It’s no secret that there are tons of places to eat in Disney World.
And since you can get around the resort fairly easily, you can go to Disney Springs to dine or visit a Disney World hotel to stop by your favorite restaurant, even if you aren’t staying there. So what ones should you visit over and over again, and which are one and done? We have the list for you to remember for your next vacation.
One and Done
These restaurants are ones you may visit once, but once you’ve been there once, that’s enough. Whether it’s because of the food, the price, or a mix of the two, here’s why we only recommend visiting these restaurants once.
Cinderella’s Royal Table
The only people surprised by this are mostly people who have never been but it’s on their bucket list.
Yes, it’s expensive, which is one of the reasons why you may only do it once, especially if you only go every few years and so you’re only going when your kids are young. However, it’s also because while the experience is amazing, the food really isn’t.
This is especially true for picky eaters, which we know includes a lot of young kids. Because this is a prix-fixe menu, there are only a few options per course to choose from, and while kids can order from the kids menu, picky adults cannot. And, if we’re being honest, the quality of the food isn’t really worth the price.
Be Our Guest
And right over on the other side of Fantasyland, you’ll find Be Our Guest, which is another restaurant we think is a one and done for…pretty much the exact same reasons.
The experience is great, however you don’t get to meet Princesses like you do at Cinderella’s Royal Table (you’ll get to wave to the Beast, but that’s it), it’s another step down for us.
Once again, it’s a prix-fixe menu with options that are not friendly to picky eaters, and the food isn’t the quality you’d expect and hope for for a meal of this price.
Make the Potato Leek Soup from Be Our Guest at home! Click here for the recipe!
Chef Mickey’s
Chef Mickey’s is, arguably, the most popular breakfast table service meal in Disney World. It’s incredibly sought after, and reservations are hard to get.
This restaurant is located in Disney’s Contemporary Resort and is a character-meal buffet.
The characters are so much fun, and it’s a great experience your kids will love, but the buffet leaves a lot to be desired. It’s not bad, by any means, but it’s just…meh. Go for the experience once, and you’re good to go.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace is another table-service character buffet meal located in Magic Kingdom, but it’s a bit different than the others.
What makes it different? Well, instead of seeing Mickey and his friends, you’ll find Winnie The Pooh and his Hundred Acre Woods pals!
However, like other buffets in Disney World, it leaves a lot to be desired. It’ll fill you up and get you ready for the rest of your park day, but don’t come in expecting to feel super impressed with the food.
Liberty Tree Tavern vs. Crystal Palace — see our comparison here!
Victoria & Albert’s
Now WAIT, don’t cancel us just yet — this restaurant is on here for a TOTALLY different reason than the others.
The only reason this restaurant is one and done is because of how expensive it is. This restaurant is so expensive that some people save up for YEARS to dine at this restaurant one time.
However, the food here is INCREDIBLE. This is one of, if not the best, restaurant in Disney World (hence its high price tag). So if you’re really into great food, maybe saving up to dine at this restaurant one time is worth it for you.
Can’t Get Enough
On the other side of the equation, there are three restaurants that we just can’t get enough of, and we think going back more than once is a great idea.
Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya
Now, hear us out. This restaurant is very expensive as well, but there’s one reason you’ll want to return multiple times.
The main reason is that the menu at this spot changes with the seasons! This means you could go in the winter and experience one menu, and the visit again in the summer and it’s completely different.
Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue
In the words of Sage, live entertainment is important, which is only one of the reasons we love Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue. But because it’s live entertainment, the show will never be exactly the same!
The other main reason is that the food is wonderful! It’s served family style, and you can ask for a refill on anything you’d like. It’s southern comfort food to the enth degree, and we’re obsessed. Plus, you get to watch an amazing show! What could be better?
Love the strawberry shortcake at Pioneer Hall? Here’s the recipe!
‘Ohana
Over at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, you’ll find ‘Ohana, which is a very popular restaurant, for good reason. Not only is the food fantastic (hello, ‘OHANA NOODLES?!), but at breakfast, you can have a very special experience.
At breakfast, this location turns into a character meal with Lilo, Stitch, Mickey, and a few other friends! It’s the only place in Disney World where you can meet Lilo, and it’s a wonderful experience that adults and kids will enjoy.
Plus, while breakfast is a family-style meal, we do really love the quality of the food. If you’re willing to spend a little bit more on a character meal breakfast, we do highly recommend this one.
It’s always up to you to decide where you’d like to eat on your vacation, but we’re here to help you decide! As always, stay tuned to AllEars for the latest Disney news.
We’ve eaten at over 250 Disney restaurants — here are our favorites!
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What’s a restaurant that’s one and done for you? Tell us in the comments!
I wish they would bring back Quick Service breakfast and lunch at Be Our Guest!! My family got experience both when they were offered and from what I remember the food was pretty good and the value top notch! It was a wonderful way to see the restaurant and we loved sitting in the west wing. They can still do price fixe for dinner if they want for those that want that elevated experience.
The one statement used in many of these reviews is “If you have picky eaters…”. We learned the hard way many years ago. We made reservations at several restaurants when Our kids were young only to find they wouldn’t eat the food. It was a waste of money. My advice: as you make reservations, look at the menus, and let your kids get involved. If they say they wouldn’t eat the offerings or you get an ” Ewww” response or look on their face, go somewhere else. All Ears always has offerings if how to save money on a WDW vacation. This is one way to do that.
Disagree with Crystal Palace one and done. Their buffet has great options and well worth the cost.
Ohana, however, is a shell of its former self, from greasy, sweet noodles, tough inedible meat, etc. To me, it’s no longer a WDW must do.
Not eaten dinner at O’Hana but breakfast is incredible. My kids are grown and they all want to go for O’Hana breakfast. It is an absolute must when we go to Disney.
They all love the characters as well.