When you visit Disney World, there’s so much to see and do that it can get overwhelming. In fact, it’s all too easy to forget to eat until you’re ravenously hungry, at which point the choice of dining options is another stumbling block.
To ensure that you have the best experience, we’ve put together an overview of the different types of dining you can enjoy at Disney, from the simple and satisfying to the fun and extravagant.
Fast food done right at Disney World
Grabbing a quick snack to refuel before you head back out to enjoy the rides is a sensible step, and there are plenty of places to do just that.
Casey’s Corner is a hot dog lover’s paradise, appropriately positioned on Main Street USA. Adventureland Spring Roll Cart sells all manner of weird and wacky combinations of ingredients, wrapped up in perfectly dunkable crispy pancake casings. Yorkshire County Fish Shop lets you get a taste of the UK’s national dish of fish and chips, complete with other menu items sourced from across the Atlantic.
Character dining experiences to die for
Another thing that Disney World is known for is dining with characters included, catering particularly to younger visitors.
You can book in to see Mickey Mouse and pals at various restaurants, including Garden Grill, Hollywood & Vine, Topolino’s Terrace, and Tusker House.
Bear in mind that these tend to be experiences that sell out in advance and come at a higher price than you’d typically spend for a non-character meal. Therefore, if you’re keeping a tight grip on your finances, it’s better to eat elsewhere.
Must try hidden gems
It’s a good idea to get into Downtown Disney to eat if you’re looking for restaurants that are a little under the radar, yet definitely worth a visit.
Top options include the Catal Restaurant, Earl of Sandwich, Tortilla Jo’s, Splitsville, and the Uva Bar & Cafe. You can usually walk in and grab a table without a reservation at many of these venues, although if you do have time to plan in advance, booking earlier is the best way to avoid disappointment.
Classics that will have you coming back for more
Sometimes what you really want to eat is an all-American dish that doesn’t try too hard to veer away from the tried and tested approach to cuisine that the country is known for.
The Three Bridges Bar and Grill provides just that, with its signature burger ticking all the boxes in terms of taste, serving size, and ingredient quality.
Another restaurant to check out is the Geyser Point Bar & Grill. This restaurant in Disney serves up brilliant brisket dishes, including cheese-coated examples that are just perfect for snapping to share on social media.
Sweet treats to tingle your taste buds
So far, we’ve focused mostly on savory dishes, but there are also ample outlets at Disney World that will impress anyone who’s got a sweet tooth.
Salt & Straw is arguably the best of the bunch, as it’s an ice cream outlet with a difference. That difference comes in the form of some amazing flavor combinations, including olive oil, which really adds zing to the cones that are available.
The Nomad Lounge is well worth a visit if churros are your bag, not only because the churros themselves are well made, but because the range of sauces you can have as an accompaniment is extensive.
Final thoughts
Whatever your tastes, it’s wise to plan your trip to Disney World in advance. Be sure to book restaurants where relevant so you know that you’ll have food stops during the day.