Working for an earmarked agency and specializing in Disney travel,  it’s pretty much a given that between myself and our other travel pixies, we have tried the vast majority of dining locations throughout the Walt Disney World Resort.  And it’s such a great thing, too, because one of the most frequent things I am asked by the folks I am working with is what restaurants I would recommend.  Dining can be kind of tricky because everyone has their favorite foods and how good or bad a restaurant is can vary dramatically depending upon who you ask.  And, of course, what may be a favorite for families with small children may not be an ideal choice for an older adult couple traveling either with no children or adult children.  But luckily for us, Disney offers a huge array of dining choices and there are some locations that just naturally are favorites across the board and folks almost always leave those places with a smile on their faces and a full belly!  So I’ve put together some quick recommendations from all of our OLP Travel Pixies to help make those dining decisions even easier.  So let’s get started!

For families with small children, the resounding number one recommendation is Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.  And it’s no surprise why!  With a fabulous buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner plus the opportunity to meet Mickey himself along with a few friends, this truly is the ideal location for kid friendly fun.  Other great options include Tusker House at the Animal Kingdom (Jungle Juice is the BEST!) with Donald and Friends; ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort which has an awesome breakfast including Lilo and Stitch or a delicious dinner which, while it doesn’t include characters, it does have singing and coconut races!  Lastly, The Garden Grill in EPCOT‘s The Land pavilion is a wonderful option including Chip ‘n Dale and friends for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

For families with older children, dining gets a little bit more ‘grown up’.  But it’s WDW, so really, how grown up can you be, right?  The recommendations for these family types include Teppan Edo in Japan in EPCOT’s World Showcase.  This entertaining dining experience is sure to be a favorite for the whole family.  Be Our Guest in the Magic Kingdom offers options that appeal to a slightly older pallet while still giving you the magical feeling of dining in Beast’s castle.  At the Coral Reef in The Living Seas at EPCOT’s Future World, you can enjoy amazing dinners while feeling like you’re dining inside a fish tank.  The Boathouse at Disney Springs has brought to life a whole new dining experience!  Enjoy the car style water taxis and a dinner you won’t soon forget.  And finally, don’t forget about Sci-Fi Dine In Theater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!  Enjoy classic drive in favorites while a the ‘movies’ in your very own car booth.  This is great fun for everyone in the family!

Moving on to the honeymooners.  Truly, is there anywhere better to
honeymoon than WDW??  I think not!  For dining, California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is highly recommended.  This restaurant is at the top of the resort and offers breathtaking views of the Magic Kingdom as well as the Seven Seas Lagoon.  If you time it just right, you can even see the fireworks!  Jiko at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is another great option.  With beautiful African style surroundings and one of a kind dining offerings, this is definitely the place for a nice, romantic dinner.  Victoria and Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is one of the best kept secrets at WDW.  This very upscale restaurant is a AAA Five Diamond Reward recipient since 2000.  The timeless elegance of this location will be the highlight of your honeymoon.  But let’s not forget Citricos while you’re visiting the Grand Floridian.  This is another amazing location to enjoy a delicious Mediterranean style meal in the casual elegance of the dining room.  Romance?  Yes please!

And last, but not least, there are the couples with either no children or traveling with adult children.  For these folks, Narcoossee’s at the Grand Floridian tops the list.  With it’s casual waterfront setting and panoramic views of the lagoon, this is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal and some great conversation.  Trattoria Al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk is another great casual option.  With delicious Italian offerings as well as a great variety for those with dietary needs, this is the perfect location to sit back, relax, and enjoy the meal!  Wolfgang Puck Grand Cafe Dining Room in Disney Springs has been delighting folks for years!  This amazing place  offers a unique fusion of Asian and Californian Cuisine.  And don’t forget about Hollywood Brown Derby in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  This classic restaurant will make you feel like you’re back in the golden age of Tinseltown.  This lower key restaurant is a great respite from the hustle and bustle just outside it’s doors.

There you have it!  Some tried and true recommendations from your
favorite OLP Travel Pixies!  Are you hungry yet?  Then let’s get busy planning!  Bon Appetite!