The Walt Disney World Resort in Central Florida is the mecca of family vacation destinations. Between the lovable Disney characters, awesome attractions like transporting dark rides and thrilling roller coasters, exciting stage shows, incredible hotels and so much more, there’s enough to keep fans returning again and again and again. Something else that keeps vacations and locals alike going back for more? A whole buffet of some truly fantastic Disney restaurants.
In fact, some dining experiences at Walt Disney World are so immersively designed that they almost feel like attractions themselves. So, if you want to keep the magic going all the way through mealtime during your next Disney vacation, keep reading as we dig into the best themed restaurants at Disney World.
17 Best Themed Restaurants at Walt Disney World
Home to four world-renowned theme parks, the Walt Disney World Resort is filled with highly immersive experiences. Detailed theming at the Disney Parks, as well as the rides within, and many of the Disney World hotels whisk guests away to a different time or place. The same goes for plenty of the resort’s wonderful dining venues. Although you’ll find a smorgasbord of restaurants at Walt Disney World that follow a theme, it can often feel like a delightful side dish of the dining experience rather than the main course.
Some are so intricately detailed, however, that a meal at one can be as entertaining as going on one of Disney World’s many remarkable rides, transporting travelers to a fairytale castle, an old-fashioned kitchen or drive-in theater, a moonlit town square in some far-off land and even outer space. So, for this list, we’re breaking down the best restaurants at Walt Disney World with an amazing theme—places that go all in on the experience, from the setting to the servers to what’s on the menu.
Magic Kingdom Park
Cinderella’s Royal Table
When it comes to highly themed restaurants at Disney World, it doesn’t get any more iconic than Cinderella’s Royal Table. Located inside Cinderella Castle, this table-service restaurant dishes up a dreamy dining experience for guests. Here, diners indulge in a decadent prix-fixe feast of upscale American cuisine amid medieval-inspired splendor. On top of that, this quintessential Magic Kingdom eatery is also a character dining experience, with a regal guest list featuring various Disney Princesses. If you time your meal correctly, you can even catch glimpses of some of the Magic Kingdom fireworks.
Be Our Guest Restaurant
For those who truly want to feel as if they have stepped inside a storybook, be sure to make a reservation for Be Our Guest Restaurant in Fantasyland. Inspired by the enchanted palace from Beauty and the Beast, Be Our Guest features three elaborately designed dining rooms styled after different parts of The Beast’s castle, like the magnificent Grand Ballroom, the mysterious West Wing (home to the enchanted rose) and the romantic Rose Gallery. And while this isn’t technically a character meal, don’t be surprised if you catch a glimpse of The Beast stalking past as you dine on elegant European dishes like French onion soup. And be sure to the Grey Stuff—it’s delicious!
Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen
If you’re on the hunt for more adventurous eats with an immersive design to match, then look no further than Skipper Canteen in Adventureland. This causal table-service restaurant is as close as you can get to a hidden gem in the middle of Magic Kingdom. Taking its inspiration from the Jungle Cruise, Skipper Canteen blends the tropical flair of Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Disney’s Polynesian Resort with the far-flung destinations traversed during the attraction in terms of both the menu and the theming, serving up dishes and tchotchkes with global flair. Even the attraction’s joke-slinging Skippers get in on the fun as punny servers.
Liberty Tree Tavern
Walt Disney was a great lover of both country and American history—take a look at the Hall of Presidents in Liberty Square to see what we mean. Just across the way, the Liberty Tree Tavern carries on that tradition. Styled like a quaint Colonial-era inn, each room in this table-service restaurant is inspired by one of the Founding Fathers (or Mothers), like George and Martha Washington, Betsy Ross, Benjamin Franklin and Paul Revere. Even the servers here dress up in attire befitting the period. The main event, however, is the family-style feast that’s on offer: a traditional Thanksgiving dinner (AKA the Patriot’s Platter) with all the fixings. Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake makes for an especially sweet finish.
Epcot
Biergarten Restaurant
Take a trip to Bavaria, no passport necessary, with a meal at Biergarten Restaurant. Located in the Germany Pavilion in World Showcase, this immersive buffet restaurant is one of the more atmospheric Disney dining outlets. The dining room is evocative of a quaint town square at twilight during the revelry of Oktoberfest, complete with communal biergarten-style tables and live polka music. There’s even a dance floor where little ones (and grown-ups, too!) can cut a rug. As for the tasty food that’s on offer, diners tuck into a bounty of German-inspired favorites like sausages, schnitzel and apple strudel. Prost!
San Angel Inn Restaurante
Biergarten isn’t the only restaurant in World Showcase drenched in faux moonlight. San Angel Inn Restaurante in Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion is, too. Nestled inside the towering Mesoamerican pyramid that is the centerpiece of the pavilion, this “waterfront” eatery overlooks Mayan ruins and a smoldering volcano and enjoys a front-row view of the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros boat ride. In other words, the atmosphere is off the charts. After finishing your meal of South-of-the-Border fare like tacos and mole, take some time to stroll through the neighboring “open-air” market.
Space 220 Restaurant
For a truly out-of-this-world meal, you won’t want to miss Space 220 Restaurant in World Discovery. Located just next door to Mission: SPACE, this unforgettable dining experience blasts diners 220 miles above the Earth via a special space elevator for a prix-fixe feast in the stars. Along with some stellar vistas, Space 220 Restaurant also dishes up creative modern American cuisine worthy of its space station setting, like Blue Moon Cauliflower, Rocket Flame Seared Tuna and Ursa Minor mousse. Talk about a restaurant with a view!
Coral Reef Restaurant
Unlike some of the other Disney table-service restaurants on our list, Coral Reef in The Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion may not transport diners to some exotic locale. However, it does certainly offer an immersive dining experience in a different sense. As the name suggests, Coral Reef Restaurant plunges guests below the depths of one of the world’s largest aquariums. With enough water for 54 Olympic-sized swimming pools and around 2,000 aquatic creatures—including tropical fish, sea turtles, sharks and coral—this under-the-sea dining adventure makes for a truly spectacular setting. While gazing out through the panoramic windows (request a fish-spotting guide!), savor a selection of surf and turf.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant
When it comes to a themed Walt Disney World restaurant, few can compete with Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Delightfully retro, this immersive restaurant faithfully recreates the feeling of an old-school drive-in movie theater on a Hollywood soundstage. Not only do kitschy sci-fi scenes play beneath a blanket of stars, but diners eat in vintage convertibles with illuminated tail lights, and car hops deliver all-American diner classics like burgers and shakes directly to your automo-booth. The only downside of this playful eatery is that all of the seats in the convertibles face toward the movie screen, just like a normal car. Fortunately, picnic tables are also located at the back for those wanting a slightly less awkward meal experience.
50’s Prime Time Cafe
Just a short stroll from Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater, 50’s Prime Time Café cooks up a similarly nostalgic Disney dining experience. Here, mealtime is a family affair, and we mean that quite literally. Styled after a cozy kitchen from the 1950s—right down to the Formica table, vinyl chairs and black-and-white TV clips—50’s Prime Time Café is a blast from the past in the absolute best possible way. As this is Mom’s kitchen, you’ll also enjoy encounters with various extended family members. So, remember to mind your manners if you don’t want a talking-to and a lesson in table etiquette. As you might imagine, the menu here is overflowing with old-fashioned comfort food favorites like fried chicken, meatloaf and pot roast. Save some space for a time warp-worthy dessert like Pineapple Upside Down Cake or a Peanut Butter & Jelly Milk Shake. (If you’re craving something sweet but aren’t hungry enough for a full meal, you can even try asking for one at the attached Tune-In Lounge. )
Roundup Rodeo BBQ
One of the newest table-service restaurants at Disney World, Roundup Rodeo BBQ takes its style cues from the larger-than-life world of Toy Story. At this fun dinner and lunch spot, guests shrink down to become honorary toys while dining amongst Wild West-inspired playsets arranged by Andy himself. Although this isn’t officially a character dining venue, Pixar fans will love looking at displays of Toy Story pals like Bo Peep and Jessie or freezing in place whenever Andy gets too close. Mealtime features a family-style platter of house-smoked barbecue, with mains and sides like Evil Dr. Smoked Ribs, Buttercup’s Beef Brisket, Mean Old Potato Salad and Cowpoke Corn on the Cob.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Tusker House Restaurant
Embark on a safari of flavors alongside Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse and Goofy at Tusker House Restaurant in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Nestled not far from Kilimanjaro Safaris, the all-you-can-eat buffet restaurant dishes up character meals with African-inspired flair for breakfast, lunch and dinner. In the morning, AM favorites combine with slightly more exotic options, like Simba and Mickey Waffles and Guava Cream Cheese Danishes, while lunch and dinner bring an array of approachable, adventurous items like jollof rice, berbere-marinated pork, za’atar braised beef and curries. As for the design, the restaurant is themed like a lively African market. Donald and his friends dressed for their next safari expedition round out the scene, making for a fun alternative to Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
Yak & Yeti Restaurant
In Asia, across the globe/on the other side of Animal Kingdom, sits Yak & Yeti Restaurant. Not far from the base of Expedition Everest, this sit-down eatery is like a continental exploration in restaurant form. The proprietors of this place are avid collectors of Asian antiquities, and rather than keeping their treasure trove to themselves, they’ve graciously decided to open up their home as a pan-Asian restaurant so everyone can enjoy their collection. Although Yak & Yeti may look like an authentic Nepalese eatery, the dishes on offer are more of a mishmash of Americanized Asian cuisines. That said, the food quality here is still quite high and absolutely worth a visit.
Disney Hotels
Whispering Canyon Cafe
Contrary to what its name would have you believe, Whispering Canyon Cafe at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge isn’t exactly known for its peaceful atmosphere. In terms of its theming, it also doesn’t offer an elaborate backstory or immersive design. What it does have, however, is plenty of vaguely Wild West-inspired fun (and ketchup). Let us explain. Similar to 50’s Prime Time Cafe, Cast Members at Whispering Canyon are essentially actors in very mild-mannered dinner theater. In other words, you may be playfully heckled. You might also receive a restaurant’s worth of ketchup bottles. And as long as you go in with a lighthearted attitude and a big appetite (all-you-care-to-enjoy family-style skillets of hearty BBQare the highlights here), you’ll come away full, happy and having had a lot of fun.
Sanaa
Of all the dining outlets on this list, at least the Disney resort restaurants, Sanaa is the one with the biggest wow factor. And, unlike places like Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater, San Angel Inn Restaurante or 50’s Prime Time Cafe, it isn’t due to the dining room’s over-the-top design. Instead, the immersiveness of this table-service eatery in Kidani Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is its remarkable view. Just outside a wall of windows, African wildlife like giraffes and zebras graze on one of Animal Kingdom Lodge‘s various savannas, making diners feel as if they’ve magically jetted off to Kenya or Tanzania for lunch or dinner. And while guests don’t dine on African-inspired cuisine here per se (according to Disney, it’s “African cooking with Indian flavors”), it is delicious and approachable enough to be accessible for a whole host of guests. If you’re looking for something that feels worlds away from The Most Magical Place on Earth, this is a winner.
Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue
Located in Pioneer Hall at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is another themed meal experience that uses its view to set itself apart. However, rather than an especially rustic dining room, this Fort Wilderness Resort restaurant transports diners to the Wild West with dinner and a show. Here, a cast of singin’, dancin’, joke-tellin’ cowboys and cowgirls take to the stage for a musical hootenanny filled with fun. Unsurprisingly, it’s a whole heckuva lot of fun. And fortunately, the food is just as enjoyable as the entertainment, with buckets of all-you-can-eat ribs and fried chicken, baked beans, cornbread and more. Strawberry shortcake makes for an especially sweet final act.
Disney Springs
T-REX Cafe
For those traveling with kiddos or a herd of dino-loving adults, T-REX in Disney Springs’ Marketplace has a lot to offer. Operated by Landry’s, the masterminds behind the O.G. theme restaurant, Rainforest Cafe, this over-the-top eatery takes diners on a prehistoric journey filled with meteor showers and long-extinct beasts. Is it cheesy? Absolutely. But the in-your-face themed rooms are also incredibly charming and fun. (The Ice Age room is our favorite!) Also like Rainforest Cafe, the menu options here are also very family-friendly and perfect for picky eaters, with everything from burgers and pasta to salads and grain bowls to surf and turf.
Raglan Road
When it comes to Disney theme restaurants, it doesn’t get much more authentic than Raglan Road Irish Pub. In fact, although it may have found its way to Orlando, it was actually constructed in Dublin by Irish craftspeople out of Irish building materials before being shipped across the Atlantic Ocean, reassembled in Disney Springs and filled not only with Irish furnishings but Irish chefs, servers, dancers, musicians and, of course, food. While dining on dishes like shepherd’s pie and bangers & mash, guests can admire the skill of the Irish step dancers or tap their toes to the rhythm of a live band. And whatever you do, be sure to save some room for the complimentary Irish Brown Bread with Guinness Reduction at the start. It’s addictively delicious.
Disney Themed Restaurant Runners-Up
As we hinted at the beginning, we’ve only scratched the surface of the many themed restaurants at The Most Magical Place on Earth. In fact, there’s a whole world of immersive eateries, both quick service and table service, and lounges to enjoy (we’re looking at you, Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto and AbracadaBar). Other than the obligatory Rainforest Cafe, of which there are two (one at Disney Springs and one outside the entrance to Animal Kingdom), these themed Disney restaurants are worth a mention.
Epcot
Garden Grill Restaurant
Overlooking the Living with the Land boat ride inside The Land Pavilion, Garden Grill puts a unique twist on Disney dining, literally. The dining room spins, offering views of the attraction below. Aside from that, the actual theming here is relatively minimal. Having said that, the food on offer is delicious and is made from ingredients grown right there in the pavilion’s greenhouses. Plus, with appearances by Chip ‘n’ Dale and Farmer Mickey & Pluto, this is also one of our favorite character restaurants.
Rose & Crown Dining Room
Take a trip across the pond without ever hopping on a plane at the Rose & Crown in the United Kingdom Pavilion at Epcot’s World Showcase. Designed to feel like an authentic British pub, right down to the fish & chips, bangers & mash, pints of beer and sticky toffee pudding, this sit-down restaurant is one of Epcot’s most enduringly popular eateries. It also happens to offer awesome waterfront views of the Epcot fireworks, which guests can enjoy by booking the restaurant’s fireworks dining package.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
The Hollywood Brown Derby
Although it might not feel like it when you walk inside, The Halloween Brown Derby is actually a faithful recreation of the Brown Derby, a Hollywood landmark that was once a hot spot frequented by the who’s who of Tinseltown. Not only do caricatures of celebriti,es adorn the walls, just like the original restaurant, but guests can also enjoy some of the eatery’s most timeless recipes, like its famous Cobb Salad (which was created by the historic restaurant’s owner, Bob Cobb) and citrusy Grapefruit Cake.
Disney Hotels
Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White
Located inside Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White isn’t as immersively designed as most of the other restaurants on our list. (That’s largely because it’s a former signature restaurant-turned-character restaurant.) However, the trees draped with fairy lights and lanterns are undeniably whimsical, the upscale prix-fixe menu of lightly themed dishes and appearances by Snow White, the Evil Queen, Dopey and Grumpy more than make up for what is essentially a very elaborate overlay.
Disney Springs
The BOATHOUSE
Whether you consider yourself a boat person, a seafood lover or simply someone who loves being out on the water, then The Boathouse in Disney Springs is worth a reservation. Home to an impressively sized fleet of watercraft from the ’30s, 40s, and ’50s, this waterfront restaurant is filled with items in every nook and cranny. Does it whisk you away to some remote destination or make you feel like you’re actually onboard a boat? Not really, but the collection itself is noteworthy, the surf and turf menu is delicious, and you can even charter an amphicar for an on-the-water tour of Disney Springs.
Well, Disney fans, that brings our round-up of the best theme restaurants at Disney to an end. Which one of these immersive eateries is your favorite? Is there one that we missed? Let us know in the comments! Then, learn how you can save money on your next trip to Disney with our discount theme park tickets.
