WDW Dining Tips

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Most romantic dinner spot: A table for two at Victoria & Albert's at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Royal Doulton china, Sambonet silver, personalized menus and impeccable service. The Grand Marnier soufflés are heavenly.

Best vegetarian: California Grill has an ever-changing selection.

How to order kosher meals: Kosher meals are available at any table-service restaurant at Walt Disney World Resort. A 24-hour notice is required, and the meals are purchased from an outside vendor. Guests may bring their own preferred kosher products.

Where is Mickey Mouse? The Big Cheese is the most-requested character dinner partner, and he can be found at Chef Mickey's Buffet (breakfast and dinner) at Disney's Contemporary Resort; at Restaurantosaurus (breakfast only) at Disney's Animal Kingdom; at 'Ohana (breakfast only) at Disney's Polynesian Resort; and at Garden Grill restaurant ((breakfast, lunch and dinner) in The Land at Epcot.

Where to find sushi: California Grill at Disney's Contemporary Resort; Matsu No Ma Lounge in Japan in Epcot World Showcase; Wolfgang Puck Cafe at Downtown Disney West Side; and Kimono's in the Walt Disney World Swan hotel. For breakfast, sushi is served at the Grand Floridian Cafe at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

Best steak dinner: It's a toss-up -- Yachtsman Steakhouse with its glassed-in butcher shop at Disney's Yacht Club Resort, the Concourse Steakhouse at Disney's Contemporary Resort, or Le Cellier in the Canada pavilion at Epcot.

The freshest seafood: Coral Reef at The Living Seas at Epcot, with a panoramic view of the 6-million-gallon saltwater aquarium; California Grill at the Contemporary, where the grilled tuna is the most popular dish on the menu; and Flying Fish Cafe at Disney's BoardWalk.

World's best milkshakes: Take your pick -- "Mom's" special shakes at 50's Prime Time Cafe at Disney-MGM Studios, or any flavor at Beaches and Cream Soda Shop at Disney's Beach Club Resort.

Afternoon Tea: The afternoon tradition is observed at Garden View Lounge at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

Tapas: Mediterranean light bites are on the menu at Spoodles at Disney's BoardWalk.

Family fun experience: Top three choices -- `Ohana's all-you-can-eat feast at Disney's Polynesian Resort, the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, and Whispering Canyon Cafe at Disney's Wilderness Lodge.

Best table for viewing "IllumiNations": Sit on the outdoor terrace at the Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room in the United Kingdom.

Best desserts on the run: Norwegian delicacies -- rice cream with strawberries and almond pastry rings -- are featured at the Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe at Norway in Epcot World Showcase. Nearby in France, the little Boulangerie Patisserie offers fresh-baked croissants, brioches, eclairs, fruit tarts and chocolate mousse. If you're in Future World, Fountain View Espresso & Bakery has a great selection of sweets. At Disney-MGM Studios, head for Starring Rolls Bakery for sandwiches and sweets.

Best place to pack a fancy picnic basket: Gourmet Pantry at Downtown Disney Marketplace.

Most unusual tableside entertainment: The authentic bellydancers in Morocco in Epcot World Showcase.

Best hot dogs: Sunset Ranch Market at Disney-MGM Studios sells Rosie's Red Hot Dogs, kielbasa, footlongs and turkey dogs -- don't forget the sauerkraut, onions, peppers, chili, cheese and onions. And there's beer on draft.

Most exclusive table at Walt Disney World Resort: The Chef's Table in the kitchen at Victoria & Albert's. Seats up to six, and it's booked six months in advance. Chef Scott Hunnel takes extraordinary care of his guests.

Most unusual wine list: Jiko-The Cooking Place at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge features the most extensive collection of South African wines in North America. The wine list is exclusively South African, and most of the 65 vintages are available by the glass.

Kids are people too: Young guests can don a chef's jacket and toque for a quick culinary lesson in the free Junior Chef Program at Epcot and many of the Walt Disney World Resort restaurants. Chefs assist kids in tossing a salad for their family, for instance, or decorating their own desserts. To participate, just ask a server at any sit-down eatery.