Top Quick-Service Restaurants with Outdoor Seating at Walt Disney World

It’s hard to believe that we’re still experiencing a global pandemic, but Walt Disney World is doing an amazing job of maintaining the magic in the parks.  With all of the enhanced cleaning procedures, mask requirements, and physical distancing, Disney has shown that they are going to great lengths to keep everyone safe.  Still, many of us feel more comfortable dining outdoors, and luckily Walt Disney World gives us plenty of options.  Here are some fantastic choices for quick service restaurants with outdoor dining.  

 

1. Tomorrowland Terrace

Tomorrowland Terrace has emerged as an especially good option these days.  There is plenty of covered seating in this open-air location, so it’s a wonderful place to escape the sun while still enjoying fresh air.  Over the last few years, the restaurant has only been open seasonally and has served as a location for dessert parties in the Magic Kingdom because if it’s stellar views of the castle.  Currently, you can enjoy entrees from Columbia Harbour House at Tomorrowland Terrace, including their seafood specialties like shrimp, lobster roll, and fish and chips.  Don’t forget to take advantage of mobile ordering through the My Disney Experience app!

2. Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe

Cosmic Ray’s is another option at the Magic Kingdom with plenty of covered, outdoor seating and mobile ordering.  Also located in Tomorrowland, they offer standard American fare such as burgers, hot dogs, chicken strips, and even the Impossible Burger.  Mobile ordering is available here as well. 

3. Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn

Pecos Bill’s has less plentiful outdoor seating than the aforementioned quick-service locations, but it does have enough to make it a viable option if you’re looking to dine outside in the Frontierland area.   Though we miss the infamous toppings bar, you can customize your order through mobile ordering.  

 

4. Katsura Grill

If you’re spending the day in Epcot, finding quick service dining with outdoor seating is a bit more challenging than it is in the Magic Kingdom.  A small and often missed option is Katsura Grill, located in the Japan Pavilion.  While they do not participate in mobile ordering, the restaurant is generally well-regarded and is in a beautiful location.  The seating is covered and it’s a great place to enjoy teriyaki dishes, sushi, and even Japanese beer, wine, cocktails, and sake.  

5. Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue

In a past life, the Regal Eagle Smokehouse was the Liberty Inn.  Located in Epcot’s World Showcase in the American Adventure pavilion, the newly revamped location has received a warm welcome from guests and allows for mobile ordering.  Regal Eagle has ample outdoor seating in the form of picnic tables with umbrellas.  As the very long name implies, you can enjoy a variety of beers along with barbeque favorites like barbeque burgers, brisket, ribs, and smoked chicken.  They also have some really hearty sides such as baked beans, onion rings, and macaroni and cheese.  This could be a bit of a heavy meal (especially in the heat), so consider sharing with your family!

6. La Cantina de San Angel

La Cantina de San Angel is located in Epcot’s Mexico pavilion, which is convenient to Future World since it’s the first country on one end of the World Showcase.  This quick service location only offers outdoor dining, and does not have mobile ordering.  Still, we think the views of the World Showcase lagoon and their yummy food make it a worthy consideration for your next meal at Epcot.  La Cantina serves tacos, empanadas, nachos, churros, and margaritas- need we say more?  If you’re travelling with a kiddo who likes classics, however, they do have macaroni and cheese as well!  

7. Yorkshire County Fish Shop

Near the other end of the World Showcase in the UK pavilion is the Yorkshire County Fish Shop.  With seating by the water, it’s a lovely spot to enjoy some of the best fish and chips you’ll ever get your hands on.  While we love dining at the Rose and Crown, the Yorkshire County Fish Shop is a great option if you just want to try their fish and chips.  Keep in mind, this location does not have entrees available, just fish and chips and a few beverages.

8. Flame Tree Barbecue

If you’re visiting Animal Kingdom for the day and want to dine outdoors, we’ve got to recommend Flame Tree Barbeque.  Unless you’ve already had your fill of barbeque by visiting Regal Eagle Smokehouse earlier in your trip, we think this is a solid option at Animal Kingdom with the best outdoor seating option.  We also love that they offer mobile ordering.  While Harambe Market and Satu’li Canteen are also among our favorites, there’s just more seating available at Flame Tree and the views are great!  Some of the seating looks out over the water toward Expedition Everest.  One of the most popular entrees is the baked macaroni and cheese with pulled pork, but if you’re looking for a lighter option, check out the smoked chicken salad.  

9. Woody’s Lunchbox

Located in Hollywood Studios, Woody’s Lunchbox has a lot going for it:  mobile ordering, family-pleasing food, and a great atmosphere.  All of the seating is outdoors, but the setting is truly incredible because you’ll be dining right in the heart of Toy Story Land.  We love enjoying a bite and watching Slinky Dog Dash whoosh by.  The seating area does fill up fast at this very busy spot, but we think it’s worth trying to find a table.  Woody’s even offers breakfast, which isn’t true of all quick service locations.  We’ve enjoyed their breakfast bowls, as well as grilled 3-cheese sandwiches, tomato soup, and “totchos” (tater tots with chili and cheese).  

10. Backlot Express

Backlot Express is one of our go-to options at Hollywood Studios.  While they serve fairly basic options, we’ve always enjoyed our food here.   They have plenty of outdoor seating and offer mobile ordering.  If you have picky eaters with you, you’ll be happy to know that Backlot Express serves the trifecta of picky eater choices:  macaroni and cheese, chicken strips, and Uncrustables sandwiches.  Adults will enjoy the Backlot Burger, Cuban sandwich, southwest chicken salad, and other American cuisine. 

11. Honorable Mention: Baseline Taphouse

This location is not technically a quick service restaurant; rather, it’s considered more of a lounge. Baseline Taphouse is a popular location in Hollywood Studios, located near the Muppet Courtyard and entrance to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.  They do not currently offer mobile ordering.  Technically considered a lounge, they do offer a few “small plates” options along with an extensive craft beer and spirits menu.  Consider this as an option if you’re dining with adults (no kids menu here) and love a good charcuterie board or pretzel with beer cheese!