Looking for Secret Quick Service Locations Across Disney Parks

[InTheAir]

While planning for our Disney trip during the crazy Christmas season, I immediately found that food would be one of our top priorities. It felt real bad waiting in a 50-person line in AK for 15 minutes, so I'm guessing that the Disboards community has a collection of secret spots, locations, and places for us to eat. It'd definetly be great to know where secret spots are such as second floors where people don't usually sit. Hope you guys can provide useful tips for everyone!

 

[Monkida]

It sounds like you are already aware of MK Columbia Harbor House's second floor to sit and eat. This isn't really hidden, but I'd add that Yak & Yeti QS @ AK fried rice is a steal for under $4 a person! I also like the chips and dips available at La Cava @ Mexico and the meats, cheese, and olives at Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar @ Italy in Epcot. Also, we really enjoyed the snacks at the Indiana Jones themed bar, Jock Lindsey's in Disney Springs. And, if you're going during Epcot International Food & Wine and you have a chase card (not Disney chase, any chase) you can take a break at the American pavilion and enjoy complimentary charging stations and coke freestyle machines.

 

[holden]

Eat at "off" times - 10am, 2pm, 3pm, etc. You could also make reservations for breakfast/lunch if you don't want to have to wait in line at a quick service place.

If you are at MK, head over to The Contempo Cafe for lunch. It's a 5/10 minute walk.

Sunshine Seasons at EP has lots of seating, especially over near Living with the Land.

DHS has poor quick service options. We like to have lunch at the Brown Derby there. Service is quick and food is delicious.

Tiffins at AK is a hidden gem. Not sure if they are open for lunch. It's one of our top 3 favorite restaurants.

 

[gmboy95]

Eat at "off" times - 10am, 2pm, 3pm, etc. You could also make reservations for breakfast/lunch if you don't want to have to wait in line at a quick service place.

If you are at MK, head over to The Contempo Cafe for lunch. It's a 5/10 minute walk.

Sunshine Seasons at EP has lots of seating, especially over near Living with the Land.

DHS has poor quick service options. We like to have lunch at the Brown Derby there. Service is quick and food is delicious.

Tiffins at AK is a hidden gem. Not sure if they are open for lunch. It's one of our top 3 favorite restaurants.

I totally agree with eating at off times....especially if you get a real early start in the morning, eating lunch right when it opens is definitely appealing if you dont eat a ton at breakfast!

 

[Hopefully]

It sounds like you are already aware of MK Columbia Harbor House's second floor to sit and eat. This isn't really hidden, but I'd add that Yak & Yeti QS @ AK fried rice is a steal for under $4 a person! I also like the chips and dips available at La Cava @ Mexico and the meats, cheese, and olives at Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar @ Italy in Epcot. Also, we really enjoyed the snacks at the Indiana Jones themed bar, Jock Lindsey's in Disney Springs. And, if you're going during Epcot International Food & Wine and you have a chase card (not Disney chase, any chase) you can take a break at the American pavilion and enjoy complimentary charging stations and coke freestyle machines.

OP stated they were going during the "crazy Christmas season", so there will not be a Chase lounge at the American Pavilion.
OP First off Welcome to the DIS
Secondly, in this connected day and age, if there was a secret place as soon as it was reported on the internet it would not longer be a secret.
That said, there are no secret QS places at Disney. If they did not make money they would be closed.
The best advice is either an ADR so you don't have to wait in line, or to eat at off hours.
Good Luck

 

[Oswald4Ever]

I'd suggest hopping on the monorail and going to Captain Cooks at the Poly, especially for Tonga Toast for breakfast. You can also get Dole Whip at Pineapple Lanai next door.

 

[pampam]

Very often at MK, Pecos Bill has extra seating between Frontierland and Caribean Plaza. You will still have to line up to order and get your food, but at least you might snag a good place to sit and eat.

 

[Sargeant Tibbs]

I can say from experience to avoid Yak and Yeti QS during the holiday at all costs. That was the worst QS experience I've ever had, ever, in terms of trying to find a table and collect enough chairs for our party. I think your best option, besides eating at off times as others suggested, is to pick large, well laid out QS restaurants that have a high capacity and turnover, an added plus at some of these during the holiday are CMs that are there specifically to keep guests flowing to empty tables. Cosmic Rays, Pinocchio's Village Haus, Pecos Bills, Backlot Express, Flame Tree, Sunshine Seasons, Electric Umbrella. I know these places seem obvious and counterintuitive, but they have lots of cashiers, tables and fast turnover. Eat between 11-11:30, or after 2. Another good option is to eat a big breakfast, have a light snack, and eat right before the dinner rush.