Disney offers guests many restaurants from which to choose.
Walt Disney World in Florida offers an array of restaurants in its theme parks, shopping district and hotels. Dining options cater to a wide range of dining options, from counter service meals to fine dining and dinner shows. Reservations are available for all sit-down meals 180 days in advance and are suggested by Disney, as many popular restaurants fill up quickly.
Quick Service
Disney offers quick service, or counter service, restaurants at all of its theme parks, water parks, hotels and at the Downtown Disney shopping area. These restaurants provide a range of food selections from the American fare of hot dogs and hamburgers at Casey's Corner in the Magic Kingdom, to Morrocan samplings at the Tangierine Cafe in Epcot or fish and chips at Cookes of Dublin at Downtown Disney.
Casual Dining
Available at all the theme parks, Downtown Disney and select hotels, casual dining restaurants offer sit-down service, moderately priced meals and a selection of dining options. African-based meals such as traditional corn beef bobotie for breakfast or fire-grilled meat entrees for dinner are available at the Animal Kingdom Lodge's Sanaa restaurant and Boma buffet, while Greek dining, including traditional Greek salad and spinach pie, is on offer at Cat Cora's Kouzzina at the Boardwalk resort. The Rainforest Cafe at both the Animal Kingdom theme park and in Downtown Disney gives guests the opportunity to dine in a rainforest recreation, complete with animatronic animals and regularly scheduled thunderstorms, while the Sci-Fi Diner in Hollywood Studios serves diners in cars as they watch old movie clips.
Character Meals
Walt Disney World offers family-style dining and buffet meals for guests hoping to meet their favorite characters while they dine. All four theme parks offer at least a one-character meal, including the opportunity to meet Cinderella in her castle at the Magic Kingdom. Other characters who can join visitors for a meal include Alice and friends at 1900 Parke Fare at the Grand Floridian, Mickey and friends at the Beach Club's Cape May Cafe and the Contemporary's Chef Mickey's, and Lilo and Stitch at 'Ohana, located inside the Polynesian resort.
Dinner Shows
Guests looking for dinner and entertainment have three restaurants from which to choose. The Hoop-De-Do Musical Review and Mickey's Backyard BBQ are both located at the Fort Wilderness Campground and offer American-themed dining. While the Hoop-De Do show focuses on an evening of singing, dancing and comedy, Mickey's Backyard BBQ gives families the chance to dance and dine with Mickey and friends. The Spirit of Aloha show at the Polynesian recreates the luau experience, with hula dancing and a fire knife demonstration and traditional luau food such as barbecued pork and fresh pineapple.
Signature Dining
Signature restaurants are Disney's fine-dining establishments, and they provide gourmet options. Many of Disney's deluxe resorts offer at least one signature restaurant, as do the Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Downtown Disney. Victoria and Albert's, Disney's most luxurious dining experience, provides a seven-course dinner at the Grand Floridian resort with menu options changing daily to reflect seasonal flavors. The California Grill at the Contemporary offers a Pacific Coast menu, including a selection of sushi plates and brick-oven flat breads, plus a view of the Magic Kingdom park.
Tags: Downtown Disney, Magic Kingdom, theme parks, Animal Kingdom, counter service, dining options