My Disney

Eating at Disney World

Your friends went to Disney World for a week and they came back a few pounds heavier, right? Well, that's because Disney World has some of the best dining in the industry. Each park offers dozens of restaurants to please even the most finicky of eaters. Yes, if you have a picky eater or have a specific diet, you will find just what you're looking for at any of the parks. Many of the Disney resort hotels also offer some amazing edibles. We will highlight some of our favorites, but always remember to pick up a guide at the entrance of the park where your options will be spelled out clearly.

EPCOT - Hands down, EPCOT is the place for food lovers. Each country in World Showcase offers an amazing restaurant or two and you also have several great places to eat in the Future World area where most of the rides are located. Out top pick for dining is Canada's Le Cellier. The steakhouse offers great, relaxing atmosphere. The pretzel bread is amazing and it only gets better from there with barley or cheese soups and great meats. If you want out-of-this-world dining try the Coral Reef Restaurant in The Living Seas where folks dine inside the glass-enclosed aquarium where fish, sharks and more swim on by. These aren't cheap but they are amazing.

Magic Kingdom - Yes, you can eat in Cinderella's Castle. You have to make reservations for the popular character breakfast there but you can also eat upstairs throughout the day. If you want a character buffet, the Crystal Palace on Main Street offers Winnie the Pooh characters coming by the tables as you enjoy the all-you-can-eat treats. Thrifty pick? Cosmic Ray's, in front of the Tomorrowland Speedway, offers three fast food eateries and some robotic crooning entertainment as you chow down.

Animal Kingdom - Rainforest Cafe is located at the park entrance. It's the only sit-down eatery until Asia opens in 2007. Thrifty pick? Animal Kingdom offers plenty of fast food eateries and they are all pretty good. Flaming Tree Barbecue has great waterfront seating. Pizzafari has tasty pizza and sandwiches. Tusker House offers eclectic fair in the Africa section of the park.

Disney-MGM Studios - Two standouts here in terms of unique experiences. Sci-Fi Drive In offers decent eats as folks sit in car-shaped tables, parked in front of a screen showing clips of old B-movies. Prime Time Diner offers a 50's feel where everyone is treated as family, sitting around retro dining rooms. Try the PBJ Shake there. Really. Thrifty pick? The ABC Commissary offers reasonably priced international fast food items.

Disney Resorts - There are so many amazing Disney hotel restaurants. I will only single out two here. Boma at Animal Kingdom Lodge serves just breakfast and dinner but the African-themed spread is so unique. Try the ginger carrot soup, even if you don't like carrots. Whispering Canyon at Wilderness Lodge offers smoked meats served family-style in a lively atmosphere.