There are some pretty magical places to eat on this planet, but none can compete with The Most Magical Place on Earth. When you visit Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, it’s a given you’ll hop on The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror’s haunted elevator or bask in the glow of the iconic Cinderella Castle. But what you choose to eat, and drink, will be equally as memorable – and with over 400 food retailers across the entire resort, you’re spoilt for choice. Here are our top picks of bites and bevs to enjoy across Walt Disney World Resort.
French dining and frozen treats at Magic Kingdom Park
If you’ve ever fawned over Beast from Beauty and the Beast (in human form or otherwise), you’re going to want to dine in his spectacular castle. Or, at least, at Be Our Guest restaurant. It’s classic French fare (such as escargot in garlic-herb butter followed by grilled fillet mignon) while sitting in the grand ballroom, where he first danced with Belle.
It’s a little-known fact that pirates love frozen treats, so after sailing the high seas on the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction in Adventureland, you’ll need a pineapple DOLE Whip. They look like soft serve, taste like tropical island treasure and are an iconic part of any experience at Magic Kingdom Park. You’ll find them at Aloha Isle near the Magic Carpets of Aladdin. And if you spot the spring roll cart as you cruise around, you can’t not try a cheeseburger spring roll.
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TV dinners always looked so appealing in old movies, but what were they actually like? Try them yourself at 50’s Prime Time Cafe, where you can sit at a kitsch formica table in a retro themed living room and sample “mom’s favourites”, such as golden-fried chicken and meatloaf with all the trimmings. Don’t miss “dad’s favourite” for dessert – a chocolate peanut-butter layer cake.
If your stomach is still in your body after the Slinky Dog Dash rollercoaster in Toy Story Land, there’s a classic American grilled three-cheese sandwich waiting for you at Woody’s Lunchbox.
Star Wars fans won’t want to miss slurping down a glass of blue milk – just like Luke Skywalker did in Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope. Find it (as well as green milk, if blue doesn’t appeal) at the Milk Stand in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Hot tip: give the milk time to settle before jumping in to help The Resistance fight the First Order on Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – an epic attraction you won’t want to miss.
Gastronomy goes global all over EPCOT
Got your passport? Visiting EPCOT is basically a tour around the world, without leaving Walt Disney World Resort. And with its global focus, this park has the widest variety of cuisines. In the Japanese Pavilion, treat yourself to an omakase menu of tempura and delicately plated sashimi at Takumi-Tei. After you experience the Frozen Ever After attraction, try the school bread from Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe, also in the Norway Pavilion. It’s a cardamom-infused roll filled with rich vanilla custard and topped with toasted coconut. Don’t skip the maple popcorn cart in the Canada Pavilion, either – trust us.
Lobster mac’n’cheese and Avatar-inspired noodles at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
When your feet are firmly on the ground after flying over the world of Pandora on the Avatar - Flight of Passage attraction, take your blue-skinned crew to Satu’li Canteen to refuel. It’s known for its customisable bowls – like the Ocean Moon Bowl which features blue noodles (we’re sensing a theme), fresh tuna and pickles.
If you’re after table service, head over to Tiffins Restaurant, which takes mac’n’cheese up several notches by serving it with lobster; the charred octopus is also a must-order. If you’re still hungry after the Finding Nemo: The Big Blue … and Beyond! musical, you can either enjoy a pan-Asian feast (including miso salmon, chicken tikka masala and hibachi steak and shrimp) in an intricately recreated Nepalese-style space at Yak & Yeti restaurant, or get smokehouse meats, pulled pork roast sandwiches and classic sides like coleslaw and cornbread at Flame Tree Barbecue.
The good eats don’t stop outside the parks at the resort
If you’re staying at one of the over 25 Resort Hotels at Walt Disney World Resort, you’ll be spoilt for choice at the many restaurants, eateries and food stands available.
When it comes to dessert, don’t go past Beaches & Cream Soda Shop close to Disney’s Beach Club Resort. Aptly called the Kitchen Sink (due to being served in one), it’s got eight scoops of ice-cream and every single topping you can order from the menu. Don’t try and take it on yourself – it easily serves four people.
Buffet-style dining is one of life’s great joys – it’s also a benefit of dining at Boma – Flavors of Africa, found at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. You’ll be more than satisfied with all-you-care-to-enjoy portions of Durban-style spiced chicken and turkey bobotie, a type of South African quiche.
Keen for dinner and a show? Head to Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort for American classics like ribs and fried chicken, paired with a good dose of singing, dancing and family-friendly corny jokes.
Not-so-hidden Mickeys
You’re going to run into instantly recognisable characters no matter which park you explore – from Cinderella and Buzz Lightyear to Darth Vader and of course Mickey Mouse. And there are some special culinary offerings based on these characters you need to experience, worth hunting down all over Walt Disney World Resort.
The Mickey pretzel is a giant soft pretzel shaped like Mickey Mouse’s head, served warm and sprinkled with salt. You can even order a cup of cheese to dunk his ears in. Equally playful is the Mickey ice-cream bar – again, Mickey-shaped, this time made out of chocolate-coated vanilla ice-cream. True magic.
Plan your holiday
Have you started drooling yet? If the food and drink options have you tempted, not to mention all the entertainment and attractions we haven’t even covered here, now would be the right time to start planning your holiday to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. After all, you’re eating itinerary has now been sorted. To book, visit your preferred travel agent today.
This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Disney. Check for performance times. Both a theme park reservation and valid ticket for the same park on the same date are required for park entry. Entertainment and offerings are subject to availability, restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice. Park admission and offerings are not guaranteed. Visit the website for important information before visiting Walt Disney World Resort. To book your holiday, contact your local Flight Centre or visit their website today.
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