Top Dining Spots at Disney World for 2024

Even in the heart of Disney magic, you'll still need to satisfy your hunger.

At Walt Disney World, dining options vary from speedy burgers and fries to enchanting meals that whisk you away around the globe—or even beyond it. Strategizing where to dine at Disney can take just as much thought as planning which rides to experience. That's certainly how we like to do it.

During your visit to Disney World, it's essential to categorize dining into two main types: quick-service meals that allow you to refuel quickly and table-service experiences that offer entertainment, character interactions, or international dishes that redefine your theme park culinary expectations.

Yet, not every Disney meal—and dining experience—is created equal. Once your kids discover they can dine in outer space or enjoy a meal with Mickey, Minnie, or the princesses, you might find yourself weighing the choice between an economical meal and a memorable dining adventure that could come at a higher cost.

We undertake the "hard" task of evaluating — and re-evaluating — as many Disney World eateries as possible each year, ensuring you know which ones to include in your plans ... and which to avoid. Here are the top dining options at Disney World for 2024.

FOR FREE HELP WITH PLANNING AND RESERVING YOUR NEXT DISNEY TRIP, EXPLORE TPG'S DISNEY BOOKING PARTNER, MOUSE COUNSELORS.

Top dining experiences at Disney World

Best Disney World eatery: Takumi-Tei

Without a doubt, the finest restaurant at Disney World is Takumi-Tei. It excels not only in the quality of its cuisine but also in its exceptional service, distinctive ambiance, and unforgettable experience that will leave you questioning how you’re still in Central Florida.

There are only two choices available, both inspired by traditional omakase dining: a plant-based menu priced at $150 per person and a meat option at $250 per person. Children under 8 are not permitted, and each menu requires two to three hours to fully enjoy, so plan wisely and relish your brief getaway to Japan.

Top restaurant at Epcot for visitors of all ages: Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria

Although Takumi-Tei holds the number one position on this list, we will include another great Epcot option that is budget-friendly and welcomes all diners.

Situated in the heart of the Italy Pavilion within Epcot's World Showcase, this beloved eatery serves authentic Italian cuisine that could easily compete in New York City's Little Italy. The restaurant sources ingredients directly from Naples, including flour and tomatoes. Remarkably, the water used in Via Napoli's pizza dough is even transported from Pennsylvania due to its similar pH to that of Naples' water.

Pizzas here are pricier than what you'd find at your local delivery service, but their generous size makes them great for sharing. A large pizza costs between $36 and $42 and can serve three to four people. For those with a hearty appetite or in larger groups, the enormous half-meter pizza accommodates up to six people and is priced between $48 and $58. You can choose classic flavors like Meat Lover or Margherita, or get adventurous with toppings like prosciutto and melon or artichokes and truffle oil.

Via Napoli also offers pasta, salads, desserts, and small plates such as calamari and freshly baked focaccia. Most main dishes are priced under $30. The restaurant features a comprehensive selection of cocktails, sangria, and wines.

Top restaurant at Disney's Hollywood Studios: The Hollywood Brown Derby

This Hollywood Studios version of the California classic boasts an air-conditioned dining area, perfect for a midday retreat from the Florida sun.

While service can be a bit slow and prices are on the higher side, it's a wonderful opportunity to indulge while enjoying a true break from the park. The Cobb salad ($25) is a timeless favorite, and the filet mignon paired with horseradish cream and peppercorn sauce ($49) is an excellent choice.

Top restaurant at Magic Kingdom: Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen

If you’re not specifically looking for an overpriced character dining experience, there’s no better sit-down option in Magic Kingdom than Skipper Canteen. This is especially true for those who love the Jungle Cruise ride and prefer a more adventurous menu over typical theme park offerings like burgers and fries.

On the lunch and dinner menus, you can find items like Falls Family Falafel ($12) and "Tastes Like Chicken" Because It Is! ($28), which features sweet chili-glazed fried chicken served with jasmine rice and seasonal veggies. Additionally, there’s a sustainable fish dish infused with Asian flavors for $32.

For fans of spicy noodle dishes, Skipper Dan's Dan Dan Noodles ($28) offer a unique experience with noodles topped with crispy pork, vegetables, and a spicy chili sauce, unlike anything else available in the Magic Kingdom.

Top restaurant at Disney's Animal Kingdom: Tusker House Restaurant

This was a challenging decision, but we’ll give Tusker House a slight advantage over Tiffins Restaurant, another popular spot in Animal Kingdom, as Tusker House offers the chance to meet characters in unique and vibrant costumes.

Tusker House features a buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It's a bit on the expensive side at $62 per adult and $40 per child for lunch and dinner (or $47 per adult and $30 per child for breakfast, excluding taxes and tip), but you can return to the buffet as often as you like.

For breakfast, you'll find classic options like pastries, bacon, sausage, and Mickey waffles. Lunch and dinner showcase more African-inspired dishes such as berbere-marinated pork, South African-spiced vegetables, and green curry shrimp. There’s also a standard kids' menu available for picky eaters.

To complement your meal, you can select from a variety of cocktails, including safari-themed beverages like Tikiti Punch, as well as classic options such as a Moscow mule, beer, wine, and cider for an additional charge.

Top quick-service meal: Satuli Canteen

For quick-service dining at its Disney best, make your way to Satuli Canteen located next to Avatar Flight of Passage in Disney's Animal Kingdom.

This fast-casual eatery offers beef, chicken, and fish bowls priced between $13.29 and $17.99 each, providing a quick, affordable, and healthy option for lunch or dinner. Additionally, there's a selection of wine and beer available if you wish to relax after the "Avatar" experience.

If you have room for dessert, don't miss the spherical blueberry cream cheese mousse ($5.79). It’s truly one of the standout items on the menu.

Top upscale dining: Victoria & Albert's

For the finest award-winning cuisine at Disney World, especially when celebrating significant events like a major anniversary or milestone birthday, visit the elegant Victoria & Albert's restaurant located in Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Just remember, this is an upscale establishment with a Michelin Star and a strict dress code, so plan accordingly before heading over from the parks.

Children under the age of 10 are not allowed, and you should anticipate spending several hundred dollars for a multicourse tasting experience for two—exceeding $1,000 is quite common, especially if you opt for wine pairings. Consider booking the chef's table to witness the culinary team as they craft your extraordinary meal.

Top lounge dining: Nomad Lounge

For a pleasant daytime retreat at Disney's Animal Kingdom, Nomad Lounge is the ultimate destination. In fact, it may be worth visiting the park just for this spot.

Situated just before you enter Pandora — The World of Avatar, Nomad Lounge is the perfect place for a snack if you enjoy dishes that are more exotic and flavorful. Although you might wait an hour or more on the walk-up list, the experience inside (or on the patio) is well worth it.

Popular choices at Nomad Lounge include the bread service from the adjoining Tiffins Restaurant ($18), delectable sliders with yucca fries ($15), and delicious churros ($10). All menu items are designed for sharing, allowing you and your companions to sample a variety without getting too full during the day.

Top Disney World Snacks and Treats

Dole Whip

Among the many fantastic snack choices throughout the parks and resorts, one treat stands out as the best street food at Disney World: the Dole Whip.

What exactly is Dole Whip? It's a delightful pineapple-flavored soft-serve that you can enhance with a splash of pineapple juice... if you're clever enough to do so. On a warm day, this icy delight (starting at $5.99 for a cup) is simply unbeatable.

At Disney World, you can enjoy your Dole Whip just past the Magic Kingdom's Magic Carpets of Aladdin at Aloha Isle. You can also grab a Dole Whip in Disney's Animal Kingdom at Tamu Tamu Refreshments—where you can add a shot of alcohol to your treat—and at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, located just behind the main building as you walk towards the pool.

If you're looking to switch it up, Disney occasionally offers other flavors like raspberry, strawberry, lime, and mango. However, we're particularly fond of the coconut variety, though the classic flavor is always a safe bet.

Gideon's Bakehouse cookies

For cookie enthusiasts, the must-try treat at Disney is the half-pound, freshly baked cookies from Gideon's Bakehouse located in Disney Springs. These colossal and indulgent cookies come in an array of irresistible flavors.

On the regular menu, you'll find the classic chocolate chip cookie ($6), alongside peanut butter crunch ($6), triple chocolate chip ($6), and several exclusive, limited-time flavors that often sell out early in the day. There are also options for cake slices, cookies dipped in chocolate, and refreshing cold brews (definitely try the Peanut Butter Cold Brew).

If you want to grab one or more of these cookies (with a limit of six per purchase), be sure to join the virtual queue at Gideon's as soon as you arrive at Disney Springs. Typically, you'll wait an hour or two in the virtual line before facing an additional 10 to 20 minutes in a physical queue to collect your treats. The virtual queue may close a few hours before closing time, so aim to join before 7 p.m. for a better chance at enjoying cookie paradise.

Ronto Wrap

In our opinion, the top culinary delight at Disney's Hollywood Studios' Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge is definitely the grab-and-go wrap from Ronto Roasters.

The delicious Ronto Wrap comes in two versions (both priced around $14), featuring grilled pork sausage enveloped in a warm pita. The breakfast variant (the preferred choice) includes eggs and cheese, while the original wrap is complemented by peppercorn sauce, roasted pork, and slaw. (There’s also a vegan sausage alternative available.)

Egg rolls

Though it may not always be available, if you find yourself hungry and spot a line forming at the egg roll cart near Adventureland in the Magic Kingdom, it’s definitely worth your time to join in.

At this cart, you can choose two egg rolls in unique flavors like pepperoni pizza, cheeseburger, and buffalo chicken. It might sound unconventional, but each variety is surprisingly delicious. You’ll spend $9.50 for your selection of two egg rolls.

Margaritas

For adults, what could be more enjoyable than a tequila cave with air conditioning? Although there might be a slight wait, once you reach the end of La Cava del Tequila's line, you'll have access to an array of premium margaritas. Our top choice is the avocado margarita, crafted with melon-orange liqueur, fresh avocado, lime juice, a hibiscus salt rim, and, of course, tequila (priced at $17.50 or $19.50 for a mezcal variant).

If you're looking for a snack to accompany your drink, you can also get some chips and guacamole.

Beignets

For the best beignets in Disney World, make your way to Scat Cat's Club — Cafe at Disney's Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter. This is the exclusive spot where you can find beignets shaped like Mickey Mouse. These delightful snacks are very reasonably priced, with three for $8 or six for $11. Each order includes one dipping sauce (options are salted caramel, strawberry, or chicory chocolate ganache), and you can add extra flavors for just 99 cents each, so you might as well indulge in all three.

There are also specialty beignets available, such as the Baton Rouge Beignets ($12.49), which come with your choice of Baileys Irish Cream, Kahlua, or RumChata.

Top Disney character dining experiences

Best character dining at the Magic Kingdom: Cinderella's Royal Table

Although this meal comes with a steep price, it's undeniably worth it, as you and your kids will get to enjoy a meal inside the castle alongside their beloved Disney princesses.

Breakfast is the more affordable choice here, priced at $69 per adult and $42 per child. For lunch and dinner, prices increase to $84 for adults and $49 for kids, but you'll have access to a wider array of delicious dishes, including a crab-topped catch of the day, a Castle Salad featuring romaine and Brussels sprouts, and dessert choices like a chocolate ganache tart paired with salted caramel-coffee mousse.

Top character brunch with Mickey and Minnie: Topolino's Terrace — Flavors of the Riviera

Cinderella faces stiff competition at the top, as Topolino's Terrace presents a character brunch that’s equally enchanting, located atop Disney's Riviera Resort. Expect exceptional service, delectable cuisine, and beloved characters in stunning costumes. Plus, no park admission is required to enjoy this dining experience, and the terrace offers breathtaking views.

Topolino's Terrace serves a breakfast that includes a pastry basket, juice, coffee, and a choice of entrees tailored for both adults and children. Adult options, priced at $49 each, feature delights like smoked salmon, avocado toast, sour cream waffles, and a wild mushroom scramble. For kids aged 9 and under, selections start at $30 and include fruit and yogurt, Mickey waffle dippers, and scrambled eggs.

While the food is reliably delicious, it's the characters that elevate this dining experience. Minnie, Mickey, Daisy, and Donald appear in their finest Mediterranean attire, introduced by lively music that adds a special touch to the occasion.

Top character brunch featuring beloved characters: 1900 Park Fare

If you've ever dreamed of sharing a meal and making wishes with Princess Tiana from "The Princess and the Frog," Mirabel from "Encanto," and Prince Ali from "Aladdin," then the recently refreshed 1900 Park Fare brunch at the Grand Floridian is the ultimate Disney dining experience for you. And don't forget, the enchanting Cinderella will be there as well.

For a price of $54 for adults and $34 for kids, you can indulge in a buffet featuring the renowned dishes of the Grand Floridian. Brunch selections include strawberry soup, cheesy potato casserole, beef and potato hash, bone-in ham, cinnamon pull-apart bread, and an array of pastries.

This dining experience might be even more enjoyable if you aren't seated at tables that are too close together, so I would recommend prioritizing this if your group consists of six people.

If you're more inclined towards dinner, it’s just a bit pricier at $66 for adults and $41 for kids.

Top character dining experience at Epcot: Garden Grill Restaurant

Situated in Epcot's Living with the Land Pavilion, the Garden Grill Restaurant might not appear particularly exciting at first. In fact, we often walked by it for years without a second thought. However, after experiencing it ourselves, we highly recommend it, especially if you’re looking for a laid-back meal with beloved characters.

Lunch and dinner are priced at $62 for adults and $40 for kids (or $47 for adults and $30 for kids during breakfast). The all-you-can-eat Chip 'n' Dale Harvest Feast is served family-style and includes a variety of dishes like barbecue chicken, seasonal vegetables, grilled beef, salad, bread, and macaroni and cheese. The restaurant rotates, offering glimpses of scenes from the Living with the Land ride, where some of the ingredients may be sourced.

While the food is quite good, it’s the characters that truly shine here. As you enjoy your meal, Chip, Dale, Mickey, and Pluto make regular rounds to greet you at your table.

Top character dining choice for tweens and teens: Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White

One of the newer character dining experiences at Disney World has quickly become one of the best.

Located at Disney's Wilderness Lodge (so no park ticket needed), the complete three-course meal at Artist Point surpasses typical burgers and fries. Menu highlights include a shrimp cocktail to start, sustainably sourced fish served with risotto, and an exceptional vegetarian option featuring asparagus, leeks, arugula, and gnocchi. Plus, you can choose from four delightful desserts, including a "poison" apple and a cookies and cream panna cotta topped with chocolate gems.

The main attraction here is the chance to meet the Evil Queen herself. Keep an eye out for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs as they often roam the dining area.

Most overlooked all-you-can-eat dining experience

One of the most underrated all-you-can-eat meals at Disney can be found in the Magic Kingdom. If you're looking for a filling meal, Liberty Tree Tavern is hard to top. This Colonial-style eatery is situated in Liberty Square of the Magic Kingdom.

The menu features an all-you-can-eat mixed green salad, roasted chicken, pot roast, mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, stuffing, gooey toffee cake, and more. It's available for lunch and dinner at $42 for adults and $23 for children, making it a relative bargain by Disney's standards when compared to similar options.

Top outdoor dining experiences at Disney

The Boathouse

This wonderful outdoor dining venue at Disney Springs is perfect for enjoying fresh seafood by the water.

Begin your meal with the outstanding honey butter rolls (which are complimentary and worth the visit alone), then indulge in seafood options like crabcakes ($32.50), tuna poke ($19.75), and macaroni and cheese with shrimp and andouille sausage ($25). Not a seafood fan? No worries: the cheeseburger ($19) and the Yacht Club club sandwich ($22), both served with delicious fries, are also popular choices.

Geyser Point Bar & Grill

Situated by Bay Lake at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, the open-air Geyser Point lounge is a must-visit spot, even if it means waiting for a table.

The menu features items like chicken wings glazed in teriyaki sauce ($15) and a bison cheeseburger topped with bacon ($23). A variety of cocktails are also available if you want to unwind after a hectic day at the parks.

Best dinner show at Disney World

Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue

For those who enjoy side-splitting laughter, this is the perfect dining spot. If the comedy doesn’t leave you in stitches, the endless servings of fried chicken and accompaniments surely will.

This dinner show at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort is a beloved Disney tradition that offers endless fun for both children and adults. If you enjoy singing along to classic American tunes and laughing at cheesy jokes, this lively venue is for you. Plus, the strawberry shortcake and unlimited sangria, wine, and beer are great incentives to visit.

Ticket prices vary based on your seating choice, with adults paying between $66 and $74 and children between $39 and $44.

Pro tip: If you crave the same delicious fried chicken, cornbread, and strawberry shortcake, you can grab a family meal that serves up to four for around $35 at the Trail's End quick-service restaurant nearby at Fort Wilderness.

Honorable mention restaurants at Disney

Roundup Rodeo BBQ

If you find yourself at Disney's Hollywood Studios and are in need of a serious protein boost along with a touch of childhood nostalgia, Roundup Rodeo BBQ is the place to be.

This new dining spot opened in Toy Story Land in spring 2023. While it lacks character meet-and-greets or live shows (although you might hear voiceovers reminding you that Andy is coming), it's a charming addition to the park that serves an abundance of delicious food.

For $45 per adult and $25 per child, you can enjoy an all-you-can-eat spread of meats, appetizers, and desserts. In addition to the standard meat platter featuring beef brisket, smoked ribs, pork sausage, and barbecue chicken, you can choose from four irresistible sides like macaroni and cheese, baked beans, loaded tater tots, and fried pickles. Plus, every table receives a basket of homemade biscuits accompanied by incredibly tasty sweet pepper jelly.

Space 220 Restaurant

A recent addition to Epcot, Space 220 offers diners a chance to virtually ascend 220 miles above Earth for a meal in "space."

While enjoying your "space" dining experience, you can savor dishes like Starry Calamari, Galactic Miso Salmon, Gemini Burger, and Spaceghetti & Shrimp. These are all part of the multicourse prix fixe menu priced at $55 for lunch and $79 for dinner for adults, with kids’ meals costing $29 for lunch and $35 for dinner. Additional options like sides, desserts, and cleverly named alcoholic drinks are also on offer.

While the food is decent (though on the expensive side), the main attraction is the thrilling sensation of launching into space and dining above Earth. As you enjoy your meal, you'll catch glimpses of ships and space tourists floating past the windows—an experience unique to Disney World.

Pro tip: If the high price tag or the time commitment of a multicourse meal is a concern, consider visiting the lounge or bar to check for walk-up availability or reservations. These sought-after options offer a fantastic way to enjoy the experience at a lower cost.

Yak & Yeti Restaurant

Situated in Disney's Animal Kingdom, Yak & Yeti offers both sit-down dining and quick-service options. The quick-service window serves a simplified menu compared to what’s available inside the restaurant.

While Yak & Yeti is on the pricier side, with main courses beginning around $22, the quality of the pan-Asian dishes makes it a top pick at Animal Kingdom. The decor reflects the ambiance of a traditional Nepalese market.

To keep your bill manageable, consider ordering one of the shareable dishes, such as the ahi tuna nachos ($21.99). The serving size is generous enough for two or more diners.

Regal Eagle Smokehouse

Regal Eagle is the latest addition to Epcot's dining scene.

Located in the American Adventure Pavilion, this restaurant takes over the former Liberty Inn space and offers a selection of barbecue dishes and draft beers. Unlike the barbecue venue in Toy Story Land, Regal Eagle serves a la carte options, making meals more affordable and easier to share.

While true barbecue enthusiasts from places like Central Texas may not be completely won over, the barbecue here is quite good and offers great value for families, especially by Disney standards. For under $15, you can enjoy entrees like the Kansas City Smoked Half-Chicken, which comes with Texas Toast and your choice of side.

The Crystal Palace

As you make your way from Main Street, U.S.A. to Adventureland in the Magic Kingdom, you'll find this buffet restaurant serving delicious food along with visits from characters from the Hundred Acre Wood. Many guests even claim that the cuisine at The Crystal Palace surpasses that of Cinderella's Royal Table.

At lunch and dinner, the buffet features a variety of seasonal salads, gravy-smothered fried chicken, shrimp Creole, and a selection of desserts. While drinks with alcohol are an additional cost, all the food is included in the fixed price of $61 for adults and $40 for children.

To save some cash, consider opting for breakfast instead of lunch or dinner, which is priced at $48 for adults and $30 for children. The morning buffet is loaded with classic breakfast favorites, including yogurt, eggs, pastries, and the beloved Mickey waffles. However, the standout item is the churro Mickey waffles, coated in a delightful cinnamon-and-sugar mix that will tempt you to go back for seconds (or thirds).

While you enjoy your meal, characters like Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, and Eeyore will make the rounds at your table, offering opportunities for photos, hugs, and autographs. You'll also receive a postcard featuring all their signatures as a keepsake.

Oga's Cantina

Oga's Cantina, a bar themed around "Star Wars" located within Disney's Hollywood Studios' Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, has limited food options and serves only pre-mixed drinks. Nonetheless, the experience is so extravagant and distinctive that it earns a spot on our list.

You're not really visiting for the food or drink quality. Instead, you come to watch DJ R-3X spin tracks and engage with the bartenders, who are fully dressed in character. The lively atmosphere will even charm those who aren't fans of "Star Wars" into joining the fun.

Be sure to make a reservation if you plan to stop by, even if it's just for a drink, as this place tends to fill up quickly. Don't miss the Fuzzy Tauntaun ($18.50) for a delightful experience.

Trader Sam's Grog Grotto

When discussing themed bars in Disney World that are must-visit spots, Trader Sam's Grog Grotto at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort definitely deserves a mention.

While you’ll find some food options here, like Thai chicken flatbread, dumplings, and sushi rolls, the main attraction is undoubtedly the drinks... and specifically, those that conjure rain, fire, lava, and furious tiki gods. Kids are welcome until 8 p.m., but it’s wise to get on the waitlist well in advance, as the wait can stretch for hours.

To liven up your tiki bar experience, we suggest trying the shareable tropical Nautilus with mango rum; the shareable Uh-Oa featuring plantation dark rum, lime, guava, pineapple, and a medley of other flavors; and the classic Zombie cocktail.

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant

Chill and atmospheric, this eatery is tucked away on a quieter path in Disney's Hollywood Studios. You can enjoy your meal in your own "car" while watching classic films. Even better, let your kids have their own car so you can dine in relative tranquility.

The menu offers a la carte options, with choices ranging from hamburgers to pasta and salads. It’s quite manageable to keep to a budget here, especially if you share dishes, as each entree is priced between $19 and $30.

The classic movie clips playing may not captivate your kids, and the food doesn’t always take center stage, but it’s still a fun experience to try at least once, especially considering how enthusiastic the cast members are in their roles.

Rose & Crown Dining Room

This Epcot eatery offers a taste of British cuisine, providing a convenient place to indulge in an authentic serving of fish and chips ($28) or bangers and mash ($25) without the need to travel across the ocean.

If you're not in the mood for a sit-down meal, there’s a to-go counter adjacent to Rose & Crown that frequently serves up the classics for those on the move. However, if you have the time, make a reservation at Rose & Crown to savor the atmosphere while enjoying some hearty pub fare.

California Grill

For a sophisticated dining experience at Disney that’s a bit less extravagant (and costly) than Victoria & Albert's, consider California Grill.

Check-in for the restaurant is located on the second floor of Disney's Contemporary Resort, while the dining area is situated on the 15th floor. This high vantage point — which has a dress code, though not as strict as that of Victoria & Albert's — offers diners incredible views of the sunset and the nightly fireworks at the Magic Kingdom and nearby resorts.

California Grill features a multicourse dining experience priced at $89 for adults and $39 for children. The menu showcases fresh, Pacific coast-inspired dishes like sushi and sashimi, goat cheese ravioli, oak-fired beef, and ahi tuna.

Steakhouse 71

Located within the Contemporary Resort, Steakhouse 71 is a restaurant that took the place of The Wave a few years back. Its menu and stories are deeply connected to the origins of Walt Disney and the launch of Disney World in 1971.

Notable dishes here include the sea salt-dusted potato brioche ($12), the Stack Burger enhanced with lemon aioli and a brioche bun ($23), the Vegetable "Wellington" ($26), and the signature chocolate cake featuring 16 layers to represent the 16 floors of the Contemporary ($13).

Narcoossee's

Recently renovated as part of the extensive updates to the Grand Floridian, Narcoossee's stands out as a premier Disney World dining option for a dinner experience that is both outside the park and not structured as a fixed-price meal.

The menu here showcases a delightful selection of Southern coastal cuisine, featuring dishes like shrimp and grits ($19), gulf shrimp bucatini ($42), sweet-and-sour Brussels sprouts with applewood bacon ($11), and a remarkable bread basket. The outdoor terrace along the water is the perfect vantage point for enjoying the Magic Kingdom fireworks.

Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya

Though it may not be the top dining choice at Disney, Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya stands out as one of the latest additions to Disney World. Located in the Japan Pavilion at Epcot, it boasts a staff primarily from Japan. The charm of this spot lies in its authentic feel without the commitment to a costly set menu, unlike the nearby Takumi-Tei. You can drop in for lunch or dinner and order as few as one roll if you wish.

This restaurant showcases the changing seasons, and while the sushi during my visit was just satisfactory, the service was excellent.

Having the option to enjoy a proper sit-down meal and share a couple of reasonably priced (for Disney) dishes from a menu that offers more than just the usual fare is a great idea. Alongside various rolls and sushi selections, you can find options like a Temaki Sushi Set, which allows you to craft your own hand-rolled sushi with a choice of proteins and fillings for $32, as well as pan-fried grilled wagyu gyoza dumplings priced at $20 for three.

Our least-favorite meals at Disney World

Despite the enchanting atmosphere of Disney World, not every dining experience hits the mark. While some places have their loyal fans, we find the food to be either too ordinary or flavorless, too niche, or just overwhelmed by crowds.

• Akershus Royal Banquet Hall: Character dining is a key part of the Disney experience. You might think dining with the princesses at Akershus in Epcot is a more affordable option than Cinderella's Royal Table, but it's a disappointing alternative (unless you're in need of a quick meal near the "Frozen" ride in Norway). While your beloved princesses will join you for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the food doesn't match the quality of other Disney restaurants, and the cuisine may not resonate with families used to American fare. Nonetheless, it's generally easier to secure a reservation here than at Cinderella's, so consider it for a last-minute princess meal.
• Teppan Edo: Located in the Japan Pavilion at Epcot, this restaurant falls short, especially when compared to the impressive Takumi-Tei. The food is adequate, but there's little in terms of entertainment at this teppanyaki spot. Honestly, we've witnessed better performances at more reasonably priced teppanyaki places in local strip malls. Given the prices at Disney, there are better ways to spend your money on dining experiences that you can't find elsewhere.
• Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe: Finding excellent food in the Magic Kingdom can be challenging, and recently, Pecos Bill has been one of the less desirable options. The quick-service menu appears appealing, offering a variety of rice bowls, nachos, fajitas, and burgers, but the service can be brusque and the food often disappointing, at times even inedible.
• Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe: Another misstep in the Magic Kingdom is Cosmic Ray's. The menu is limited to theme park staples like chicken fingers, burgers, and fries, which sounds fine in theory, but the reality often leads to overcrowding and delays in service. If you find yourself needing to eat here during busy periods, be sure to place your mobile order well ahead of time.
• Tony's Town Square: We don't mean to overly criticize the Magic Kingdom's dining options, but Tony's Town Square is another venue we can't really recommend. It's not that the food is necessarily bad; it's just probably not worth spending $27 on basic spaghetti and meatballs or $28 on fettuccine alfredo that doesn't exceed what you'd get at Olive Garden. Additionally, the decor, with its faux flowers and small fountain, can come off as somewhat cheesy.

Our once-favorite meal at Disney World has sadly slipped down our list of favorites.

For many years, Ohana at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort was a go-to for an all-you-can-eat feast. The dinner menu features Hawaiian-inspired dishes like Ohana noodles, salad, peel-and-eat shrimp, pot stickers, and delicious bread pudding with ice cream, among others. You certainly won't leave hungry after this generous spread, priced at $62 for adults and $40 for kids.

Although we still enjoy many dishes, our recent visits to Ohana have felt less special. The service seemed hurried, and the tables were quite close together, detracting from the experience. Given the high prices, we regretfully have to remove Ohana from our list of top Disney restaurants ... at least for now.

Pro tip: If you're craving some of the Ohana atmosphere and dishes without committing to a full meal, you can order the noodles, pot stickers, and bread pudding a la carte at Tambu Lounge in the evenings, right next to the restaurant.

Dining tips for Disney World

• Make your dining reservations as early as possible, ideally up to 60 days before your visit. You can always cancel or adjust your reservation later, but securing it means you'll have a nice place to dine in air conditioning. Services like Mouse Dining can assist in tracking availability if you prefer not to keep checking for your favorite spots.
• Consider booking your Disney trip through a specialized Disney agent, such as our partners at Mouse Counselors, for expert help in securing those sought-after dining reservations.
• When ordering at counter-service locations, use the My Disney Experience app to save time and skip the line.
• To earn extra rewards, you can charge your Disney meals to your room using the app or your MagicBands, and then earn bonuses on your in-park meals by paying at resort checkout with a card that offers travel bonuses. Another smart way to save while dining at Disney World's finest is by using discounted Disney gift cards.
• If you hold an annual pass, remember to ask about a 10% discount at sit-down restaurants.
• When paying for your Disney meal with a card, opt for one that maximizes your dining rewards. Most restaurants at Disney World categorize charges as dining, even within the parks, allowing you to earn 4 points per dollar on up to $50,000 in annual purchases, then 1 point per dollar, with the American Express® Gold Card, or 3 points per dollar with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, among other top dining cards.