If you’re heading to Walt Disney World soon, keep reading. Disney World is a magical place filled with unforgettable experiences, and dining is surely one of them. With a lot of restaurants to choose from, it can be hard to know where to dig in. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top five best Disney World restaurants that 15 experts say will help you make the most of your next visit.
Part of the Disney World attraction is meeting characters in real life. You can even do it at some of the restaurants, such as Cinderella’s Royal Table! Ever wonder which beloved characters are considered the top Disney Princesses? We did, too, and we put together a list of everyone’s favorite damsels! If you feel like falling into a fairy tale (maybe while you wait for your table at Disney), check out the list of the five Princesses that stand out to pop culture experts.
Of course, Disney isn’t just about a visit to the Mouse House. It’s been an experience right in your living room for decades. The first-ever TV special, One Hour in Wonderland, was a Christmas miracle, airing on Dec. 25, 1950. It was a charming compilation of cartoon clips, and the rest is history! Nowadays, the Disney+ streaming platform gives you access to the vault of classics — such as the best Disney movies of all time — with the click of a button. And the content keeps coming, as Disney releases new movies and shows to its subscribers.
If that weren’t enough, Disney has its own cruise line and its own island in the Bahamas called Castaway Cay! It’s so stunning with turquoise waters and white sand beaches, no filter is needed on your vacation pictures there. And since Castaway Cay is exclusive to Disney Cruise Line, they make it so magical, you can cast away your cares. One ship docks at a time, and then you’re all set for fun in the sun. That’s part of what makes Disney one of the best cruise lines.
Back to the food … Are you ready for a delicious adventure at Walt Disney World? Then check out the consensus from 15 experts on which are the best Disney World restaurants. This list only encompasses five of the restaurants, but Disney World is full of flavor, so if you eat at one of these or just grab something quick, we hope your taste buds enjoy the ride and your dining experience adds to the magic of visiting the parks! If you have a favorite place in mind, let us know in the comments below!
The List: Best Disney World Restaurants, According To Experts
1. Victoria & Albert’s
This is fine dining at its finest. And according to Ziggy Knows Disney, this restaurant is a no-brainer for the number one spot on the list: “As if there was any doubt about what our top restaurant in Disney World is. Victoria & Albert’s has had that title since the day they opened its doors over 3 decades ago and is keeping a tight grip on the title. What can we say about Victoria & Albert’s? It’s not only the best restaurant at Walt Disney World, it’s also the best restaurant in Central Florida and has won the prestigious AAA Five Diamond award, as well as just about any other one you can think of.”
Disney Tourist Blog says it’s worth the high price: “The restaurant is quiet and well-appointed, and the service is exquisite. Victoria & Albert’s offers a prix fixe six-course meal consisting of gourmet and specialty fine dining options, along with other ‘premium’ items that can be ordered for an additional charge. The fixed-price cost for the regular dining room starts at roughly $300 per person. With wine pairings and upgrades, the cost can easily eclipse $800 for a couple — maybe even $1,000.”
“Victoria & Albert’s is the epitome of fine dining, offering guests a truly spectacular dining experience. It is a AAA 5-diamond restaurant featuring the elegance of the Victorian era combined with delicious gourmet American cuisine that uses ingredients from around the world. Choose to dine at the coveted Chef’s Table and be treated to a culinary experience that is out of this world. You will get to experience an 11-course feast … all paired with the perfect wines from their wide selection,” The Travel raves.
2. The Boathouse
This waterfront restaurant even offers a boat tour. So, it’s no wonder Resorts Gal recommends the entire experience: “The Boathouse comes in as one of our best Disney Springs restaurants. This location has little boats that look like cars. They’re called Amphicars, and you can rent them. A driver escorts you on a tour around the lake. Furthermore, The Boathouse has a waterfront dining location. Their menu includes a variety of fresh seafood, steaks, sandwiches, and burgers. This restaurant is popular for a reason and has a wonderful reputation.”
“The number one table service restaurant in Disney Springs is, hands down, The Boathouse, a popular and beautiful spot found right on the shores of Lake Buena Vista. The interior of The Boathouse features airy and large dining rooms with nautical details and theming. Guests can also opt to dine outdoors on several large decks that overlook Lake Buena Vista, offering up a great spot to catch the breeze, enjoy the view, and indulge in wonderful cuisine. Open for lunch and dinner, The Boathouse features a very extensive menu of sea and land favorites that are all served in indulgent portions with fresh ingredients and flavors,” DisneyDining.com claims.
And The Park Prodigy writes about the experience: “What to Expect: Breathtaking views of the water accompanied by some seriously unique and delectable bites. The restaurant itself is quite large, but we highly recommend making reservations in advance as this is one of the best restaurants outside of Disney World parks, at the Springs.”
3. Be Our Guest
This restaurant will make you feel like you’re smack in the middle of a scene from “Beauty and The Beast”! Delish says you’ll be amazed: “It’s impossible not to be in awe when you walk into Be Our Guest, no matter your age. The place is stunning and has three different rooms for kids to gawk over — the Grand Ballroom, the Beast’s West Wing, and the library-themed Castle Gallery. The food is equally as stunning. Keep in mind that this is a pre-fixe affair, with three courses starting at $62 for adults and $37 for kids.”
It’s all in the details for WDW Magazine: “I will fully admit, I actually shed a tear (OK, several tears) the first time I stepped foot in Be Our Guest Restaurant. Beauty and the Beast is my favorite, and the attention to detail in this place is nothing short of exquisite. You may even catch the Master, the Beast himself, if you’re dining at dinnertime. Our favorite items: The Grey Stuff (it is, in fact, delicious) and the French Onion Soup.”
“Be Our Guest is without a doubt the best restaurant at Magic Kingdom for all ages, adult or child. It has a complete experience with a stellar setting and a great menu. The restaurant is unique in that it’s quick-service for lunch/breakfast and table-service for dinner. If you plan on eating only one meal at Be Our Guest, I recommend that you choose dinner. It blows the other meals away,” Magic Insiders raves.
4. Nomad Lounge
Located inside Animal Kingdom, Nomad Lounge has a world full of flavors to offer. It even ranked at the top of Tasting Table’s list, and here’s why: “Overlooking the river, its huge covered terrace offers a tranquil escape from the bustle of the park and great views of boats with waving Disney characters drifting by. The atmosphere feels like a swanky African safari lodge, with a menu of snacks and cocktails that’s just as well-traveled.”
Theme Park Today also advises heading to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park for a seat at Nomad Lounge: “So, a lounge is the number one best restaurant in Disney World for 2023? Yes, quite simply it is that good! We absolutely love the offerings at Nomad Lounge and find ourselves there every single time we visit Animal Kingdom. The large beverage offering, the low-key atmosphere and comfy seating and the fantastic small plates make everything about Nomad Lounge top notch.”
“After you’ve spent a few hours trekking around Animal Kingdom, take a break at Nomad Lounge. The cocktail, beer, and wine menus offer a wide range of delightful drinks, and while the food menu is relatively limited, it’s great for a light bite or appetizer, with Impossible sliders, tuna bowls, the Tiffins bread service, churros, and more available,” Travel + Leisure writes.
5. Biergarten Restaurant
This Epcot restaurant gives you a taste of Germany with a festive atmosphere. Food Network says, “At Biergarten Restaurant, the food is hearty … Braised red cabbage. Spaetzle. Black Forest cake. That’s just the beginning, though. This restaurant is fun. You’ll be seated at long communal tables and entertained by a merry band of musicians. They’ll be wearing lederhosen and playing German folk music while you toast your Disney days with a Warsteiner Dunkel or König Ludwig Weissbier.”
“The Biergarten Restaurant in the Germany Pavilion brings guests into a beautiful open-air courtyard themed like a German village where they can enjoy an all-you-can-eat meal and live entertainment like oompah bands. Guests who dine at the location for lunch or dinner are seated family-style with other guests and can enjoy delicious menu options like Traditional Sausages, Nudel Gratin, Rotisserie Chicken, Schnitzel, and Potatoes,” DisneyLists.com describes.
And Hey Orlando thinks you’ll love the entertainment as much as the food: “My very favorite restaurant in the Walt Disney World Resort is located in the Germany Pavilion. Guests are seated at banquet tables arranged in a terraced semi-circle that fans out from a stage and dance floor. Smaller parties will be seated together, which is a dream for extroverts and also an authentic German dining experience. Traditional German fare is served buffet-style, which offers a great opportunity for sampling different dishes. A polka band performs an interactive show on stage that keeps kids entertained while parents can enjoy their meals.”
Well, folks, there you have it. We’ve covered the top five Walt Disney World restaurants experts recommend. But we want to hear from you in the comments! What’s your favorite restaurant at Disney?
You might also be interested in:
- Best Disney World Hotels
- Best Rides at Disney World
- Best Disney Princesses
- Best Disney Movies
- Best Family Cruises
- Best Resorts in Florida
Sources
- Ziggy Knows Disney
- Disney Tourist Blog
- The Travel
- Resorts Gal
- DisneyDining.com
- The Park Prodigy
- Delish
- WDW Magazine
- Magic Insiders
- Tasting Table
- Theme Park Today
- Travel + Leisure
- Food Network
- DisneyLists.com
- Hey Orlando
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links.
Was looking for Mickey pancakes pictured…fyi at Disneyland they are not made with mold! Red Rose Tavern makes each Mickey individually!