Listen, I KNOW there are a ton of places to eat in Disney World and it’s hard to decide where to visit — I’m in the same struggle bus as you every few months when I get to visit!
However, I will say that a lot of you out there are probably less picky than I am and are therefore open to trying more adventurous eats, but I won’t stop trying to get my tastebuds to change, so we’re still on this search together! We’ve eaten at all of Disney World’s restaurants and have tons of reviews up to help you decide where to go, but I’m here to warn you now that THESE restaurants are the most popular ones out there, so if you happen to snag one and you choose to make it public knowledge, someone may decide to fight you for it.
Chef Mickey’s
Ah, yes, one of the most iconic restaurants. This restaurant is located inside Disney’s Contemporary Resort, right near the Magic Kingdom Monorail (the Resort Monorail will stop inside the hotel, while the Express Monorail will just sail through.
Chef Mickey’s is a character meal with the Fab 5: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto. It’s one of the most well-known character dining meals since it’s at the original Disney World hotel. The restaurant itself opened in 1990, replacing The Village Restaurant, and it’s been wildly popular ever since.
And why is this? Well, it’s not because the buffet is out of this world, I’ll tell you that (it’s not bad, just nothing to write home about) — it’s because of that nostalgia factor. A lot of parents grew up visiting this restaurant themselves with their families on vacations, and now that they’re grown with kids of their own, they want to bring them here, or just relive the memories themselves on their solo trips. For us, we think this is great to do once, but that’s about it.
Chef Mickey's Restaurant
Services: Buffet/All You Care to Eat
Cinderella’s Royal Table
For this one, it’s easy to see why it’s as popular as it is — it’s INSIDE Cinderella Castle! Yes, at this restaurant, you literally dine inside the castle, the icon of Magic Kingdom park, and to some, the whole of Walt Disney World Resort.
This is a prix-fixe meal, meaning that you’re choosing between a limited number of appetizers, entrees, and desserts for your meal. There is a kids’ menu here, which is good, because a lot of the normal offerings are not friendly for most kids’ palates. It is a character meal though, which means it’s a great opportunity to meet many Disney Princesses in one place!
While we definitely feel this is a must-do if you or someone in your party loves Cinderella or wants to feel like a true price/princess, this one is also a one-and-done in our book. The food isn’t fantastic (again, not bad, just not great), and while the atmosphere is incredible, after experiencing it once, that’s usually enough for most people.
Cinderella's Royal Table Restaurant
Services: Table Service
Victoria & Albert’s
Victoria & Albert’s is, undoubtedly, the fanciest restaurant on Disney World property, and the massive price tag per person reflects that. The prix-fixe menu here begins at $295 PER GUEST. This restaurant has won the AAA Five Diamond Award every single year since 2000.
Located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, also on the Magic Kingdom Monorail route, this is on many people’s bucket lists. There’s only ONE seating each night, so reservations are extremely limited.
However, unlike the previous two restaurants we’ve talked about, if you’re a fan of fine dining and appreciate the artistry that goes into each plate, this experience is 100% worth saving for. A few members of our team have gotten to dine here in the past and each one of them have said that if fine dining is for you, this is an unforgettable experience.
Victoria and Albert's Restaurant
Services: Table Service
‘Ohana
And to complete the trifecta of Magic Kingdom monorail resort restaurants, I have to talk about ‘Ohana! This well-known restaurant is located at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and has been hard to get reservations for FOR YEARS.
Two of the most iconic dishes here are the ‘Ohana Noodles and the Bread Pudding, but the Lilo & Stitch (and Mickey and Pluto!) character dining meal that happens at breakfast is also a huge draw for many families. It’s the only place in Disney World where you can meet Lilo!
Now, there is a lounge right next door, Tambu Lounge, so if you’re on a solo trip or are in a smaller group and weren’t able to grab a table service reservation, it’s worth stopping by the lounge! It’s a great way to try some of the same menu offerings without the stress of a reservation (BUT it’s not guaranteed you’ll get to dine here — that’s the trade-off).
'Ohana Restaurant
Services: Table Service
Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue
If you’re looking for dinner and a show, there is truly NO better place to go than Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue. This show is located a little out of the way over at Fort Wilderness Resort.
We’ve experienced this show multiple times and it never fails to disappoint. The last time our team went, Quincy even got asked to be part of the show! It’s so immersive, entertaining, exciting, and everything you could ask for if you’re looking to be entertained while you eat.
For me, this one is definitely on my bucket list because the menu of comfort food is much more up my alley in comparison to fine dining. However, a LOT of people feel the same way, which is why finding a reservation for this experience can be pretty difficult!
Pioneer Hall: Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue Restaurant
Services: Family Style
Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’
Okay, this last one is one that I have been looking to get a reservation for ALL YEAR LONG and I haven’t had any luck. Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ is located in Disney Springs and is THE place to go for breakfast and brunch.
Now, they’re open for dinner too, which is also amazing, but there are a lot of other restaurants around Disney Springs that we recommend for dinner. There aren’t many amazing recommendations we have for breakfast since most of Disney Springs doesn’t open until 10-11AM, but Homecomin’ has never let us down.
While many people may not even step foot in Disney Springs during their vacation because they’re focused on the parks, but the ones who DO know about this spot? Yeah, they’re why it’s hard for me to get a reservation — and I GET IT, but I just want to try it once, okay? 😫
Homecomin' Restaurant
Services: Table Service
And there you have it! If you have any of these on your list, be sure to grab those reservations right at that 60 day window at 7AM and you’ll have the best luck. However, if you don’t get one, don’t stop looking for one! Reservations absolutely can pop up closer to your vacation, and sometimes even while you’re there. Be sure to stay tuned to AllEars for all the latest Disney World news and recommendations!
My Best Friend Wants to Eat Like a Disney Expert, So I Sent Her These 19 Restaurants
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What restaurant would you add to this list? Tell us in the comments!
Another hard-to-get ADR is Space 220 at Epcot. I never miss it! Some people seem to feel this is a one and done. But I fantasize about the Buffalo Cauliflower appetizer; and the salmon is always delicious….I ALWAYS order these two dishes. Oh, and of course, the setting with windows overlooking a galaxy-wide viewing of space is fabulous, too.
Sort of a hack but you can often walk in and sit at the bar at Homecoming and order off their regular menu. Maybe not as comfy as a table but if you’re craving their food or a drink, it works.
Carol, this is a FANTASTIC tip! One of my coworkers mentioned this to me too when I mentioned I wanted to eat there — thank you so, so much for reading and sharing!