In a place as magical as the Magic Kingdom, there is lots to behold! We’re talking flying elephants, pirate adventures, and space ranger quests… just to name a few!
So where should you go to refuel during your day of adventure and magic? That is what we are here to debate today!
After careful consideration factoring in taste, menu, and theming, we’ve come up with our list of the Magic Kingdom Quick Service Restaurants ranked from worst to best.
Now before we dig in, it’s important to note that this list is limited to “full scale” quick service restaurants only. We won’t be including any walk up windows, carts, or table service locations. OKAY, enough chit chat, let’s get to the rankings.
8. Tomorrowland Terrace
Some of you may be thinking, huh what? That walkway between Main Street and Tomorrowland actually serves food?! And you wouldn’t be too far off.
The only reason Tomorrowland Terrace lands in last place on our list is because it’s rarely open. As a seasonal location, it usually only operates during extremely high volume park days — think Spring Break, Christmas, Fourth of July. Because of the lack of availability, we’re kinda forced to rank it last.
That said, the food options are pretty good. At least they were when we were there a few months ago (Spring Break 2k19). The menu has varied a lot over the years — from traditional theme park eats to Asian noodle bowls. Right now it’s somewhere in the middle. They have burgers and chicken strips, but also (delicious) Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps.
TBH, Tomorrowland Terrace would rank higher on our list if it was open more often — the food is pretty decent, there’s something for everyone on the menu, and even though it’s outside, the view of Main Street and the Castle is hard to compete with. But until it’s a more permanent option, it sits at the bottom of our rankings.
7. Tortuga Tavern
Tortuga Tavern is located directly across from Pirates of the Caribbean, and was formerly known as El Pirata y El Perico (The Pirate and the Parrot). It was once open seasonally, but now is generally a full-time establishment at Magic Kingdom.
Tortuga Tavern is… fine. The menu is pretty small compared to other locations and mainly features various hot dogs. You can get some “tropical” inspired dishes such as a Jerk-smoked Brisket Sandwich, and it’s also where you can grab a Turkey Leg. But we’d rather get a hot dog on Main Street (keep reading!), and Tortuga is pretty close to another spot we generally prefer (keep reading, again!).
Tortuga Tavern (was El Pirata Y el Perico)
6. Pinocchio Village Haus
Pinocchio Village Haus is tucked away neatly in Fantasyland near “it’s a small world.” In fact, you can wave at the boats going by while inside the restaurant if you get the right seats!
Pinocchio Village Haus serves pizza and other Italian-based dishes, which may come as no surprise as Pinocchio is an Italian-based tale. Unlike spots like Pizzerizzo or Pizzafari, these are flatbreads instead of the round, individual pies. For that, we give them credit. You can choose from cheese, meat lovers, margherita, and more. Plus they serve various pastas, breadsticks, soup, and salad.
However, they still aren’t our favorite spot to dine in MK. There are MUCH better spots to get pizza in Walt Disney World, so if you’re craving a pie, we recommend planning to dine at one of them during your vacay. Still, these pizzas will get the job done, and it is a good spot for picky eaters to dine. But the competition is getting fierce, and Pinocchio just isn’t as memorable or iconic as the rest of the list.
5. Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe
Two words: Sonny Eclipse. Two more words: Toppings bar.
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe is located in Tomorrowland and truthfully reminds me of Chuckie Cheese (in a good way). Probably it’s because of the animatronic musician.
Cosmic Ray’s has three different ordering bays, each with different items. This is a big reason it ranks in the middle of the pack (as opposed to the bottom). There is something for everyone. Eating lighter? Grab a Greek salad. Vegan? There’s a Plant-based Sloppy Joe. Picky kid? Chicken nuggets. Really going for it on vacay? Dig into a bacon mac & cheese topped hot dog.
We also love anywhere with a toppings bar. You’ll find everything from sauteed veggies to fun sauces like a Sriracha Aioli. Use these items to (literally) spice up your meal and make it your own! Will a meal at Cosmic Ray’s change your life? Likely, no. But we sure do appreciate the menu variety, air conditioning, and toppings bar.
4. Casey’s Corner
The menu is basically one item in different variations, and there’s hardly any seating, most of which is outside… this is breaking all our rules! But yet… Casey’s lands in the top half. Why?
NOSTALGIA. That’s why. Grabbing a dog (or corn dog nuggets, let’s be honest) at Casey’s Corner is quintessential Disney at its finest. Picture it now — the castle right there, the pianist tickling the ivory keys, and a foot-long and fries with ketchup in your mouth. If you’re gonna get a hot dog in Disney World, get it at Casey’s.
Sometimes you gotta break the rules. And in this case, you’re rewarded. (With Corn Dog Nuggets.)
Casey's Corner
3. Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe
Located in Frontierland (just around the corner from Tortuga Tavern), this spot features Tex-Mex with a few theme park classics thrown in. Choose from fajitas, rice bowls, nachos, and burgers. And every entree comes with a trip to the fixins’ bar (read: toppings bar).
Pecos Bill’s has a decent variety and will likely appeal to picky eaters while still satisfying those who crave something a little different. The servings are very generous as well — two could split the fajitas, especially if you load up on extra toppings at the bar. And more than that, the food is consistently good, there’s plenty of indoor seating, and did we mention the awesome toppings bar?
2. Be Our Guest Restaurant
Be Our Guest is a bit different than a classic restaurant — it takes reservations for every meal of the day, but it’s still considered a quick service at breakfast and lunch (with a full service dinner). So for the purpose of this list, we are not factoring in dinner.
Be Our Guest Restaurant is located IN the Beast’s castle in New Fantasyland. You can dine in one of three rooms themed after Beauty and the Beast —Â the Ballroom, the West Wing, or the Rose Room, which was designed especially for the restaurant.
Location and theming wise, this spot gets highest marks. It really feels like you’ve walked into the movie! Food quality and menu variety also get top grade. The menu is far from what you’d expect at a quick service location — think Coq au Vin Braised Chicken, Tuna Nicoise Salad, or a French Dip Sandwich.
The only complaint we have about Be Our Guest is the price. It’s very expensive for Quick Service, especially at breakfast. If possible, we HIGHLY recommend using the Disney Dining Plan as it’s an excellent use of a Quick Service credit. If you are paying out of pocket, lunch is definitely the sweet spot, where your meal may be a little pricey, but it’s going to be high quality and filling.
1. Columbia Harbour House
You may not expect quick-service seafood to top our list, but alas, here we are.
Columbia Harbour House is located in Liberty Square and serves up seafood platters, lobster rolls, chicken pot pies, and hush puppies. It may not seem like it at first glance, but there is actually a decent amount of variety in the menu. Healthy eater? Try the grilled salmon plate (I promise it does NOT taste like quick service food.) Are you a vegetarian? Check out the Lighthouse Sandwich. Picky? Chicken nuggets or mac and cheese. Keeping it simple? Tuna salad sandwich. Can’t decide? Try a combo platter of fried fish, shrimp, and chicken.
Columbia Harbour House is also delightfully themed. Designed after Revolutionary War-era New England, you’ll notice lobster traps, drawings of ships, maps, and other nautical touches. It’s fun yet not overwhelming. Plus, it’s all air conditioned, and there’s a second level which is generally less crowded — and therefore a great place to grab a seat and relax for a bit.
Columbia Harbour House checks all of our boxes — interesting yet appealing menu, fun for the whole family, delightfully themed, quality food, and of course, air conditioning. Check it out next time you’re frolicking through Magic Kingdom!
Don’t believe me? Take a look at our reader reviews!
Columbia Harbour House
What is your favorite Quick Service spot in Magic Kingdom? Let us know in the comments!
And check out our rankings for the Quick Service spots in Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios!
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Columbia Harbor House for the salmon, broccoli and cous cous, and my son loves the fried shrimp platter!
I like the food at Columbia Harbor House, but find it difficult to eat there. As a handicapped person, it is (1) very difficult to stand in the crowded order line, (2) almost impossible to find a clean table on the first floor, and (3) totally impossible to get upstairs with no elevator and no assistance in climbing a steep staircase carrying a tray and using a cane. Because I wasn’t using a wheelchair or a scooter, I was not permitted to sit in the handicapped seating area on the first floor, which makes no sense, but I was chased off by a staff member. We ate outside the restaurant, sitting on a wall. What constitutes “handicapped” to Disney? Apparently, being a cancer patient and using a cane is not sufficient.
Other than CHH, I have not found another quick service restaurant worth patronizing in Magic Kingdom. I’m sick of having to eat burgers, hot dogs, or pulled pork, none of which would I eat at home, but there is almost nothing else offered. I’m allergic to turkey, which eliminates most of the sandwich offerings. I’ve started to carry a good quality protein bar and some baby carrots, which I will eat while the rest of the group eats quick service meals.
The main reason we like the Pinocchio Village Haus is we can sit upstairs and wave to the boats on Small World. Adults, it doesn’t hurt to wave back! Pecos Bill, to us, hasn’t been very good since they changed the menu. We keep trying it and keep getting disappointed.
Cosmic Ray’s: true, there’s something for everyone, but that means you may need to wait on three different lines to satisfy your group’s varying taste buds! Not very convenient, particularly if your group included hungry and cranky children.
We just got back from Disney, and had breakfast at Beauty and the Beast castle. First off, we were there back when it was first opened, so we know what it was. This visit was terrible. It was complete pandemonium!!! There were so many people needing seats, and no where to sit. We as well as others, were standing next to tables basically staring people down until they were done. Then had to chase someone down to clean it so we could sit. The price that is charged for the craziness is definitely not worth it. Unfortunately, we will not be going back to this restaurant nor recommending it. Way overpriced for what you get both food wise and experience. It was nicer when they would personally seat people and it wasn’t just every man for themselves. Maybe the dinner is more organized.
Totally agree with Rebecca about pandemonium. We went 2 weeks ago for lunch and I think it was about our 6th visit over the years so remember better times too. This time, after checking in it took 45 minutes before we sat at the table. We queued the length of the bridge in blistering heat. Then we had to wait for a person to take our order which was much slower than using the machines. Then we had to wait to be seated by a server. In the past we were told to choose our own table & whilst it always looked busy there was always plenty of choice. We were a party of 2 & our table was in the corner of the ballroom & my husband faced the wall. The table was really close to the 2 on either side so we ended up chatting with our neighbours. No that’s not a bad thing to make new friends as they were lovely but if you’re looking for privacy…Luckily the food was the usual quality but I’d rather eat at a cheaper table service restaurant like The Plaza than an expensive QS restaurant.