The best things I ever ate at Disney World

Disney food is a phenomenon I still don’t fully understand.

How does it taste SO much better when you’re inside the Disney bubble? And how does a pretzel in the shape of Mickey’s head boost our enjoyment of the parks, while a regular-shaped pretzel should, theoretically, be no different?

No doubt about it, good food at Disney elevates our whole park experience, while mediocre cuisine can leave you wanting and wondering how a magical place can produce something so decidedly NOT magical.

Now, I am not a HUGE foodie. I could ride on attractions all day long and be happy with a Dole Whip here or a hand-dipped corn-dog there to sustain me. But I often travel with my dear husband who has let me know that the quality of the food will make or break a vacation for him and that sitting down in a pleasant setting is imperative. This has led to some culinary adventures in the Disney parks that have recentered my ideas about the importance of food and how it fits in the Disney trip equation (Hello, Napa Rose Chef’s Counter!).

You see, Disney food is more than just getting nourishment to fuel our steps around the Magic Kingdom. It’s a full-body experience where we choose to stop and rest, embracing at that moment our limitations and need for something outside ourselves. Sitting down to a meal (or huddling around the top of a trash can if you’re in the World Showcase on a busy weekend) is also a pause in the buzz and clamor of the parks, a time to both relive and create new moments with your travel companions.

And food that’s shaped like our favorite characters or artfully presented in a creative way? The thoughtfulness behind the design is not lost on us, it’s in fact a critical piece of the Disney magic we love so much. The creatives behind the design of these dishes show a level of pride and delight in their work that only emphasizes the importance of savoring them slowly. Because Disney food is never meant to merely satisfy, but to delight and inspire, much like the parks themselves.

Even if you can’t make it to Disney any time soon, I hope that this quick review of some of my favorite places to eat will remind you of moments you’ve had with people you love in the most magical place on earth. And if you’re planning some revenge travel in 2021 but don’t know where or what to eat at Disney World, this just might help.

Let’s dive in, shall we?

Nutella Waffle Sandwich – Sleepy Hollow

With a crispy waffle, sweet hazelnut chocolate spread, and oodles of fresh fruit, this waffle sandwich is a MUST for a mid-morning snack in the Magic Kingdom! Grab a table behind Sleepy Hollow with a view of the castle while you savor every bite.

Canada Cheddar Cheese Soup – Le Cellier Steakhouse/Canada Pavilion

This soup is made with white cheddar cheese, bacon, and Canadian golden lager, and it’s popular for a reason! You can usually get it at a food kiosk in the Canadian pavilion, or while dining at Le Cellier Steakhouse. Miss this soup and can’t get to the parks? Here is a recipe to make it at home!

Mini Corn dogs with Cheese – Casey’s Corner

Ok… so this one won’t win any culinary awards. It’s simply mini hand-dipped corn dogs with plastic, highly-processed cheese food. But it’s GLORIOUS to devour while sitting in Casey’s Corner listening to the pianist and people-watching.

(Note: Casey’s Corner – and it’s pianist – are currently unavailable. I’m hopeful both will return soon!)

Batuuan Beef Pot Roast – Docking Bay 7

Hollywood Studios is a challenging place to find good food. Often I’ll avoid eating there if at all possible and park-hop to Epcot for dinner, where there is a plethora of outstanding culinary options. BUT, Docking Bay 7 stole my heart with this dish. The meat of this pot roast melts in your mouth, and the pasta, kale, pearl onions, and mushrooms are a perfect complement to the beef.

Not a kale fan? I’ve long enjoyed the Smoked Kaduu Pork Ribs here, even if they are a touch on the dry side. The flavors are right, and the blueberry corn muffin is a perfect companion to the tangier cabbage slaw.

Cinnamon Ice Cream with Caramelized Pecan – L’Artisan des Glaces

Nothing beats rounding out a beautiful Epcot evening with a scoop or two from L’Artisan des Glaces. While this cinnamon pecan wonder is my personal favorite, there are so many other unique blends to try such as Vanilla Caramel Fleur de Sel, Coconut White Chocolate, Caramelized Apple & Crumble Crunch, and Candied Peanuts with Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge.

Anything from Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie – France Pavilion

No seriously. Literally anything. From their simple Jambon Beurre (ham and cheese) sandwiches to eclairs and beyond, this is a MUST for any Epcot visit, if only for a quick snack! I lament that I didn’t find this gem sooner in my Disney travels… it’s tucked all the way in the back of the France pavilion, past L’Artisan des Glaces and through a small gift shop, so it’s easy to miss!

Breakfast at Boma – Animal Kingdom Lodge

Presenting traditional foods of Africa alongside more traditional fare, this all-you-can-eat buffet is a crowd-pleaser! Add a zebra dome to the mix for dessert, and this may be the best breakfast you ever have.

(Note: Boma is currently closed due to COVID-19, but I’m hopeful it will come back soon!)

Large (super soft!) donut – Royal Anandapur Tea Company

This amazingly soft and delicious donut was a huge surprise to me when I picked it up on a whim during a coffee stop. I’ve seen them at other Joffrey’s kiosks throughout the parks, and they are absolute heaven for anyone who enjoys a good donut!

Pastries and Breakfast Sandwiches- Boardwalk Bakery

If you’re staying on Crescent Lake near the Boardwalk in the Epcot resort area, this unassuming bakery is a HERO for grab and go eats! Fully stocked with pastries and incredible sandwiches, you’re sure to find something to suit everyone at this charming little nook of a cafe.

Family-Style Dinner – Liberty Tree Tavern

I’d like to say I have some wonderful pictures for you of the food at Liberty Tree Tavern, but in fact, I enjoyed the food and the company of my family so much I forgot to take any pictures! Truth be told, this is one of the best meals I’ve ever had in the parks, with all-you-care-to-eat turkey breast, pot roast, oven-roasted pork, mashed potatoes, vegetables, herb stuffing, and the oh-so-memorable Oooey Gooey Toffee Cake at the end! Bonus: The meal included mac n cheese for the kids, which I am pretty sure is the only food my son has ever asked to eat in the 10 years I’ve known him.

Blueberry Cream Cheese Mousse – Satu’li Canteen

I consulted my dear husband about what he loved eating most in the parks, and this blueberry cream cheese mousse from Satu’li Canteen was near the top of his list, it was that memorable. The bottom blue portion is all blueberry cream cheese mousse, and the yellow part is Passion Fruit Curd. With a swipe of blueberry sauce on the plate, a white meringue on the top, and an accent of white chocolate, this is one of the most visually stunning desserts you can get at a quick-service restaurant!

Bread service at Sanaa – Animal Kingdom Lodge

The bread service lives up to its hype. With nine sauces and three types of bread to choose from, this selection alone is worth the trek to Animal Kingdom Lodge. Add the butter chicken and the cheese plate in the mix and you almost have a perfect meal. However, when we were there last, the service left a lot to be desired (we waited for a long time to be seated, and then were seated at a wrong table and asked to move) and we were less than impressed. So be forewarned…. the dinner may taste great but the service could be questionable.

Fish n’ Chips – Rose & Crown Pub

There’s a reason why Disney opened the Yorkshire County Fish Shop next to the Rose and Crown pub after the popularity of this dish… it’s THAT good! I’ve been to the UK when we lived in Ireland, and I would say this was better than some Fish n’ Chips I’ve eaten there.

Baked Mac n’ Cheese with BBQ Pulled Pork – Flame Tree BBQ

Take Mac n’ cheese, bake it, and top it with slow-roasted pulled BBQ Pork, and top it all with a crispy onion ring. Sure, it’s not going to win any health awards, but this is my FAVORITE meal in Animal Kingdom! Enjoy it behind the restaurant down near the water for the best view of distant Expedition Everest.

Need a slightly healthier pick? This smokehouse chicken salad is a winner for the cornbread croutons alone.

Dinner – California Grill

We enjoyed a splendid dinner at California Grill before the pandemic, back when you could watch the fireworks in the evening from the balcony. My husband reminisces about this meal often as one of the best he’s ever had, and I wholeheartedly agree!

Mickey/Simba Pretzel WITH cheese – Food Kiosk

I realize this is a little “from the sublime to the ridiculous” here, but honestly, a good ol’ fashioned Mickey pretzel is sometimes all I need as a comforting snack to keep me going. Cheese to dip in is mandatory in my book. If you want an extra LARGE pretzel (in a traditional shape), head to Pongu Pongu in Pandora.

Flatbread – The Mara

The Mara flatbread was our favorite go-to quick-serve item while staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. It doesn’t look like much, but it delivered on flavor with oak-fried chicken, bacon, sundried tomato pesto, red onion, mozzarella cheese, and Sag Dahi ranch!

*Note – The Mara is currently closed for lunch and dinner

Lobster Roll – Columbia Harbour House

In the atmospheric Columbia Harbour House, generous portions of lobster meat grace garlic-bread buns and are served alongside homemade chips. Easily one of my most beloved quick-service meals in the Magic Kingdom, it’s been painful to go without it as this restaurant has been closed since the parks reopened. BUT, if it does open back up… go forth and procure ye thy lobster roll. You won’t regret it!

Sushi Donut – Japan Booth, Festival of the Arts

Another favorite from Epcot for my husband is this donut-shaped sushi with salmon, tuna, shrimp, cucumber, and sesame seed on a plate of wasabi aïoli, sriracha, and eel sauce. You can find it in the Japan pavilion food booth during the Festival of the Arts!

Warm Raclette Swiss Cheese – The Alps, Food & Wine Festival

Friends, if you haven’t yet watched the chefs at The Alps food booth warm a giant circle of swiss cheese and then scrape the warmed, gooey deliciousness off the top, have you ever even lived? Anyone who loves cheese, take them to this booth. You can thank me later.

Be Our Guest – Any Meal

I’ve eaten at Be Our Guest for breakfast, lunch, and table-service dinner, and I can tell you I will keep coming back despite the *cough* exorbitant *cough* price tag. I’ve never had a bad meal here. Though it’s currently lunch and dinner table-service only, there is a reason why reservations have been SO hard to get here for years. It’s a stunning location to dine in, and the service and food is delicious. Don’t get hung up on the sticker price… it’s worth it. And don’t forget to try the grey stuff… it’s delicious.

Last but not least… Dole Whip – Aloha Isle

This list would not be complete without mentioning the gold standard of Disney food… the Dole Whip (or Dole Whip Float). No trip is complete without this frozen treat, or one of it’s differently-flavored counterparts.

5 more great places to eat

Here are a few more great recommendations for places to eat that didn’t make my list but have great food!

1. The Wave – The Contemporary

2. Jiko – Animal Kingdom Lodge

3. Kona Cafe – Polynesian (for the Tonga Toast alone!)

4. Yak & Yeti – Animal Kingdom

5. Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen – Magic Kingdom (The name is a mouthful, but the food is exotic and delicious with a hilarious waitstaff!)

5 Places to AVOID eating

1. Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe – Magic Kingdom (Mediocre overpriced burgers and fries, to put it mildly. RUN, don’t walk, from this place!)
2. Pizza Rizzo – Hollywood Studios (As Disney Tourist Blog puts it, “It’s all about expectations. If you go in expecting a pizza like you might drunkenly cook following a 2 a.m. freezer raid, you’ll probably find PizzeRizzo enjoyable.”)
3. Pinocchio’s Village Haus – Magic Kingdom (The atmosphere is beautiful, but the food is pretty sad and I’ve yet to eat something here I enjoyed thoroughly)
4. Tony’s Town Square – Magic Kingdom (Truly abysmal “Italian” food… there are much better places to eat Italian at WDW, including in the Italy Epcot pavilion!)
5. Hollywood & Vine & ABC Commissary… pretty much most food at Hollywood Studios ? (Check out Docking Bay 7 and Woody’s Lunch Box for your best eats, followed by the 50’s Prime Time Cafe & Sci-Fi Dine-In if you must eat in this park)

So, what do you think? Do you agree with this list? Is one of your favorites missing, or is there something you didn’t care for? This is not an exhaustive list, I’d love to hear what you’d add to it in the comments!

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