Check Out the 10 Disney World Eateries That Made Food Network’s List of The Best Orlando Restaurants for Families
If, like us here at MickeyBlog, you’re a big fan of the Food Network than you’ll be delighted to know that they recently showcased 32 restaurants in the Orlando area that come out tops when it comes to family dining! Out of the 32 restaurants listed, 10 of those eateries can be found at Walt Disney World. We here at MickeyBlog think they provide the perfect snapshot of the wide breadth of options you’ll find during a visit to Walt Disney World and are pleased to give you a glimpse of those that made the cut!
For a look at the complete list of the 32 incredible restaurants that made Food Network’s list, check out the original article here.
Best Restaurant for a Hula Good Time – ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Nothing conjures up the feeling of being on vacation more than a visit to this wonderful eatery inspired by the islands of the Polynesian. ‘Ohana is the perfect location for families looking to indulge in island specialities while getting a big dose of Hawaiian culture. Visit during breakfast where you’ll nosh on tasty treats like Tonga Toast while mingling with Disney friends like Lilo and Stitch. Hang on until dinner and you’ll be treated to an island banquet complete with Hawaiian music. We agree with the Food Network who sites some of their favorite dishes as the grapefruit coconut bread, sweet- and sour chicken skewers and Szechuan sirloin steaks!
Best Place to Light Up the Night: La Hacienda de San Angel at Epcot
One of the things we love most about dining at Epcot is the chance to score a table at one of the few restaurants offering a coveted view of the IllumiNations firework!s As previously announced, this evening fireworks display is only around a while longer so don’t miss your chance to enjoy this truly unique dining experience while you can! The restaurant serves up delicious Mexican fare with tantalizing dishes like shrimp tacos with chipotle-lime aioli or pan-seared snapper. Book a reservation that coincides with the nightly IllumiNations fireworks display and you and your guests can enjoy a spectacular view from the floor to ceiling windows while tucking into our favorite dessert the caramel apple empanadas served with dulce de leche ice cream!
Best Seafood – Todd English’s bluezoo at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
Best for Being Bowled Over – Splitsville Luxury Lanes at Disney Springs
Not only does Splitsville Luxury Lanes provide for the perfect night on the town where families can enter into a friendly bowling competition but the food is also worth note! Standout dishes like filet sliders with horseradish cream, a Ninja Crunch Sushi Roll and soft drinks served in transparent bowling balls make it fun for the whole family. Add to it a nightime entertainment schedule and noteworthy cocktails and you’ve got the perfect family evening out!
Best for a Jig and a Pint – Raglan Road at Disney Springs
Raglan Road has always been a favorite for families looking for a unique dining experience while at Walt Disney World. Not only can you soak in the wonderful flavors of Irish cuisine will sipping on a pint but you can also enjoy an incredible evening of Irish dancing! Menu highlights include classics like shepherd’s pie and the Guinness which flows freely! They also offer a wonderful weekend brunch that is sure to impress all you late risers. But the highlight has to be the look on your kid’s faces as they’re pulled onstage to learn an Irish jig or two!
Best for a Simulated Trip to Africa – Sanaa at Animal Kingdom Lodge Kidani Village
For a truly exotic dining experience right in the heart of Walt Disney World, we agree with Food Network that Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is pretty impressive when it comes to family dining. Not only can you watch exotic animals like zebras and wildebeests trek past while you eat but the menu offers an eclectic array of World Cuisine that is sure to appeal to all tastes! One of our favorite dishes and one that Food Network mentioned as well is the delicious Indian-style naan flatbread which comes with an array of delicious dips. There’s also a nice range of mix-and-match dishes that come with your choice of a protein including Goan seafood curry, spicy Durban Shrimp and a side like Lentil Dal or Cilantro Coconut Vegetables. Children also have a nice mix of options to choose from including Indian-inspired offerings like Butter Chicken.
Best for Meal and a Movie – Sci-Fi Dine-In Theatre Restaurant at Hollywood Studios
We’re glad that Food Network agrees that there’s something quite magical for the whole family at Sci-Fi Dine-In. The setting is truly one-of-a-kind as guests sit behind the wheel of a 1950’s style automobile to enjoy a tasty array of drive-in favorites (from milkshakes and hot dogs to delicious burgers) all while watching clips of old-time Sci-Fi films. Highlights on the menu include dishes like the smoked prime rib sandwich or the Buffalo Chicken Salad. As would be expected, Sci-Fi also whips up a pretty mean burger. Those 21 or older will be wowed by the cocktail menu including the Godiva Chocolate Martini! The kid’s menu includes trusty favorites like chicken tenders and cheeseburgers.
Best for Italian Classics with a Disney Twist- Tony’s Town Square Restaurant at Magic Kingdom
There’s something so whimsical about eating your dinner at the top of Main Street USA in the heart of the Magic Kingdom. The restaurant ties in with the famous spaghetti-eating scene from Lady and the Tramp make it a popular destination for kids while adults enjoy some creative takes on classic pasta dishes. All of the pasta is made in-house and includes everything from gnocchi to bucatini. For kids, there’s the traditional spaghetti and meatballs or a whole-wheat version served with turkey meatballs. Or for finicky eaters, there’s also buttered noodles. Save room for dessert as the gelato sundaes are mighty tasty!
Best for a Taste of Africa: Harambe Market, Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Those looking for a quick bite at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park that the whole family will enjoy should head on over to Harambe Market located in the heart of the Africa section of the park. This collection of four counter service restaurants offer a diverse array of on-the-go options. Favorites include watermelon shaved ice, grilled chicken skewers with African spices and green papaya slaw, Spice-rubbed Ribs with a BBQ glaze and a beef-lamb gyro. At quick service prices it also won’t break the bank!
Best for Dinner and Dinosaurs: T-Rex Cafe at Disney Springs
A huge hit with Disney guests, T-Rex Cafe is a haven for dinosaur-lovers of all ages. There are themed dining room areas reminiscent of an iceberg, forest and undersea wonderland. There are animatronic dinosaurs peppered throughout the restaurant that come alive as meteor showers thunder overhead. There’s also some pretty reliable cuisine with popular items including the Lemon Salmon with Pasta, the BBQ-heavy Boneyard Buffet and mushroom ravioli. Kids dishes include Prehistoric Pop’n Shrimp, Lava Lasagna and Jurassic Chicken Tidbits. In addition, you’ll find a pretty impressive dessert menu and a gift shop where kids can build their own dinosaur friends!
We agree with Food Network that there’s a lot to love about each of the Walt Disney World Restaurants that made their cut of the Best of Orlando Restaurants for Families. Again you can check out Food Network’s full list complete with wonderful write-ups here.
Why not plan a trip to Disney World to try out some of these amazing eateries for yourself? Simply fill out our form below to receive your FREE, no-obligation quote from MickeyTravels.
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