Between the long lines, hot temperatures, thousands of steps, adrenaline rush-inducing rides and occasional thunderstorm, a day in the parks can be downright exhausting. While a DOLE Whip or quick-service meal will certainly keep you going, if you don’t want to wind up hangry, there’s no better way to fuel up for your adventures – and sometimes, put a dent in your budget – than with a stop at one of the many delicious Disney buffets or family-style restaurants.
But, which all-you-can-eat Disney World restaurant is right for your next trip to The Most Magical Place on Earth? Bring your appetites as we sample the best buffets and family-style restaurants Disney World has to offer. (Updated January 2, 2023)
All About All-You-Can-Eat at Disney World
While perhaps not as iconic as Las Vegas’s legendary buffets (all that gambling makes you hungry), all-you-can-eat restaurants at Walt Disney World still dish up a satisfying dining experience. From palate-pleasing menus made with picky eaters in mind to a smorgasbord (literally!) of globally-inspired eats, there’s something for everyone at Disney World. Oh, and did we mention the Disney characters?
Sadly, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of the Central Florida resort’s all-you-care-to-enjoy restaurants were forced to close, cancel special appearances by Disney characters or change their format from buffet to family-style. Although 1900 Park Fare remains closed, most Disney World buffets are back open, albeit with the possibility of a few changes.
Disney Buffets or Family-Style Restaurants: What’s the Difference and Which Is Better?
Whether you’re traveling with a group and need to please an array of appetites or you simply like a lot of different kinds of food, you can’t beat all-you-can-eat dining at Disney World. When it comes to bottomless eats, restaurants at Disney fall into one of two categories: buffet or family-style.
Similar to a classic Golden Corral or Sizzler, Disney buffets offer a cornucopia of dishes, with so many options you’re unlikely to try it all. In contrast, family-style dining at Disney World serves up a smaller selection of items all meant to be shared among the table, just like you would a meal back home.
So, which kind of restaurant is right for you? While buffets are great for groups with different dining preferences, paying for all that variety can be pricey, especially when there are Disney characters making an appearance.
Looking for quality over quantity? Not only do Disney family-style restaurants tend to be slightly more affordable, but since the kitchen can focus on just a few specific items, the food overall is usually a cut above what you’ll find at the buffets. Of course, there are some exceptions. (We’re looking at you, Boma.)
How Much Is All-You-Care-to-Enjoy Dining at Disney World?
If you’re looking for a cheap meal at Disney World, all-you-can-eat dining isn’t for you. For dinner, you can expect to pay anywhere between $30 to $60 per adult, while bottomless breakfast is slightly less expensive at around $20 to $50 per adult.
Luckily, for big eaters on a budget, you do have a few options for making your meal more affordable. Although an all-you-care-to-enjoy dinner can be a nice way to refuel and relax, they’re also the most expensive. Want to see Disney characters? Prepare to shell out that extra cash.
So, for plenty of food without breaking the bank, skip the characters and save your all-you-can-eat dining for the mornings. Breakfast tends to be considerably cheaper, particularly when Mickey and the gang aren’t stopping by. Plus, by filling up early, you can save some money by snacking your way through the rest of the day.
Can You See Characters at Disney Family-Style Restaurants and Buffets?
Yes, and it is magical! While it won’t do your travel budget any favors, one of the best ways to kill two birds with one stone is Disney character dining. Rather than wasting time standing in line to see your favorites, character dining brings the likes of Mickey, Minnie, Chip ‘n’ Dale and the Disney Princesses right to your table. Best of all, close-up Disney character meet-and-greet experiences are back, and that includes character dining.
Can You Eat at Disney Buffets with a Food Allergy?
If you have a gluten intolerance or other food allergy, you might be worried that a meal at one of the Disney buffets might not be worth it. After all, who wants to pay a lot for an upset stomach and an uninspired, allergy-friendly selection?
Luckily, those with dietary needs are more than welcome at Disney World’s all-you-care-to-enjoy eateries. Just let your server know and they’ll set you up with a chef-guided tour of the buffet, so you can see everything that’s safe for you to eat. Plus, if you’re lucky, they may even offer some special off-buffet dishes. All you need to do is ask!
15 Best Buffets & Family-Style Restaurants at Disney World
Wondering where to book an advance dining reservation for your next Walt Disney World vacation? If you’ve got a big appetite, here are our favorite places for all-you-can-eat at Disney:
Best for Family-Friendly Dining and Approachable, American-Style Cuisine
Trail’s End Restaurant | Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
Sadly, Disney has announced that Trail’s End Restaurant will close this spring to make way for a “marketplace concept with expanded quick-service options” later this year. To say that we’re upset is putting it mildly. This laidback restaurant has been a family favorite of ours for years, and we’re sure going to miss it once it’s gone. A specific closure date has yet to be announced, so be sure to stop by and soak up the cozy atmosphere while you still can.
Hit the ole dusty trail (or hop on a water taxi from the Magic Kingdom) and make your way to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground for some of the best family-style dining at Disney World (the buffet is currently unavailable): Trail’s End Restaurant. From its rustic interior down to its homespun, comfort food-heavy menu, it’s the all-you-can-eat restaurant equivalent of a warm hug. While waiting for your table to be ready, soak up the vibes from a rocking chair on the wraparound porch.
Cost of Trail’s End: Breakfast and Dinner – $19.99 to $29.99 per adult
What to Get: Breakfast Skillet, Smokehouse Skillet (plant-based available), Mason Jar Dessert Trio
Whispering Canyon Café | Wilderness Lodge
Don’t expect a quiet meal alone with your food and thoughts at Whispering Canyon Café. Tucked just off the grand lobby of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, this kid-friendly spot dishes up saucy, smokey BBQ and an undeniably playful atmosphere. In other words, things have been known to get a little rowdy… and delicious! It’s worth voyaging into the wilderness for.
Cost of Whispering Canyon Café: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner – $24 to $36 per adult
What to Get: All-You-Care-to-Enjoy Signature Skillets (plant-based available), ‘Burnt Ends’ Nachos (additional cost)
Liberty Tree Tavern | Magic Kingdom Park in Liberty Square
Is there anything cozier than Thanksgiving dinner? We think not. And that’s exactly what you’ll get at Liberty Tree Tavern (Turkey! Mashed potatoes! Stuffing!), along with a quaint, old-timey atmosphere inspired by our founding fathers. So, be sure to take some time to walk around the restaurant to enjoy the many details. Can’t get a reservation? Try The Diamond Horseshoe just down the street in Frontierland – it serves the exact same menu.
Cost of Liberty Tree Tavern: Lunch and Dinner – $39 per adult
What to Get: Patriot’s Platter (plant-based Tavern Keepers Feast also available), Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake
The Crystal Palace | Magic Kingdom Park in Main Street, U.S.A.
A Magic Kingdom character dining mainstay, guests dining at The Crystal Palace enjoy nostalgic eats and tableside visits from Winnie the Pooh (and Tigger, too!). Between the tasty food, beautiful Victorian-style setting with views of Cinderella Castle and visits from friends from the Hundred Acre Woods, kids and adults alike are sure to be charmed.
Cost of Crystal Palace: Lunch and Dinner – $39 per adult
What to Get: Carved Prime Rib, Seasonal Ravioli, Walt’s Mashed Potatoes
Best for Unique Dishes and Elevated Flavors
Boma | Animal Kingdom Lodge
Officially called Boma – Flavors of Africa, this Animal Kingdom Lodge buffet isn’t just one of the best buffets at Disney World; it’s one of the top restaurants in the whole darn resort. What’s that, you say? A Disney buffet serving up adventurous yet approachable African-inspired dishes? Believe it! Add in a kiddie buffet of items like macaroni & cheese and chicken nuggets, and it’s an easy way to try something new.
Cost of Boma: Breakfast and Dinner – $29 to $49 per adult
Cuisine: African & American
What to Get: Bobotie, Assorted Soups, Hummus, Peanut Rice, Zebra Domes
Biergarten Restaurant | Epcot in World Showcase’s Germany Pavilion
For a truly transporting all-you-care-to-enjoy dining experience at Disney World, there’s nowhere better than Epcot’s Biergarten Garten Restaurant. Designed to look like a picturesque, moonlit town square celebrating a perpetual Oktoberfest somewhere in Bavaria (live polka band included!), this hearty World Showcase buffet is a ton of fun for guests of all ages. As is tradition in Germany, many of the tables at Biergarten are long communal tables, and you may be seated next to another party depending on the size is your group and how busy the restaurant is. And, of course, don’t forget to indulge in a glass of German beer.
Cost of Biergarten: Lunch and Dinner – $46 per adult
Cuisine: German
What to Get: Traditional Sausages, Pretzel Bread, Red Cabbage, Sauerkraut, Apple Strude
‘Ohana | Polynesian Village Resort
’Ohana means family, and at this restaurant at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, it also means bottomless helpings of tasty family-style dishes with plenty of Hawaiian flair. From the interactive churrascaria serving style of the eatery’s grilled meats to the burning fires of the open kitchen, it’s the best (and only) dinner and a show at the Polynesian (we’ll miss you, Spirit of Aloha). Best of all, if you time your meal right, you can even watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the comfort of your table.
Cost of ‘Ohana: Breakfast and Dinner – $25 to $55 per adult
Cuisine: Polynesian & American
What to Get: Fresh-baked Pineapple-Coconut Breakfast Bread, ‘Ohana Dinner Skillet (plant-based available) with ‘Ohana Noodles and Grilled Meats, ‘Ohana Bread Pudding
Sebastian’s Bistro | Caribbean Beach Resort
If there’s anything we learned from watching Sebastian serenade Ariel in “Under the Sea,” it’s that that little crab knows how to party. So, it’s no wonder that his namesake restaurant, Sebastian’s Bistro, is all about lively island-fresh flavors that are like a party in your mouth. Sure, it may not technically be bottomless, but the hefty portions at this family-style restaurant certainly won’t leave you hungry – you might even go home with with leftovers – and the wallet-friendly price tag really hits the spot.
Cost of Sebastian’s Bistro: Dinner – $29 per adult
Cuisine: Latin
What to Get: Buttery House-baked Pull-apart Rolls, Taste of the Caribbean Platter (plant-based available), Fried Coconut Shrimp (additional cost), House-made Coconut-Pineapple Bread Pudding
Cape May Café | Beach Club Resort
Looking for all-you-can-eat seafood at Disney World? Set a course for Cape May Café, Disney’s easy-going buffet at the Beach Club Resort that’s all decked out for a lazy day by the shore – think pastels and whimsical wave motifs. This laidback eatery serves up all-American AM favorites and character-spotting opportunities for Minnie’s Beach Bash Character Breakfast by day and surf-and-turf by night.
Cost of Cape May Café: Breakfast and Dinner – $25 to $42 per adult
Cuisine: Seafood & American
What to Get: For Breakfast – Salted Caramel “Beach Buns,” Brioche French Toast, Steak and Egg Scramble; Dinner – Classic Seafood Boil, Carved Roast Beef, Snow Crab Legs (additional cost), Oreo Bon Bons, Bread Pudding
Best for Disney Characters and Bottomless Food
Chef Mickey’s | Contemporary Resort
When it comes to Disney World character breakfasts, there’s none more quintessential than Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Headlined by the big cheese himself, this hotel restaurant is a dream for kids of all ages. While the food isn’t necessarily as memorable as some of the other Disney character buffets on our list, the menu’s palate-pleasing American favorites are still sure to please.
Cost of Chef Mickey: Breakfast and Dinner – $42 to $55 per adult
Characters: Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Donald Duck and Goofy
Cuisine: American
What to Get: For Breakfast – Breakfast Breads, “Loaded Potato-Cheese Casserole; For Dinner – Potato Gnocchi, Roasted Garlic Gratin Potatoes, Prime Rib
Garden Grill Restaurant | Epcot in World Nature’s The Land Pavilion
It doesn’t get any fresher than Garden Grill Restaurant in World Nature at Epcot. More greenhouse-to-table than farm-to-table, much of the food served at this Epcot eatery is grown right there in The Land Pavilion. What’s more, this revolving restaurant(!)touts not only aerial views of the Living with the Land boat ride below, but also special appearances by two dynamic Disney character duos.
Cost of Garden Grill: Lunch and Dinner – $55 per adult
Characters: Chip ‘n’ Dale, Mickey and Pluto
Cuisine: American
What to Get: Harvest-inspired Garden Salad, Grilled Beef with Chimichurri, Mashed Potatoes, Berry Short Cake
Tusker House Restaurant | Animal Kingdom Theme Park in Africa
Animal Kingdom Lodge isn’t the only place you can find all-you-can-eat African-inspired dining at Disney World. Tusker House Restaurant, just next door in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, also dishes up bottomless servings of the vibrant cuisine, as well as visits from Donald Duck and his pals, all dressed up for a safari. Of course, since it’s in a theme park, you can expect this Animal Kingdom family-style restaurant to be easily accessible for less adventurous eaters.
Cost of Tusker House: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner – $42 to $55 per adult
Characters: Donald, Daisy, Mickey, Minnie and Goofy
Cuisine: African & American
What to Get: For Breakfast – Simba Waffles, Durban Chicken & Egg Curry; For Lunch and Dinner – House-made Breads and Spreads, Cape Malay Green Curry Shrimp, Moroccan-spiced Beef, House-made Macaroni & Cheese, Tree of Life Brownie
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall | Epcot in World Showcase’s Norway Pavilion
Do you or someone in your group have a royally big appetite and a passion for Disney princesses? Then make your way to Epcot’s Norway Pavilion and Akershus Royal Banquet Hall. This regal affair takes place in a Norwegian castle, an appropriate setting for hobnobbing with royalty, and features an inviting spread of Scandinavian-style dishes. Is the setting less grand than Cinderella’s Royal Table and the food less familiar? Sure, but that’s what makes it so charming.
Cost of Akershus: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner – $53 to $63 per adult
Characters: Belle, Jasmine, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel, Pocahontas, Mulan, Cinderella, Ariel, Alice and Mary Poppins (varies)
Cuisine: Norwegian & American
What to Get: Taste of Norway smorgasbord, Norwegian Meatballs with Mashed Potatoes and Lingonberry Sauce, Viking Mixed Grill, Rice Cream
1900 Park Fare | Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Aside from the restaurant’s special Floridian Strawberry Soup, the food at 1900 Park Fare is more ordinary than extraordinary. Not to worry, the real reason you’re going to this Grand Floridian buffet isn’t for the food. It’s for the Disney characters! Visited by lesser-seen characters like The Mad Hatter and Alice during breakfast and Lady Tremaine and Cinderella’s stepsisters over dinner, it’s a Disney buffet both kids and adults will love.
Cost of 1900 Park Fare: Breakfast, Brunch and Dinner – $45 to $60 per adult
Characters: Supercalifragilistic Breakfast – British characters like Mary Poppins, Alice (in Wonderland), The Mad Hatter and friends from the Hundred Acre Woods; Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner – Cinderella, Prince Charming, Lady Tremaine, and the Stepsisters Anastasia and Drizella
Cuisine: American
What to Get: Floridian Strawberry Soup, For Breakfast – House-made Corned Beef Hash; For Dinner – Herb-crusted Prime Rib, Butternut Squash Ravioli, Bread Pudding
Hollywood & Vine | Hollywood Studios in Echo Lake
Just like celebrity spotting in Los Angeles, no trip to Disney’s Hollywood Studios would be complete without a few character encounters. Breakfast is perfect for Disney Junior-loving tykes, while guests of all ages will enjoy the elevated takes on comfort food classics and appearances by Minnie and the gang in their seasonal best.
Cost of Hollywood & Vine: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner – $42 to $55 per adult
Characters: Disney Junior Play n’ Dine Breakfast – Fancy Nancy, Doc McStuffins, Vampirina, Roadster Goofy; Minnie’s Seasonal Dining – Minnie, Mickey, Goofy, Donald, Daisy and sometimes Pluto
Cuisine: American
What to Get: For Breakfast – Caramel Monkey Bread, Hazelnut Spread-stuffed French Toast; For Lunch and Dinner – Beef Tenderloin, Spice-rubbed Pork Loin, Macaroni & Cheese with Shrimp, Chocolate S’mores Pie
Well, that wraps up our list of the best Disney buffets and family-style restaurants. Are you full yet? If you like dining all-you-can-eat at Disney World, let us know in the comments where your favorite place is to eat. Still hungry? Check out our Disney Springs dining guide for even more delicious Disney restaurants.
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