By Cory Harget

As a food lover and a culinary school graduate, my love for food has only grown over the years. Walt Disney World offers a diverse dining selection that never fails to amaze me. With so many options to choose from, it's always a challenge for me to decide what to eat. Here are some of my favorite dining spots at each of the parks.

1. Magic Kingdom:

Table Service - Be Our Guest… or Move On: I typically do not stop for a table service meal at the Magic Kingdom. If I do, my top choice would likely be Be Our Guest. If you are a fan of the movie it is definitely the way to go. I love being able to see the castle on the outside, and walking across the bridge into the doors to the ballroom is such a site to see. The theming is definitely on point at this restaurant. You are able to explore other wings of the castle in the other dining rooms of the restaurant. Don't forget to try The Grey Stuff, “it’s delicious!” After you are done with your meal you can go over and meet Beast before heading back out into the park.
Grab some Grub with Quick Service: There are plenty of Quick Service options as well in this park, and they are all inside with ample seating. It is a great place to take a break from the heat or rain. Did you know that Cosmic Rays is one of the busiest “fast food” restaurants in the world? My favorite place to grab a quick bite has got to be Columbia Harbor House. I am always down for some clam chowder. If you are looking for that taste of New England, grab some chowder and a lobster roll. If you like variety- then get the Trio Platter with beer battered shrimp, chicken, and fish. Just outside of the restaurant is some fantastic parade viewing. Last time I went to the park we watched the parade and placed a mobile order as the parade was ending so we were able to walk right inside and get our food and go have a relaxing meal in the AC. Pecos Bill is another great option for food variety and parade viewing before or after your meal.

2. Epcot:

Table Service - Dining My Way Across the Globe: Since I usually snack my way through Epcot, I don't have a specific table service recommendation. However, I've enjoyed dining at several of the restaurants in the different countries. Biergarten is so much fun! I don’t know about you, but I am a meat and potatoes type of person and trust me there is plenty here. I am not a big beer drinker but they offer Schofferhofer Grapefruit that I have to have with my meal. Don’t forget to end your meal with some delicious strudel. If you aren’t able to find what you are looking for in the park, there is a second entrance between the France and UK pavilions that will take you to the Boardwalk Resort area. You can enjoy a walk around the boardwalk and have easy access to The Boardwalk Resort, Disney’s Yacht Club & Beach Club Resorts, as well as the Swan & Dolphin hotels. They all offer great dining choices. I highly recommend popping over to Trattoria al Forno at the Boardwalk. They offer authentic Italian cuisine with some of the menu selections changing seasonally. They even cure their own meats for a fantastic charcuterie board!
Quick Service - A Snack Heard Round the World: My favorite quick service spot is Sunshine Seasons, located near the front of the park. Living with the Land is one of my favorite attractions on property, and I love that they use the food grown there at the restaurants in the park. As the name would suggest, Sunshine Seasons menu changes with the changing seasons. If you find yourself in World Showcase and are looking for a great options, I would steer you back to Germany. Sommerfest has a limited menu but everything on it is so good! They serve house-made paprika chips with their bratwurst. If you aren’t feeling like some meat, grab their jumbo pretzel- it’s bigger than your head! For sweet treat after your bratwurst and pretzel, get literally anything at Karamell-Kuche. If you are full, then you at least have to grab some fresh made caramel popcorn to snack on later. The snacks in Epcot are not to be missed, and each pavilion has its own unique offerings. A couple of my absolute favorites to grab while walking the park is school bread from Norway, kakigori in Japan, and croque glace in France. DO NOT SLEEP ON THE SNACKS!!! :-)

3. Hollywood Studios:

Table Service - Rocking the Oldies in Prime Time: If you are looking for a truly immersive experience, then look no further than 50’s Prime Time Cafe. This restaurant boasts heartwarming southern comfort food served with a little sass from the cast members. A Sampling of Mom’s Favorite Recipes is definitely the way to go. My wife and I are big on trying as much as possible at one time when we can. This gets you 3 of Mom’s favorites on one plate. If you love milkshakes then the peanut butter & jelly is a must! It also goes great with a little bit of Bailey’s.
Quick Service - The Best Food in the Galaxy: When it comes to quick service in this park, you can’t go wrong. There are so many fantastic options to choose from. I love all the food in Galaxy’s Edge. A Ronto Wrap from Ronto Roasters is always a good choice if you are in a hurry or still walking around while you eat. Another great choice in the area is Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo. There are plenty of dining options for everyone and they have lots of seating to take a rest in the AC. Last time, I got the Felucian Falafel and Hummus Garden Spread. Also, while you are in the area, you have to head over to the Milk Stand to taste the infamous Blue Milk and Green Milk! You’ll feel like you are inside the Star Wars universe. It’s so fun to be able to try the food you see in your favorite movies and shows. If everyone likes something different, then you definitely want to head on over to market area near Tower of Terror. Whether it’s burgers at Rosie’s All-American Cafe, pizza at Catalina Eddie’s, or the savory waffle bowls at Fairfax Fare (my favorite), there is something everyone can enjoy. Most people wouldn’t think to savory food in a waffle bowl but you have got to try them at Fairfax Fare. Don’t forget some ice cream at Hollywood Scoops!

4. Animal Kingdom:

Table Service - I’m Not Full Just Yeti: Yak & Yeti is one of my favorite restaurants in all of Disney World! We always start with some Wok-Fried Green Beans or Ahi Tuna Nachos to start our meal. (My wife also likes to Enjoy the tuna nachos as her entree if we do not get them as an appetizer.) I always look through the menu as if I am going to try something new, but I always find myself ordering the Chicken Tikka Masala. It does have a kick, so if you do not like spicy food- steer clear. I love to mix my rice in with my chicken and I will use the warm pita and make to scoop it up to eat it with. Have you ever had a mango pie? Yes, mango. It is not something to miss! We also always have to have the cream cheese Fried Wontons served with fresh pineapple and vanilla ice cream with a honey-vanilla glaze. Yak & Yeti is owned and operated by Landry’s Restaurants. If you happen to be a part of their Landry’s Select Club, you are able to use your benefits here as well.
Quick Service - Flame On: There are so many quick service options in this park but if I had to pick only one I would go with Flame Tree Barbecue. If you are looking for more bang for your buck then this is the place. The Ribs, Chicken, and Pulled Pork sampler is huge portion at a very affordable price. This could easily be shared with a couple people. If you happen to have gotten a Dining Plan for your trip this is definitely a great value for you. When it comes to ambiance you can’t go wrong here either. They have ample seating with great views, be sure to grab a seat on the water and enjoy the tranquility this park has to offer.

With all these delicious offerings, and SO many more, I don’t know anyone who could go hungry on their Walt Disney World trip!

About the Author: As a former Cast Member of Walt Disney World, I've had the opportunity to experience the resort from various perspectives, allowing me to provide valuable insights and recommendations for your next trip. Whether it's Disney or any other destination, I can help you plan your dining reservations and make the most of your visit.

Plan Your Trip With Cory