Walt Disney World Resort is known for its magic, its rides, and, of course, its food. For many, dining at Disney is as much a part of the experience as enjoying the attractions. Whether it’s grabbing a snack from one of the many food carts or sitting down for a fine meal at one of the park’s signature restaurants, the food at Disney is often a huge part of the allure.
But, as with any popular destination, not every dining experience is a magical one.
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While Disney is known for its culinary delights, certain restaurants have become infamous for not quite living up to expectations. Recently, guests took to Reddit to share their honest opinions on the most disappointing restaurants across Disney World.
From overpriced meals to lackluster service, some of Disney’s popular dining spots are falling short of the magic that guests have come to expect.
Here’s a closer look at some of the surprising and, at times, shocking choices that have left guests frustrated and unimpressed.
Sanaa: Not as Spicy as Expected
Sanaa, located in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, is often considered one of the more unique dining experiences at Disney World, serving up flavorful Indian-inspired dishes. Known for its famous bread service, it was once a must-visit spot for food lovers.
However, for some guests, the reality didn’t quite live up to the hype.
One guest, menegerie5, shared their disappointment on Reddit:
Which table service did people feel most let down by? Either as it just wasn’t good, or was over hyped! For us it was Sanaa. We both love spicy food and found it all really rather bland. Was so disappointed.
Most disappointing table service
byu/menegerie5 inDisneyWorld
Ohana: A Decline in Quality and Service
A restaurant that repeatedly came up in the Reddit thread was ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. This once-beloved family-style restaurant, famous for its all-you-can-eat skewers, noodles, and dumplings, has seen a significant decline in both quality and service since its reopening post-pandemic. Guests have reported that the food remains decent, but no longer justifies the hefty price tag.
The food is still decent, but the service and rushed dining experience seem to have ruined what was once one of the most magical dining experiences in Disney World.
“Went for my birthday for breakfast and I was not impressed, the food was fine but the price was insane for what it was, I also felt rushed, but I did get the last reservation of the morning. Thank God I was a CM at the time, I had my 50% off coupon, otherwise it would not have been worth it.”
Related: One & Done: Disney Restaurants We Never Need to Try Again
Cinderella’s Royal Table: Not Worth the Price
Cinderella’s Royal Table is often considered one of the ultimate Disney dining experiences, offering a chance to dine inside Cinderella Castle and meet Disney princesses. However, many guests have voiced that the experience doesn’t justify its steep prices.
A typical breakfast at Cinderella’s Royal Table can cost up to $74 per adult and $45 per child, with lunch and dinner prices ranging upwards of $88 per adult and $52 per child. For some, these prices are hard to justify when the food doesn’t match up to the grandeur of the setting.
Related: Disney World Dining: Fans Reveal the Worst Food in the Parks
As one guest shared:
“Cinderella’s Royal Table the last time we had it. Food wasn’t special, princesses were rushed and because of a timing issue we didn’t see Cinderella going in and when we came down stairs we were instructed to return at a later time to see her.”
Space 220: All Show, No Substance?
Space 220, a futuristic dining experience at EPCOT, offers guests a chance to “dine in space” with a stunning view of Earth from 220 miles above. The immersive theming and impressive visuals initially drew in crowds, but the food, according to some, did not live up to the hype.
One Reddit user shared their disappointment: “It was so expensive, took a long time, and food was just okay. The space theming was cool but not worth the price (and our kids were just meh about it). It’s a one and done for us.”
Despite the unique concept, many guests felt that the high price tag wasn’t justified by the quality of the food. For those seeking an out-of-this-world experience, the lack of standout flavors and the steep cost made Space 220 a one-time visit for many.
The Old Favorites: Tony’s Town Square and Mama Melrose’s
Long-established spots like Tony’s Town Square at Magic Kingdom and Mama Melrose’s at Disney’s Hollywood Studios also made appearances in the thread.
These restaurants, while not the most extravagant in Disney World, have long been known for their Italian-themed menus. However, both are now receiving a considerable amount of criticism. Tony’s Town Square has seen some improvements to its menu, but it still doesn’t stand out among other table-service restaurants in Magic Kingdom.
Meanwhile, Mama Melrose’s will close in May 2025 as part of the larger transformation of Disney’s Hollywood Studios into the Monsters, Inc.(2001)-themed area.
Disney World has no shortage of dining options, but with such variety comes a mix of experiences—both magical and disappointing. Have you ever been let down by a Disney World restaurant? Whether it was the food, the service, or the price, we’d love to hear about your experiences! Let us know in the comments which Disney restaurants have disappointed you the most, and what changes you’d like to see.
