BEST Kid-Friendly Disney World Restaurants
Many assume that all Walt Disney World restaurants appeal to kids. Not necessarily.
While only Victoria and Albert’s prohibits young children, other restaurants are adult-focused. The ambiance and menus skew towards mature palates.
But Disney World is still a top family destination. Many onsite restaurants are meant to delight the kid in us all.
For inspiration, check out my favorite kid-approved dinner options. Known for colorful theming, simple food, and entertainment, one of these choices will delight your Mouseketeer!
Credit: Disney
Character Dining – Several Locations
This is obvious and for a good reason. Kids adore character meals.
Character meals tend to be held in roomy, laid-back dining rooms. The menus are simple. And most importantly, the characters come straight to you.
Photo: Disney
On average, 3-4 characters circle the restaurant and visit each table for photographs/hugs. No one has to suffer in line. No one has to dread characters taking a break as soon as it’s your turn.
Plus, you have options. You can find character meals in every park and several onsite hotels.
My advice? Don’t discount the less “popular” ones. Your kiddo might get more attention at Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast, unlike the infamous (and very busy) Chef Mickey’s.
Book at least 1 character meal per trip and enjoy a stress-free, delicious meal.
Photo: Disney
Be Our Guest – The Magic Kingdom
This stunning, Beauty and the Beast (1991) -themed restaurant is a New Fantasyland gem. If your little one loves the movie, they’ll love eating here.
Step into Beast’s castle for a gourmet meal in a sumptuous setting. Don’t fret, there is a kid’s menu.
You can choose to eat in either the Grand Ballroom, Rose Room, or notorious West Wing. (I don’t recommend the West Wing for young ones. The atmosphere is a bit spooky.)
Before your meal, show your child the snow falling outside the windows or the petals falling from the enchanted rose. The setting is magical.
As you dine, the Master of the Castle (Beast) will walk around and wave at his guests. While it’s not a character meal, it’s thrilling to see a rare character!
I can’t recommend Be Our Guest enough. The décor is gorgeous, and the menu is a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Bon Appetit!
Tony’s Town Square – The Magic Kingdom
Formerly derided, this restaurant’s menu has been overhauled. Tony’s Town Square deserves a spot on your list, especially if you have kids.
According to Disney lore, this is where Lady and Tramp first kissed. So, the venue is adorably themed after their date.
Your kids will love the relaxed Italian vibes and collection of Lady and the Tramp (1955) artwork. They’ll also love watching the movie playing in the lobby.
For dinner, Italian comfort food is on the menu. And the new chef has restored its reputation. (Get the garlic bread appetizer.)
Photo: Disney
Tony’s Town Square has charm, delicious food, and appreciation for a classic film. Give it a chance.
Space 220 – EPCOT
This new(ish) Future World restaurant is a textbook example of immersive dining. Modeled after a space station, guests enter Space 220 by riding in a special elevator.
They’ll see images of Earth whooshing away from them as they rise 220 miles into the air. Inside, they’ll dine on intergalactic delicacies while enjoying views of space.
So, why do I recommend this for kids? Many reasons.
Older kids (with astronaut dreams) will love the theming. And younger kids will enjoy the “space” views. Soaring astronauts, comets, and the occasional space dog will entertain them.
Also, a kid-friendly menu will satisfy younger eaters while their parents enjoy more creative entrees. It’s the best of both worlds.
Round Up Rodeo BBQ – Hollywood Studios
What could be more kid-friendly than a restaurant themed after Toy Story (1995)? This playful dinner option is nestled right in Toy Story Land.
At this meal, you and your family will shrink to the size of toys in Andy’s room. Your little one will be in awe of the larger-than-life characters and colorful surroundings.
Photo: Disney
For dinner, your servers will bring all-you-can-eat platters of BBQ goodies. (This is a great opportunity for your little one to experiment with food.)
The best part of the meal though, is the fun! Be ready for hijinks, like all servers freezing when someone announces, “Andy’s coming!”
Little fans of Buzz and Woody will remember this meal for years to come.
50’s Prime Time Café – Hollywood Studios
The 50’s Prime Time Café on Echo Lake is a Hollywood Studios icon. Modeled after a home from a 50’s sitcom, families enjoy home-cooked meals.
The restaurant is decked in nostalgic trappings, from checkered floors to vinyl-covered furniture. And television sets play black-and-white TV shows.
Photo: Disney
While eating fried chicken and mashed potatoes, you can regale your child with stories of their grandparents and great-grandparents.
The star of this meal though, is the wait staff. Every server pretends to be a close relative with very strict rules about table etiquette.
They tease all guests but especially love to tease kids. If your offspring is outgoing, they’ll love the act. If they’re good eaters, they may even get a Clean Plate Club sticker!
50’s Prime Time Café is simply a good time. And it’s a fun way to introduce your kids to a lost era.
Photo: Disney
Whispering Canyon Café – The Wilderness Lodge
This western-themed eatery is nothing special at first glance. Located in the lobby of The Wilderness Lodge, the Whispering Canyon Café looks like an average breakfast nook.
Looks are deceiving though. This meal is a blast!
Photo: Disney
If you think the servers at 50’s Prime Time Café were a hoot, you ain’t seen nothing. The wait staff at Whispering Canyon Café are the masters of silliness.
Your kids will love watching the servers laugh, holler, and carry stacks of ketchup bottles from table to table. Many families get pictures with their servers to commemorate the hilarious meal.
Photo: @justinhamana/Twitter
With so many choices that equally delight children and parents, there’s no need to fret. Your family can have it all. Wonderful food and wonderful memories for your tiny travelers.
Happy Dining!
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