As our friends at Disney Food Blog have stated, “Food IS a Theme Park”!
This means that you should take that into account when you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World. Some of the best restaurants at the resort are experts at creating a blend of great food AND a memorable atmosphere, which I would argue actually enhances your memories.
This list will do the following:
- Make your mouth water
- Bring back amazing memories IF you’ve already dined at the location
- Want to find a reservation for your next vacation to Disney World!
BE OUR GUEST
Without a doubt, one of the best themed restaurants at Walt Disney World is Be Our Guest, which is found in New Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom.
The idea that you can go across a bridge guarded by gargoyles and literally walk into the Beast’s Castle from the movie!
Memories from your childhood will engulf your senses when you get a chance to see everything that you could have imagined. Suits of armor, the Ballroom, the Rose Gallery, the West Wing AND the enchanted rose…it’s all there!
We’ve got a couple articles about Be Our Guest, including “Lunch vs Dinner Q&A” and “How to get a reservation” so be sure to check them out if you’ve got more questions:)
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50’S PRIME TIME CAFE
This is more than a restaurant with great home cooking. The idea that you can feel like you’re back in the good ol’ days with an atmosphere that will make you feel like you’re stuck in a black & white TV!
Your servers are all “family”, and they know how to make sure to get you to eat your vegetables and keep your elbows off the table. Be on your best behaviour and you’ll be fine;)
50’s Prime Time Cafe is a highly sought-after reservation at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, so you’ll have to be early to get your ADR or incredibly lucky for a last minute cancellation.
SCI-FI DINE-IN
Kids now-a-days will never know what a “drive-in” movie theatre atmosphere was all about. BUT when you get the chance to eat at this hidden gem at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, it’ll bring you back to a more simpler time.
Designed in the feeling of an old school drive-in, where the tables are cars and the food is served with classic movies projected onto a screen at the front of the dining room.
SAN ANGEL INN
The atmosphere inside the Mexico Pavilion in EPCOT’s World Showcase is so magnificent that words just won’t do it justice.
San Angel Inn is situated in a classic Mexican village courtyard with an Aztec Temple overlooking the area. The feeling that you get with the dimmed lights, the water sounds from the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros attraction in the background…it’s peaceful and very ‘Blue Bayou’-esc (from Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean attraction).
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BIERGARTEN
Another restaurant within World Showcase at EPCOT, this one takes you into the Germany pavilion.
When we dined at this buffet, it was more than just a line-up of food (which you get from other buffets on property). The theming actually takes you into the Oktoberfest celebrations, complete with a German band and a dance floor!
The food was a side-note for the restaurant, as it’s a lot of sausages, pretzels and other German-style cuisine. If you feel like you need a little more variety, then ask the chef to walk you through the dishes and you may discover a few new fun ideas!
Oh, and there’s beer.
CORAL REEF
Located in the Living Seas Pavilion (also known as the Seas with Nemo and Friends), this restaurant has a direct view into the aquarium.
As a fan of undersea creatures, like fish, sharks and turtles…this was an absolutely awesome experience! There was a great menu as well, which allows you to enjoy seafood and other food that you just want to eat when you see it! (get it…see-food!
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JOCK LINDSEY’S HANGAR BAR
Disney Springs is starting to see the “next level” of restaurants join their line-up of epic restaurants, and that’s where Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar comes in!
The storytelling of this location is brilliant, but the recommendation is to talk with the Cast Members and ask for the hidden gems…like the T-Rex tooth!
GASTON’S TAVERN
When I was putting together this list, one of the dining locations that kept coming up on my spreadsheet was the amazingly detailed Gaston’s Tavern in New Fantasyland!
Although not a complete full quick service spot, it’s got a full menu that includes pretzels, cheese platters, macarons, cinnamon rolls and so much more! It’s ALSO the home of LeFou’s Brew, which is a drink that brings together frozen apple juice, toasted marshmallow and a fruit-mango foam on top.
The theming is just perfect for Gaston, as it’s decorated with antlers, classic seating elements and other period-pieces.
Related Article – Best Snacks for the Disney Dining Plan
Hope this helps your Trip Planning for your next Disney Vacation! 🙂
