Disney World is home to memorable dining experiences that cover the spectrum of flavors, prices and style. Let’s take a trip through one line that I have no problem waiting in…the Buffet Line!
Here’s my list of the Best Buffets at Disney World
Just a quick note before we start about the list, because I know that there’s going to be locations that may or may not be here…and in the end of the day, it’s all fun!
Remember that Dining is 100% subjective and a single point of view. Eating at Walt Disney World is a blast and I’d eat at any of these restaurants again:)
THE BEST OF THE BEST
BOMA – FLAVORS OF AFRICA @ DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE
Boma brings a refreshing look at quality for an all-you-care-to-enjoy meal, starting from the food offering and going through to the ambience of the dining room. Having a line-up that actually provides choice and excitement with max repeatability without sacrificing taste is difficult, but the culinary team has taken the challenge and continuously exceeds expectations.
On top of the fact that this is named as one of the best restaurants for Vegetarian & Meat-Eater couples, it’s also a non-character based buffet which helps folks relax and enjoy the food. We’ve found that the salads, soups and mains are at the quality that you can build entree-style plates that other restaurants would charge an arm and a leg for, and then go and get another;)
Related Article: How to Buffet at Disney World
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THE BEST OF THE REST
TUSKER HOUSE
Theme park cuisine doesn’t have to be basic, so with Tusker House providing the quality of regional delicacies with menu staples…well it’s one of the best experiences on property! We’ve found that the character’s actually add to the excitement, which is a huge selling point.
In addition, being located a stones throw from Festival of the Lion King…it’s right in the heart of adventure and you won’t even notice. The ambience is perfectly designed for everyone from the large groups to the solo traveller!
CAPE MAY CAFE
With both Breakfast Character Buffet & Dinner Seafood options, Cape May Cafe offers two completely different experiences with wonderful appeal for guests who want to grab a good meal but be close enough to EPCOT to be able to be back for the nighttime fireworks spectacular!
BIERGARTEN
Underrated but not really. Biergarten is all about the atmosphere, so knowing ahead of time that you’ll be eating very carb-heavy food in a single large dining hall…you’ll be fine! I’ve had great meals here, but also had mediocre dining that didn’t justify the price.
It’s difficult because EPCOT is known for dining, so having an all-you-can-eat in a place where you’ve snacked around the world could mean that you just eat salad for trip through the buffet line.
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CHARACTER DINING
I’m going to put Chef Mickey’s, 1900 Park Fare, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, Hollywood & Vine and Crystal Palace all under one heading because their market focuses on families with kids that want a place to refuel and see characters. There are times that you want this excitement and times that the over-saturation of meltdowns and high price-points will just bring out the side that you don’t want on vacation.
I have a full article about Character Dining, so check that out for my opinions…but in the end of the day, I fully respect that folks love these restaurants. 🙂
NOT TECHNICALLY BUFFETS
Trail’s End, Garden Grill, Whispering Canyon Cafe, ‘Ohana, Liberty Tree Tavern….they all fall under a separate category of family-style and ordering more until you’re stuffed.
I’ve been known to fall head over heel for the bottomless milkshakes at Whispering Canyon, but after the 2nd serving…well even if you love them you can only drink so much!
IN CLOSING
When you’re visiting buffets and all-you-care-to-enjoy restaurants, goals range from wanting to please everyone in your group to getting a great meal of things that you may not have ever had before.
I’m a fan of trying restaurants at Disney World in order to experience new and exciting cuisines, so even if the environment isn’t your speed (like Biergarten or Crystal Palace)…you can always trust that the Disney difference will shine through!