As seasoned Disney World enthusiasts and your friendly neighborhood trip planners at StepstoMagic.com, we’ve sampled our fair share of Mickey-shaped treats and magical meals.
However, in the vast culinary landscape of the Most Magical Place on Earth, there are some dining experiences that have consistently slipped through our fingers. Whether it’s due to last-minute plan changes, questionable menu options, or simply a case of “maybe next time” syndrome, these restaurants have remained elusive. Let’s take a deep dive into why we’ve never made it past the reservation stage for these Disney World eateries.
1. Tony’s Town Square (Magic Kingdom)
Why We’ve Skipped It: We can get a mediocre Italian meal at home, thank you very much!
Look, we love Lady and the Tramp as much as the next Disney fan, but not enough to suffer through overpriced spaghetti. The thought of slurping noodles while sweating in the Florida heat just doesn’t scream “magical dining experience” to us. Plus, with Casey’s Corner just a stone’s throw away, the allure of hot dogs usually wins out. Sorry, Tony – maybe we’ll see you in another hundred years when the pasta finally finishes cooking.
2. Space 220
Why We’ve Skipped It: Initially excited, we quickly lost interest when everyone said it wasn’t worth the “Hyperspace Hoopla!” Sometimes, the hype just doesn’t align with reality.
When Space 220 was announced, we were over the moon (pun intended). A space-themed restaurant? Sign us up! But faster than you can say “Houston, we have a problem,” the reviews started rolling in. Apparently, the food is as underwhelming as the view is overwhelming. We’re all for immersive dining, but not if it means paying astronomical prices for earthly mediocrity. Maybe we’ll visit when they start serving real astronaut ice cream.
3. Hollywood Brown Derby
Why We’ve Skipped It: There’s always a better way to spend an hour at Disney’s Hollywood Studios than sitting in a restaurant. Time is precious when there are attractions to experience!
In a park with Tower of Terror, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, and Rise of the Resistance, who has time for a leisurely Old Hollywood-style meal? Sure, the Brown Derby is a slice of Tinseltown glamour, but so is running from Stormtroopers in Galaxy’s Edge. We’ll take our Cobb salad to go from the Lounge, thank you – we’ve got a galaxy to save!
4. Liberty Tree Tavern (Magic Kingdom)
Why We’ve Skipped It: The vegetarian meal is far from appetizing. Plus, let’s be honest, Magic Kingdom isn’t exactly known for its stellar table service options.
Nothing says “colonial America” quite like… a vegetable patty? We appreciate the attempt at inclusivity, but this tavern seems to have left its veggie game back in 1776. And in a park where you can dine inside Cinderella Castle or Be Our Guest at the Beast’s enchanted abode, a meal at Liberty Tree Tavern feels about as exciting as a history textbook. We’ll stick to walking over to Steakhouse 71, thank you very much.
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5. La Cava del Tequila (EPCOT)
Why We’ve Skipped It: The 9 AM line is massive! We get it, folks… but seriously, how early is too early for tequila?
Don’t get us wrong – we love a good margarita as much as the next Disney adult. But the idea of lining up at rope drop for a shot of tequila instead of racing to Soarin’ or Test Track seems like a questionable life choice. By the time we make it to World Showcase, the line at La Cava looks more like the queue for Rise of the Resistance. We’ll stick to sipping our way around the world… starting after lunch, thank you very much.
6. House of Blues (Disney Springs)
Why We’ve Skipped It: Despite making reservations, it’s never been our final dinner choice. It falls into the same category as Rainforest Cafe, Blaze Pizza, and Earl of Sandwich – chain restaurants tend to get bumped down our priority list.
Here’s the thing: when we’re at Disney World, we want to feel like we’re at Disney World. House of Blues, while a great venue, feels a bit too much like somewhere we could visit back home. When faced with the choice between jambalaya at House of Blues or, say, dining with a view of the Savanna at Sanaa, well… let’s just say our reservations often end up getting the blues.
What About You?
Is there a Disney World restaurant you’ve repeatedly planned to visit but always end up canceling? Perhaps you’ve made it your life’s mission to avoid Character Dining at all costs, or maybe you just can’t bring yourself to try the Grey Stuff (despite hearing it’s delicious). We’d love to hear about your dining near-misses and restaurant regrets!
Remember, at StepstoMagic.com, we’re all about helping you plan the perfect Disney or Universal trip – even if that means steering you away from the restaurants we’ve never quite made it to ourselves. After all, in the world of Disney dining, sometimes the real magic is knowing where not to eat!