Could Gen Z CHANGE Disney World restaurants forever?

We already talked about one Generation Z dining trend that seems to be impacting the theme parks — they don’t drink as much alcohol as other generations and are more inclined to order a non-alcoholic drink over a cocktail. But there’s another way that this group might have a major impact on Disney World: they love fast food!

Gen Z — which the U.S. Census designates as those born between 1997 and 2013 — dine differently than other generations. According to an article from Business Insider, they eat fast food “like no other generation.”

Gen Z LOVES Fast Food

Although this group is still known to dine out at sit-down restaurants (according to Business Insider, some are “not afraid to splash out to make a meal an occasion”), they’re trending towards takeout and fast food rather than long, fancy meals.

The CMO of El Pollo Loco, Andy Rebhun, said, “Speed and convenience are paramount to Gen Z. They want things now, meaning whatever easiest order mode they can get their food as quickly as possible, that’s usually what they’re doing.” They’re also more likely to use apps and delivery services, as this generation tends to be technology-savvy.

It’s important to note that even the oldest members of Gen Z are still just in their 20s right now, so it’s possible that dining out at fast food restaurants might decline as they get older. But a significant portion of this group is old enough to have disposable income, and they’re choosing to spend more of it at drive-thrus and other quick service options than at sit-down meals.

Business Insider also noted that “young diners don’t tend to eat at regular times.” Instead, Gen Z likes to snack!