Top Restaurants at WDW

[DisneyFan 2000]

Hey guys!

So, I searched for similar threads on the subject but couldn't find anything that's up-to-date and was curious to hear everyone's opinions. I'm excited to say I'll be returning to the resort that ignited my love for Disney parks for the first time since 2003 this coming September! I've since been to every other resort, but this trip really feels like homecoming for me.

Anyways, as part of my trip planning I was just curious to hear everyone's top 3 favorite places for a good meal at WDW. Doesn't matter if it's breakfast / lunch / dinner, just wanted to make sure to include some interesting dining options for my upcoming trip (I know some spots require far out planning so I figured why not get a head start). Alright y then, debate away!

 

[Mr Ferret 75]

1.Sunshine Seasons
2.Whispering canyon
3. Caseys

 

[belledream]

Foooood! My favorite topic. Though by 'good meal' and 'interesting meal' I'm not sure if you're looking for food, or food + atmosphere. I'm going to go with the latter...

Be Our Guest (B L or D): I gotta do it...it's like stepping right into the movie. Enchanting and stunning. The food varies by meal obviously, but dinner has some hefty options, while breakfast you can potentially get a pre park ADR, and lunch has one of my favorite meals I must have every year.

Boma (dinner): a Disney buffet done really well...with unique and plentiful selections, located in the beautiful Animal Kingdom Lodge. Good to get away from the busy parks and rest every once in a while.

California Grill (dinner): mouthwatering food that you will always remember, sweeping views of Seven Seas Lagoon and the Magic Kingdom, and a great way to celebrate a special occasion such as a homecoming.

Welcome back!

 

[Jess G]

We really love Kona Cafe for dinner.

EDIT : I should mention that we love Kona for breakfast as well

 

[Figgy1]

Top 3 sit downs
1 Tiffins
2 Sanaa
3 Tusker House
HMention Rose and Crown for Illuminations and Momma Melrose for Fantasmic package


Top 3 quick service
1 BOG lunch(needs an ADR and you can preorder at 30 days)
2 Cosmic Rays
3 Sunshine Seasons

 

[lostpro9het]

In no particular order:
IL Mulino
Sanaa
Jiko
Tangerine Cafe
Shutters
Yachtsman
Beaches and Cream

 

[Figgy1]

In no particular order:
IL Mulino
Sanaa
Jiko
Tangerine Cafe
Shutters
Yachtsman
Beaches and Cream

I think we've had this little talk before SHHHHH about TC

 

[lostpro9het]

I think we've had this little talk before SHHHHH about TC

See.... I thought if I snuck it in a list of table services restaurants it would still be on the down low.

 

[DisneyFan 2000]

Foooood! My favorite topic. Though by 'good meal' and 'interesting meal' I'm not sure if you're looking for food, or food + atmosphere. I'm going to go with the latter...

You got that right! I should've been more specific. Atmosphere is such a big part of enjoying a great meal, I just assumed it goes without saying.

Welcome back!

Thanks! Excited to return, even with all the lame-ness management has cooked up over the years! LOL

I feel like such a rookie in this department. I could navigate the parks with a blindfold on, but have absolutely no knowledge what-so-ever when it comes to WDW dining. Great lists so far, thanks guys

 

[jpinkc]

Liberty Tree Tavern Kingdom
50s Prime Time/ Sci-Fi Dine in Studios tie for us
Whispering Canyon
Nobody mentioned the Hoopty Dee Doo Revue

 

[Disney4family]

Top 3 table
Be Our Guest - atmosphere is awesome
California Grill - classic "wow" factor
Sci-Fi - campy fun

Top 3 counter
Contempo Cafe - Chef Mickey's next door, monorail overhead, "classic" WDW
Germany - beer & a brat
Casey's/Lunching Pad - outside dining in the heart of the magic with area music and excitement

 

[Otero8109]

Top 3 Sit Downs
Ohana (Dinner)
Sci Fi Diner
Tusker House (Breakfast)

Top 3 Counter
Columbia Harbor House
Flame Tree BBQ
Lotus Blossom Cafe

 

[Redsoxfn79]

California grill
Sci-Fi DineR
Le Cellier

 

[GeoDonJac34]

There are two places we eat at almost every trip, Kona for breakfast (most people talk about the Tonga Toast but I absolutely love The Samoan) and Biergarten. Little tip about Biergarten, if you are paying out of pocket, book for lunch. It is basically the same menu as dinner, but much cheaper. Also like Citricos, Yachtsmen, Boma.

 

[DisneyFan 2000]

Alright, first off thanks everyone for the advice. I've researched all your recommendations and will definitely be checking out some of them. So I'm back with a follow up question and I'm hoping you guys can help out again. This upcoming trip will be my partner's first visit to a Disney park (at 32! can you believe it?) I really wanted to take him to a dining experience that only Disney can provide. I'm not as worried about the quality of the food so much as I'd like it to be a great overall experience. I've narrowed it down to two options and would love to hear your opinions.

* It's probably important to note that both options considered are for an early breakfast before enjoying a day at the park.

Choice #1 - Cinderella's Royal Banquet
Pros: Dining in a Disney castle, early access to MSUSA, pretty much the epitome of Disney.
Cons: Price is steeper than other choices, not quite sure if the characters that are out and about would suit a 32 year-old guy.

Choice #2 - Tusker House
Pros: Unique setting, cheaper pricing, characters more "suitable" for guys (not that I care too much but he might)
Cons: Not what I'd think of as the "ultimate" Disney experience, maybe early entry to a non-MK park won't be as exciting

Also, the six month mark for reservations is due in a couple of weeks. How far in advance would you call to reserve a table? (for a September visit)

 

[RustySpork]

This is really tough because there are no great dining options at WDW anymore for less than three dollar signs. There are mediocre to OK options, but I'm struggling to recommend any.

We opt out of any dining at Magic Kingdom, unless you want the experience of Be Our Guest or Cinderella's Royal Table, you'll be better off at one of the monorail resorts. I would choose to eat around the world during F&W over any other dining experience at Epcot.

If I had to choose though, I'd probably go for Boma or Sanaa, Kona, and Yak and Yeti.

 

[Chaset24]

1. Ohana
2. Sci-Fi diner
3. Cape May Cafe

Every visit, we always make it a point to go to all three of these no matter what.. I have been to breakfast at Ohana, but I always prefer the dinner. Also, make sure you bring a good appetite for Ohana, as you can eat as much as you want..

 

[DisneyFan 2000]

This is really tough because there are no great dining options at WDW anymore for less than three dollar signs. There are mediocre to OK options, but I'm struggling to recommend any.

Since you mentioned Cinderella's Royal Table, would you recommend it to a young couple? We're without children and I'm really interested in experiencing it, however my main concern is with it seeming childish to my partner (he's never been to a Disney park before). Would you describe it as a place that is suitable for adults and would provide him a good first impression?

 

[RustySpork]

Since you mentioned Cinderella's Royal Table, would you recommend it to a young couple? We're without children and I'm really interested in experiencing it, however my main concern is with it seeming childish to my partner (he's never been to a Disney park before). Would you describe it as a place that is suitable for adults and would provide him a good first impression?

You'll love it, and he might love how happy it makes you. I wouldn't rule it out. Personally, I thought it was going to be lame until I saw my better half and kids absolutely beaming with joy. You can't put a price on that.

 

[Chaset24]

This is really tough because there are no great dining options at WDW anymore for less than three dollar signs. There are mediocre to OK options, but I'm struggling to recommend any.

We opt out of any dining at Magic Kingdom, unless you want the experience of Be Our Guest or Cinderella's Royal Table, you'll be better off at one of the monorail resorts. I would choose to eat around the world during F&W over any other dining experience at Epcot.

If I had to choose though, I'd probably go for Boma or Sanaa, Kona, and Yak and Yeti.

The past couple times we went, the Yak and Yeti table service was not that great while the quick service option was extremely good.. Has the food quality changed in the past couple years?