- Mar 13, 2024
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Disney World is home to a litany of iconic restaurants that are recognized the world over for their theming and placement at the resort. However, not all of these iconic eateries are created equal, according to these experts.
Steak Frites
From quick service offerings in the parks and table-service recreations of iconic film locations to live animal encounters and a once iconic hotel dining spot, seasoned Disney guests are skipping these once go-to dining destinations.
Located in Fantasyland, Pinocchio’s Village Haus provides one of the most interesting dining views at the Magic Kingdom with massive windows overlooking the loading area of “it’s a small world.” Unfortunately, from our experience, the food doesn’t live up to these unique views.
Pinocchio Village Haus
This is especially true of the plant-based “cheese” pizza, which is a letdown given the dearth of unique vegetarian quick service options.
Plant-based “Cheese” Pizza
If you’re looking for an alternative quick service plant-based option at the Magic Kingdom, head over to Casey’s Corner and grab a Plant-Based Hot Dog. You can even get it Chicago-style, complete with all the midwest fixins’!
Plant-Based Chicago Dog
So, this Tomorrowland eatery does have solid chicken tender options as well as animatronic performer Sonny Eclipse — and we LOVE us some Sonny Eclipse — however, it’s very lacking in the burger department.
It’s Sonny Eclipse!
Even with the relatively low bar that we judge quick-service Disney burgers by, Cosmic Rays have a certain hockey puck-quality to them.
Cheeseburger at Cosmic Ray’s
If you’re a craving a burger at the Magic Kingdom, Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe provides an alternative in the Double Barbecue Bacon Cheeseburger, which offers two patties topped with American Cheese, bacon, and Coca-Cola Cherry Barbecue Sauce.
Inside of the burger
There was a time when the Polynesian Resort’s ‘Ohana was hailed as one of the best dining locations on property. However, lately, things are a bit different.
Inside ‘Ohana
Recent visits here have been a whole lot more inconsistent. Sometimes, the food and service are still SPOT ON, just like the good ‘ole days, while other times we’ve found the quality of the items to be lacking, which is really disappointing for a dinner that costs $65 per adult.
This inconsistency becomes especially hard to recommend when more reliable options like the Wailulu Bar and Grill or even ‘Ohana’s attached Tambu Lounge are available at the Polynesian. You can even get ‘Ohana’s trademark noodles at the lounge!
‘Ohana noodles at Tambu Lounge
This Animal Kingdom eatery is just kind of there. Those who enjoy microwaved pizza may enjoy it.
Even Disney Pizza deserves a good shot
If you’re looking for a slightly more adventurous quick service dining experience at Animal Kingdom, head over to Satu’li Canteen, which offers fare that’s both unique yet familiar, like the Cheeseburger Bao Buns.
All that yumminess in a Bao bun
The main draw of the Coral Reef at EPCOT has always been — and will always be — the direct views into The Living Seas aquariums. If that’s a draw for you, then go for it. If you’re not a sea-life fan and are only looking for a meal, there are better options.
Coral Reef
While EPCOT has numerous restaurant options in World Showcase, a fun themed alternative sits nearly directly across the park from The Seas in the form of Space 220. While you’re there, get theBlue Moon Cauliflower. We never skip this starter, which is made with tempura-fried cauliflower, housemade hot sauce, and bleu cheese dust.
Blue Moon Cauliflower
Look, there’s no denying that Be Our Guest is one of the best themed restaurants at Disney World from an environment perspective, and any hardcore Beauty and the Beast fan should see it at least once. However, once the novelty wears off, the $72 per adult price point is… ahem… hard to swallow, especially with no character dining.
Be Our Guest ballroom
While Cinderella’s Royal Table offers a near equally steep prix fix menu price, that restaurant does offer an arguably equally iconic environment (INSIDE Cinderella Castle) and a veritable army of Disney Princesses.
Hi, Cinderella!
While these Disney World restaurants may be iconic to some, our experts are skipping them on their next trip to the “Most Magical Place on Earth.” Stay tuned to Magical Guides for more Disney tips.
What Disney restaurants do you avoid? Let us know in the comments below!
Steak Frites
From quick service offerings in the parks and table-service recreations of iconic film locations to live animal encounters and a once iconic hotel dining spot, seasoned Disney guests are skipping these once go-to dining destinations.
Pinocchio Village Haus
Located in Fantasyland, Pinocchio’s Village Haus provides one of the most interesting dining views at the Magic Kingdom with massive windows overlooking the loading area of “it’s a small world.” Unfortunately, from our experience, the food doesn’t live up to these unique views.
Pinocchio Village Haus
This is especially true of the plant-based “cheese” pizza, which is a letdown given the dearth of unique vegetarian quick service options.
Plant-based “Cheese” Pizza
If you’re looking for an alternative quick service plant-based option at the Magic Kingdom, head over to Casey’s Corner and grab a Plant-Based Hot Dog. You can even get it Chicago-style, complete with all the midwest fixins’!
Plant-Based Chicago Dog
Cosmic Ray’s
So, this Tomorrowland eatery does have solid chicken tender options as well as animatronic performer Sonny Eclipse — and we LOVE us some Sonny Eclipse — however, it’s very lacking in the burger department.
It’s Sonny Eclipse!
Even with the relatively low bar that we judge quick-service Disney burgers by, Cosmic Rays have a certain hockey puck-quality to them.
Cheeseburger at Cosmic Ray’s
If you’re a craving a burger at the Magic Kingdom, Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe provides an alternative in the Double Barbecue Bacon Cheeseburger, which offers two patties topped with American Cheese, bacon, and Coca-Cola Cherry Barbecue Sauce.
Inside of the burger
‘Ohana
There was a time when the Polynesian Resort’s ‘Ohana was hailed as one of the best dining locations on property. However, lately, things are a bit different.
Inside ‘Ohana
Recent visits here have been a whole lot more inconsistent. Sometimes, the food and service are still SPOT ON, just like the good ‘ole days, while other times we’ve found the quality of the items to be lacking, which is really disappointing for a dinner that costs $65 per adult.
This inconsistency becomes especially hard to recommend when more reliable options like the Wailulu Bar and Grill or even ‘Ohana’s attached Tambu Lounge are available at the Polynesian. You can even get ‘Ohana’s trademark noodles at the lounge!
‘Ohana noodles at Tambu Lounge
Pizzafari
This Animal Kingdom eatery is just kind of there. Those who enjoy microwaved pizza may enjoy it.
Even Disney Pizza deserves a good shot
If you’re looking for a slightly more adventurous quick service dining experience at Animal Kingdom, head over to Satu’li Canteen, which offers fare that’s both unique yet familiar, like the Cheeseburger Bao Buns.
All that yumminess in a Bao bun
Coral Reef
The main draw of the Coral Reef at EPCOT has always been — and will always be — the direct views into The Living Seas aquariums. If that’s a draw for you, then go for it. If you’re not a sea-life fan and are only looking for a meal, there are better options.
Coral Reef
While EPCOT has numerous restaurant options in World Showcase, a fun themed alternative sits nearly directly across the park from The Seas in the form of Space 220. While you’re there, get theBlue Moon Cauliflower. We never skip this starter, which is made with tempura-fried cauliflower, housemade hot sauce, and bleu cheese dust.
Blue Moon Cauliflower
Be Our Guest
Look, there’s no denying that Be Our Guest is one of the best themed restaurants at Disney World from an environment perspective, and any hardcore Beauty and the Beast fan should see it at least once. However, once the novelty wears off, the $72 per adult price point is… ahem… hard to swallow, especially with no character dining.
Be Our Guest ballroom
While Cinderella’s Royal Table offers a near equally steep prix fix menu price, that restaurant does offer an arguably equally iconic environment (INSIDE Cinderella Castle) and a veritable army of Disney Princesses.
Hi, Cinderella!
While these Disney World restaurants may be iconic to some, our experts are skipping them on their next trip to the “Most Magical Place on Earth.” Stay tuned to Magical Guides for more Disney tips.
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Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
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What Disney restaurants do you avoid? Let us know in the comments below!
