With over 200 restaurants throughout the property, Disney World has the eats.
They come in all shapes and sizes, too. From food carts to Michelin Star-level restaurants, you have plenty to choose from. But let’s say you’ve got your heart set on having a character dining experience and were thinking about booking a reservation for Be Our Guest Restaurant — Stop what you’re doing. Do not pass Go. Don’t collect that $200. We’ve got some other spots we’d like to suggest to you! Let’s talk about it!
Let’s face it, if you’re anything like me, Be Our Guest Restaurant just isn’t your cup of tea. Maybe it’s the hype doesn’t live up to the experience or perhaps French cuisine isn’t your thing. Whatever the reason, there are some fantastic alternatives we have to talk about. Let’s dive in right now!
Garden Grill
Over in EPCOT, you’ll find the Garden Grill restaurant (It kind of feels like a hidden gem). With its delicious eats and fun character interactions, it takes “dinner and a show” to another level.
First off, we have to say that this restaurant rotates! While you eat, you’ll be treated to some stunning views of Living with the Land. You might not spend too much time admiring the views because the food is seriously delicious.
And the best part? Mickey and his pals stop by for those up-close character interactions.
Overall, it’s a more affordable option with better food and way more character interaction than Be Our Guest.
Emma and Breedlove went to Garden Grill, and you can watch their video about it right here.
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
Next up, this one’s for all the princess fans out there! If you’ve never had the pleasure of eating at Akershus, you’ve been missing out.
Let’s just say that it’s the place to be when you want to have a good meal and say hi to some of the leading ladies of Disney. (Think princesses like Belle, Aurora, Ariel, and more.)
Not only will you get better character interactions here than at Be Our Guest, but the menu features delicious Norwegian-inspired cuisine and a breakfast that will please everyone in your party.
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Cinderella’s Royal Table
No trip to the Magic Kingdom or really to Disney World itself, is complete without a visit to Cinderella Castle. And while Be Our Guest offers a glimpse into the Beast’s castle, there’s just something undeniably special about dining with Cinderella in her own castle. (You can tell we’re fans of this!)
We’re not going to sugarcoat it. This is an expensive meal, but it’s to be expected with the elegance and ambiance you’ll be getting here.
Also, as we said, you’ll see familiar faces like Cinderella and Snow White. Depending on when you eat, you might even see a certain Fairy Godmother.
Overall, it’s an iconic character dining experience right in the heart of Magic Kingdom, and it offers a bit more magic than Be Our Guest.
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Topolino’s Terrace — Flavors of the Riviera
This last one goes out to all you gourmands! This rooftop restaurant at Disney’s Riviera Resort boasts some breathtaking views of the property and some of the most delectable dishes as well.
But the best part isn’t just the food (even though it’s amazing too).
Topolino’s Terrace (based on Mickey’s Italian name) is also a character dining experience for breakfast!
You can meet Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy in some of their most unique attire.
Just like Garden Grill, you’ll find more character interactions and arguably better food here than Be Our Guest.
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We’re going to leave it at that and remind you that in the end, it’s up to you where you eat at Disney World. We’re just trying to look out for you!
In the meantime, keep it right here at AllEars for all the latest Disney news!
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If you’re skipping Be Our Guest Restaurant, where do you recommend eating at Disney World instead? Tell us in the comments!
Just like a lot of restaurants at WDW the menu at Be Our Guest has been brutalized and this was even prior to COVID. Post COVID there are very few if any restaurant menus that have not been pruned to the point of being mere shadows of themselves.
Given we are a few years post COVID I doubt the old menus will return. If they are not then it would be acceptable to have rotating menu items.