Distinguished guests, lords, ladies, and all royal watchers. Character dining is back at...
Hiya Pals
Fresh with a wealth of knowledge to share from my most recent Disney World Resort trip this is the top 10 best restaurants on Disney World Property!
1. Be Our Guest- Magic Kingdom
Feast on French-inspired fare in one of our elaborately themed rooms—straight out of the beloved Disney classic! The three rooms allow guests an immersive experience of the story of Belle and her Beast.
- The Grand Ballroom – Go for baroque in this magnificent ballroom with its high, domed ceiling, chandeliers, and snow-laced Gothic arches.
- The West Wing – Dine in the Beast’s mysterious West Wing study—if you dare—and perhaps you’ll even spy his enchanted rose.
- The Castle Gallery – Get swept up in the romance of Belle’s private library, and inspired by the larger-than-life figures of Belle and Beast dancing.
Herb-salted Pork Tenderloin: Crispy Pork Belly, Seasonal Vegetables-Two Ways, Pork Jus, and Candied Pecan
Guests get to choose their first course and entree, as Chip decides on dessert for the guests to make sure they try "the grey stuff". For guests with allergies, this restaurant like many on Disney Property has a menu geared specifically towards those dietary needs. This French Fare is not for the faint at heart. Don't expect to indulge in any Mickey-shaped snacks after this meal. It will likely hold you over throughout most of the day or end the night with a full and happy belly! Dining Reservations are highly recommended but you can on occasion try and do walk-up reservations. This will always be one of my number 1 dining recommendations as it's got fabulous food, a memorable experience and it offers the overall Disney Dining Experience if this is the only "fine dining" restaurant you decide to enjoy on your Disney World Vacation.
Entrance to Be Our Guest
2. Story Book Dining at Artist Pointe-Wilderness Lodge
Experience the whimsy of Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White. Enjoy a delicious, fanciful dinner—and be on the lookout for Snow White, Dopey, Grumpy, and even The Queen as they stroll through the Enchanted Forest! This enchanted forest is tucked away at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, this resort hotel is easily one of my favorite resort hotels. It's a natural beauty and homage to Disney's Grand Californian Resort Hotel make this hotel an absolute joy to walk around and it has two of my favorite restaurants that are on Disney Property but more on that later.
Hunter’s Terrine, Wild Mushroom Bisque, and Wicked Shrimp Cocktail
You enter The Enchanted Forest which is lit up in all its glory for guests to feast their eyes and their palettes on some of the best food Disney Property has to offer. From Whimsical Cocktails, delightfully playful first courses, hearty entrees fit for any huntsman and the most adorable desserts any wishing well could grant.
Snow White Waving to all her Royal Fans
This dining experience will have you smiling, giggling, and dancing for joy with some of Disney's greatest characters. Story Book Dining is a not-to-be-missed Character Dining Experience! This is another Disney Dining Experience that I recommend you save your appetite for all the delicious delights that are portions far from bashful and will leave you Sleepy rather than Grumpy on your way back to your resort hotel. Dining reservations are highly recommended! Ask me how to add this dining experience to your next Disney Vacation
Royal Prime Rib Roast with Horseradish-Mashed Potato, Carrots, and Jus
“Poison” Apple: Dark Chocolate-Apple Mousse and Sour Center
3. Topolino's Terrace: Character Breakfast
Start your morning with breakfast at this beautiful rooftop restaurant offering an exclusive storybook dining experience. The prix fixe menu offers delicious choices to please everyone in the family. Paint your palate by starting with house-made pastries and decadent accompaniments! This is pretty standard I've noticed at Walt Disney World Character Breakfast Experiences. It's a little cherry on top of all the awesome offerings you can enjoy! There is a difference between Dinner and Breakfast but more on that later in a future blog post!
House-made Pastry Offerings to Amuse The Palate to Start!
Wood-fired Butchers Steak Polenta, Pomodoraccio Tomatoes, Roasted Onions, Wild Mushroom Conserva, Watercress
Smoked Salmon-Everything Bagel, Tomato, Red Onion, Cream Cheese, Capers
While enjoying breakfast and the bird’s eye views, Mickey and his friends are excited to celebrate with you! As part of our new Character Dining experience, all Guests will be able to see Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Daisy Duck as they parade through the restaurant in their stylish outfits unique to Topolino’s Terrace!
Minnie was a fan of my earrings!
4. The Hollywood Brown Derby-Hollywood Studios
View of the Bar at The Hollywood Brown Derby (Photo Courtesy of Disney)
Dine in an authentic replica of the famous Brown Derby, a Tinseltown landmark steeped in glamour and glitz. The walls are adorned with caricatures of famous faces—a tradition that began with the original restaurant—and the upscale atmosphere harkens back to the Golden Age of Hollywood.
While admiring the decor, don't sleep on the signature Cobb Salad, you can order this any way you want it! It's my favorite thing to eat if I'm craving something fresh, hearty, and filled with delicious goodness. Dining reservations are highly recommended but if you're wanting to have a more elevated dining experience without the super kitschy theme. I highly recommend it!
Delicious Cobb Salad from The Hollywood Brown Derby (SO GOOD!)
5. 50's Prime Time Cafe- Hollywood Studios
View of dining space at 50's Prime Time Cafe (Photo from Disney)
Keep your elbows off the table, mind your manners, and make sure your hands are clean because you're now in Mom's kitchen! Take a blast to the past with this '50s-themed eatery. Go back to a simpler time of dining, aspic and miniature finger foods not included.
The food is comforting and feels like a warm hug. This is a stark contrast to the Uncles and Aunts that are serving up your supper! The best part of eating dinner here is you can enjoy a little light viewing of what's on the tube from yesteryear! Also, make sure you finish everything on your plate or prepare to get scolded! Hearty diners get a "clean plate" sticker at the end of their meal. So pull up a vinyl chair and get ready because Mom's serving up American Comfort food fit for even the pickiest of eaters and don't forget to save room for dessert!
Aunt Liz's Golden Fried Chicken! (Photo From Disney)
6. Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater-Hollywood Studios
Also, another Hollywood Studios favorite, grab a burger and a show with this 50's style of "dine-in" theater. Experience some of Hollywood's not-so-iconic "sci-fi" films.
Dinner with a view
Enter the Hollywood-style soundstage as a classic car hop guides you to your very own auto-booth or table. Kitschy vintage memorabilia, the illuminated tail lights of your fellow drive-in diners, and a sky full of twinkling stars set the mood as you place your order.
7. SPACE 220: Epcot
Neptuna Tartare
Starry Calamari: Fried Calamari, Italian Cherry Peppers, Spicy Marinara, Roasted Pepper Citrus Aioli
Space is the final frontier or dining frontier as it would have it. Located in Mission Space Pavillion at Epcot. Embark on a journey 220 feet above the Earth to a space station far away from Epcot and up beyond the clouds. Journey to dine underneath the stars with a panorama from a space station with not only a delicious view but delicious food too that is truly out of this world!
Dining in space!
This experience starts with an elevator that takes you far above the clouds, past the earth's atmosphere to a Centauri space station in the sky. You enter off the elevator to see spinning produce just off to the left and as you enter the restaurant space you'll notice fine wine tucked away for safe keeping for your sipping pleasure.
Wine kept capsulated and tucked away
Smokey Galactic Salmon: Glazed Carrots, Maitake Mushrooms, Baby Bok Choy, Ginger Beurre Blanc
The food is truly delightful and I highly recommend not skipping out on this dining experience. While reservations are highly recommended, my family and I were able to get walk-up reservations as we were there super early before they opened to squeeze a walk-up reservation.
8. Teppan Edo- Epcot
No trip to Epcot would be complete without visiting one of my favorite spots Teppan Edo. Celebrate authentic Japanese cuisine during an exciting dining experience that’s part meal, part show. In the communal ritual of Teppan-yaki-style cooking, skillful chefs chop and stir-fry dishes on grills at your table. The chefs provide knowledge, Disney humor, and excellent skill when presenting your meal.
Our chef did the best Mickey voice I've ever heard!
There's something so special about communal dining that just gets everyone in the spirits of camaraderie and I think that's why this dining experience is one that you can really enjoy with your fellow Disney pals old and new.
9. Jaleo by José Andrés-Disney Springs
Papas Bravas and Potato Croquettes (Image Courtesy of Google)
Originating in Washington, DC in 1993, Jaleo by José Andrés continues to pay homage to the spirit and flavors of Spain at its first Florida location. Owned by World Renowned Chef and Humanitarian José Andrés, Jaleo brings a celebration of flavors and the overall Spanish Culinary Experience to visiting diners from the world over.
The plates are designed to be shared. Along with signature tapas, savory paellas, superb sangria, and a wide selection of the finest Spanish cheeses, wines, and sherries, you’ll always find something wholly unique and exciting. It’s tradition and whimsy, all in one bite.
Dining room view (image courtesy of google)
10. Morimoto Asia- Disney Springs
Extravagant dining room (Image courtesy of Morimoto Asia)
Morimoto’s take on Chinese, Japanese, and Korean dishes creates an unforgettable dining experience. Morimoto Asia is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. The dining experience is top-notch and something totally unexpected from a Disney Resort Restaurant. It has something for everyone to enjoy. It truly is a journey across Asian cuisine.
Sushi Platter (Image courtesy of Morimoto Asia)
The Asian Culinary Fare is a must-dine-in experience while visiting Disney Springs. There are so many fabulous choices available at this shopping park that it's such a treat to have two Culinary titans feature their amazing cuisine and culture on Disney Property. Choose from Japanese favorites like sushi, sashimi and the succulent Kakuni Bao or Chinese classics like crispy Peking duck carving (served boneless with Chinese pancakes and dim sum), plus Korean and Malay specialties—even some dishes inspired by Asian street-food stalls!
I hope this helps you when deciding your Disney dining plans. While you most certainly cannot go wrong with any of the dining selections Disney has to offer, these are just my own personal top 10 that I have shared with others. Let me know in the comments below what you think!
