There have been several questions about food and restaurants at WDW. For our family, food can be one of the more expensive aspects of the trip. So we thought we would put together some of our thoughts for anyone that is interested.
General thoughts/tips:
- Take water bottles. We like the aluminum vacuum sealed bottles that will keep your water cold even on the hot Florida days. We would fill them up with ice and water in the morning and then again at lunch. Bottled water is expensive in the parks, so this cuts down on cost. You can also ask for cups of water from any of the quick service spots throughout the parks and they are free.
- Take snacks. A few snacks are helpful to tide you over between meals. We had a backpack with snacks in it for those long lines. Something simple, won't melt, and light to carry worked--crackers, carrots, fruit snacks.
- Have a good breakfast. The parks are hot and you do A LOT of walking. We have found having a good breakfast cuts down on the whining and frustration throughout the day.
- Make a plan. To dine in the parks at any of the sit down restaurants, you need a reservation. You make this online PRIOR to your trip. They open reservations 60 days before you travel, start checking then. It is frustrating to not see what you want/need. But don't give up, keep trying.
- We found the mobile version of the reservation system was easier to use.
- We also found that checking at random times during they day or night made some places available.
- Be flexible about times and dates.
- You can book a place and cancel it later. If you see a place you want to eat, book it while you can, it may not be there a few minutes later.
- Some people use a paid service to get into that ONE restaurant they really want to go to, we did not do that and were able to have some amazing luck.
- Character Dinings are more expensive, but they are usually great food and a good way to see characters without staying in the lines out in the heat.
- Some of the quick service offerings are delicious too! Take time to research what your family would like. That will save time and money. Online ordering makes it easier too.
Here are some thoughts on specific restaurants: (again, just our family's point of view)
Hotel Restaurants
- Ohana--Polynesian Resort
- Kona Cafe
Magic Kingdom
- Cinderella's Royal Table
- Be Our Guest
- Aloha Isle
- Liberty Tree Tavern
- Sleepy Hollow Waffle
- Jungle Skipper Canteen
- Cosmic Ray's
This quick serve option is great for burgers and chicken tenders. It has indoor and outdoor seating and is located between Tomorrowland and Fantasyland.
- Pinocchio's
Animal Kingdom
- Tusker House
- Yak and Yeti and Yak and Yeti Quick Service
The Night Blossom drink in Pandora was a pleasant surprise. It has a pear and fruity taste. There is a passion fruit boba that comes with it. We got one by accident, and went back for more. That is in contrast to the pineapple cream cheese lumpia many raved over, but we found bland and lifeless.
EPCOT
- Chef de France
Chef de France is tucked away in the France Pavilion. They French Onion soup is perfect! I like to get a table just for the soup and a fresh baguette. Takes me right back to Paris.
- Rose and Crown
We stopped and ate and the Rose and Crown. They are known for their Fish and Chips--but neither of us like fried fish, so we tried other options. The curry was okay, but the Sticky Toffee Pudding was DELICIOUS!
Other delicious things to try included: pastries and breads from Les Halles, Shave Ice and Japanese candy from Japan Pavilion--we tried the Rock Zen Garden, which was beautiful and fun idea, but gross to taste, and the dumplings from China.
Food and Wine Festival Wins:
Canada: Bourbon Cheesecake and Braised Beef Poutine
Canada: Cheddar Cheese Soup. Filet Mignon
Food and Wine Festival Losses:
Hawaii: The Kalua pork was dry and the Passion Fruit Cheesecake was tasteless.
Asia: Noodles were flavorless and not authentic.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
- Hollywood and Vine
- Woody's Lunch Box
- Bakery
- Milk Stand
- Prime Time Café
Prime Time Café is themed to be eating in Mom's Kitchen in the 50's. They did really well with it. The server interacts with you as if you were family. They correct you, tell you that you need to eat your vegetables and not put your elbows on the table. The food we ate was also delicious. It was a balanced meal and hearty.
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