I became a cast member at Walt Disney World in January of 2019. While working there the last year and a half, I have become quite acclimated with the many wonderful food options the parks have to offer. From character dining and formal sit-down meals, to quick in and out meals, there is something for every taste palette.
Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom is the queen of Walt Disney World. She rules the school in many ways, cuisine included.
My favorite breakfast meal at Magic Kingdom is The Crystal Palace. A character meal featuring Winnie the Pooh and friends, it is a sure to be a huge smile to start your day. My personal favorite dish, Pooh’s Puffed French Toast, was my meal of choice on my 21st birthday.
The star of the show at lunch in the Magic Kingdom is the Pinocchio Village Haus. This quick service meal is sure to get you out to your fast past on time, while still satisfying your taste buds. Inside the sweetest little village, you can snack on yummy flatbread pizzas, pasta dishes, and even gelato.
After a long day at MK, when your feet are aching, dinner can be just about anything. But when I’m eating at Be Our Guest inside the Beast’s castle, the evening is officially complete. You may find yourself eating in either the Grand Ballroom, the West Wing, or the Castle Gallery. Guests order off of a 3-course prix fixe menu, sure to please any taste. To finish off the evening, you are sent off to the night by the Beast himself. Talk about a royal experience!
Epcot
Epcot was my home park during my Disney College Program and continues to hold a special place in my heart. The home of the countries, Spaceship Earth has it all for absolutely anyone!
My favorite breakfast meal at Epcot is the Garden Grill. Not only is this a restaurant filled with wonderful family-style food, but it has all of your favorite characters too! Mickey hangs out in his cutest overalls, and your meal comes straight from his garden. The restaurant itself is on top of the attraction Living with the Land, guaranteeing a highly unique dining experience.
Around lunch time, you can find me dining at San Angel Inn Restaurante. Placed inside the beautiful temple of the Mexico pavilion, the ambiance is phenomenal. You are truly stepping into another universe, as you dine in the eve. You will also find yourself dining amongst the Grand Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros! Whether its chips and guac, or a queso kind of day, San Angel Inn never fails to make for the ideal lunch.
Wrapping up your evening in Epcot, you need to stop at Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria. This authentic restaurant is set in the Italian pavilion, right in the heart of the countries. With pizzas tossed in front of your eyes, and served straight from the wood-burning oven, there isn’t a thing to say no to!
Animal Kingdom
We are all adventurers at heart, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom knows how to bring the jungle to Florida. Its meals are nothing less and are sure to challenge your wild side!
Jambo! Our first stop in DAK will be at the Tusker House Restaurant! A character meal featuring Donald and Friends, the Harambe marketplace will certainly please all appetites. This restaurant is a family tradition and is a stop I look forward to every trip! The passionfruit, orange, guava juice is amazing, and will certainly leave you coming for more.
Though I am not too fond of Dinos, you can always find me hanging out in Dinloand eating at Restaurantosaurus. A calm corner tucked away; it is also a cool place to hang out to get away from the crowds. My personal favorite, their veggie burger, has me excited to stop by every time!
When the sun starts to set, head over to Pandora’s Satu’li Canteen for dinner. The glow amongst the forest trees is breathtaking, and one of the prettiest Disney dinner views. Their unique menu features the food of the Na’vi. No Pandora meal is complete without a Night Blossom, so be sure to swing next door to Pongu Pongu for dessert.
Hollywood Studios
Amidst the glitz and the glitter of this bustling young movie talent… is its food! Hollywood Studios is a film-lovers favorite, and its meals are no less than 5 stars.
Mornings in Hollywood Studios are great for the little ones… even if you are the little one! Disney Junior Play and Dine at Hollywood and Vine is a buffet style character meal that serves everyone’s favorites. These characters can be tough to spot anywhere else, so it is always a good place to catch them.
For lunch here in Hollywood, we are going to shrink down and head to Woody’s Lunch Box. It appears that Andy has turned his lunch into a restaurant, and I’m certainly not complaining! This quick service meal features all of your childhood favorites, from totchos to grilled cheese and tomato soup. The nostalgia here is real, and your taste buds will thank you for it.
Wrapping up the star struck evening is always at my favorite Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano. The beautiful atmosphere puts the perfect park day to a close. Not only does Mama Melrose offer classic Italian dishes, but they have the most fun desserts to choose from- including a spaghetti cupcake! It is certainly a celebrity worthy way to end your day
Though it may look like a lot- this is one small bite into the food of Walt Disney World! The meals are endless, and as a cast member, I can go on and on about the wonderful flavors of this mystical land. I challenge you to go try it all for yourself. Until then, stay safe, and have a magical day!
