A guide to the best Disney World restaurants for families

Dining at Disney is part of the magical experience. Whether you’re eating inside a princess castle, going on a cosmic adventure or meeting Mickey Mouse over breakfast, dining is part of the charm. From quick bites to character dining, the best Disney World restaurants offer more than just food. They are immersive, imaginative and perfect for creating lasting family memories.

With four theme parks, two water parks, Disney Springs and multiple resort hotels, Disney World offers over 400 restaurants and quick service options to choose from. In this ultimate guide, we’ll take you through the top restaurants in Disney World, Florida. We share tips on everything you need to know before you go, ensuring every belly is full and your holiday runs smoothly.

Dining at Disney World can be its own adventure, as each restaurant caters to families with dining options to delight every taste, style and budget. However, planning ahead is essential for Disney World restaurants. With thousands of families searching for limited seating at popular Disney eateries, knowing what to expect can make your trip more magical and far less stressful.

Types of dining options

Disney World offers three main types of dining options: quickservice, table service and signature, fine dining.

• Quick service (counter service) restaurants are ideal for grabbing a meal without a reservation. Think mobile ordering, fast seating and casual menus – great when travelling with young children or if you’re tight on time.
• Table service restaurants offer seated meals and usually require advance reservations. Many of the best restaurants in Disney World fall into this category, offering unique themes and family-friendly menus.
• Signature dining refers to upscale restaurants that provide gourmet meals and a more refined atmosphere. While still family-friendly, they’re best suited for older children or special celebrations.

You’ll find all of these categories scattered across the theme parks, Disney Resort hotels and Disney Springs. Of course, there’s always time to stop at Aloha Isle in the Magic Kingdom for a Pineapple Dole Whip!

Reservation requirements

To enjoy a great dining experience at Disney World, booking reservations in advance is essential, especially for the most popular Disney World restaurants. Dining reservations can be made up to 60 days ahead, which is highly advisable if you want a table at places like Cinderella’s Royal Table or Be Our Guest. If you're staying at a Disney Resort hotel, you can reserve for your entire stay at once. A credit card is typically needed to guarantee your reservation, so make sure you’ve checked the cancellation policies in advance. 

Top tip: if your chosen restaurant is fully booked, keep checking regularly, as guests often cancel and spots reopen.

Utilising the My Disney Experience app for dining

The My Disney Experience app is your best friend when it comes to navigating Disney World, including restaurants. From your mobile device, you can:

• Book or modify dining reservations
• Join walk-up waitlists at select table service restaurants
• Place mobile orders and pay at quick service locations
• Browse menus and filter by dietary needs, location and cuisine

Families can also link their bookings together so one person can make reservations for the entire group.

Top tip: set an alarm for 06:00 (EST) on your 60-day mark to maximise your chances of booking the best restaurants in Disney World. They fill up in seconds!

Character dining

Few things thrill young guests more than having breakfast with Mickey or dinner with their favourite Disney princesses. Character dining experiences let families enjoy meals while meeting beloved characters, all without waiting in line. In fact, the characters come to you.

Top character dining locations include:

• Chef Mickey’s (Contemporary Resort)
• Cinderella’s Royal Table (Magic Kingdom)
• Topolino’s Terrace (Riviera Resort)
• Story Book Dining at Artist Point (Wilderness Lodge)

Book early and bring your camera, as these experiences fill up fast and make for unforgettable moments.

Special events

Disney World offers a variety of special event dining experiences and packages to enhance celebrations or add a touch of magic to your holiday. These include dining packages for fireworks displays, seasonal festivals and unique dining experiences such as private events and customised celebrations.

Notable special event dining experiences include:

• Fantasmic! – a dining show in Hollywood Studios
• California Grill – a dining special that offers spectacular views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks
• Rose & Crown Fireworks Dining – a special dining experience including a prix fixe meal during EPCOT’s World Showcase Lagoon fireworks display
• The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival – an annual event that offers a range of international food booths that are not to be missed

Now for the fun part: exploring the best restaurants in Disney World. From immersive atmospheres to crowd-pleasing menus, these picks are ideal for families of all sizes and taste preferences.

1. Be Our Guest: Magic Kingdom

Step inside Beast’s enchanted castle and dine in the Ballroom, West Wing or Rose Gallery. This French-inspired table-service restaurant offers both quick-service lunch and prix fixe dinner. Children love the atmosphere, while you’ll be treated to a vast drinks menu – a rarity in the Magic Kingdom.

Nearest hotel: Disney’s Contemporary Resort (Monorail access)

2. Sleepy Hollow: Magic Kingdom

For a quick and tasty snack or casual breakfast, Sleepy Hollow is a hidden gem in Liberty Square. Their signature waffle sandwiches are a hit with children and adults.

Nearest hotel: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort And Spa

3. Cinderella's Royal Table: Magic Kingdom

A meal inside Cinderella Castle? Yes, it’s as magical as it sounds. This premium character dining experience features visits from princesses such as Ariel, Snow White and Jasmine. This spot is a bit pricier, but the views and memories are unrivalled.

Nearest hotel: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

4. 50s Prime Time Café: Hollywood Studios

This retro-style restaurant brings 1950s home life to life with kitschy décor, vintage TVs and waitstaff who playfully scold you for not finishing your vegetables. The meatloaf and milkshakes are fan favourites.

Nearest hotel: Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

5. Space 220 Restaurant: EPCOT

Dine 220 miles above Earth in this futuristic space-themed restaurant beside Mission: SPACE. Kids will enjoy watching digital astronauts float past while you’ll be able to dive into the fixed-price menu.

Nearest hotel: Disney’s Boardwalk Inn

6. Woody’s Lunch Box: Hollywood Studios

A quick-service favourite in Toy Story Land, Woody’s Lunch Box offers nostalgic dishes from the States like grilled cheese and tater tots. This spot is perfect for lunch with children between rides, as it provides plenty of outdoor seating.

Nearest hotel: Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Staying at a Disney Resort hotel comes with dining perks that are just as magical as the parks themselves. From character breakfasts to fine dining, these top Disney World restaurants are situated right within the resorts, providing a great excuse to explore beyond the theme parks. And the best part is you don’t need to be a hotel guest to enjoy Disney’s hotel restaurants.

1. Chef Mickey's at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

One of the most beloved character dining experiences, Chef Mickey’s features classic Disney characters like Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy, often in chef attire. It’s a buffet-style restaurant with all-you-can-eat breakfast and dinner, ideal for families looking to combine a hearty meal with character interaction.

2. Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Ohana means ‘family’, and this family-style restaurant truly lives up to its name. Breakfast features appearances from Lilo and Stitch, while dinner offers a Polynesian-inspired feast with grilled meats and island sides. Fire-grilled skewers and bread pudding are standout dishes.

3. Topolino's Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort

Perched on the top floor of Disney’s Riviera Resort, Topolino’s Terrace serves character breakfasts featuring Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Daisy dressed as artists and performers. The views are stunning and the Mediterranean-inspired menu is varied enough to suit the whole family.

4. Jiko, The Cooking Place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Jiko provides a refined, yet welcoming dining experience inspired by South African cuisine. Featuring wood-fired meats, innovative vegetarian options and an award-winning wine list, it stands out as one of the top Disney restaurants for food enthusiasts.

5. Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort And Spa

For families looking for an upmarket dining experience, we’d be remiss not to mention Disney’s first and only Michelin-starred and AAA 5-Diamond-awarded restaurant located within Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. Victoria & Albert’s offers a refined experience that surpasses a typical meal, featuring multi-course tasting menus with top-quality ingredients, personalised service and an elegant atmosphere.

Dining at Disney Springs

If you’re looking for variety, quality and a lively atmosphere, Disney Springs features over 60 dining eateries ranging from quick bites to celebrity-chef restaurants. It’s an excellent location for a day away from the parks or a relaxed evening meal. Dining here doesn’t need park admission, making it perfect for your arrival or departure day.

Disney Springs is home to:

• Casual chains like Blaze Pizza, Earl of Sandwich and Chicken Guy!
• Signature restaurants, including Morimoto Asia, Wine Bar George and STK Orlando
• Fun family favourites like T-Rex Café and Rainforest Café
• Dozens of snack and dessert locations, perfect for strolling and sampling

Disney Springs restaurants to try on your adventure

1. Summer House on the Lake at Disney Springs

Summer House offers a laid-back California-inspired menu featuring sandwiches, salads and wood-fired pizzas. It also has a fully equipped bakery on-site with warm cookies. The open-air layout and water views make this one of the top restaurants near Disney World for families looking for a peaceful setting after a busy day at the park.

2. The Boathouse at Disney Springs

This waterfront restaurant combines upscale seafood with a nautical theme that families enjoy. The menu caters to all tastes, including lobster rolls, burgers and oysters. The views of the lake, with vintage amphicars gliding past, offer a visual treat. There’s even a dockside bar, perfect for relaxing.

Dining at Disney World is much more than just fuel for your day – it’s a key part of the holiday magic. From princess-themed feasts to gourmet rooftop dinners, the restaurants in Disney offer something for every family. 

After all, Disney dining is all about experience – whether that means being served by a pretend mum at 50s Prime Time Café, waving to Belle during dinner or finishing a chocolate volcano at The Boathouse. The magic doesn’t stop at the parks, and meals can be just as memorable as the rides.