10 Restaurants for Families to Try During Your First Walt Disney World Visit

For those planning a first-time visit to Walt Disney World, deciding where to dine can be a pretty daunting task especially if you’re trying to please the kids!  Here at MickeyBlog we’ve been there and done that! In the process, we’ve amassed a list of some of our go-to family favorites and have decided to pass these on to you.  So when your 180 day booking window opens up be sure to include some of our go-to options!

Via Napoli- Epcot

For families with fussy eaters, you typically can’t go wrong with pizza and you’ll be in awe of the delicious variations you’ll find here! Located in the Italy Pavilion at Epcot’s World Showcase, this eatery was recently voted the best in theme park dining by USA Today! Families will love the traditional Neapolitan pies delivered right to your table. You’ll find everything from quattro formaggi to sausage-topped piccante. Each thin crust pizza is made with fresh mozzarella cheese, San Marzano tomatoes and real Caputo flower that is imported from Southern Italy. Water for the dough is even sourced from a spring similar to Italy’s Campania region. Pizzas are fired up in a wood-burning ovens named after three active volcanoes in Italy Mount Etna, Mount Vesuvius and Stromboli. Do all these details make a difference? Yes, they do! Trust me when I say that it’s pizzas like you’ve never had before! Reservations here are essential with options typically in the $15 – $35 range for adults!

Be Our Guest – Magic Kingdom

This is easily one of the most popular Magic Kingdom restaurants and it’s easy to understand why! The restaurant is designed as a wonderful replica of Beasts Castle from Beauty and the Beast. From the formidable gargoyles that greet you as you approach the castle to the beautiful ballroom complete with a window view of gently falling snow,  to the enchanted rose shedding its petals in the gothic West Wing, this eatery will make you feel like you’re in the middle of your own Fairy Tale. Dinner is considered a Table Service meal with a focus on French cuisine and will set you back 2 Table Service Dining Credits per person. The Beast is even on hand to make an appearance.  However, for breakfast and lunch, the restaurant offers Quick Service treats allowing you to get that wonderful feeling of Disney dining at its best for a fraction of the cost. The is one of the hottest reservations to get at Disney so early booking is a must. Reservations can be made for breakfast lunch and dinner!

Cinderella’s Royal Table – Magic Kingdom

Admit it. Even if you’re not a HUGE Disney fan, chances are you’ve had dreams of dining in the iconic Cinderella Castle.  Those lucky enough to get a reservation here will not be disappointed.  The menu is filled with elegant dishes with something sure to please all tastes and several Disney Princesses are on hand and will mingle with you while you dine!  Here at MickeyBlog one of our favorite meals at Cinderella’s Royal Table is breakfast where you can enjoy amazing morning dishes like Caramel Apple-stuffed French Toast and Beef Tenderloin and Egg.  Prices are typically in the $60+ range for adults or 2 credits on the dining plan. But trust me when I say the memory of dining here will last a lifetime. 

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restuarant – Disney’s Hollywood Studios

For a dining experience unlike anything you’ve ever had before, be sure to make a dining reservation at the Sci-Fi-Theater Drive-In during your Hollywood Studios visit.  The restaurant is essentially housed in a giant soundstage made to look like a 1950’s drive-in movie theatres complete with B-movies projected on the giant movie screen.  Adding to the ambience is the fact that instead of a table your family is sat behind the wheel of a classic convertible car.  The cuisine here is standard American fare (think burgers, fries, sandwiches and more. And even if you’re not a milkshake fan we encourage you to indulge in some of the amazing versions being served up here. (The Oreo cookie one is our favorite.) The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and will set you back $15 – $35 per adult or 1 Table Service Dining Credit. 

Tusker House -Animal Kingdom

Confession : This is my favorite character dining experience in all of Walt Disney World.  At this Harambe Marketplace location at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you’ll find a buffet brimming with incredible eats inspired by the flavors of Africa. But don’t worry. Picky eaters will also find a special kids buffet with trusted items like chicken nuggets and Mac and Cheese.  However, what makes this restaurant extra special is that during your meal you are visited by Safari Mickey and Friends. Prices range from $35 – $59 per adult or 1 Table Service Dining Credit.  Book it as part of the Rivers of Light Dining Package and Disney will also throw in priority seating passes for the Rivers of Light evening water pageant. 

T-REX- Disney Springs

When I work with clients travelling with young boys this restaurant always comes up as a must-do.  Kids absolutely love the animatronic dinosaurs that move while you dine as well as the meteor shower that erupts every 20 minutes.  Parents love the fact that the restaurant is run by the same people who own Rainforest Cafe meaning prices that won’t break the bank along with reliable menu options. There are burgers with names like the Guac-asaurus that are sure to please!  Those looking for light bites will find delicious salads perfect for those hot afternoons.  Also, be sure to set aside a bit of money in your souvenir budget for the Build-A-Dinosaur workshop by Build-A-Bear! Dining reservations here can be hard to get so book earlier. The cost is typically in the $15 – $35 range per adult or 1 Table Service Dining Credit. 

Storybook Dining at Artist Point With Snow White- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

This is the new character dining experience that everyone is raving about.  Available for dinner only, you’ll find yourself immersed in an enchanted forest complete with lush treetops and gorgeous fairy lights.  The menu is a wonderful combination of season favorites including delicious soups, Prime Rib, Gooseberry Pie and more.  However, what takes this event to the next level is that as you dine you’ll be visited by Snow White and two of her dwarf friends (Grump and Dopey).  Throughout the meal, you’ll hear memorable songs from the original films. Your family can clap and sing along to songs like “Whistle While You Work” while the forest lights change color.  Also, fans of Disney’s Villains will be pleased to know that the Evil Queen makes an appearance at this meal where she’s available to pose for photos! The cost here is $35- $60 per adult or 1 Table Service Dining credits. 

Bon Voyage Breakfast – Trattoria al Forno – Disney’s Boardwalk

Here’s the other character breakfast that is sure to delight. Trattoria al Forno at Disney’s Boardwalk offers a morning fairy tale celebration that is sure to add a bit of whimsy to your day.   This meal features two royal pairs – Flynn Rider and Rapunzel and Prince Eric and Ariel who make the rounds to wish guests a “Good Morning.”   And if that wasn’t reason enough to book your reservation let me just say that the food here is AMAZING! You’ll love the fun touches like the frying pan filled with pastries or the “Tower” of pancakes!  They also have one of the best-iced coffees I’ve had a Disney!  The cost to start your morning here is $35-$59 per adult or 1 Table Service Dining Credit. 

‘Ohana – Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

A meal at ‘Ohana has reached cult-like status among Disney-regulars and we can understand why.  Located in the Main Ceremonial Hall at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort,  you’ll enjoy a delicious taste of the tropics.  Morning visitors will get to enjoy a delicious breakfast with heaping portions of eggs, bacon, and more brought family style to your table! Guests will also be visited by Lilo, Stitch, Polynesian Mickey and Pluto!  For dinner, there are no characters but there is lots to keep the whole family entertained.  Guests can feast on a bountiful Hawaiian banquet with delicious dishes like oak-grilled shrimp and sweet and sour chicken.  There’s also live Hawaiian music adding to the ambience.  Dining reservations will set you back $35 – $59 per adult or 1 Table Service Dining Credit. 

Sanaa- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

If you have the time in your schedule and don’t mind going a bit further afield than try scheduling in at least 1 meal at an Animal Kingdom Lodge restaurant. You have three amazing dining options here including Jiko- The Cooking Place (an award-winning fine dining restaurant) as well as Boma which frequently tops our best buffets list. However, our favorite is Sanaa located in Kidani Village.  This restaurant is located on the main floor of the resort and features beautiful views of the African-style savannas found on the property.  This adds an extra special element to your dining experience. And don’t get me started on the food! This restaurant is famous for its delicious bread course with dipping options. Other highlights include  Goan Seafood Curry, Butter Chicken, Braised Beef, Paneer Tikka, or Spicy Durban Shrimp.  Dining here will set you back $15 – $35 per adult or 1 Table Service Dining Credits. Buses run to the Animal Kingdom to and from all of the theme parks!

We hope you’ve enjoyed this look at some of our favorite family-friend Walt Disney World dining hotspots! Be sure to try a few out during your next visit and let us know which ones are your favorite! Reservations for all of the options above can be made 180 days in advance through the My Disney Experience app, by calling 407.WDW.DINE or contacting your travel agent. 

Thinking about a visit to Disney? Getting started is easy! Simply fill out our form below to get your FREE, no-obligation quote fromMickeyTravels. 

Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to assist you with everything from finding your perfect package to helping you plan lots of special touches to make your visit truly magical.  Best of all my services are absolutely FREE.  Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025 via email at mroden@mickeytravels.com or follow along on Facebook