MOST Immersive Walt Disney World Restaurants
Have you ever wondered, “Why are there so many Disney adults?” or “Why do so many families return year after year?” Many will reply, “I return for the magic!”
From a business perspective though, guests return for the theming. Walt Disney World is the king of theming.
Photo: Disney
From light fixtures to seamless music loops, Disney leaves no detail behind. (For example, I just visited Port Orleans – French Quarter for the first time. My traveling companion, a NOLA native, was blown away by the accuracy of the resort.) Simply put, Disney is good.
I’d encourage any visitor to soak up wonderful Disney theming. And in my opinion, visiting Disney World sit-down restaurants is the best way to do this.
Photo: Disney
Not only is the food great, but many restaurants feel like different worlds. Nestled in the middle of parks and shopping areas, these restaurants are thematic escapes.
If delicious dining and themed atmospheres are your cup of tea, check out my favorite immersive Disney World restaurants!
Photo: Disney
Space 220 – EPCOT
A newer addition to the list, Space 220 opened in the same plaza as the Mission: SPACE attraction. My advice? Skip the attraction and make a reservation at the out-of-this-world restaurant.
Upon entering, you’ll enter a special space elevator. Look down and you’ll see you’re ascending to space and leaving EPCOT 220 miles below.
Photo: Disney
Next, you’ll be seated in a futuristic space station. As you dine, check out the view from the wrap-around windows. (Be on the lookout for astronauts, astro-dogs, and planet Earth itself.)
The experience is straight out of a Tomorrow World dream and the menu pushes culinary excellence. Prix-fix lunch and dinner options are available throughout the day. I recommend the tempura Blue Moon Cauliflower and scrumptious New York Strip Steak.
(If you’re more of a snacker and snipper, look for walk-up availability at the lounge area.)
Peaceful, ethereal, and yummy, I can’t recommend Space 220 enough. No astronaut training is required.
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant – Hollywood Studios
This venue, lovingly shorted to “Sci-Fi” by regulars, is no newbie. This restaurant has been around for decades and remains a desired reservation.
Walking past the host stand, you’ll be transported back in time to 1950s Hollywood. The Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant design mimics a movie theater drive-in at twilight, complete with convertibles and a huge projector. Time stands still here.
Settle into your “car” (car-shaped table with front and back row seats) and get ready for a nostalgic date night. Advertisements for concessions, short cartoons, and trailers for B-horror films play on a huge projector as you feast.
Speaking of feasting, comfort amusement park food is the specialty here. This is the perfect spot for a juicy burger and chocolate milkshake.
It’s not the healthiest meal, but don’t let that discourage you. Embrace the nostalgia and count calories tomorrow instead. You are on vacation after all.
Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White – The Wilderness Lodge Resort
Disney World is full of enchantment so why not dine in an enchanted forest? Story Book Dining at Artist Point is a yummy and magical reimagining of the former Artist’s Point Restaurant. (In my opinion, it’s a huge upgrade.)
This experience is everything a great character meal should be. It’s themed well, the characters have huge personalities, and the menu is mouth-watering.
Credit: Disney
Take a seat under the trees of this magical indoor forest. (Take note of their twinkling lights. They change based on which characters are visiting!) As you devour mushroom bisque, prime rib, and gooseberry tarts, Snow White, Grumpy, and Dopey will visit each table.
At the end of your meal, you’ll be presented with a special (and eerie) dessert from the Evil Queen and an invitation to take a portrait with her.
Whether or not you’re a big fan of Snow White in general, I’ve never seen anyone leave dissatisfied or hungry. Just be warned, this is a coveted reservation. Getting access to dine here won’t be easy, but it is worth it.
Whispering Canyon Café – The Wilderness Lodge Resort
Within the same hotel as Story Book Dining, you’ll find another themed favorite. But at a glance, Whispering Canyon Café is nothing special.
The restaurant is inside the hotel lobby. The furnishings are vaguely Wild West-themed, but overall, the design is unremarkable.
The star here is the wait staff. The servers are encouraged to heckle, tease, and joke around with the guests. Serving all-you-can-care-to-enjoy platters of breakfast or BBQ dinner, you never know what will happen.
Asking for extra ice, straws, or order modifications could result in serious hijinks! Whatever you do, make sure you ask for ketchup. And keep an eye out for the silliness happening around you.
Photo: Disney
Whispering Canyon is just a hooting, hollering, good time. I promise. Your belly will be full, and you’ll leave grinning.
50’s Prime Time Café – Hollywood Studios
This Hollywood Studios treasure is also known for its antics. Alongside the serene Echo Lake, you’ll find nostalgia personified in the 50’s Prime Time Café.
Like the “Sci-Fi”, this spot is also 50’s themed. Specifically, you’re visiting your grandma’s house in the 50s. This house is outfitted with vintage furnishings, appliances, and TVs showing the best black and white sitcoms known to entertainment.
Photo: Disney
The wait staff are the main attraction though. Every server takes on the role of a lovable, but grouchy aunt/uncle/cousin/babysitter for their tables.
They’ll deliver the best-homecooked meals, but they’ll also make sure you’re minding your manners and keeping your elbows off the table. (Ironically, kids love this!)
Photo: Disney
All the jests are in good fun. You’ll love your meal and older relatives will love reminiscing about their childhoods. It’s a treat for every generation.
Be Our Guest Restaurant – The Magic Kingdom
Finally, I present the crème de la crème of immersive Disney World dining. Be Our Guest is the greatest thing to come out of New Fantasyland.
This Beauty and the Beast (1991) culinary adventure is straight out of the film. Currently serving prix-fix lunch or dinner, this meal is worth the time and price point.
Enter by strolling across the castle moat to the Beast’s castle. And have your camera ready.
Inside, there are three beautifully themed dining rooms. The Rose Gallery contains the Beast’s favorite artwork and a life-sized music box. The West Wing is a spooky, disheveled atmosphere – complete with the wilting enchanted rose. And lastly, the Grand Ballroom is resplendent in gold, blue velvet curtains, soaring ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Photo: Disney
Music from the soundtrack and stage musical play throughout the rooms. (Listen closely though, the music style changes based on the room you’re in.)
And best of all, the Beast himself makes special appearances.
Fantastic theming aside, the menu is also special. I’ve eaten here several times and I still dream of the short rib, escargot, and “Grey Stuff” brownies I’ve sampled. (I also recommend their exclusive wines.)
From start to finish, a meal here is pure magic. It’s surely what Belle was dreaming of in “the great wide somewhere”.
Even booking just one of these restaurants, will make your vacation more memorable. Please take my advice and go all out on your meals. It’s the worthiest splurge you can make.
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