There are so many things to love about Walt Disney World -- the rides, the shows, the amazing hotels, the list goes on and on. But my personal favorite part of the House of Mouse: the food. Where else can you walk through eleven different countries and ace authentic cuisine from each? The pop over to the Magic Kingdom for a Mickey Mouse ice cream bar and soft pretzel. It would take 28 days to eat at every sit down restaurant in Disney World - and that's eating three HUGE meals a day (not saying I wouldn't be willing to do it, though). And the best part about it all....calories don't count there!!! It truly is a magic place. So before you embark on your next journey to see the Mouse himself, here are the top ten places you should be sure to grab a bite.
10. Chef Mickey's
Want to meet the Fab Five without waiting on any lines? Eat at Chef Mickey's. Want to eat as much amazing food as you possibly can? Eat at Chef Mickey's. This amazing buffet has everything from shrimp to pizza to mick-aroni and cheese. And the characters circle the floor and come around for pictures and autographs. What could be better? Oh, add in a celebration dance and song every few minutes and there ya go! Magical.
9. Tutto Italia Ristorante
When you think of good food what country do you think of? Italy, probably. Well, I think of Italy too -- the Italy in Epcot. If you like some fine dining, this is the spot. Spaghetti, ziti, tortiglioni, rigatoni, anything and everything! Whatever Italian favorite you choose, you will not be disappointed. Top it all off with a rich cannoli and you'll be talking like The Godfather in no time.
8. Sleepy Hollow
A Belgian waffle with fresh fruit and Nutella - need I say more? This snack shop is the perfect place to fill up on something sweet when the afternoon sun starts to wear you out. Not feeling the waffle? That's okay, have a funnel cake, or sausage and cheddar-stuffed pretzel, or mocha iced coffee (one of the very few places in Disney to actually serve iced coffee). Perched secretly beside Cinderella's Castle, this hidden gem is definitely worth finding.
7. 50's Prime Time Cafe
There's nothing better than Mom's home cooking, and the Prime Time Cafe knows that. Your "mom" (waitress) takes no excuses at her dinner table. Keep your elbows off the table, say please and thank you, and finish all your vegetables or else she'll make you wash the dishes - literally. The atmosphere of the restaurant is phenomenal and every meal is an event. All the entrees are your childhood favorites cooked just like Mom makes - pot pie, fried chicken, pot roast, the usual. But I think Mom might have gotten some help in the desert department with her chocolate-peanut butter layered cake . Protip- order a shake (PB&J is to die for) as your beverage and then a glass of water. Then you can order another dessert. Sweet!
6. Yak & Yeti Restaurant
You may not think of Animal Kingdom as having great food - I mean isn't it a little uncomfortable to eat meat in front of all those animals??? - but within its boundaries lies a hidden gem: the Yak & Yeti Restaurant. It took me years to find this treasure, but since I have it has been on my list every trip. With it's Nepalese-style cuisine, its menu offers meals you won't find anywhere else. Its teriyaki chicken and coconut shrimp are just what you need after navigating the largest park, and the fried wontons for dessert is the way to go. Don't forget to look for the many hidden Mickeys in the restaurant too!
5. Liberty Tree Tavern
A colonial gem in Liberty Square, Liberty Tavern will make you feel like you're dining with the Washington family. I recommend going at lunch time rather than dinner, as the menu is far more extensive. The family style dinner is great, but only at lunch can you get the delicious Freedom Pasta with either chicken or shrimp, or th true American classic - Angus Chuck Cheeseburger. Be sure to finish off with arguably the greatest dessert in all of Walt Disney World - the Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake. Let's just say it's a good thing you do a lot of walking around the parks.
4. Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue
Okay, so the food here may not be anything to write home about, but the show is so worth it. Don't get me wrong, the food is great. Nice campground cooking with corn on the cob, fried chicken, and stellar strawberry shortcake. But be careful when you take a bite, because you may be spitting it out with laughter in a second. The performance put on by Johnny Ringo, Claire de Lune, Jim Handy, Flora Long, Dolly Drew, and Six Bits is by and large the greatest show at Disney world. The skits are comedic gold and will have you laughing until your sides hurt. Bonus points if you volunteer as an audience participant!
3. Aloha Isle
You have not lived until you have tasted the pineapple Dole whip float from Aloha Aisle. Pineapple juice topped with a heaping serving of pineapple soft serve ice cream. Close your eyes and you're laying on the beach in the tropics. It's paradise in a cup.
2. Teppan Edo
A hibachi style restaurant in the Japanese pavilion in Epcot, Teppan Edo is always a favorite. Watch your meal be prepared before your eyes by incredibly talented hibachi chefs. Steak, shrimp, chicken, and a ton of noodles. Finish it off with the green tea mousse cake, and you will not be leaving hungry.
1. Be Our Guest
Dine like royalty in the Beast's castle. Sit in the ball room while it blizzards outside. Or, if you dare, venture in to the Beast's sacred West Wing and see the magic rose. Go for a Quick Service meal at lunchtime, but still get your meal brought to you or book a sit-down reservation for dinner. Both menus are top-notch and filled with roast beef sandwiches, french onion soup, strip steak, and ratatouille. Don't forget to try the grey stuff - it's delicious!
