It is not unlikely for friends of mine or even people who barely know me to contact me about their Disney vacation. I am unsure if it is because I light up like a young child on Christmas morning when I hear about their future fantastical adventure that they are about to embark on or what it is… The problem is that I, myself, only go to Walt Disney World once or twice a year, meaning I am always forgetting of my favorite food spots, my discoveries on property, and my tricks of the trade. I would make an amazing tour guide those who wish to bring me along, babysit their children while they go on a romantic dinner, or when the wife needs a companion to drink around the world with at Epcot; however, remembering everything off of the top of my head is near impossible.
Of course, I volunteered to one of my old co-workers to help her discover the most perfect places in Disney to utilize her dining plan. Acknowledging that her family is only in the Orlando area for maybe three days tops, strategy should be involved to optimize maximum ground coverage, parade watching, and park hopping. Like most, when I questioned her about her current itinerary a week out of her trip, she had a deep panic set into eyes and started asking me questions. She had nothing booked, no meals reserved, and didn’t have the slightest idea where and when she was going to be through the duration of this trip. This makes things hard on a friend who doesn’t necessarily want to recommend a character dinner at Animal Kingdom if there was no intention of heading to the far corner of the property in the first place.
Here is what I did come up for her however. Something simple, navigational, and easy to pick and choose once they decided on a course of action (whether that happens prior to the trip’s departure or not):
Pizza
There are two different types of pizza that is severed at Disney in my experience: the good kind and the just-okay-but-I-have-had-better kind. When I was a Cast Member almost eight years ago, the “good” kind was a different type of dough and cooked a bit differently as well. The topping variation is more of a variety also and it is quite possibly one of the best ready-to-eat, pre-cooked pizzas that I have ever had; however, you can only locate these pizzas at three locations throughout the entire property: Pinnochio Village Haus in Magic Kingdom, Toy Story Pizza Planet in Hollywood Studios, and Pizzafari in Animal Kingdom. These three places, depending on the park, are my go-to eatery for a quick lunch. Usually the combo offer with a salad and drink is the best to optimize your dollar as well. These places would count for a Quick Service Food & Beverage location on the Disney Dining Plan.
Character Dining
I wasn’t grown up to be one of those children that attend character dining. I do have photos from Chef Mickey prior to Rainforest Cafe moving into the Downtown Disney location, but eating with costumed characters was not something that I felt as if I missed out on as a child. It is possibly the reason that my parents chose to skip this part of the Disney experience and opted into saving the money instead for my college degree. The Disney Dining Plan, however, has changed that for many families. Character dining or even the dinner shows have become so much more in reach for the average American.
When I was a Cast Member, I feel in love with these types of dining experiences. I get more joy from seeing a child’s expression from seeing Mickey Mouse for the first time (or possible even the fifth or sixth time) than most things. This is also a way that a family can enjoy dinner without the rush to hit up the next ride or parade so that they can enjoy themselves together. It also gives the parents time to relax and have fun too. My favorite is at many of these locations, it may be the only way that your child will have that Kodak moment with hard-to-find characters, such as Daisy. Almost every location also has an American cuisine that is kid friendly and likable to everyone. This makes the decision of hamburgers and hot dogs so much easier than worrying about what may be on the menu. Breakfast: Cape May Cafe at Beach Club Resort. Lunch: Garden Grill Restaurant at Epcot. Dinner: Mickey’s Backyard BBQ at The Campsites at Fort Wilderness Resort or ‘Ohana at Polynesian Resort. Either dinner show, Spirit of Aloha at Polynesian Resort or Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Fort Wilderness Resort, I have heard wonderful things about and if I had to choose one to go to first, it would be the one located at the Fort Wilderness Resort, but primarily because I had a roommate work there and who was “really good friends with” Chip and Dale and I love that resort. No other reason.
Exotic Food
No matter if the food is actually exotic, the location, decor, or hospitality may be. I love each for the flavors that I have tasted there throughout the years and would recommend any of the following to basically any one:
- Boma: Flavors of Africa at Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Bongos Cuban Cafe at Downtown Disney
- Rose & Crown Pub at Epcot
- 50s Prime Time Cafe at Hollywood Studios
- Wolfgang Puck at Downtown Disney
- Big River Grille & Brewing Works at Boardwalk Resort (Disney's only microbrewery)
- T’Rex at Downtown Disney (my personal favorite)
Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival
Although the menu changes from year to year, and I have only been able to attend twice in my life, I find that the food among the countries are by far the best hints of flavor on property. My favorite? Argentina’s Grilled Beef Skewer with Chimichurri Sauce and Boniato Purée or Australia’s Grilled Lamb Chop with Mint Pesto and Potato Crunchies. If you happen to grab a waffle from Belgium, make sure to hop over to Canada as well to wash it down with some dessert wine, Neige Première Apple Ice Wine. Most of these can be acquired as a snack through the Dining Plan.
Hit and Miss
I never expected to enjoy each and every eatery that I have been to, but the following are most definitely ones that I could miss the next time I plan a trip. These are also the ones that service may have not been the best or the food (quality and/or quantity) was just not the perfect Disney picture.
- Corral Reef at Epcot (just way over priced in my experience for sub-par food)
- House of Blues at Downtown Disney (dim lights, loud music, okay service, less-than-okay burgers)
- Rainforest Cafe at Downtown Disney (decent once, but the food is just okay and these places are everywhere in the country, don’t waste your Disney meal on this)
- Turf Club Bar and Grill (super, super, super disappoint)
Quick Service Spots
I know I haven’t truly hit where to eat for a burger. Each burger that I have every had at Disney has been quite delicious; there is no denying that. However, for burgers or just a quick snack, there are several locations that are good. For a sports game, i.e., Cardinals World Series a few years back, ESPN’s Wide World of Sports Grill at the Boardwalk was perfect. Now be smart, pre-plan… if there is a really important game on, every sports fanatic on property is going to try to find a place to sit, eat, and drink beer during the game. Many tables are occupied for longer than usual and there is no buzzer for when your table is ready, just a really long line, and it’s worth it.
Earl of Sandwich at Downtown Disney was my grandparents’ favorite place to grab lunch when I lived down there. The sandwiches are delicious and very comparable to a Panera Bread, but better. Casey’s Corner at the Magic Kingdom is wonderful for cartoons and a hot dog, but not much of a sit down place. The seating is limited and I would potentially try to find a different food location if you are trying to duck out of the rain during hurricane season, lots of foot traffic through. Good corn dogs, though.
If it is raining, however, Comic Rays’s Starlight Cafein Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom is worth running to (remember? cause it’s raining). Lots of place to sit, some outdoor area to play in, and a great view of the castle for your dinner. They have some fairly delightful salads and wraps as well. Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Port Orleans French Quarter may have some of the best beignets in the world (yes, even better than New Orleans). They offer the cheapest midnight snack or breakfast that you could ask for. And, finally, if you want a turkey leg, Disney is famous for them. There are iPhone cases, t-shirts, and posters with these turkey legs on them and they are delicious, located in Frontierland in Magic Kingdom or near the entrance of Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios.
photo credit :: photo credit
