15 Disney World Restaurants You Need to Visit NOW (But Not for the Food!)

You may not realize it, but there are dozens of delicious restaurants at Walt Disney World!

Besides delicious food served up in the Parks, Resorts, and Disney Springs, there are plenty of restaurants with insanely cool atmospheres and theming — that’s the list we’re sharing today.

These are the places you need to dine in Disney World, but not for the food*!

(*Though several of them have really amazing food as well!)

Sanaa

Do you love Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Well, you can take it to the next level by dining at Sanaa at Animal Kingdom Lodge. This restaurant serves up Indian-African food with a view of the resort’s savanna, meaning that you can watch some of your favorite animals while you eat.

Cinderella’s Royal Table

For many Disney fanatics, it’s a dream come true to go INSIDE Cinderella Castle, and that’s exactly what you can do at Cinderella’s Royal Table. Here, you get the chance to dine with a view of Fantasyland in one of the most beautiful dining rooms on property! And in typical times, you can find a character meal here with all your favorite princesses. For now, you’ll just see Cinderella from a distance.

Be Our Guest Restaurant

If you loved the hit Disney film Beauty and the Beast, you need to check out Magic Kingdom’s most popular restaurant! Here, you’ll dine in the other castle — Beast’s castle — in rooms that are spectacularly realistic to scenes from the movie. You can eat in the stunning main ballroom, the enchanting library, or the spooky West Wing. And, you may even spot Beast roaming around and greeting his guests!

Gaston’s Tavern

And speaking of places that Beauty and the Beast fans need to visit, just around the bend from Be Our Guest Restaurant, you’ll find Gaston’s Tavern — themed to match the tavern from the movie. Inside, you’ll find a cozy little spot with great snacks and a gigantic portrait of Gaston. And in case you were wondering…yes, he DOES use antlers in all of his decorating!

California Grill

Looking for a fancy meal with a spectacular view? Look no further than California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Here, you can enjoy a signature meal and afterward you can step out on the balcony to get a great view of Magic Kingdom and the monorail area resorts. When fireworks are showing, we definitely recommend scheduling a meal here!

Topolino’s Terrace

Whether you’re stopping by in the morning to enjoy breakfast with Mickey and friends or you’re dining in the evening to eat some European fare, Topolino’s Terrace is a great choice any time of day! From the top of the Riviera Resort, you can look out over the EPCOT and Hollywood Studios areas of the property. You get not one, but TWO fireworks views!

Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen

Love the punny humor of the Jungle Cruise? Head over to the ride’s matching restaurant, Skipper Canteen! Here, your waiters will serve your food with a side of corny jokes and you’ll find some really interesting theming. If you’re a Disney history buff and you know all about the Society of Explorers and Adventurers (the S.E.A.), then you’ll find tons of fun references around the restaurant!

50s Prime Time Cafe

If you want to take a trip back in time, look no further than 50s Prime Time Cafe in Hollywood Studios! At this popular restaurant, you’ll be treated like you’re dining in mom’s kitchen, including relatives (the servers) who pick on you — making sure you keep your elbows off the table and eat all your vegetables. It’s fun for the whole family!

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant

Have you ever been to a drive-in movie? If not, you can get pretty close at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant in Hollywood Studios! Here, your family could dine in a car-shaped table while watching old movies on a giant projector screen. The food here is pretty average, but the atmosphere is worth the visit!

T-REX

Do you have a little one who just LOVES dinosaurs? Or are you a big fan of them yourself? Then you need to make a reservation at T-REX in Disney Springs! While this restaurant isn’t the most peaceful option on property, it’s certainly over-the-top when it comes to the fun and whimsical dino theme! You’ll be surrounded by animatronic dinosaurs, which makes for a memorable meal.

Coral Reef Restaurant

If you prefer to watch live animals instead of robotic ones, head on over to EPCOT to dine at Coral Reef Restaurant. This spot is connected to the aquarium at the SeaBase, so you’ll be able to watch all the little fishes while you eat…guess what? Seafood. (Kinda weird but also cool.)

San Angel Inn

Inside the pyramid at the Mexico Pavilion, you’ll find San Angel Inn, where you can feel like you’re having a nighttime meal in a Mexican market any time of day! From your table, you’ll be able to soak in the impressive indoor pavilion, and you may even catch a glimpse of the boats floating by for the Gran Fiesta Tour. 

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar

Calling all Indiana Jones fans, have we got the place for you! In Disney Springs across from Gideon’s Bakehouse, you’ll find Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, “owned” by the pilot from the hit first film! Inside, there are tons of details that fans will appreciate, including nods to other George Lucas movies.

Oga’s Cantina

And speaking of dining inside movies, you can step directly into a Star Wars film at Oga’s Cantina in Galaxy’s Edge. Here, you’ll feel like you just rolled up in Mos Eisley to meet Han Solo, and you’ll be served a variety of “exotic” beverage and food options. This location has such a great vibe that it’s incredibly difficult to score a reservation — you’ll want to book this one 60 days out!

Character Meals

And last, but certainly not least, we have to mention Disney World’s many character meals! You can dine with different friends at spots like Garden Grill, Hollywood & Vine, Chef Mickey’s, and so many others. Whether you have a child or not, you can have a wonderful time with your Disney pals! (And several of the meals have pretty good menu options!)

Have you been to any of these restaurants in Disney World? Let us know what you thought! And stay tuned to AllEars for the latest details on dining in Disney World!

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