The Best Restaurants at Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World has a treasure trove of places to refuel with a refreshing drink or a bite to eat. Whether you want to sit down with the family at a restaurant or grab something to eat on the go, you’ll be spoilt for choice, as there are countless outlets across the parks.
With such a great variety of restaurant options available, you could decide to sample one of the many worldly cuisines or tuck into a serving of iconic American fast food. Whichever you choose, we are confident that Walt Disney World has the perfect place to eat that is bound to satisfy your appetite.
Booking Disney World Restaurants
Food and drink has an important role at Disney World, therefore it’s worth spending time before your holiday thinking about and planning what you’ll do at meal times.
Booking a table at each restaurant you plan to visit is advisable, especially the more desired ones, as it’s almost impossible to get a table on the day. Most restaurants are available to book 180 days in advance. The new reservation window opens at 7am EST each day. You should also remember that you need to have valid theme park admission at the location of your meal.
Booking restaurants can be done through your My Disney Experience account. To access the booking section of the website, click ‘Make Reservations’ under ‘Dining’. Guests can book through the My Disney Experience App too - click on the plus sign for extra options and choose ‘Reserve Dining’. If you want to book over the phone, this is also an option.
If you’re planning on eating at any of the Disney Springs restaurants, you can book these prior to your trip on the Open Table website.
Be Our Guest
Location
The Be Our Guest restaurant is located in Magic Kingdom, directly north of Main Street and northeast of Liberty Square, which is the drop-off for the boat transport service.
Theme
Be Our Guest is directly modelled on the beast’s castle from Beauty and the Beast, offering magnificently decorated surroundings and tasty food too. Dinner here is a true spectacle, with three different rooms offering varied experiences for diners.
The main room, otherwise known as the Grand Ballroom, is the central attraction. It is usually the busiest area, but it’ll be worth it for the experience alone. Additionally, there are two side rooms: The West Wing is a darker and atmospheric setting, which may be unsuitable for some smaller guests. Alternatively, the Castle Gallery, inspired by Belle’s private library, is located at the other side of the ballroom and home to a 7ft tall Beauty and the Beast music box playing magical songs from the film.
The dishes on the menu here are fantastic, with main courses at dinner including herb-salted pork tenderloin, spice dusted lamb chops, filet mignon or Poulet rouge chicken. For dessert, there is a range of fruit or chocolate-based options such as lemon jam macaron and dark chocolate truffle.
For the self-service lunch, there is a range of salads and sandwiches along with vegetarian options.
Reservations
We would suggest making reservations for Be Our Guest as it is extremely popular, especially with younger families. Despite being a self-service restaurant during breakfast and lunch, reservations are still available and a very good idea, as guests that rock up on the day often can’t be seated. Reservations for all meals open 180 days in advance, and we’d suggest getting these booked as soon as possible.
It’s also possible to secure a pre-park opening slot for breakfast, allowing you to have a tasty morning meal without worrying about missing out on valuable ride time!
For the self-service breakfast and lunch meals, guests can sit anywhere without being shown to a table. However, for dinner, you will be allotted a specific seat, as it is waiter service. It is possible to request a specific dining room at check-in and staff will be accommodating where possible.
Meal Timings
Breakfast begins at 8am and concludes at 10:30am. Lunch opens at 11am and finishes at 2:30pm. Dinner begins at 4pm and lasts for five and a half hours until 9:30pm.
Le Cellier Steakhouse
Location
With your trip to The States planned, why not take a short break in Canada too? Le Cellier Steakhouse is located in the Canada section of Epcot, northwest of the lake, positioned next to the UK.
Theme
The setting for the steakhouse is a Canadian-inspired château which looks magnificent from both the outside and the inside. Even if you don’t plan to eat there, it’s still worth walking past to appreciate the design of the building.
The food can be pretty hearty, so consider stopping off here as one of the last things you do that day, as walking on a full stomach or going on some rides may cause some upset tummies. Although the menu focuses primarily on steaks, there is also a selection of other tasty dishes, including paella and seared duck breast.
Reservations
Advanced reservations are highly recommended here to get a prime-time slot.
Meal Timings
The restaurant doesn’t serve breakfast and starts with lunch at 12:30pm, closing at 3:55pm. Dinner commences just five minutes later at 4pm and closing at 9pm.
Takumi-Tei
Location
Also situated in Epcot, Takumi-Tei is an authentic Japanese-themed restaurant. The Japan region of Epcot is located south of the lake and directly next door to The American Adventure location.
Theme
When heading along to Takumi-Tei, you’ll be offered a sublime dining experience, with the option to be seated in one of 5 rooms, each inspired by a natural element - water, wood, earth, stone or washi paper. The interior is frankly beautiful, featuring handcrafted works of art, and is likely the closest thing you’ll find to true Japanese style in Orlando.
Typical dishes include sushi and seafood, along with much-loved Japanese classics such as Japanese-style steak. There is also an Omakase tasting menu which costs $150 per person but includes a range of courses to try and finishes with a tea ceremony.
Unlike many restaurants in the parks, there is no rush during dinner here, so it’s perfect for those who want to take their time whilst eating.
Reservations
Due to the style and uniqueness of this location, bookings are very much needed if you plan on getting a table. They are available 180 days in advance, and we’d suggest getting this one booked sooner rather than later.
Meal Timings
The restaurant is only open for dinner, which commences at 4pm and closes at 9pm.
Sanaa
Location
Offering a fantastic view over the Savanna location, Sanaa is situated west of the Animal Kingdom park, within Kidani Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. If you plan to visit, complimentary standard parking is available for dining guests, or for those visiting Animal Kingdom you can also hop on a bus from this park.
Theme
As the restaurant is located so close to the Savanna, you’ll feel a thousand miles away from the hustle and bustle of the Disney World parks. With fantastic African decor, the interior of Sanaa is immersive and incredibly detailed, creating a truly unique experience for diners of all ages.
The African style extends to the menu too, with breakfast, lunch and dinner all paying homage to the African cuisine that the restaurant aims to celebrate. Whether you opt to order à la carte or choose to dine with the animal specialists - an experience which offers the chance to learn in-depth about the animals showcased in the Savanna, while being served four tasty courses – it’ll be sure to awaken your senses.
Reservations
As with all of the restaurants in this blog, reservations are highly suggested, especially for the limited Dine with Animal Specialists experience.
Reservations can be booked up to 180 days in advance for this location.
Meal Timings
Why not kick off the day with a tasty African-inspired breakfast, beginning at 7am and closing at 10am. It’s a great chance to fill up for the day, and we’d recommend picking up some items to take with you on your journey.
For lunch, the restaurant opens at 11:30am and closes at 3pm. Dinner commences two hours later beginning at 5pm and finishing at 9:30pm.
Enchanted Rose
Location
Located within the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, you’ll find the beautifully decadent Enchanted Rose. Having only opened in 2019, this is one of the newest additions to the range of Disney World restaurants.
The easiest travel option is to park at the Grand Floridian Resort as they offer complimentary standard parking for guests dining here. You could also jump on the monorail from Magic Kingdom, if you’re planning on visiting this park on the same day, as there is a monorail station just a stone’s throw away from the restaurant.
Theme
Unlike other restaurants on this list, the Enchanted Rose is a lounge, placing more of a focus on having a relaxed vibe with a range of drinks available. Cocktails are very much the order of the day, including two tableside cocktails which will feature a cast member rocking up at your table to produce the drinks in front of you.
Drinks typically range from $15 to $25, so you’ll be paying a little extra than other locations. However, the style of the lounge is more than worth it, with a beautifully designed and subtle Beauty and the Beast theme.
Food wise, expect to see the menu offering light bites such as truffle fries, flatbreads and sliders. Although if you’re feeling adventurous, then caviar is an option.
Reservations
Thankfully, reservations aren’t necessary at Enchanted Rose, meaning you could choose just to rock up and enjoy a cocktail here before dinner somewhere else that evening.
Meal Timings
This location retains the same menu throughout the day, so there are no changes between lunch and dinner. Opening at 1pm, the lounge keeps its doors open until midnight, also making it the ideal place to head to after you’ve enjoyed your meal at one of the other locations!
Ohana
Location
Found towards the southeast of Enchanted Rose in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Ohana is a Hawaiian-style dining location packed with character! Conveniently, there is a monorail station just outside the Polynesian Village, also accessible from Magic Kingdom. Complimentary parking is available at this location for restaurant guests too.
Theme
Drawing inspiration from Hawaii and the popular 2002 film Lilo and Stitch, the restaurant is a fantastic opportunity to gorge on the tasty delights associated with this region. During breakfast you have the chance to meet Lilo, Stitch, Mickey and Pluto, all wearing their Hawaiian leis. Breakfast is the only character meal at this location, which is worth bearing in mind.
Breakfast is an all-you-can-eat-style meal with flavours from Polynesia, such as island-style potatoes, Hawaiian pork sausages and pineapple bread too. The food is served at your table too, meaning you and your family can enjoy interacting with the various characters without having to move around the restaurant too much.
Lunch is not served at this location and moves straight into dinner, also being an all-you-can-eat meal. Dishes include chicken, shrimp and steak skewers, along with side dishes of vegetables and noodles. After your meal, you’ll be able to watch the Electrical Water Pageant from viewing spots along the shores of the Polynesian Village, as well as the Magic Kingdom fireworks across the lagoon.
Reservations
Make sure you get your space reserved at either breakfast or dinner here in advance, as the restaurant fills up super quickly!
Meal Timings
Breakfast kicks off early here at 7:30am and runs all the way through the morning until midday. Dinner starts being served at 3:30pm and runs until 10pm.
This is just a small handful of amazing restaurants that can be found at Disney World. Which one of these will you be heading along to? Alternatively, if you fancy a night in with the family, you could choose to cook for yourself, within our luxury Orlando villas all having their own dedicated kitchen space.
For more information on the range of villas available, or to book the accommodation for your next Orlando adventure, get in touch with us on 01892 836822 or drop us an email at info@debbiesvillas.co.uk.
Or, if you’re already booked in, why not check out our blog for more tips and advice on making the most of your stay in Florida.
Image credits:
- Main blog image (Be Our Guest restaurant): CC by Moto "Club4AG" Miwa
- Outside Be Our Guest image: CC by HarshLight
- All other images: DFBGuide