Eating at Disney is an adventure in and of itself. With so many different types of foods, so many kinds of cuisines and restaurants and offerings, how can you possibly choose? One thing is certain- you won’t be able to eat at every single place, so it’s a great idea to go in prepared. If you are traveling to Disney as a couple, the list below has something for every type of couple.
For the Value-Focused Couple
The Disney Dining Plan is a great way to save money, but only works if you’re able to visit at a certain time of year.
What’s the Disney Dining Plan? Often shortened to DDP, this plan allows you to buy a number of meals before you arrive through a voucher system. Throughout your stay, you and your partner will receive a number of quick service meals, table service meals, and snacks.
This number depends on the plan that you and your partner choose and the length of your visit. It’s important to know that not all restaurants are included in this meal plan, although almost all are. The list of available restaurants is here.
There are three plans to choose from: the Quick-Service Dining Plan, Disney Dining Plan, and Deluxe Dining Plan. These all include two snacks per night, one refillable mug you can use at your resort (not the parks), and a number of meals.
Booking your meals in advance allows you to budget ahead of time and know how much you’ll likely spend on food. You and your partner will also be able to enjoy a variety of dining options together.
For the Character Loving Couple
Chef Mickey’s at the Contemporary, Magic Kingdom Resort Area
Eat with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Donald
At this popular character dining buffet restaurant, you and your partner can meet each of the “fabulous five” characters. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner here with songs, parades, and a sundae bar. Be aware that due to the popularity of this character dining restaurant, reservations can be very difficult to obtain.
Trattoria al Forno at the Boardwalk, Epcot Resort Area
Eat with Ariel, Prince Eric, Rapunzel, Flynn Rider
This Italian restaurant at the Boardwalk has simple Italian eats and Neapolitan pizza baked in a wood-burning oven. The restaurant makes its own pasta and mozzarella in-house and has a wide variety of alcoholic beverages, such as Italian wines, cocktails, and beer, as well as sodas and coffee. The character breakfast is served through 12:05 pm daily, characters do not attend the other meals of the day.
Cinderella’s Royal Table, Magic Kingdom
Eat with Cinderella
This eatery takes place inside Cinderella Castle. Enjoy high-quality food, an atmosphere fit for royalty, and the chance to meet Cinderella herself at this restaurant.
For the Couple Looking for Atmosphere and Experience
California Grill at the Contemporary, Magic Kingdom
California Grill is one of the highest recommended restaurants at Disney World. Known for its excellent food, the view is what really steals the show. Eating here gives you a birds eye view of Magic Kingdom, looking down at the expanse of the park. Book your reservation approximately an hour before the day’s end fireworks to take in the show from a new perspective. Be aware that California Grill requests more formal attire.
Jiko, Animal Kingdom
The Cooking Place, Jiko is known for being among the most romantic eateries throughout all of Disney World. With gourmet food, low lighting, and the flavors of Africa, Jiko is a must-visit. Enjoy the colors on the back wall as they change to imitate the sunset. If you make a reservation, request a standalone table to avoid the tables that are lined in a single side booth.
This will allow for more elbow room and will keep you and your partner from sitting too close to another couple.
Sanaa, Animal Kingdom
Sanaa serves up African cuisine with an added bonus. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner, overlooking the Sunset Savannah in Kidani Village, with zebras and giraffes passing by. Described as African cuisine with Indian flavors, the food here is unique and much appreciated.
Be Our Guest, Magic Kingdom
This restaurant is a must. Get a chance to live the iconic scene from Beauty and the Beast in real life. Be Our Guest serves three meals with an atmosphere modeled after the Beast’s Castle. Breakfast and lunch, which are considered quick service meals, are more affordable than dinner, considered a signature table service.
This restaurant holds three different dining rooms: the Grand Ballroom, the West Wing, and the Rose Gallery. At breakfast and lunch, you’ll seat yourself and can choose whichever area you like. For dinner, you can request your preferred room, but there is no guarantee you will get it.
Whispering Canyon Cafe, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
This interactive eating experience offers food of the wild, wild west along with a fun and active atmosphere. The restaurant has a theatrical component, where servers tease guests with insults and jokes, all made in good fun. At times, the servers will team up to tease your table in front of the whole restaurant. Not to worry, if you’re shy or reserved, the team is well-versed at picking up on your cues and directing the fun at a more extroverted group.
For the Couple Looking to Celebrate
Narcoosee’s, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
This waterfront dining experience is known for its steak, seafood, and incredible views of the Seven Seas Lagoon. Narcoosee’s has panoramic views, where diners can enjoy the lagoon views itself, the Magic Kingdom fireworks, and the Electrical Water pageant. There is a suggested dress code at this location.
Dessert Parties
Now that you’ve had incredible meals, party with beautiful desserts! Disney has a number of differently themed dessert parties to enjoy. One example is the Fireworks Dessert Party at the Tomorrowland Terrace. You and your partner can end your day with mouthwatering desserts as you watch the fireworks.
If you’re willing to stand, you can enjoy the dessert buffet with Plaza Garden Viewing. There are also dessert parties such as Hollywood Studios’ Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party, or the Frozen Ever After Dessert Party, to name a few.
