There was a time when Disney Dining in Florida was an adventure. Not a good one. When I was a kid, eating in the parks meant dry hamburger patties slapped between 2 pieces of bread. Ice cream was the best park meal. Today, I’m happy to say, if you long for dry hamburgers, you can still find them. But a world of dining offerings awaits Disney guests.
The 2 Orange Counties
I constantly field questions about where the best place to dine at Disneyland is. Or what is my favorite restaurant is at Animal Kingdom. I always start an answer to these questions with a basic analysis of the dining practices of Californians as they relate to the rest of our country. People on the east coast tend to eat richer diets. While fresh fruit and vegetables have become more prevalent in the east coast diet than when I lived in Virginia as a child, there is still a higher emphasis on meat dishes back east.
Those of us in California just eat different. The presence of Mexican and Asian flavors is much more predominant in the California diet. As are fruit and vegetable dishes. Food pundits often call it the “Mediterranean Diet.” Whatever you choose to call it, it’s just different. This dietary difference extends to the Disney dining options in California versus Florida as well. It also impacts what someone from the East Coast considers their favorite Disney Dining Experience compared to their Western Disney compatriots.
All Disney Resorts offer a dizzying array of dining options from Churros served out of moveable carts to multi-course fine dining experiences. All the fine dining restaurants offer a children’s menu so even with kids in tow, you can enjoy a nice meal without concerning yourself that your little ones won’t find something to fill their tummies.
Florida
Dining at Walt Disney World involves navigating a array of quick service and sit down meals both inside the park gates, around the resorts, and throughout Disney Springs. If you have a craving for something specific, chances are you can find it at Disney World.
When you think of dining at WDW, EPCOT naturally is the first place to explore. And it should be. The 11 country pavilions offer everything from fish and chips to sushi to Bavarian Pretzels and fine steaks. Restaurants around EPCOT change their menu offerings. For fine dining you can’t beat Le Cellier in Canada or Via Napoli in Italy. But you don’t need to invest lots of time and vacation dollars at EPCOT. There are some surprisingly good counter service meals as well. The fish and chips in England are especially good. There is surprisingly good Mexican Food at the walk up counter at the Mexico Pavilion. While Space Road Table has changed their menu offerings considerably since the COVID shutdown, they still offer the spiced delicious Moroccan Favorites that will make you dream of an adventure in this beautiful North African Country. The bonus with EPCOT? If you enjoy a nice wine or beer with your meal, the different country pavilions offer local adult beverages. So you can enjoy sake or Sapporo at Japan, a fine Italian wine, or a local Moroccan beer.
EPCOT just opened a new Space Themed restaurant next to Mission Space. While we haven’t had the opportunity to indulge here, I have heard good things. I can only hope the food goes beyond standard astronaut fare – everything microwaved and nothing that can crumble!
Over at Animal Kingdom you will find, hands down, 2 of the best dining options around Disney. If you wish a fine dining experience with excellent service, Tiffins is worth the cost. Sometimes a reservation can be hard to snag, so be sure to reserve your table for this exquisite dining option when your reservation window first opens. Order the whole broiled fish. It’s excellent and comes with the best presentation ever! Over in Pandora, the Satu’li Canteen offers excellent bowls. Satu’li is a must stop for anyone looking for a healthier meal. They also offer gluten free and vegan bowls. Walking around toward the front of the park, many people like Flame Tree Barbeque. Yak and Yeti in Asia has both a sit down and counter service option that is good. We also enjoy Harambe Market. The thing to note in Animal Kingdom is, the food mimics the flavors of Asia and Africa. And Pandora! Skip the burgers and fries here. Try something new and exotic. It’s all fantastic.
Hollywood Studios has 2 of the most fun immersive dining experiences around. At Prime Time café you can enjoy 1950’s home style cooking while waiters role play from that era. Next to Star Tours, you can dine in a mock convertible while watching 1950’s science fiction film clips at SciFi Dine In. The food at SciFi is okay, but the atmosphere is completely worth a meal.
Hollywood studios is also home to Brown Derby. I’m proud to say that after years of visiting Florida, I finally ate here. It was a good meal, just like the original Brown Derby in Hollywood California. My aunt used to take me to the Brown Derby – the original one – and it was fun to wander around Florida’s version of the iconic Movie Star Haunt looking at the drawings of all the famous people. It brought back memories of dressing up and star watching with my Aunt. See how many you can recognize from their charicatures.
Magic Kingdom has a solid counter service Mexican Restaurant near Pirates of the Caribbean. It’s not authentic Mexican Food, but it’s solid and tastes good. If you have a young girl in tow, Be Our Guest revolves around the Beauty and the Beast Theme. Finally there’s Jungle Navigation Company. While I wouldn’t recommend this restaurant to unadventurous eaters, if you enjoy Asian fusion fare or you’re looking for something beyond burgers and fries, this is a wonderful option. Bonus! The waiters role play here also! Ask for the blow darts with your drinks.
Over at Disney Springs there are a ton of restaurants. Some are immersed in beautiful character such as Edison. Some have light bites in a fun setting like Jock Lindsey’s Hanger Bar. Some, like Jaleo and Morimoto, just have great food. Frontera Cocina offers excellent traditional Mexican food. Don’t expect rice and beans slopped on a plate. Frontera is a fine dining Mexican Restaurant. Art Smith’s Homecoming is a perennial favorite. As is Rainforest Café. We’ve tried almost every restaurant at the Springs. They are all yummy. It just depends on your taste.
Disney Spring has several good counter service places as well. Blaze pizza allows you to build your own pizza. This California based chain is fun and you will not leave hungry. Delux Burgers serves up solid burgers and fries. If dessert is what you are craving, run, do not walk, to Ghiradelli for ice cream. This San Francisco based ice cream store will satisfy your sweet tooth.
We haven’t even begun to discuss the amazing choices available at Disney Resorts. Some favorites among our friends and fellow Disney Lovers include:
The subtle flavors of South Africa at Jiko at Animal Kingdom Lodge
Topolino’s blend of French and Italian flavors at Riviera
The Polynesian Luau style experience at Ohana at the Polynesian
California Dining with a View at the California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Boma and Sanaa at Animal Kingdom Lodge are popular
Several of the resorts also have lovely lounges and pool bars where you can sip on an exotic drink and just relax. Trader Sam’s at the Polynesian is a popular watering hole. Geyser Point at Wilderness Lodge offers good food and an extensive bar.
Finally, there’s the world of Character Dining. If you have little ones who love Stitch or Alice in Wonderland, or you are just a Disney Lover who enjoys interacting with Characters, a Character Dining experience is a must. They can be pricey and several are buffets, so if you are budget conscious or not a big eater, it might not be the best investment. But if you love photos with characters and the Disney experience, I highly recommend it for a birthday or anniversary celebration.
The world awaits you at Disney Resort Dining. Like the parks and the Springs, there’s a menu and flavor for everyone. Be adventurous. Try a menu that is exotic to you.