Burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches and chicken tenders…with a salad if you’re lucky! These are the things that come to mind when you think about quick service (or counter service/grab n go) restaurants at a theme park.
With over 180 locations that fall under the category of Casual Dining, we’ll be looking for a few options that provide you with something different!
SATULI CANTEEN
Who knew that food from Pandora could be so appetizing?!
This is a spot that we visit at least a couple times a vacation, mostly for the variety and repeatability of the menu. You choose your protein, your base and your sauce. Talk about unique!
There’s a reason why Satul’li Canteen is ranked as one of our Top Quick Service Restaurants at Walt Disney World!
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REGAL EAGLE SMOKEHOUSE
BBQ can be a tricky cuisine to perfect, without even taking into consideration the fact that theme parks have traditionally poor execution of “non-theme park” food – Regal Eagle Smokehouse is the exception to the rule.
This American Adventure quick service location has provided both meat & plant-based BBQ options with incredible sides and the all-important self-service refill drink station.
Perfection for those going around the 1.2 mile EPCOT World Showcase adventure.
DAILY POUTINE
This walk-up location at Disney Springs is more about a touch of Canadian-cuisine in the middle of a plethora of food options than variety.
From the Oktoberfest Poutine with Stout Gravy, Bratwurst Sausage, Sauerkraut and Cheese Curds to the Classic Poutine with fries, gravy and cheese curds…unique is in the eyes of the beholder:)
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BLAZE PIZZA
Just a hop skip and a jump from Daily Poutine is Blaze Pizza, your home to complete customization and repeatability surrounded by a crust!
We’ve been to Blaze for the variety, but what makes it unique is the attention to detail that the staff put into their product. From the pride of changing cutting utensils when someone orders a vegetarian pizza to the question “does that look good to you?” that’s asked after each topping is added!
Keep your expectations in line, because it is a chain restaurant, but we’ve had amazing experiences at every Blaze Pizza that we’ve been to (both in Disney Springs and up in Toronto)
THE MARA
Some would consider The Mara as a the pinnacle of Resort Quick Service Dining, but my main reason for putting it on this list is to show off the creativity of the food options.
From a Braai Chicken Flatbread to a African Potjie (Hearty Stew with Beef, Turkey, Ham, Veggies, Basmati Rice and Kulcha Bread)…you’re going to be seeing variety that could only come from Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge!
Plus, it’s the home of the Zebra Dome and the Giraffe Eclair, so that’s worth the bus ride from the Animal Kingdom over, right?
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SUNSHINE SEASONS
To finish off the list, it was integral to give a nod to the originator of quality and open-concept cooking, Sunshine Seasons at The Land.
Soups, sandwiches, salads, proteins and everything in between…the daily variety takes the lead from the seasonality of the vegetables that are grown in their own greenhouses! I’ve spent many lunches and dinners with food from this restaurant, so you’re in for a treat!
Hidden Gems
- Primo Piatta at Riviera Resort
- EET by Maneet Chauhan at Disney Springs
- and finally my favourite…The Polite Pig at Disney Springs
Hope this will give you a few ideas when you’re thinking about spots to grab a good meal! Remember to check out the menus over at DisneyWorld.com (under the Casual Dining category), as there are always new and updated options available!
