Former Disney World Cast Members Are Sharing the Restaurants They Never Go To and Why

We all know that when it comes to Disney World, food is a huge part of the magic!

But when you’ve got so many options available to you — quick service, table service, food carts, grab and go, etc. — making a decision on where to nosh can be quite a challenge. Well what about former Disney World Cast Members? We’ve got some on the team here at AllEars, so we reached out to them to find out which restaurants they avoid and why. Let’s dive into their takes!

So what did these former Cast Members think? Well, some of their takes may surprise you, as some pretty well-known experience made the list. In fact, the first one is one of the more iconic things to do in Walt Disney World…

Character Dining: It’s Awkward (and Pricey)

First up, one of our former Cast Members was quick to mention that character dining is a big “no” for them. “I’m not a huge fan of meeting characters, and these meals always cost way more than a regular restaurant,” they said. While it’s a fun experience if you’re with kids or first-time Disney visitors, if you’re not into the character interactions, it can feel awkward and overpriced.

Another on our team backed this up, mentioning how even as a Cast Member, working in character dining was an uncomfortable experience. “It was just…awkward,” they said, adding that the forced interactions aren’t for everyone.

So, for our former Cast Members, the steep prices paired with the character interactions simply aren’t worth the trade-off.

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Avoiding the Heat: Outdoor Quick Service Spots

If you’ve ever tried to enjoy a meal under the Florida sun, you’ll probably agree with this former Cast Member. “Any quick service that is outside? No thanks, Woody’s Lunch Box, I’m looking at you!”

They pointed out that eating in the heat, especially during those long summer months, is just not appealing. While outdoor quick service locations offer a casual and fast dining experience, sitting outside in the blazing sun can make it hard to enjoy your meal.

For those who’ve spent countless hours on the job in the sweltering heat, eating indoors with air conditioning is always the better option.

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Crowded Favorites: No Longer Magical

Surprisingly, some of the most popular spots are ones that former Cast Members avoid like the plague. For example, one on our team mentioned that they’ve recently started to avoid restaurants like Casey’s Corner. The crowds are just too much.

Even though these places have a big reputation for their food and atmosphere, the long lines and jam-packed seating can make the experience less enjoyable for those who’ve already “been there, done that.”

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Food Quality Matters

Another former Cast Member shared their take on avoiding places with, “I avoid places with overpriced menus and average food, like Coral Reef.” They also steer clear of places with limited options, like The Lunching Pad, where there’s just nothing appealing on the menu for them.

They also try to find quick service spots with unique options to avoid the typical burger-and-fries fare. “I get tired of eating fries and pizza every day,” which is a feeling many Disney regulars can likely relate to.

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The “One-and-Done” Restaurants

Some Disney restaurants have incredible atmospheres, but the food? Well, this former Cast Member summed it up best with, “There are so many ‘one-and-done’ restaurants with okay food but a special atmosphere to make up for it, like Space 220 or 50’s Prime Time Café.”

These restaurants are perfect for first-timers who want a themed dining experience, but for those who’ve seen it all before, the magic can wear off quickly. They also put character meals in this category adding, “It’s not as fun when you’re not with family or someone experiencing it for the first time.”

Those are just a couple of thoughts from our former Cast Members on which restaurants. So, which ones would they go to? We asked that too, and their recommendations included  Capt. Cooks, Cape May Cafe, Tusker House, Garden Grill, and the Tambu Lounge.

We’d love to hear from you down in the comments. Until then, keep it right here at AllEars for all the latest Disney news!

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What restaurants to you avoid at Disney World? Share your thoughts with us down in the comments! 

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