World restaurants is Victoria & Albert’s Restaurant at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The restaurant won its first Michelin star in 2024, making the dining experience even more desired by theme park fans and foodies around the world.
The restaurant has three distinct dining experiences: the Dining Room, Queen Victoria’s Room, and the Chef’s Table. No matter which dining room you choose, reservations are required and can only be made by phone. There is also a required dress code of semi-formal to formal dress for every guest.
Each Victoria & Albert’s meal is special with a menu highlighting seasonality and elevated techniques. The restaurant also has an expansive wine list featuring over 500 different bottles dating as far back as the early 1900s. With your meal, you can choose to enjoy a glass of wine or a wine pairing.
A night at Victoria & Albert’s is a true dining experience, and it’s reflected in the cost. One meal in the Dining Room, where you can choose one of two tasting menus to enjoy, starts at $295 per person. The optional wine pairings will add another $155 to your bill.
