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Walt Disney World has some of the most unique and exciting dining experiences you’ll find anywhere. Each of the 4 parks, as well as most of the resorts, have their own special restaurants that provide a memorable occasion for all. The wonderful food being served is a bonus! Here are some my favorites.
Magic Kingdom
8. Be Our Guest Restaurant
This is one of the newest restaurants at WDW and also one of the most magical. There are 3 different themed rooms for dining: the Rose Gallery, the West Wing, and the grand 2 story Ballroom. The entire restaurant is so beautiful and extremely detailed. I love the gargoyles on the bottom of the light poles outside and the mural directly above entrance is superb. While inside you truly feel as though you’re eating in Beast’s castle while snow falls on the French countryside. The menu is French themed of course with some vegetarian options and a kids section. This is one of WDW’s best new restaurants and a not to be missed experience. Reservations are highly recommended.
7. Cinderella’s Royal Table
Nothing is better than your first visit to WDW, walking around the corner on Main Street and seeing Cinderella’s castle for the first time. One of my first thoughts, probably just like most people, was “I want to go inside there!!”. Little did I know at the time that you can go inside. Not only can you go inside but you can eat inside!! The decor is a storybook setting with stained glass windows and medieval flags all around. If you time it just right you can be dining while the evening fireworks are going off. It feels like your kingdom is celebrating while you’re having your feast. Don’t forget to get your complimentary picture with Cinderella. It will be delivered to your table. Reservations are highly recommended. Note: Starting January 5, 2015 Cinderella’s Royal Table will be closing for maintenance until spring.
Epcot
6. Coral Reef Restaurant
Dining in a restaurant with a fish tank inside is a nice accent, but dining in a restaurant with the largest inland salt water aquarium, over 4000 sea creatures and 85 species of tropical fish inside is a one of kind experience that you can only find at The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilion at Epcot. Be on the lookout for scuba divers and on some occasions scuba diving Mickey himself will show up and swim around. This always gets a great reaction from the kids as well as the adults. The menu has wonderful seafood options however its hard not to feel a little guilty eating fish while they’re swimming just beyond the glass from you, ha ha! For the non-seafood eaters there are chicken, steak, or pork options. There are also some vegetarian options and a nice kiddie menu. Reservations are recommended.
Hollywood Studios
5. 50’s Prime Time Cafe
For those of us who always wondered what dinnertime was like for a child in the 50’s, the 50’s Primetime Cafe will do its best to transport you there. From the black and white tv’s playing classic shows, to the diner style table and chairs; the entire restaurant is perfectly themed. Then comes your waiter or waitress otherwise know here as “Mom” or “Dad”. The cast members truly get into character here. If you go to the restroom they make sure you washed your hands, no elbows on the table, and do your best to finish your food, they have been know to feed it to you as a choo choo train or airplane. My sister had this done to her and it was amazing! The food served is American classic comfort food. Reservations are recommended.
4. Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant
The Sci-Fi Dine in Theater Restaurant is a true blast from the past from the good ole days of drive in theaters. Guests are seated in classic cars or tables near the back. The atmosphere here is amazing. It feels as if you’re outdoors on a starry night watching a cheesy sci-fi movie while enjoying your burger and fries and a shake. There are many other food options including New York strip steak and shrimp pasta. There are also a couple of vegetarian options and some choices for the kiddies. Reservations are recommended.
Animal Kingdom
3. Yak and Yeti
This restaurant ,at the base of Expedition Everest, makes you feel as though you are having dinner at a Himalayan village house just before your ascent to the peak of Everest. The attention to detail is amazing as there are many authentic pieces from the region in Asia throughout the dining area. The Asian fusion menu has many wonderful vegetarian options and a simple kids menu as well. Yak and Yeti is also known for having delicious drink options for adults which makes it a desired destination for date night. The drink names are themed too. There’s the Yak Attack, the Shanghai Express, and the Everest Avalanche just to name a few. Reservations are recommended.
Animal Kingdom Lodge
2. Sanaa
How often do you get to have dinner while zebras, giraffes and other wild animals roam around on the savanna outside? Here at Sanaa this is a regular occurrence. This African themed restaurant serves Eastern African style food with some great vegetarian options as well as a simple kids menu for the not so adventurous eater. Reservations are recommended.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
1. Victoria and Albert’s
Dining elegance at its best is what you’ll find here at Victoria and Albert’s in Disney’s Grand Floridan Resort. A Five Diamond award winner since 2000, this Victorian style restaurant has everything from impeccable service, phenomenal food, and sophisticated atmosphere. Enjoy a candlelit table for two in the main dining area while the harp is being played lightly in the background. This is definitely a place to celebrate a special occasion or to indulge in culinary delights which are the makings of an elegant evening to remember. Reservations are highly recommended.
We all know that Disney put the “theme” in theme park, but to add a theme to your dining experience…pure genius!
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