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Best Disney World Restaurants: The Definitive Disney Dining Guide

Choosing where to eat when planning your Walt Disney World vacation can be one of the most challenging and time-consuming tasks you’ll encounter when planning your trip. After all, you need to eat at least three times a day, and there are more than 200 dining options available on property! How can you possibly narrow it down on your own? We’ve made a comprehensive list of the best Disney World restaurants in a wide range of categories so you can find the best places to eat for everyone in your family.

The winners in each category are based on personal experience, overall popularity, reservation availability and demand, theming, atmosphere, and recognition outside the Disney community. While we would love to profile every restaurant available at WDW, it’s impossible to visit all of them during one vacation (perhaps even during a lifetime of Disney vacations).

Each category includes our Magic Guides’ top pick , a runner-up , and an “earworthy” selection (a notable restaurant Disney insiders truly love and recommend over and over again).

So, grab some coffee in your favorite Disney mug (we know you have one), don your Minnie ears, and join us as we profile the best restaurants at Walt Disney World parks and resorts.

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In This Article:

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Our Pick: ‘Ohana — Polynesian Village Resort

Table Service (All You Can Eat) | Reservations Recommended | View Menu

Whether you need space for your six kids or are dining with all your relatives for a family reunion, ‘Ohana lives up to its name, which you may know means “family” in Hawaiian. ‘Ohana serves all-you-care-to-eat breakfast and dinner in large family-style skillets. The spacious dining area has enormous round tables that easily accommodate large parties. Several rectangular tables in the center of the dining area can also be used for large parties.

The Best Friends Breakfast features Lilo, Stitch, Mickey, and Pluto. For dinner, selections include ‘Ohana’s famous stir-fry noodles, chicken wings, teriyaki beef, shrimp casserole, eight-way roasted chicken, Kielbasa sausage, broccoli, and pork dumplings.

Runner Up: 50s Prime Time Cafe — Hollywood Studios

Table Service | Reservations Recommended | View Menu

You’ll feel right at home (if you mind your manners) at this retro eatery modeled after a quintessential residential kitchen in the 1950s. The restaurant encourages you to gather around the dinner table and enjoy a family meal, with large booths and tables that seat parties of many sizes. Comfort food is on the menu: dishes include pot roast, meatloaf, fried chicken, pot pie, and mashed potatoes. The servers will even treat you like you’re at home, reminding you to keep your elbows off the table and eat your vegetables.

Earworthy: Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue — Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground

Dinner Show (All You Can Eat) | Reservations Recommended | Learn More

This classic dinner and variety show first premiered in 1971 and has entertained diners ever since. The dining hall has two levels and three seating categories, with various table sizes to accommodate large parties. I recently ate there with a group of eight. We enjoyed being at the table closest to the restaurant’s barn-style entrance at the back of the dining hall, giving us prime viewing to watch the performers make their grand entrance by banging and bursting through the doors. We had plenty of room for everyone and enjoyed the family-style platters of fried chicken, ribs, cornbread, salad, macaroni and cheese, as well as unlimited beer, wine, sangria, and soft drinks.

Our Pick: Tiffins — Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Signature Dining | Reservations Recommended | View Menu

Inspired by the globe-trotting journeys Disney Imagineers took when designing Animal Kingdom, this signature dining location is part art gallery, part culinary journey. Entrees include international cuisine from Asia and Africa, the lands that make up Animal Kingdom. Latin flavors are also present. In addition to its well-known bread service, notable dishes include falafels, tacos, veal, and surf and turf. There’s also a wide selection of press pot teas.

Runner Up: Cítricos — Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

One of the most highly acclaimed restaurants at the Grand Floridian is Cítricos. This Michelin plate-awarded restaurant is known for its Florida cuisine with Mediterranean flavors that have won over even the most discerning critics. Delicious specialties include sweet corn bisque, guava-barbecued short ribs, Mahi Mahi, caviar, and decadent desserts like the orange blossom flan. The restaurant was recently updated to include elements from Mary Poppins in its décor, but they are so subtle you’ll hardly notice. Cítricos has the upscale feel and luxurious atmosphere the Grand Floridian provides, with a more affordable price tag than other Grand Floridian eateries like Victoria and Albert’s.

Earworthy: Raglan Road Pub — Disney Springs

Table Service | Reservations Recommended | More Info

This traditional Irish pub is one of only a few places on Disney property with thriving nightlife, making it an obvious choice for adults who want to stay out after the parks close. The pub features nightly live entertainment, including Irish step dancers and musicians. The pub is also known for its St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

Our Pick: Hollywood & Vine — Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Character Dining (Buffet) | Reservations Recommended |  View Menu

Hollywood & Vine has one of the most unique character dining locations on property, with experiences that change daily from breakfast to lunch/dinner and seasonally. It’s also the only character dining available at Hollywood Studios. At the Play n’ Dine Breakfast, young children can see their favorite Disney Jr. characters like Vamprinia, Fancy Nancy, Doc McStuffins, and Goofy.

During Minnie’s Seasonal Dining for lunch and dinner, characters like Minnie, Mickey, Goofy, and Pluto are dressed in themed outfits to match the season. You can dine with the characters in their Halloween costumes from August to the beginning of November. From November through the beginning of January, you’ll experience a holiday-themed meal. In the winter (January and February), the characters don retro outfits celebrating the silver screen and old Hollywood. There’s springtime dining from March through May, and the characters wear fun summer outfits from May through August.

Breakfast is a classic American buffet with an omelet station and a selection of breakfast pastries, biscuits and gravy, bacon, eggs, and sausage. Of course, Mickey waffles are also on the menu. The lunch and dinner menu includes salads, pork belly, chicken, steak, macaroni and cheese with shrimp or bacon, and mini desserts.

Runner Up: Chef Mickey’s — Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Chef Mickey’s is the ultimate choice for kid-friendly dining. You can’t go wrong with traditional American fare served buffet-style while greeting Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Donald, and Goofy. Did we mention that you may see the monorail pass through the resort while you eat? It’s always a hit with the kids, too! You’re just a few minutes from the Magic Kingdom, so a morning at Chef Mickey’s is a great way to start your Disney day.

Earworthy: Crystal Palace — Magic Kingdom

Character Dining (Buffet) | Reservations Recommended | View Menu

If you have any Winnie the Pooh lovers in your house, Crystal Palace is the only place at WDW to dine with characters from the Hundred Acre Wood. Although the name “Crystal Palace” doesn’t invoke the image of Pooh characters, the restaurant’s Victorian-inspired greenhouse setting resembles a springtime garden, creating a light and airy atmosphere for Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, and Tigger to stop by and celebrate “Friendship Day.”

Le Cellier Steakhouse | Image © Disney

Our Pick: Le Cellier Steakhouse — EPCOT

Signature Dining | Reservations Recommended |  View Menu

Inspired by Canada’s grand hotels, Le Cellier has a cozy dining room resembling the wine cellars in Canada’s historic chateaus. It’s known for its steaks (including the Le Cellier filet mignon), seafood, poutine, and other Canadian specialties. The Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup is another must-try dish. Le Cellier is one of EPCOT’s original restaurants and remains one of the top fine dining locations at Walt Disney World. After your meal, take a romantic stroll around Victoria Gardens (inspired by the Butchart Gardens in British Columbia) before returning to the World Showcase.

Runner Up: Tony’s Town Square — Magic Kingdom

Tony’s Town Square has a surprisingly romantic vibe even though it’s steps from the excitement of Main Street, USA. The water fountain in the middle of the dining area has an exceptionally calming effect. Inspired by the Italian restaurant featured in Lady and the Tramp , this eatery serves classic Italian cuisine like fettuccine alfredo, chicken parmigiana, and tortellini al forno. Classic spaghetti and meatballs round out the menu. No judgment for attempting to share a single strand of spaghetti like Lady and Tramp do (just don’t push the meatballs with your nose). Dinner at Tony’s can be the start of a perfect date night. After your meal, book one of the fireworks dessert parties for reserved fireworks viewing, drinks, and themed desserts.

Earworthy: Narcossee’s — Grand Floridian

Set out on a dock overlooking the Seven Seas Lagoon, Narcossee’s offers romantic views of the Magic Kingdom Resort Area. The restaurant’s octagonal shape and Victorian windows overlooking the lake allow most diners to view ferryboats traveling back and forth from Magic Kingdom, the sunset, and the Electric Light Parade. You can enter the restaurant’s patio for private viewing during the fireworks. The cuisine features fresh seafood, steak, and pork.

Image © Disney

Our Pick: California Grill — Contemporary Resort

There’s no room for debate here! Perched on the 15th floor of the Contemporary, California Grill offers bird’s-eye views of Cinderella Castle, Magic Kingdom, Seven Seas Lagoon, and Bay Lake. Panoramic windows throughout the restaurant give guests spectacular views of the Magic Kingdom Resort Area. Whether you watch the sunset behind the Grand Floridian or view Happily Ever After light up the sky above Cinderella Castle, you’re in for a visual treat. The views aren’t the only top-notch thing at California Grill, though. As a signature dining location, it offers a world-class menu featuring west-coast-inspired cuisine, like beef filet, venison, and sushi rolls.

Runner Up: Space 220 — EPCOT

Table Service | Reservations Recommended |  View Menu

The views at this restaurant, located near Mission: Space in World Discovery, are out of this world—literally! Board a space elevator and blast off 220 miles into outer space (thanks to a little Disney magic). Once you arrive at Centauri Space Station (the dining area), you’re seated in a room with celestial panoramic views from space. You’ll dine on a space-themed prix fixe menu while gazing out viewports that provide both daytime and nighttime views of space. Pay attention to the scenes in these viewports, and you’ll find some Easter eggs, like X-Wing fighters and astronauts having lightsaber battles. It’s one of the newer restaurants at EPCOT, and its unique concept makes it one of our top choices for the best places to eat at EPCOT .

Earworthy: Sanaa — Animal Kingdom Lodge (Kidani Village)

Where else in the US can you spot a zebra, giraffe, or ostrich while you eat? This east-African-themed eatery has oversized windows overlooking the savanna. Animal Kingdom Lodge is home to over 30 species of African animals, such as gazelles, kudu, and cranes, many of which frequent the area just outside the restaurant. Dishes blend African and Indian flavors, including curries, pork shank, fish, steak, and chicken.

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Coral Reef Restaurant | Image © Disney

Our Pick: Takumi-Tei — EPCOT

Authentic Japanese signature dining makes Takumi-Tei one of the best Disney World restaurants (and one of the most expensive). The restaurant features two “omakase” menus where the chef creates and curates each meal, which starts at $250 per person. Authentic Japanese seafood and sushi dishes take center stage while you dine in one of five rooms inspired by elements like wood, fire, earth, and stone.

Runner Up: Coral Reef — EPCOT

Seafood lovers (and those who love the ocean) enjoy a unique culinary experience at Coral Reef, tucked away inside The Seas pavilion. The restaurant features immense viewing windows of The Seas aquarium (the second largest one in the US) and coral reef. Over 2,000 sea animals call the aquarium home, including sharks, rays , sea turtles , and a variety of colorful fish, all of which may swim by you during your meal. Lunch and dinner menus feature seafood specialties from around the world, including clam chowder, shrimp cocktail, seared Verlasso salmon, Mahi Mahi, and shrimp and grits.

Earworthy: Columbia Harbor House — Magic Kingdom

Quick Service | Mobile Orders Accepted | View Menu

When you need a seafood fix but don’t want to spend precious park time at a sit-down restaurant, head over to Harbour House in Liberty Square, just before the entrance of the Haunted Mansion. Menu selections include New England-style lobster rolls, shrimp boil, and fried fish platters. This nautical-themed, quick-service eatery has two levels of indoor seating, so there’s plenty of room to take a break and cool off from the Florida heat.

Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory

Our Pick: Sassagoula Floatworks at Food Factory — Port Orleans French Quarter

Designed to take you inside a Mardi Gras float warehouse, the Port Orleans French Quarter food court features a large seating area with oversized float prop pieces like jester hats, Mardi Gras beads, and mythical creatures dangling from the ceiling. Offerings rotate regularly for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Generally, dishes include American staples like burgers, chicken, sandwiches, pizza, and a few New Orleans favorites like jambalaya and gumbo. My favorite is the Mickey-shaped beignets, which are fried and prepared right before you. Since it’s the only place on property to get beignets, it’s worth checking out!

Runner Up: Gasparilla Island Grill — Grand Floridian

When you need a late-night bite, this is your place. It’s open all day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It also has a late-night menu featuring snacks, pastries, salads, desserts, and coffee. While most dining locations at WDW close between 9 and 11 pm, Gasparilla Island Grill is regularly open longer, usually until midnight, and reopens at 6 am.

Earworthy: Capt. Cook’s — Polynesian Village Resort

While not technically a food court (it’s a counter service restaurant), it’s the closest thing to one at the Polynesian. It’s a popular eatery with a wide range of menu items, like the Tonga Toast (Deep-fried, banana-stuffed bread sprinkled with cinnamon sugar) for breakfast and Korean chicken bowls for lunch and dinner.

The famed Ronto Wrap at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo

Our Pick: Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo — Hollywood Studios

Quick Service | Mobile Orders Accepted |  View Menu

Disney has upped their game in the quick service food department (plain hamburgers and chicken nuggets are not at every restaurant anymore). Docking Bay 7 is just one example of the innovative culinary creations that make Disney World a foodie destination . Located inside Star Wars : Galaxy’s Edge, this counter-service restaurant has one of the most unique menus on site. From Smoked Kaadu Pork Ribs (served with a blueberry corn muffin and cabbage slaw) to Batuuan Beef and Crispy Topato Stir-Fry, it’s a menu you’ve got to see to believe. A fan favorite is the Ronto Wrap, featuring roast pork, sausage, slaw, and sauce served up gyro-style on a soft pita.

Note: finding a table may be difficult during peak meal times, and you may have to sit on a makeshift stool made of space cruiser parts while eating.

Runner Up: Sunshine Seasons — EPCOT

Quick Service |  View Menu

Sunshine Seasons serves breakfast and lunch on the bottom floor of The Land pavilion. What’s distinctive about this quick-service eatery is that many of the ingredients used in the dishes are harvested fresh from the Land’s greenhouses, which you can view from the Living with the Land attraction. Everyone in your party can pick something they’d enjoy with stations that include salmon, salads, vegan flatbreads, stir-fries, tacos, and rotisserie chicken.

Earworthy: Yak & Yeti™ Local Food Café — Animal Kingdom

Quick Service | View Menu

This quick-service eatery is one of my family’s favorites! Located outside the full-service Yak and Yeti restaurant, it offers Asian dishes like fried rice, honey sesame chicken, tempura shrimp, and Tikka Masala. We love the pork egg rolls, which we get with chicken fried rice to share for a filling, delicious lunch. The nearby outdoor seating is shaded and secluded, offering beautiful views of Expedition Everest and the surrounding lake.

Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe

Our Pick: Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe — Magic Kingdom

While the parks have gotten more innovative with food options over the years, sometimes you want a simple burger and fries. Cosmic Ray’s hits the spot, offering bacon cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, and chicken strips with fries. The kid’s menu also includes mac and cheese. The eatery has three separate “bays” that serve the same menu but allow more guests to order simultaneously. This eatery can get busy, so I suggest mobile ordering your food to avoid waiting in a long line.

Runner Up: Regal Eagle Smokehouse — EPCOT

A salute to all foods, but mostly BBQ. Located inside the American Adventure Pavilion at EPCOT, this counter-service restaurant includes comfort food and celebrates the BBQ regions around the nation, like Kansas City, Memphis, and Texas. Picky eaters will enjoy staples like ribs, BBQ burgers, mac and cheese, and chicken. There are a few options for the more adventurous eaters, like the BBQ Jackfruit Burger and Power Greens Salad. Muppets fans: look out for Sam Eagle and other Muppet-themed details throughout the décor.

Earworthy: Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater — Hollywood Studios

Casual diner fare is served in this 1950s drive-in themed restaurant. Every booth is placed inside a 1950s convertible (two adults can usually fit in each row), and you eat while watching clips of science fiction movies from the 1950s that were popular at drive-ins. Menu selections include burgers and classic American appetizers like onion rings and chicken wings.

A note to picky eaters (from a recovering picky eater): be mindful of gimmicks at certain restaurants that will playfully call you out for your pickiness. At 50s Prime Time Café (Hollywood Studios), my meal came with green beans I didn’t intend to eat. Our server pointed it out and teased that she wouldn’t bring the dessert menu until the green beans were gone. It was all in motherly fun, and luckily, a family member took care of my green beans so the table could order dessert. In addition, if you ask for ketchup at Whispering Canyon (Wilderness Lodge) , the servers tell everyone to bring all the ketchup bottles in the entire restaurant to your table. They’ll stay there until someone else asks for ketchup. Good luck trying to find a place for your plate!

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The cinnamon rolls at Gaston's Tavern are roughly the size of a barge | Image © Disney

Our Pick: TIE! Gaston’s Tavern and Sleepy Hollow — Magic Kingdom

Quick Service Snacks | Mobile Orders Accepted (Sleepy Hollow)

This pick might be a bit controversial if you’re looking for a full-fledged, sit-down, bacon-and-eggs feast. But a lot of Disney World visitors are on the run first thing in the morning, anxious to get their day started with lots of rides and excitement. So our top breakfast picks are places where you can get quick fuel without wasting any time.

Both Gaston’s and Sleepy Hollow serve too-good-to-pass-up breakfast pastries that are worth mentioning. Gaston’s Tavern is known for its colossal cinnamon rolls and LeFou’s Brew (frozen apple juice). Located toward the back of Fantasyland, it’s a fair distance away from the Starbucks on Main Street and is one of the best places to grab a to-go breakfast and coffee if you’re in that area of the park. Sleepy Hollow is an often-overlooked open-air eatery located toward the right when you enter Liberty Square. It often features seasonal treats and is known for its chocolate/hazelnut spread (Nutella) and fruit waffle sandwiches.

Runner Up: Kona Café — Polynesian Village Resort

Kona Café is a second location at the Polynesian where you can find the famous Tonga Toast. The café also features omelets, egg platters, and specialty griddle dishes like Macadamia Nut Pancakes with Pineapple Sauce.

Earworthy: Olivia’s Cafe — Old Key West Resort

Olivia’s Café is a hidden gem and is one of the best Disney World restaurants for brunch. Their selections go beyond the traditional Mickey waffles and omelets served at other breakfast eateries on property. I enjoyed the Banana Bread French Toast. Other selections include the Sombrero Beach Omelet, fried chicken, and Chicken Caesar Salad. The restaurant also has brunch-style cocktails like Loaded Bloody Marys and Olivia’s Eye Opener.

One of the many wholesome options at Satu'li Canteen

Our Pick: Satu’li Canteen — Animal Kingdom

Every restaurant at Disney World has allergy-friendly and plant-based menus. However, Satu’li Canteen has these options available on their regular menu. The menu contains a variety of power bowls, which include a starch base, a protein, and a sauce. Options include Chimichurri-Braised beef, Chili-Garlic Shrimp, and the Ocean Moon Bowl. The Cheeseburger Bao Bun Pods are also a big hit.

Runner Up: Garden Grill — EPCOT

Character Dining (All You Can Eat) | Reservations Recommended | View Menu

Family-friendly and health-conscious, the Garden Grill features character dining with Chip, Dale, Mickey, and Pluto for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. All the veggies used in the dishes are grown at the EPCOT greenhouses, steps from the restaurant. Menu items like grilled beef, turkey, and salads are served family-style in large platters at your table. Another unique feature is that the entire restaurant slowly rotates through various food-growing environments, including a rainforest, a prairie, and farmland during your meal.

Earworthy: Teppan Edo — EPCOT

Table Service (Hibachi Style) | Reservations Recommended | View Menu

This restaurant inside the Japan pavilion offers traditional hibachi meals like stir-fried veggies, soup, salad, rice, tempura meats, and sushi.

Our Pick: Topolino’s Terrace Breakfast — Riviera Resort

Character Dining | Reservations Recommended | View Menu

Since Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera opened in December 2019, guests have raved about the delicious food and excellent character interactions during Breakfast à la Art. It’s one of the hardest-to-get character dining reservations, and it’s easy to see why. Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy are dressed in très magnifique outfits that pay homage to European artists, like painters, poets, and dancers. Its rooftop location offers impressive views. The prix fixe menu selection goes beyond other character dining buffets, including European-style pastries, quiches, waffles, smoked salmon bagels, and Brûlée Bread Pudding.

Runner Up: Cinderella’s Royal Table — Magic Kingdom

Noted as one of our top picks for best Disney World restaurants for character dining , Cinderella’s Royal Table is truly a magical experience. Children and adults alike marvel at getting to eat inside Cinderella Castle . The royal ambiance makes it one of the top places to get engaged at Walt Disney World. Pose for pictures with Cinderella in the main lobby, then head upstairs for your meal while princesses like Ariel, Snow White, Jasmine, and Aurora come around to your table.

Earworthy: Storybook Dining at Artist Point with Snow White — Wilderness Lodge

A newer addition to character dining at WDW, this Snow-White-themed restaurant allows you to dine with unique characters you won’t find anywhere else. Snow White, Dopey, and Grumpy visit your table, and there’s a special photo op with the Evil Queen. The restaurant is beautifully decorated to look like an enchanted forest, and the prix fixe menu includes themed dishes like Hunter’s Pie, “Cottage” Beef Stroganoff, and Sorceress Spell “Tricken” Chicken.

Our Pick: Victoria & Albert’s — Grand Floridian

Luxury Dining | Reservations Required | Learn More

The “culinary crown jewel” of Walt Disney World is internationally recognized, receiving the AAA Five Diamond Award and the Forbes Travel Guide 5 Star Restaurant Award. It’s also mentioned in the Michelin Guide . There’s an award-winning wine list with over 500 wines dating back nearly one hundred years. The restaurant includes three distinct dining experiences with a prix fixe menu: the Chef’s Tasting Menu, the Chef’s Degustation Menu, and the private Chef’s Table experience (the most elite and exquisite dining on property).

Runner Up: Monsieur Paul — EPCOT

This elegant French restaurant blends classic French cuisine with a modern “gastronomic” twist, all while offering views of the World Showcase Lagoon. Chef Paul Bocuse, a world-renowned chef, showcases his culinary talents with innovative dishes that display his creativity. The restaurant provides a prix fixe menu that features contemporary interpretations of traditional French cuisine.

Earworthy: The Hollywood Brown Derby — Hollywood Studios

Contemporary American fare meets old Hollywood charm at this replica of the famous restaurant of the same name in L.A. Caricatures of celebrities adorn the walls, just like they do at the original location. The restaurant is also home to the original Cobb Salad, invented by Bob Cobb, the owner of the original Brown Derby. Menu selections for lunch and dinner include shepherd’s pie, pork, lamb shank, Faroe Island salmon, and chicken and dumplings.

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Our Pick: Biergarten Restaurant — EPCOT

Table Service (Buffet) | Reservations Recommended | View Menu

Biergarten places you in the middle of an Oktoberfest celebration every day of the year. Traditional German musicians play upbeat polka tunes (complete with lederhosen) while you enjoy classic German dishes like sausages, bratwurst, sauerkraut, and schnitzel. As you may expect, there’s also an extensive beer selection. Snagging a reservation here is relatively easy, thanks to its large communal tables (though that means you may be seated with other families). It’s often one of the dining options included with EPCOT festival dining packages, which include your meal and reserved seating at a concert or Candlelight Processional show.

Runner Up: Boma – Flavors of Africa — Animal Kingdom Lodge (Jambo House)

Modeled after the African marketplace, Boma features dishes from more than 50 African countries. You’re in for a diverse culinary expedition with selections like Tabbouleh, Tunisian Couscous, peanut or coconut rice, and Moroccan Harira. There are also some American choices for picky eaters and kids, including mac and cheese, chicken bites, and an assortment of pasta.

Earworthy: Tusker House — Animal Kingdom

This all-day character buffet is located near the Kilimanjaro Safari ride in Africa. Here, you’ll meet Donald, Daisy, Goofy, and Mickey dressed for a safari adventure. Typical character buffet fare like Mickey and Simba waffles is included in the morning, while dinner selections include Moroccan Spiced Beef, chicken, and Curry Shrimp.

The story of Akershus Royal Banquet Hall

Our Pick: Akershus Royal Banquet Hall — EPCOT

The character dining at Akershus (located in the Norway Pavilion) is on par with Cinderella’s Royal Table and is generally an easier reservation to get. If you can’t find a reservation at Cinderella Castle (or you’ll be at EPCOT more than Magic Kingdom), Akershus is a great alternative. Princesses could include Belle, Aurora, Ariel, Jasmine, Tiana, and Snow White. The lunch and dinner menu is traditional Norwegian, but there are some basic options like green beans, mac and cheese, and corn dog nuggets.

Runner Up: Be Our Guest — Magic Kingdom

Be Our Guest is great for families because it offers an upscale, fine-dining, family-friendly atmosphere. Plus, who wouldn’t want to dine in the grandiose ballroom of the Beast’s castle? It’s one of the more difficult advanced dining reservations to get. Don’t forget to try the gray stuff…we hear it’s delicious (*spoiler* it tastes like cookies and cream mousse).

Earworthy: ‘Ohana Best Friends Breakfast — Polynesian Village Resort

Dine with Lilo, Stitch, Mickey, and Pluto in this Hawaiian-themed restaurant with views of the Magic Kingdom. Breakfast is served in huge family-style platters, offering all-you-care-to-enjoy selections of Mickey waffles, sausage, bacon, eggs, and select pastries.

‘Ohana is equally enchanting at dinner time. Though the characters are absent at night, views of Cinderella Castle (perhaps even including the fireworks) — along with a tasty menu of flame-grilled meats and Polynesian favorites — make it a popular spot.

Our Pick: The Edison — Disney Springs

Head back to the Roaring 20s in this steampunk/art deco restaurant. The restaurant has seven themed spaces spanning multiple levels, with a large dance area and stage on the bottom floor. Nightly entertainment includes a live big band that performs covers of today’s pop hits in jazz-age style (think Postmodern Jukebox ). Occasionally, you can find other performers, such as stilt walkers and flapper-style dancers.

Runner Up: Jellyrolls — BoardWalk Inn Resort

A staple at Disney’s BoardWalk for almost 30 years, Jellyrolls is one of the original dueling piano bars. This club has become a hidden gem tucked away in plain sight along the resort’s lakefront boardwalk. The pianists are entertaining and take requests. It’s a fun and unique experience! Be sure to eat before you go—it’s a traditional bar and doesn’t serve food (other than free popcorn that they sometimes have). There’s also a cover charge, so you’ll want to budget for that .

Earworthy: Scat Cat Club — Port Orleans French Quarter

This is a personal favorite of mine. It’s the only place at Disney where you can enjoy some fresh Mickey-shaped beignets and listen to a live jazz musician. This small lounge is located just off the lobby at the French Quarter and has entertainment Wednesday through Sunday starting at 7:30 pm. Drinks include standards and southern favorites like the Bonfamilies Bourbon Peach Tea and Bebop Bloody Mary. The lounge also serves up several food items in addition to beignets, including sliders, Po’boys, and wings.

Our Pick: Beaches & Cream — Beach Club Resort

Beaches and Cream is a poolside ice cream shop known for its indulgent dessert, The Kitchen Sink. It’s a dessert lover’s dream that includes scoops of classic ice cream flavors like vanilla, strawberry, chocolate, mint chocolate chip, and cookies’ n’ cream sprinkled with every topping imaginable, such as hot fudge, Snickers, brownies, peanut butter, cherries, and sprinkles. This epic concoction feeds four people and is served in a miniature sink (complete with a faucet). They also serve a variety of ice cream flavors, sundaes, and signature treats such as Cookie Fries, No Way José, and Frozen Sunshine.

Runner Up: Aloha Isle — Magic Kingdom

Quick Service Snacks | View Menu

Aloha Isle is the home of the world-famous Dole® Whip at Magic Kingdom, which we recognize as the most Instagrammable Disney snack . While there are other places to get a Dole Whip at the parks and resorts, there’s something magical about enjoying it at Magic Kingdom. Plus, mobile ordering makes getting your Dole Whip easy and efficient.

Earworthy: Ghiradelli Soda Fountain — Disney Springs

Quick Service Snacks | Learn More

The world-famous chocolatier has an ice cream parlor next door to its retail shop in Disney Springs. The parlor creates classic ice cream treats like banana splits and Hot Fudge Sundaes, as well as themed desserts like the Sea Salt Caramel Sundae and the Magical Sundae—which includes chocolate-dipped waffle “ears” in the shape of a Mickey. Seating is pretty limited inside, so I recommend taking your ice cream and enjoying it while walking around Disney Springs.

Find Out How Much Your Dream Disney World Vacation Will Cost

The palm-lined entrance of the ABC Commissary restaurant | Image © Disney

Our Pick: ABC Commissary — Hollywood Studios

ABC Commissary doesn’t wow anyone in the décor or atmosphere category. It has a simple layout modeled after a working television studio’s cafeteria. The only notable décor are posters of currently running ABC shows along the walls. However, this no-frills eatery offers plenty of options at affordable prices. Entrees start at $12 and include items like Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese and Pork Carnitas Tacos.

Runner Up: Restaurantosaurus — Animal Kingdom

Like the dinosaurs that inspired this quick-service eatery, the offerings here go back to when most of Disney’s food offerings were glorified fast-food joints. You can find plain (and cheap) meals here, with entrees ranging between $12 – $15 each. If you get a hankering for a foot-long chili cheese dog or a no-frills cheeseburger, this is the place for you.

Earworthy: Chicken Guy! — Disney Springs

Chicken Guy! offers fast food dishes created by Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives host Guy Fieri . This fried chicken place in the heart of Disney Springs offers fried tenders, chicken sandwiches, an array of sauces, fries, and salads. Sandwiches start at $6.99, tenders start at $7.99, and combo meals (with fries and a drink) start at $11.49.

If you’ve made it this far, you’ve seen just how plentiful the dining options at Disney World are! That’s why narrowing it down to our top three choices is challenging. Without further ado, here are our overall rankings for the best Disney World restaurants:

Victoria and Albert’s — Grand Floridian

Victoria and Albert’s is the most awarded restaurant on property, recognized globally for its culinary excellence. It’s among the most elite and sought-after dining reservations, so it deserves the top spot.

A meal at Victoria and Albert’s may not be in everyone’s vacation budget, and its luxurious Victorian atmosphere and menu selection aren’t exactly kid-friendly (those aged 9 and under are not even permitted inside). However, if you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience to celebrate a milestone anniversary, wedding, engagement, or other special occasion, you’ll want to consider Victoria and Albert’s.

‘Ohana — Polynesian Village Resort

‘Ohana hits the mark in so many categories, which makes it one of the best restaurants at Disney World. It’s great for families, with all-you-care-to-enjoy, family-style dining, and ample space for parties of various sizes. Many delicious menu options are included with the prix fixe price, so even picky eaters will find something they’ll enjoy. We also like that they offer two separate dining experiences: a character breakfast in the morning and a refined, Hawaiian-inspired menu for dinner. Plus, large windows offer stunning views of Seven Seas Lagoon and Cinderella Castle. If you’re there during the nightly fireworks, they’ll dim the lights and play the music in the restaurant. Or, you can head downstairs to the beach area after your reservation and view the fireworks from there.

Cinderella’s Royal Table — Magic Kingdom

This iconic restaurant inside Cinderella Castle is a must-do at Disney — if you can get a reservation. Children and adults of all ages will love sharing their experience dining inside the castle. Princess lovers will enjoy posing for pictures with princesses like Cinderella, Aurora, Snow White, Ariel, and Jasmine. Foodies will love themed dishes and handcrafted desserts like The Clock Strikes Twelve. The ambiance and royal atmosphere make it one of the most romantic spots on property, which is why it’s one of the most popular places to get engaged at Disney World. It’s also a perfect place to celebrate a honeymoon or anniversary.

With more than 200 individual dining locations across Walt Disney World, picking where to eat at the theme parks may feel like a full-time job! This list will help you understand the plethora of different dining options available at Disney so you can plan a perfectly magical vacation.

Reservations for any sit-down restaurant are “highly recommended,” which is Disney’s way of saying they’re pretty much mandatory. And thanks to the return of the Disney Dining Plan as well as the popular Free Dining promotion , making your plans early is more important than ever!

Your restaurant booking window opens 60 days before your trip:

• If you’re staying at a Disney Resort, you can book all your dining reservations for your entire trip (up to 10 days’ worth) at the 60-day mark.
• If you’re staying elsewhere, you will need to book your dining day-by-day at the 60-day window.

Check out our dining reservation calendar to determine when reservations will open for your upcoming trip.

Need more information about dining at Disney World’s theme parks? Check out our other guides:

Best Places to Eat in Animal Kingdom , Best Places to Eat in Hollywood Studios , Best Places to Eat at Magic Kingdom , and Best Places to Eat in Epcot .

For more Disney World information, check out our Disney Crowd Calendar , Disney Travel Agencies , and Disney Transportation guides.

Get Free Help Planning Every Part of Your Trip

Planning a Disney vacation can be all-consuming.

Focus on the fun and let our friends at The Vacationeer help you plan an unforgettable vacation.

They’ll help you pick the best resort for your family, arrange theme park tickets, monitor deals and discounts (even after you’ve booked your trip), and make dining reservations for you during your 60-day window.

They’ll even monitor cancellations and additional reservation availability if you can’t get the reservation you want initially.

Those are just some of the many benefits of booking Disney through a travel agent . With free consultations and no-obligation quotes , there’s nothing to lose by contacting The Vacationeer today!

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Family Style Dining: Sebastian’s Bistro Review

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In my mission to try out as many Disney World restaurants as humanly possible, we move on to Sebastian’s Bistro. As far as I’m concerned, it’s a bit of an unsung hero in the Disney dining world.

Apparently, I’m not good at building up suspense and surprise. I just throw the end result right into the introductory paragraph…

Sebastian’s Bistro was closed for the longest time after the pandemic. When it finally returned the entire menu was restructured to a family style meal. However, the good news is that the meal hasn’t suffered for this change.

As usual for my gluten free followers I have sections devoted to any notes on the gluten free menu and my overall gluten free experience ( updated July 14, 2023 ).

Sebastian’s Bistro General Information

Location of sebastian’s bistro.

Sebastian’s Bistro is located at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. Once upon a time this might have been considered an out of the way location, but no more. The Skyliner Gondola makes it extremely easy to get to Caribbean Beach Resort now.

There is a little bit of a walk from the Skyliner station to Sebastian’s Bistro itself. However, finding it is pretty straightforward. Walk in the direction of the main pool, which you can pretty much see from a distance, and you’ll be right where you need to be.

Sebastian’s Bistro Theme and Atmosphere

As I’m sure you can guess from the name and location of the restaurant, it is an homage to Sebastian from The Little Mermaid. However, the references to Sebastian are subtle, you are never hit over the head with cartoon crabs.

Frankly, that’s a bit of a drawback as far as I’m concerned. It’s a pretty restaurant, and I truly do like the décor, but it doesn’t exactly scream, “I’m at Disney World!” This has been a concerning trend with redesigns at Disney recently. I do not go to Disney World to see a bland version of things.

But aside from that, I truly do like the design used in the restaurant. It creates a calm and peaceful vibe.

The restaurant itself is pretty small and quiet. It did see a steady flow of people while we were there but never felt busy. One thing that I really liked was the more than adequate spacing between the tables.

Sometimes, it feels like the tables are jammed into a restaurant, but that isn’t the case here. There was plenty of room for each table. This had the added bonus of making traffic flow very easy.

I found the overall decor to be understated but very warm. As one would expect, coastal colors reign supreme. Everything is done in blues, weathered gray, and white.

I’ll be the first to admit, I’m a sucker for vaulted ceilings and beams so it was pretty much a guarantee the I would like the decor.

Sebastian’s Bistro Hours

Sebastian’s Bistro is only open for dinner, daily.

• Dinner: 4:30pm-9:30pm

These times can shift slightly, so just make sure you double check what the times are on your potential date.

Sebastian’s Bistro Dining Plan and Discount Information

When the Disney Dining Plan returns in 2024, it will be accepted at Sebastian’s Bistro. A meal here will cost you 1 Table Service credit with the standard Disney Dining Plan.

If you have a trip in 2024 and beyond and don’t know about it yet, make sure you read up about all the Disney Dining Plan has to offer .

Of course, there is always the option to pay out of pocket for your meal. There are a couple of discounts accepted at Sebastian’s Bistro. Both Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members receive a 10% discount.

Reservation Difficulty at Sebastian’s Bistro

I always recommend getting a reservation at whatever restaurant you are certain you want to go to. Let’s face it, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

That being said, Sebastian’s Bistro isn’t exactly a hot spot of activity so you can typically get away with grabbing a last minute reservation here.

In fact, I just did this the other day when our original plan to go to Disney Springs was scrapped due to rain. Instead we booked a reservation at Sebastian’s Bistro a little over an hour before we wanted to dine. And there were multiple options to choose from.

This makes Sebastian’s Bistro a great option for a more spontaneous dinner option.

Sebastian’s Bistro Menu

Ok, here’s where all the changes have taken place. Previously, this was a traditional a la carte menu with many different options to choose from. Now, it’s a family style menu.

What that basically means is, you get what you get and you don’t get upset…the menu is essentially the same for everyone. There are enhancements that you can add to the menu for an additional fee.

There is also a plant based option you can get to make the entire meal vegan/vegetarian. And as always, Disney is amazing at accommodating for food allergies so you can easily modify your order to meet your dietary needs.

As always, the menu can change at any time. Make sure you check the official Sebastian’s Bistro website .

Sebastian’s Bistro Pricing

First things first, how much does this meal cost?

• Adults: $35 plus tax and gratuity
• Children: $19 plus tax and gratuity

All in all, and very good price by Disney World standards. $35 for the amount of food that you get is very reasonable.

As always, take this price as a general idea. Disney World can, and will, increase the prices at will, so the cost could be a little different for your trip.

Is Sebastian’s Bistro All You Can Eat?

No, Sebastian’s Bistro isn’t technically all you can eat, however, that doesn’t mean you aren’t able to get more of certain items. A lot of this might be up to the discretion of the waitstaff, but our waiter repeatedly asked us if we needed any of the items replenished.

So, it seems you can ask for more, within reason.

Taste of the Caribbean Menu

• Buttery House-baked Pull Apart Rolls : with Guava Butter and Onion Jam
• The Spice Necklace Salad: Mixed Greens and Kale with Spiced Candied Pumpkin Seeds, Tropical Fruit, and Radish with Key Lime Dressing
• Taste of the Caribbean: Oven-roasted Citrus Chicken, Slow-cooked Mojo Pork with Mango Sambal, Grilled Chili-rubbed Beef* with Mojito Relish, and Sustainable Baked Fish with Veracruz Sauce
• Entrée Sides: Cilantro Rice and Beans, Vegetable Curry, and Grilled Seasonal Vegetables
• Our Celebrated House-made Coconut-Pineapple Bread Pudding: with Caramel Sauce and Vanilla Ice Cream

Enhancements (Upcharge Items)

• Coconut Shrimp: Enhance your meal with an order of Fried Coconut Shrimp with Creamy Chipotle Dipping Sauce
• Crab and Fish Cake: with Tropical Mango Slaw and Guajillo Aioli
• Seafood Escabeche: with Passion Fruit and Plantain Chips

Taste of the Caribbean Plant Based Menu

• Dinner Rolls : with Guava Butter and Onion Jam
• The Spice Necklace Salad: Mixed Greens and Kale with Roasted Pumpkin Seeds, Tropical Fruit, and Radish with Key Lime Dressing
• Taste of the Caribbean (plant based): A selection of our favorite dishes inspired by the flavors of the Caribbean. Impossible™ Kabob, Fried Jerk Tofu, Plant-based Sausage, and Caribbean “Fish” Cake served with Cilantro Rice and Red Beans, Vegetable Curry, and Grilled Seasonal Vegetables
• Plant-based Coconut-Pineapple Bread Pudding: with Plant-based Caramel Sauce and Vanilla Soy Frozen Dessert

Sebastian’s Bistro Kids’ Menu

Unfortunately, there is no kids’ menu at Sebastian’s Bistro any longer. Kids eat the same meal as the adults.

And remember, the cost of the meal for your child is based on Disney’s definition of a child (ages 3-9). That’s right, your 10 year old’s meal is charged as and adult…

Sebastian’s Bistro Gluten Free Menu

It’s now fairly easy to tell what on the menu is gluten free and what isn’t. The Spice Necklace Salad and all items in the Taste of the Caribbean main platter and sides are all gluten free.

Clearly, the pull-apart rolls are not, which is a crying shame because they look delicious. Gluten free eaters are provided with gluten free rolls instead.

Likewise, the bread pudding isn’t gluten free and a substitute dessert will be offered.

Make sure you understand how to eat gluten free at Disney World to maximize your gluten free eating potential!

Sebastian’s Bistro Review

We’ve eaten at Sebastian’s Bistro a couple of time now, once with the old a la carte menu, and once with the new family style menu. This allows me to make a comparison on the changes.

On the whole, I still think Sebastian’s Bistro is a worthwhile dining option during your Disney trip. Don’t let the seemingly out of the way location deter you. It’s really not that difficult to get here.

As I mentioned above, the Skyliner makes getting to Sebastian’s Bistro very easy. If you happen to be at Pop Century, Art of Animation, Beach/Yacht Club, Boardwalk, Riviera, Epcot, or Hollywood Studios you can get to Sebastian’s Bistro in a matter of minutes.

For as much as I complained about the blandness of Topolino’s Terrace design, I enjoy the design of Sebastian’s Bistro. In terms of aesthetics, it uses a color palette that I gravitate towards naturally.

The feel of the space is intimate and warm, which is a bonus. It’s a small restaurant but never feels overcrowded or noisy. The chairs are not only attractive but are comfortable as well.

One of the changes since the reopening involved changing out all of the table settings. I think this was a very smart idea as it makes everything more colorful.

My biggest beef is the lack of Disney touches. I mean, there’s a painting with Sebastian in it, but that’s about it. There might be some other subtle touches, but if there are, I clearly missed them.

I don’t need to be hit over the head with all things Disney, but when I’m going to a Disney restaurant, especially one featuring a character in the name, I want a little bit more oomph.

Food Review for Sebastian’s Bistro

But was the food any good? It doesn’t matter how nice a restaurant looks if the food is horrible. Fortunately for all of us, the food is very good.

That being said, this was a meal that had some absolute standouts with other parts being good, but not great.

Before we get into that, there was one aspect of our service which we didn’t care for. We were still eating our rolls and salad when the entrees and sides were suddenly brought to the table.

First, we simply weren’t ready for them yet. We were trying to enjoy the foods we had already been offered. Second, there simply wasn’t enough room on the tables for all of the food.

We had platters, bowls, cups, plates, and silverware everywhere. Because we were still eating the salad and rolls, they took up valuable real estate.

But aside from this, it had the result of making us feel a little rushed, which is never what I want in a dining experience.

Buttery House-made Pull Apart Rolls

If you read any review about Sebastian’s Bistro, one of the first things everyone says is that the Pull-Apart rolls are amazing. Comparisons have even been made between these rolls and the bread service at Sanaa. Not that they taste the same, but that they are equally good.

Unfortunately for me, these were off limits, but I did watch the rest of my family devour them. I can report from my observation that these looked amazing. They are so light and fluffy.

Doug loved the Buttery House-made Pull Apart Rolls. He described them as light, buttery, and melt in your mouth good. He also really enjoyed the guava butter and the onion jam.

Likewise, my kids absolutely devoured these things. They too gravitated towards the guava butter, but that’s not a surprise as the onion jam is a little too adventurous for their palettes.

For my thoughts of on the guava butter and onion jam you’ll have to read the next section with the gluten free rolls. I’m just glad I had the option!

There used to be an oil dipping option which is no longer offered. That is just as well because it pales in comparison to the guava butter and onion jam.

Gluten Free Dinner Rolls

I was provided with two gluten free dinner rolls. These are the standard gluten free dinner rolls that I’ve had at many Disney restaurants.

The rolls themselves are fine by gluten free standards, I’ve certainly had way worse. However, the star of the show is the guava butter and onion jam.

I was fair and tried both of them, but the guava butter was the clear winner for me. In just about any other situation, the onion jam would be what I gravitated toward. It’s very flavorful and adds a lot of dimension to otherwise ho-hum rolls.

However, the guava butter is just a treat. I could eat that stuff slathered on anything I could get my hands on. It’s just so good.

The Spice Necklace Salad

I think this is legitimately one of the prettiest salads I’ve ever seen. Since the flavor matches the awesomeness of the appearance, this is a fantastic salad.

Listen, I am not a fan of kale. Never have been, never will be. Unless it’s in soup. Then it’s acceptable. So I was a little bit skeptical about this salad.

But man were my concerns misplaced.

The best way to describe this salad is “bright”. It’s visually bright and has the flavor to match. The oranges in the salad and the key lime dressing are the main factors in this bright, citrusy flavor.

It’s the perfect salad for a restaurant based on the Caribbean.

We asked the waiter if the dressing was house made. He confirmed that it is house made and contains a ton of ingredients, so I have no hope of replicating this one at home!

I would seriously buy this dressing by the gallon if they sold it. It’s just that good.

The spiced candied pumpkin seeds added just the right amount of crunch and additional flavor to the salad.

I think you can tell by now that we absolutely adored this salad. Between my husband and I we finished the entire bowl. This is part of why were were a little taken aback by our entrees coming out so fast. We had every intention of finishing the salad. ALL the salad.

In the end we did anyway. We would not let them take that bowl away until we did.

Taste of the Caribbean Platter

This is the point where my raving about the food calms down a bit. And isn’t that unfortunate?

That’s not to say that the Taste of the Caribbean isn’t good, because it is. It just doesn’t match the magnificence of that salad or the pull apart rolls.

I enjoyed the food on offer here, but that was about the extent of it. My favorite out of all the meat offerings was the Mojo Pork. I tend to gravitate towards slow cooked pork like this in general and this time was no different.

The chicken was nice and juicy, which is key. Chicken is so often dry and rubbery. But not in this case.

My son really enjoyed the fish. That was about the only protein, other than the pork, that we could get him to try. We’ve discovered recently that he really enjoys fish, so that’s a win!

On the other hand, I was a bit meh about the fish. It was fine, though a bit lacking in flavor. I personally wasn’t overly interested in the Veracruz Sauce that came on it. When my son asked for more, I gladly gave him what was left on my plate.

My husband and I had different experiences of the beef. It seems I was unlucky that the slices I picked had a fair amount of grizzle in them. I had to cut off a good amount of it and wasn’t left with a ton of beef to actually eat. What I did eat was darn tasty.

On the other hand, Doug said his had no grizzle and was really tender. It’s quite possible that I grabbed the only slices on there with the grizzle. I never went back for more to test out that theory as I was trying to pace myself between all the food while still saving room for dessert.

The Mango Sambal and the Mojito Relish are smart additions to this platter. Without them this feels like a very heavy platter of meat. Too heavy. They had a brightness to the meal that is 100% necessary.

Side Dishes

The side dishes almost have the feel of an afterthought. They are just there. Again, they aren’t bad by any means, I quite enjoyed them. But they didn’t make you sit up and take notice.

The Curry Vegetables are probably the most interesting flavor profile of the bunch. They are spicy, so if you don’t like spice, this will light your mouth on fire. However, if you can get past that, the vegetables are very flavorful and a nice addition to the rest of the meal.

The Cilantro Rice and Beans were probably my favorite side, but then again, I gravitate towards rice to begin with. I found the dish to have a lot of flavor. This isn’t your run of the mill rice and beans, it tasted different, which I appreciate.

I went back for seconds of it, but I think I was the only person in the family who did so.

The Grilled Broccolini was basic and fine. Nothing really overly exciting about it. We had a ton of this left over because other than taking a little bit, no one was really excited about them.

All of that being said, the presence of these side dishes was absolutely necessary to try to balance out the platter full of meat. I think I would have appreciated some sides that were on the lighter side. Everything about this portion of the meal just felt heavy.

Coconut Pineapple Bread Pudding

Let me start off by saying that bread pudding is one of my favorite desserts and I can no longer eat it. I can only watch and drool while other people enjoy the heavenly delight that is bread pudding.

And boy did I drool over the Coconut Pineapple Bread pudding.

When they put it on the table it’s already a thing of beauty. And then when you pour the warm caramel sauce over top, it’s just a feast for the eyes.

The caramel sauce is warm so it creates a delightful melty ice cream situation.

I mean, look at that! So stinking good.

Anyway, enough of my drooling over the bread pudding I couldn’t eat. What did the people who actually could eat it think?

In short, they absolutely loved it. I’m pretty sure they wouldn’t have minded being served a much larger slab of it.

They wolfed this dessert down like it was their job. And as the taste testers for a Disney blogger, I guess it technically is their job.

The whole family loved the gooey richness of this dessert. My family aren’t fans of coconut in general, but there were no complaints of overpowering coconut flavor. It was nice and subtle and balanced by the pineapple.

Seriously, I’m pretty sure my whole family would come back here to eat the rolls and bread pudding.

Gluten Free Brownie with Ice Cream

Not to be left out, they did have a dessert offering for me. Thank God or I might have cried while I watched everyone else eat the bread pudding.

When it was time for dessert, I asked if it was possible to have the ice cream and caramel sauce served with my brownie. That way I can at least pretend I was eating the bread pudding.

The waiter said it was possible and they would get my caramel sauce from the back so there was no risk of cross contamination from the caramel sauce that was sitting out with the bread pudding.

As far as gluten free brownies go, this one was quite good. It was warmed up which made it nice and gooey and chocolatey. This wasn’t like a flourless chocolate cake, which I typically find too rich.

It legit tasted like a real brownie. Add to that the vanilla ice cream and the warm caramel sauce and I was in heaven. This dessert was good enough that it didn’t make me feel like I was missing out on anything.

Overall Thoughts on Eating Gluten Free at Sebastian’s Bistro

In the end, it is so easy to eat gluten free at Sebastian’s Bistro. As is, almost the entire meal is already gluten free. The only things that needed to be altered in any way were the rolls and the dessert.

Every single other menu item is made gluten free from the get go.

This of course makes it so much easier to eat here. No long discussions on what you can and can’t have and less risk of cross contamination in the kitchen.

And while the substitutions that are necessary can’t possibly be as good as the real deal (pull apart rolls and bread pudding) I didn’t feel like I was missing out.

The fact that I could still eat the guava butter and onion jam made my gluten free rolls delicious. I could have eaten more of them, which I never say about gluten free rolls.

And that dessert, I was pleasantly surprised by just how much I enjoyed it. Again, the ability to make most of the dessert just like the real deal went a long way towards increasing my enjoyment of it.

In the end, Sebastian’s Bistro might be one of the easiest places to eat gluten free at Disney World.

My Thoughts on Sebastian’s Bistro for Kids

And here’s where everything suddenly hits the skids. Unless your kids are particularly adventurous eaters, this entire restaurant is now pretty much a no-go.

And this is a real shame because Sebastian’s Bistro should be tried by everyone!

My 14 year old daughter did fine with this menu, but she’s always been a good eater with a wide range of foods she likes. She’s also a kid who is willing to try new and different foods.

My 11 year old son on the other hand, not so much. He’s a picky eater and almost none of this meal appealed to him. He loved the rolls, the fish, and the dessert, but was that was about it.

And notice their ages: 14 and 11. I had to pay the full adult price for the meal for both of them. In my daughter’s case, I don’t feel too bad about it since she ate her money’s worth. But for my son, it’s not really a fair trade.

I think this is a HUGE misstep on Disney’s part, and I wish they would change this. They’ve essentially eliminated the possibility of a large number of families going to the restaurant.

There has to be some more kid friendly options that appeal to the palettes of younger children and picky eaters. Because Vegetable Curry definitely isn’t going to fit the bill for most kids.

Because of this, I have a hard time recommending Sebastian’s Bistro to families with picky eaters or kids that are required to pay full price.

Is Sebastian’s Bistro One of the Best Values at Disney?

All of my concerns aside, if you are either going without picky eaters or have kids who are willing to eat anything, Sebastian’s Bistro is one of the best values you can find at Disney World.

Not only is the food very good, but the price is a downright steal. For $35 per adult meal you are getting a lot of food for a lower cost than you normally see at Disney World.

If you calculate how much each of these menu items would have cost you individually before the change to family style, this meal would have cost a fortune.

The lower price is likely due to the fact that Sebastian’s Bistro simply doesn’t have the popularity of places like ‘Ohana, Cape May Cafe, and so on. I think most people have never even heard of Sebastian’s Bistro.

But they should hear about it because it’s delicious, filling, and costs a fraction the same meal would cost at another Disney restaurant.

Final Thoughts

Sebastian’s Bistro will now be added to my own personal list of favorite restaurants to go to at Disney World, as long as my kids aren’t with me.

Though to be honest, I think that list is pretty long so that’s not saying much. But I will go here again.

The standouts for us were the rolls, salad, and dessert. Yes, I would go back here just for those. We enjoyed them that much! While we didn’t think the entrée and sides quite matched up, they were still good and enjoyable enough that it makes the whole meal worthwhile.

Funny, in my old review I stated that if they ever took the Mango Passionfruit Panna Cotta off the menu I might cry. It was my favorite dessert in all of Disney World.

And they went ahead and took it off the menu. So I’m pretty salty about that. But my brownie sundae was delicious so at least there’s that.

But in all seriousness, if you are looking for a place to eat with great food and a relaxed atmosphere, then Sebastian’s Bistro is worth a look.

Your Thoughts

Have you tried Sebastian’s Bistro? What did you think of the food and atmosphere? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

Don’t forget to follow The Disney Journey on Pinterest and Facebook to stay up to date with all the latest news and updates.

1 thought on “Family Style Dining: Sebastian’s Bistro Review”

Thank you for this review! I’ve recently had to go gluten free due to a gluten sensitivity, and I was wondering what the GF dessert was here. That brownie sounds delicious, especially with the caramel sauce!!! I’m hoping to try this restaurant next time we go.

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• Dining / Walt Disney World

Restaurant Review: Kona Cafe Reopens

by David Mumpower · November 10, 2022

Fans of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort have collectively held our breath since August.

Nearly two months ago, management closed one of the restaurants here to revamp it.

The last time something like this happened, we lost The Wave… of American Flavors forever.

So, Polynesian Village loyalists have remained fearful of something similar. Well, as MickeyBlog has reported, we were all worried over nothing.

Yes, Kona Café has returned after several weeks of renovations. It’s got a new look, a modified menu, and lots of positives.

Here’s a review of the updated Kona Café!

Credit: Disney

The Location of Kona Café

This restaurant is one of the easiest Disney hotel eateries to find. I say this because the Polynesian resides on the resort monorail system.

So, you can take the monorail from Magic Kingdom and then depart at the Polynesian a few minutes later.

Photo: Disney

Once you exit the monorail and enter the resort, you’re on the second floor. You only have two options for walking here since you cannot go straight.

On one side, you’ll notice Moana Mercantile, a general store with an open shopping area for merchandise shopping.

Photo: Resorts Gal

The other side is your destination for Kona Café. It’s on the left of the monorail, and you legitimately cannot miss it.

I say this because you must walk past the coffee serving station here. Kona coffee is a thing, and people relish the options at this kiosk.

Photo Credit: Mission-food.com

In fact, Disney sagely kept the kiosk open during the Kona Café renovations. Guests could ever order some restaurant menu options to-go from this kiosk.

That tidbit reassured people that Kona Café would return rather than turn into something new, as happened to The Wave, which is now Steakhouse 71.

The Theming of Kona Café

Thankfully, Disney protected Kona Café. In fact, Imagineers entered the restaurant, evaluated its underlying theme relative to the rest of the space, and then got busy.

Kona Café sits on the second floor of the Great Ceremonial House, the legendary hotel lobby at the Polynesian.

Recently, Disney has introduced more Moana elements to this area since this Disney Princess is a Polynesian explorer. She should have a strong presence here.

The new version of Kona Café plays into that fact. In fact, the new changes in the restaurant tie into the aquatic theme. They’re so subtle that you may miss them, but I promise they’re there.

A marvelous server at Kona Café named Cortney took the time to explain many of the details to us.

For example, the ornamental light fixtures hanging from the ceiling take on the appearance of the materials used to weave boat materials.

More importantly, they’re blue at the time and tan at the bottom to reflect the living balance of land with the sea! How cool is that?!

MickeyBlog previously posted the new signage at the restaurant . You’ll notice it fits the aquatic motif as well.

However, you should pay attention to the walls on each side as well. Those of you familiar with Kona Café recall that it previously possessed an open entrance.

Now, those meticulously themed walls on each side highlight where guests should go, adding much-needed clarity to the check-in process.

I must acknowledge that the new setup feels a bit claustrophobic, though. Due to the tight space, only one party can check in at a time.

Despite this one issue, I would absolutely describe the new version of Kona Café as superior to its predecessor.

Dining at Kona Café

I’m a Kona Café fanatic in that I’ve spent birthday dinners here. I love the place that much.

Still, the menu has changed frequently in recent years as management couldn’t find the best offerings to entice guests.

For this reason, I was hesitant when I arrived for this meal. Thankfully, my server immediately reassured me by saying the words I longed to hear.

The bread service remains at Kona Café! And yes, that includes the delicious butter!

So, I can discuss the other parts of the meal in detail, but I’ll confess right now. I filled up on bread. I think I ate five rolls…no joke.

Disney serves versions of these Polynesian rolls at Kona Café, ‘Ohana, and the former Spirit of Aloha. They’re extremely popular…and for good reason.

MickeyBlog previously discussed the new menu items at Kona Café. Now that my wife has gone vegan, we had to pass on my favorite appetizer here.

The Crispy Pork-Vegetable Pot Sticker here is among the best overall appetizers at Walt Disney World, and I highly recommend it.

Our Orders at Kona Cafe

Instead, we went with bread and entrees for this meal. Coincidentally, I had run into MickeyBlog’s Greg Antonelle minutes before this meal.

After he raved about the Big Kahuna Burger, I had to try that. There was legitimately a sparkle in his eyes as he talked about it!

However, I put my own spin on the order. I asked for the corned beef and pastrami on the side as accessories to what became a standard burger.

I found the pastrami light and airy, but the corned beef didn’t do much for me. As for the burger, WOW! That’s an explosion of flavor!

I couldn’t identify the seasoning they were using on the burger, but I’d legitimately buy that powder and use it at local restaurants if I knew.

My wife selected the Kona Stir-fry with Tofu, which is apparently available vegan or non-vegan.

You can look at the picture to appreciate how many small bites come together in this skillet. It was a dynamic entrée that she ranked in her top three for this trip.

In fact, we ate so well with our entrees and bread that we skipped dessert. Of course, part of that is Kona Café’s fault.

Photo:Magickingdoms.com

The new menu does NOT include the triumphant return of the Kona Kone, the signature dessert here. It was an ice cream surrounded by cotton candy and M&Ms.

No matter how full I was, I always found room for the Kona Kone. Alas, it hasn’t been on the menu for three years now and may be gone forever.

Our server raved about the Pineapple-Coconut Bread Pudding and tried to sell us on that.

However, I’m not big on pineapples or (especially) coconuts. So, we had to pass on that.

Photo Credit: Dole Plantation

My wife did order a mocktail, though. It’s the agave and lime one that’s extremely fruity in flavor with a hard citrus finish. 

Despite the fact that it’s non-alcoholic, it still packed a punch. Here’s pic of Stitch taking a sip:

Final Thoughts

Overall, we found Kona Café’s menu supremely comforting as it was mostly the same, only better.

Since we dined there on what was technically the opening day, we presume that it will improve much more once the early crowds diminish.

Kona Café remains a destination dining experience at Walt Disney World.

Thanks for visiting MickeyBlog.com! Want to go to Disney? For a FREE quote on  your next Disney vacation , please fill out the form below and one of the agents from MickeyTravels, a Platinum level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, will be in touch soon!

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This Is Disney World’s Best New Restaurant, and We’re Not Afraid to Say It

There are quite literally hundreds of restaurants on Disney World property , and that can make it VERY hard to decide where to eat.

We have tons of guides to help you decide what restaurants are right for you and your group, but what about the newer restaurants? Where do they fit into all of this? Don’t worry, we’ve got a guide for you!

Roundup Rodeo BBQ

If you’re a big fan of themed restaurants and ones where you get to interact with the area around you , Roundup Rodeo BBQ is the place to go!

Not only is this restaurant themed to look like a makeshift BBQ spot in Andy’s backyard ( meaning everything is GIANT because you’re the size of a toy), but the food is all themed to Toy Story characters, is served family-style, and it’s pretty delicious.

The best part though is that while this restaurant isn’t a character meet and greet experience, at least once during your meal you’ll hear footsteps and someone will yell “Andy’s Coming!” And then everything FREEZES — the waiters, the guests, everyone. You’ll hear Andy’s voice, and then when he walks away again, everyone can move normally. It’s a ton of fun, but definitely not for those who dislike interactive theming.

Eet by Maneet Chauhan

Disney Springs is home to many fantastic restaurants, and Eet by Maneet Chauhan is no exception. We were SO impatient for this spot to open, and certainly weren’t disappointed when it did!

This spot just opened up at the end of 2023, and it’s the perfect spot for adventurous eaters who want to try delicious modern Indian dishes . It really is a mix of a few different cultures, and we LOVE IT!

Now this spot isn’t going to be great for picky eaters , so if you’ve got some of them in your party, this may be a skip, or they may choose to split off and grab something else!

Read our review of Eet here!

Summer house on the lake.

This is another recent addition to Disney World that also happens to be in Disney Springs and it is a fantastic casual table service spot.

This is especially true if you’re looking to partake in brunch , but regular lunch or dinner is a great option, too! This spot serves Californian cuisine , which is great for a more laid-back meal.

Plus, anyone can walk up to The Cookie Bar inside and order some delicious treats from the always-changing lineup of sweets. If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, though, this one may fall flat for you.

Check out our full review here!

No matter what your palate is like, there’s something in Disney World for everyone — it’s just a matter of finding it. Thankfully, that’s what we’re here for, so be sure to stay tuned to AllEars for all the latest Disney World news.

Join the AllEars.net Newsletter  to stay on top of ALL the breaking Disney News! You'll also get access to AllEars tips, reviews, trivia, and MORE! Click here to Subscribe!

What’s your favorite spot to eat at in Disney World? Tell us in the comments!

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Our Favorite Disneyland Resort Restaurants We Reviewed This Year

We’ve reviewed a lot of Disneyland Resort’s various quick service restaurants this year. Everything from the disappointing and expensive Alien Pizza Planet , to the surprisingly good Award Wieners was covered on the TouringPlans blog and today we wanted to highlight some of our favorites we reviewed this year.

REVIEW: Big Beautiful Bread Bowls at Disneyland’s Royal Street Veranda

I like big bread bowls and I can not lie. These round and robust balls of glorious carbohydrates have been a staple of Disneyland ‘s dining scene for decades now. Disneyland’s bread bowls are hearty and delicious; they’re also not a bad value at $11.49. You definitely won’t be hungry after one of these things.

Fried Chicken Paradise, Disneyland Plaza Inn Review

Plaza Inn on Main Street U.S.A. is home to one of Disneyland’s most famous dining entrees; the fried chicken dinner! 93% of TouringPlans readers give Plaza Inn a thumbs up rating which makes it the second highest rated quick service restaurant in the park. It’s that good.

Review: Jolly Holiday Bakery, Disneyland’s Most Popular Quick Service Restaurant

What’s the most popular Disneyland quick service restaurant with TouringPlans readers? Jolly Holiday Bakery on Main Street U.S.A. Jolly Holiday has a good selection of sandwiches, salads, and delicious baked goods and seasonal treats. It’s one of those restaurants where everyone is sure to find something they’ll enjoy.

Disneyland French Market Review: Is It Still a Quality Option?

French Market has a reputation for having a robust and high-quality menu, but it’s currently suffering from downgrades like many of the quick service restaurants in the park. Luckily the menu still has some great items, such as the jambalaya, beef po’ boy, and Cajun chicken Ceasar salad.

The Spotlight Is on Disney California Adventure Award Wieners

Overall Award Wieners has some great items for hot dog fans. It’s also a relatively affordable option, with beef hot dogs coming in at under $10. We love the filmstrip fries, which also can be purchased on the side with a generous portion of asada, cheese, salsa, and guacamole.

Disneyland Hotel Tangaroa Terrace: A Tropical Dining Getaway

We enjoy Tangaroa Terrace for its food, drinks, and atmosphere, but it is very pricy for fast food. It’s also a nice escape from the busy theme parks. Trader Sam’s drink menu is available at this location, which makes it a good and quicker alternative to the very busy and popular bar.

Did you try any food at Disneyland or Disney California Adventure that was worth trying? Do you have any recommendations? Let us know in the comments.

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Guy Selga Jr.

Disneyland writer for TouringPlans.com and co-author of the Unofficial Guide to Disneyland. Also a Disneyland local and appreciator of Disney theme park history. Twitter and Instagram: @guyselga

3 thoughts on “ Our Favorite Disneyland Resort Restaurants We Reviewed This Year ”

Thanks for this post! I love to be reminded of the great food that’s available all the time and not just on a seasonal basis. The glittery, crazy holiday stuff is always so distracting but I really need to try the fried chicken again and the bread bowls!

Thanks for the round up! We had lunch at the Jolly Holiday and it was delightful, we liked their thanksgiving sandwich that you dip in gravy. I would add docking bay 7 (the hummus and the best chicken salad on property), and the garden wrap at ronto roasters with Meiloorun juice to this list. Just avoid the Toydaria swirl at the milk stand, truly one of the most revolting drinks I have ever tasted (salty, chunky, with a weird “smoke” after taste).

The thanksgiving sandwich is fantastic! I wish they would keep that all year. You’re also right about Docking Bay 7. Those items are great.

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The SECRET to Getting Into the Most Popular Disney World Lounges and Bars

By David Goodkind Leave a Comment

Let’s face it, sometimes tackling some of the major stuff you want to do at Disney World requires a game plan. That’s where we can help.

Whether it be  traveling advice   or tips on what to do (or not do) when you’re at Disney World , here at DFB, we’re here to help make your next Disney World vacation as easy as possible. We even have tips on how to get into that super popular Disney bar/lounge you’ve always wanted to try!

Getting into Disney World’s most popular bars and lounges can be a tough task at times, regardless of whether that bar is in a hotel, inside a Disney Park, or over at Disney Springs . Still, we know a few secrets you can use if you’re looking to grab that elusive seating!

Check the Calendar

Despite what you may think, Disney World events that draw crowds don’t always result in busy bars and lounges.  We recommend checking the Disney World calendar   and circling a few dates if you’re looking for the BEST times to visit a popular bar or lounge. These special days include after-hours events , parties, or other nighttime events.  Instead of crowding the bars, guests will be in the parks, giving you some of the best opportunities to either grab a dining reservation or simply walk up. Another tip that falls in line with this piece of advice is to visit during  run Disney events.  Trader Sam’s Grotto over at Disney’s Polynesian Resort is usually pretty busy but nights before races are fairly easygoing.

Go At Opening

Nomad Lounge

Not a day drinker? Perhaps you should reconsider. Sometimes your best opportunity to get into a bar or lounge is when it opens. For example, Nomad Lounge at Animal Kingdom is a popular lounge that has laid-back vibes, refreshing hand-crafted cocktails, and tasty lounge bites all served in a travel-themed bar. Sounds good, right? Well, other bar-goers agree and this place gets pretty busy while not offering advanced dining reservations. In cases like Nomad Lounge, we recommend rope-dropping and joining the walk-up list when the lounge opens either in person or on the My Disney Experience app .

Try To Avoid Weekends

Hollywood Studios Crowds

This piece of advice is simple —  weekends generally bring in larger crowds at Disney World .  It’s not just the bars and lounges that will be more filled, as everywhere you go will likely have big lines and longer waits. If you want the path with the least resistance, we recommend doing your bar-going midweek, if possible, to avoid the weekend rush.

Use Waitlists

It wasn’t a long wait at all!

We already touched on this but it can’t be overstated — waitlists can seriously come in handy . They can not only give you situational clarity, but they are oftentimes your best chance at getting into a bar or restaurant. They can be joined in person or conveniently on the My Disney Experience app , which allows you to save a place in line without having to physically be in a line.

Be Willing To Split Up Into Smaller Groups If Your Party Is Large

Oga’s Cantina

A reality about dining in general is that the smaller the party, the better chance you have to be seated.  While not ideal in some circumstances, this principle must be kept in mind if you’re trying to get into a must-visit restaurant or lounge. This is especially true if you don’t have a reservation and are trying to get walk-up seating. If you have a large group (let’s say 6+ for example), the more willing you are to break off into pairs or groups of three or four, the more likely you are to be seated.

Show Up On Time If You’re On A Waitlist

White Rabbit

This one is pretty self-explanatory.  Show up to your waitlist window ON TIME. You will generally be given a short window once your time is allocated so don’t wander too far off from the bar or lounge, as they will have no problem giving your time away to the next guest(s). You should a lso keep in mind that sometimes you may sign up for a long wait but get called in much sooner than you anticipated. When in doubt stay within 5-7 minutes walking distance of your waitlisted restaurant.

 Be Prepared To Barhop

Wine Bar George

Sometimes no matter what you do, it can be insanely difficult to get into that bar or lounge you’ve been dying to visit. Instead of getting sad, we suggest barhopping to a different bar!  Disney World offers a plethora of great bars and lounges all over the resort that are guaranteed to scratch your bar itch. In fact, making a point to  bar crawl   can be a seriously fun time! For all things bars and lounges in Disney World, check out our guide below!

Disney World Bars and Lounges

We’re happy to help in any way we can so that you can have that PERFECT Disney World vacation, so be sure to follow us right here at DFB for all the latest Disney World news, tips, and reviews!

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

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