Amanda PhillipsWalt Disney World Resort in Florida is the place where dreams come true, for adults, teenagers, children – and foodies. On top of being home to six theme parks, two entertainment districts, a sports complex and 20 resort hotels, the Walt Disney Resort in Florida also has more than 300 delicious dining options. The cuisines on offer at Disney take influence from across the globe, including South Africa right through to Tokyo (you’ll even spot a Yorkshire fish ‘n’ chip shop).
If you’re heading to Disney World soon, and are just as excited to sample the food as the rides, remember to book Free Disney Dining. You can enjoy free Disney Dining when you book a Disney Moderate o Deluxe Resort Hotel by 3rd November 2016 or a free breakfast when booking a Disney Value Resort by 7th July 2016.
Now it’s only a matter of short-listing which restaurants you want to visit. The options are virtually endless, but here’s our top picks of the most magical and unique experiences available with the Disney Dine packages.
1. Sci-Fi Dine-In Theatre Restaurant
Drive-in cinemas don’t just exist in American films. This 50s-inspired restaurant in Disney’s Hollywood Studios features all-American food and car-shaped booths to re-create the feel of a drive-in movie. Open for lunch and dinner, the menu boasts creative takes on classic favourites such as the Build-Your-Own Angus Burger, Salmon BLT Burger, Out-of-This-World Turtle Cheesecake and Spicy Buffalo Popcorn Chicken. Drinks include Ariel or Buzz Lightyear Punch served in a souvenir mug, while grown-ups can enjoy a Piña CoLAVA cocktail or an Oreo milkshake infused with chocolate liqueur.
2. Splitsville™ Dining Room
Enjoy a game of bowling after (or before) your meal at this retro-inspired diner at Disney Springs. Book out a lane in advance and even have your food brought over while you and the family enjoy a game of 10-pin bowling. The menu at Splitsville is vast including pizza, hand-rolled sushi, juicy burgers, salads, and taco bowls. There’s also an impressive cocktail menu with classic and frozen concoctions, plus a large beer and wine menu.
3. Coral Reef Restaurant
Enjoy high-quality seafood such as Charbroiled Octopus, Seared Mahi Mahi, and Pan-seared Verlasso Salmon in an intimate setting with views of a live coral reef. Situated in Epcot, the panoramic windows provide spectacular views of sea turtles, stingrays and sometimes a scuba-diving Mickey Mouse. Also a place to enjoy fine rums and a pint of Reef Amber Draft.
4. Be Our Guest Restaurant
Located at the foot of the Beast’s Enchanted Castle in Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park, step inside this French-inspired restaurant for a quick-service breakfast, lunch or an unforgettable sit-down dinner. Menu items include Feast A La Gaston, The Master’s Cupcake and a choice of beverages served in a light-up souvenir goblet.
5. Mickey’s Backyard BBQ
Munch on delicious BBQ food from an all-you-cat-eat buffet while Mickey and friends put on a show around you. Located in Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, this is one of Disney’s most popular dining experiences and advance booking is recommended.
6. Cinderella’s Royal Table
Cinderella’s Castle is the symbol of Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park and the first thing visitors gaze upon when entering the park. Step inside the castle for a world of fine-dining fit for royalty. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner Cinderella’s Royal Table serves high-quality dishes such as slow-roasted pork tenderloin, chef’s fish of the day and pan-seared scallops. Fairytale themed dishes include Castle Salad, The Clock Strikes Twelves flourless cake, and Cinderella’s S’mores.
7. AristoCrêpes
While exploring the exciting Disney Springs you’ll definitely need to stop off for a snack. Our vendor of choice is AristoCrêpes on the outskirts of The Marketplace. Here you’ll find a selection of sweet and savoury crêpes – but not your average banana or nutella options. This is where you can surprise your taste-buds with a beef crêpe stuffed with horseradish cream, pickled red onion, baby spinach and sharp cheddar or, if you have a sweet tooth, a key lime pie cheesecake crêpe.
8. T-REX ™
In Disney Springs there is dinosaur-inspired place to eat that blends creative cuisine with hands-on discovery zones. Dino fans can munch on themed dishes from a Doublesaurus Burger to a Caesar-saurus Salad. The attached Dino-Store has a plethora of educational toys where kids (or big kids) can build their own plush toy at Build-A-Dino® By Build-A-Bear Workshop®.
If your mini-paleontologist can’t ever have enough there’s also Restaurantosaurus over in Dino-Land in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park .
9. ESPN Wide World of Sports Grill
For sport fans, there are two ESPN dining halls in Disney World. The first is the ESPN Wide World of Sports Grill in the ESPN Sports Complex and the other is the ESPN Club on Disney’s BoardWalk. Both offer the perfect place to enjoy the game on widescreen TVs while munching on the best pub food.
10. The BOATHOUSE®
If you’re visiting Disney World for a special occasion and want to treat yourself to an opulent sit-down meal, this is the place to reserve a table. Serving lunch and dinner daily, the menu is as decadent as you would imagine with dishes including Anastasia Gold Caviar, Blue Star Angus Carpaccio, Grilled Mahi Mahi Tacos plus 8, 12 and 28 ounce steaks. There’s also an extensive wine and Martini menu. Located on the waterfront of Disney Springs, you’ll also enjoy romantic views as you dine – you can even treat yourself to a private dinner cruise.