What are the best restaurants at Disney World?

[03KM0]

My fiance and I are going to Disney World for our honeymoon and I'm trying to figure out what restaurants to reserve spots for. I'm making a rough schedule now and trying to figure out what restaurants will be fun for us! Neither of us have stayed at a Disney resort before and he has never been to Disney World. I haven't gone since I was a small child so we're super new to this!

We will be staying 7 nights and 7 1/2 days at AK- Jambo House.

Breakfast wise, we'll be doing room service once and the majority of time we'll eat food we're bringing. But there are a few mornings we'd like to dine in somewhere. What are the best breakfast joints?

For lunch we're both more than happy to mix deli/pub style restaurants and quick service meals. Laid back lunches are perfect for us. Any suggestions? I've heard purchasing a disney refillable cup is worth it if you plan to eat lunch in the parks everyday. Is this true?

We for sure want to do a table service dinner every night. What are some great places to visit? Are there any dinner shows at Walt Disney World? I know for a fact we want to have dinner at Be Our Guest one night, but other than that I have no idea!

As of right now we are not purchasing a dining plan because I know we will both have an occasional drink and I've read for two adults the dining plan isn't the best option.

Thank you for any and all suggestions!!!

 

[cheshirecatattack]

Congratulations! First, regarding the refillable mugs, they are only refillable at your home resort. So, if you plan on spending a decent amount of time there, they can be worth it.

In regards to dinner shows, I have never been, but there are Spirit of Aloha at the Poly and Hoop de Doo is at Fort Wilderness.

My one breakfast recommendation is Kona at the Poly

For casual/relaxed lunches, I would recommend Liberty Tree Tavern in MK, Rose and Crown in Epcot, the
Sci-Fi in HS and Yak and Yeti in AK.

Some nice places for dinner, I would recommend Boma at AKL, California Grill at Contemporary, Teppan Edo in Ep, Bluezoo at the Swan/Dolphin, for Via Napoli for pizza.

Enjoy planning!

 

[Uncleromulus]

You asked for the "best" so:

Best seafood--Blue Zoo
Best steak-Shulas
Best Italian-Il Mulino
Best Disney operated restaurant-Citricos

Best breakfast--tie between Kona and Olivias

 

[03KM0]

Thank you so much!

I will definitely look into all of those!

 

[03KM0]

Congratulations! First, regarding the refillable mugs, they are only refillable at your home resort. So, if you plan on spending a decent amount of time there, they can be worth it.

In regards to dinner shows, I have never been, but there are Spirit of Aloha at the Poly and Hoop de Doo is at Fort Wilderness.

My one breakfast recommendation is Kona at the Poly

For casual/relaxed lunches, I would recommend Liberty Tree Tavern in MK, Rose and Crown in Epcot, the
Sci-Fi in HS and Yak and Yeti in AK.

Some nice places for dinner, I would recommend Boma at AKL, California Grill at Contemporary, Teppan Edo in Ep, Bluezoo at the Swan/Dolphin, for Via Napoli for pizza.

Enjoy planning!

Can't wait to look into those dinner shows! Thank you so much!

 

[Aliceacc]

Congratulations!!

We love the dining plan. I don't know whether or not it actually saves us money; we pretty much break even. But I LOVE not having to look at the prices when I order! We didn't have it last trip and I really, REALLY missed it.

Our newest favorite: the Clam Bake at Cape May Cafe. (In the Beach Club, a 2 minute walk from Epcot's International Gateway.) For us, this is now a "Must Do."

Also, you NEED at least one character meal. I'll suggest Chef Mickey's.

We also love the Coral Reef in Epcot. I know it gets mixed reviews, but we've never gotten a bad meal there. And the scenery is amazing; one entire wall is the fish tank.

We're also big Le Cellier fans. Again, we've never gotten a bad meal there, even though on our last trip we went at lunch, not dinner.

As an aside, try hard to get ADRs for the Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks Dessert Buffet.

Also, look into having Lunch with an Imagineer. I got it for my husband last Christmas. He said it was amazing!!! He and about 5 other people ate at the Brown Derby, and spoke to an electrical engineer who worked on the new interactive queues at Test Track. Consider getting it for the two of you as a wedding present for your fiance.

 

[03KM0]

Congratulations!!

We love the dining plan. I don't know whether or not it actually saves us money; we pretty much break even. But I LOVE not having to look at the prices when I order! We didn't have it last trip and I really, REALLY missed it.

Our newest favorite: the Clam Bake at Cape May Cafe. (In the Beach Club, a 2 minute walk from Epcot's International Gateway.) For us, this is now a "Must Do."

Also, you NEED at least one character meal. I'll suggest Chef Mickey's.

We also love the Coral Reef in Epcot. I know it gets mixed reviews, but we've never gotten a bad meal there. And the scenery is amazing; one entire wall is the fish tank.

We're also big Le Cellier fans. Again, we've never gotten a bad meal there, even though on our last trip we went at lunch, not dinner.

As an aside, try hard to get ADRs for the Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks Dessert Buffet.

Also, look into having Lunch with an Imagineer. I got it for my husband last Christmas. He said it was amazing!!! He and about 5 other people ate at the Brown Derby, and spoke to an electrical engineer who worked on the new interactive queues at Test Track. Consider getting it for the two of you as a wedding present for your fiance.

Oh my goodness those are great ideas!

You're so right about Character dining! I was wondering which place to go to! Also the clam bake sounds so good!

This may sound so stupid but is the Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks Dessert Buffet something that happens at night during Wishes? Or is it anytime?

 

[Aliceacc]

Not a stupid question at all. (Sorry, I had to let the dog out and stopped mid thought before.)

Here's the info: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/magic-kingdom/tomorrowland-terrace-fireworks-dessert-party/

It'a dessert buffet that takes place in front of Cinderella's Castle before the fireworks. Yes, the desserts are fabulous. And, yes, there's a photopass photographer there for some GORGEOUS pictures of you in front of the castle... that was this year's Christmas Card picture. And, yes, you get a decent (though not great) view of the parade. And, yes, Tinkerbell flies literally right over your head.

But most of all, you have a table and a chair (along with a beverage and dessert) while you watch Wishes. It's so very incredibly civilized. (For you and your new husband, romantic. For us and our 3 kids, I'll happily take civilized.) No jostling for a place to sit, but a table all to yourselves with a great view. And after the fireworks, you can sit there for a while as the madness erupts while people leave the park.

Absolutely, try to book it! Speak to a travel agent if you have one, and get it for one night during your stay.

 

[Aliceacc]

OH, and here's the info on Lunch with an Imagineer:
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/boardwalk/dine-with-an-imagineer/

 

[JimmyV]

Congratulations!!

We love the dining plan.

You asked about "the best". So you need to be aware that many of the best restaurants are NOT part of the dining plan. The DP is simply not a good choice for people who are looking to ramp up the quality of their dining experience. Here's my list of the best places not in any order:

NOT ON THE DINING PLAN:
bluezoo
Victoria & Albert's
Shula's
Il Mulino
Bull and Bear

ON THE PLAN
Monsieur Paul (but this requires a significant cash supplement in addition to Plan credits)
Citricos
House of Blues for Sunday Brunch
California Grill (probably) when it reopens. Won't know until then.
Flying Fish
Via Napoli for pizza
Cape May-best buffet food
Crystal Palace-best buffet atmosphere with characters.

 

[Hopefully]

Oh my goodness those are great ideas!

You're so right about Character dining! I was wondering which place to go to! Also the clam bake sounds so good!

This may sound so stupid but is the Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks Dessert Buffet something that happens at night during Wishes? Or is it anytime?

Yes the dessert buffet is during Wishes.
I highly recommend the Hoop Dee Doo Review for the dinner show. It is pure Disney entertainment!!! It is a western themed dinner show with lots of energetic singing, dancning, corny jokes and audience participation. It is all you care to eat dinner featuring salad, corn bread, fried chicken, ribs, baked beans, mashed potatoes, vegtables and strawberry shortcake. The price includes tax, tip and beverages including beer, wine and sangria. It is certainly not gourmet, but rather good "down home" cooking We love it.
When is your trip? Be aware that the window to book Advanced Dining Reservations opens up 180 days prior to your checkin day. The most popular restaurants book fully months in advance. The Disney restaurants do NOT hold tables for walkins.

 

[03KM0]

Not a stupid question at all. (Sorry, I had to let the dog out and stopped mid thought before.)

Here's the info: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/magic-kingdom/tomorrowland-terrace-fireworks-dessert-party/

It'a dessert buffet that takes place in front of Cinderella's Castle before the fireworks. Yes, the desserts are fabulous. And, yes, there's a photopass photographer there for some GORGEOUS pictures of you in front of the castle... that was this year's Christmas Card picture. And, yes, you get a decent (though not great) view of the parade. And, yes, Tinkerbell flies literally right over your head.

But most of all, you have a table and a chair (along with a beverage and dessert) while you watch Wishes. It's so very incredibly civilized. (For you and your new husband, romantic. For us and our 3 kids, I'll happily take civilized.) No jostling for a place to sit, but a table all to yourselves with a great view. And after the fireworks, you can sit there for a while as the madness erupts while people leave the park.

Absolutely, try to book it! Speak to a travel agent if you have one, and get it for one night during your stay.

YOU ARE AMAZING!

That sounds SO perfect for us. You've gotten me so excited I just can't handle it right now. Thank you so SO much! I will make the reservations asap!

 

[DizDaD7]

Congrats on your upcoming wedding.... Geees it seems like a short time ago (15 years now ) Since I did the honeymoon 1st half of honeymoon at Disney...It was my 1st time as well And all I can say is...Do Everything and ANything.....

1st off you're staying at a beautiful resort so, I'm sure youll find yourself spending time at the resort....Not to mention you have Bomas in Jambo Highly rated & Sanaa in Kidani which we always here good things about.

Breakfast wise We like:
1) 1900 Park Fare -at Grand Floridian
2) Tusker House - AK
3) Ohana's - Poly

CS meals :
Like you said you can grab n go.
DTD had Earl of Sandwich which is always a crowd pleaser.
Columbia House - MK
Flame Tree BBQ - AK
Anywhere - Epcot.

Dinners can vary depending on what type of ambience or setting, or mood you're in:
I'll break it into categories:

Fun with antics:
1) 50's Prime time cafe - HS
2) Hoop De Doo Revue - FW near Wilderness Lodge campgrounds
3) Whispering canyon Cafe - WL

Just good food and theming:
1) Flying Fish - Boardwalk
2) Yachtsmen STeakhouse - Beach & yacht club
3) Le cellier - Epcot/ Canada
4) Ohana's - Poly

A lil more romantic:
1) Fulton's - DTD
2) Narcosee's - GF
3) Tutto Italia - Epcot/ Italy

Some fun character meals:
1) 1900 park fare Breakfast - GF
2) Tusker House Breakfast - AK/ TH
3) Cinderellas Royal Table - MK

 

[03KM0]

Yes the dessert buffet is during Wishes.
I highly recommend the Hoop Dee Doo Review for the dinner show. It is pure Disney entertainment!!! It is a western themed dinner show with lots of energetic singing, dancning, corny jokes and audience participation. It is all you care to eat dinner featuring salad, corn bread, fried chicken, ribs, baked beans, mashed potatoes, vegtables and strawberry shortcake. The price includes tax, tip and beverages including beer, wine and sangria. It is certainly not gourmet, but rather good "down home" cooking We love it.
When is your trip? Be aware that the window to book Advanced Dining Reservations opens up 180 days prior to your checkin day. The most popular restaurants book fully months in advance. The Disney restaurants do NOT hold tables for walkins.

Oh wow that sounds like so much fun! We're actually from the south so down home cooking will be right up our alley! Our trip is September 22-29, 2013. I'm not too worried about everything being "gourmet" I just want us to have a nice balance. Nothing too stuffy though, neither of us would know how to handle it lol.

 

[03KM0]

DizDaD7 you've given me so many options to choose from! Thank you!
I'm glad to hear there will be so many dining options on our resort. We may have to stop by Bomas our first night in!

 

[DizDaD7]

Obviously there are plenty more options to choose from that there isn't enough time to go into complete detail. You' ll just have to find out for yourself...This is the fun part..LoL

Also we're staying at Jambo house in APril for the 1st time as well.

If you need any info on this resort, there is a thread that my sister started that gives some in and outs. All about AKL.. Here it is:http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3049102

 

[03KM0]

You'll have to let me know how you like it! I'm very excited to stay there.

And yes I imagine that is one of the fun parts...discovering things for yourself

 

[mickeysbestfriend]

had our honeymoon at Disney. We stayed at Old Key West so had breakfast at Olivia's several times and Trails End buffeteria. The other mornings we fixed breakfast in our villa.

For our lunches we tried:

50's prime Time
Flame Tree BBQ
The Plaza
Liberty Tree Tavern
Earl of Sandwich
Biergarten

Dinner included:

Chefs de France
Hoop Dee Doo
Captains Grille
Boma (wife didn't like)
Mama Melrose
Le Cellier

We never do the dining plan because it's just way too much food and neither of us are desert eaters. We liked being able to have an appetizer or two and an adullt beverage if that was all we were hungry for.

 

[03KM0]

Great suggestions.

I don't think we'll do the dining plan either. We keep going back and forth lol. It just doesn't seem worth it to me when we'll have to pay out of pocket for drinks.

 

[disnmooner2013]

My fiance and I are going to Disney World for our honeymoon and I'm trying to figure out what restaurants to reserve spots for. I'm making a rough schedule now and trying to figure out what restaurants will be fun for us! Neither of us have stayed at a Disney resort before and he has never been to Disney World. I haven't gone since I was a small child so we're super new to this!

We will be staying 7 nights and 7 1/2 days at AK- Jambo House.

Breakfast wise, we'll be doing room service once and the majority of time we'll eat food we're bringing. But there are a few mornings we'd like to dine in somewhere. What are the best breakfast joints?

For lunch we're both more than happy to mix deli/pub style restaurants and quick service meals. Laid back lunches are perfect for us. Any suggestions? I've heard purchasing a disney refillable cup is worth it if you plan to eat lunch in the parks everyday. Is this true?

We for sure want to do a table service dinner every night. What are some great places to visit? Are there any dinner shows at Walt Disney World? I know for a fact we want to have dinner at Be Our Guest one night, but other than that I have no idea!

As of right now we are not purchasing a dining plan because I know we will both have an occasional drink and I've read for two adults the dining plan isn't the best option.

Thank you for any and all suggestions!!!

Congrats 03KM0. We are also honeymooning in Disney World this year. If you want some suggestions of things to do on your honeymoon, I have posted the link at the bottom of my response to my honeymoon itinerary thread. I have broken "Best Restaurants" I would recommend for your trip into categories below.

ULTIMATE/UNFORGETTABLE DINING EXPERIENCE:
1. Victoria & Albert's (Try to get the Chef's Table if your budget will allow it)

Romantic Restaurants:
1. Narcoossee's (view Wishes from)
2. California Grill (view Wishes from)
3. Bluezoo
4. Artist Point (you can dine with an Imagineer if you want that experience)
5. Jiko

Best Steakhouses:
1. Yachtsman Steakhouse (I put this ahead of Shula's since Shula's meals do not come with a side)
2. Shulas

Best Non-Signature Table Service Restaurants:
1. Sanaa (view animals while eating; go while it is light outside)
2. Kona Cafe (for all meals)
3. Via Napoli (best pizza on Disney Property)
4. Les Chefs de France
5. Teppan Edo

Best Character Meals:
1. Crystal Palace (go for breakfast before MK opens)

Best Counter Service Restaurants:
1. Tangerine Cafe
2. Earl of Sandwich
3. Wolfgang Puck Express
4. Columbia Harbour House
5. Be Our Guest
6. Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie
7. Sunshine Seasons
8. Captain Cooks at Polynesian
9. Roaring Fork at Wilderness Lodge

Best lounges/bars:
1. Tambu Lounge at Polynesian
2. Raglan Road
3. Territory Lounge at Wilderness Lodge

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3041090