There are so many dining options at Disney World, that we’ve dedicated an entire blog to it!

And while kids are welcome pretty much everywhere in Disney, there are some restaurants that work slightly better than others for families with kids.

While you’re on vacation, the last you want to do is pack the same ol’ lunches and cook the same ol’ dinners as you do at home (well, probably…you do you!).  This is your vacation and eating out and letting someone else prepare the meal and clean the kitchen is part of that splurge! But it can be tricky with wiggly kiddos and picky eaters, and we feel that pain, too. Well, we’ve scoured all of Disney’s 200+ dining options to bring you our BEST picks for Disney World restaurants for kids.

Before we dig in, let’s establish some expectations. We’ve also narrowed down our top tips to the BEST spot in each park, as well as a champion for Disney Springs and the Resorts. But because we’re the ones making up the rules, we added in a few honorable mentions that we still love but were just edged out of that top spot of glory.

Another caveat, we focused on Table Service restaurants — not Counter Service spots. So those are the main highlights and options we’ll dig into the details on. But we’ll also give a quick nod to the Counter Service spot in each location to help ya out!

So, now that we’re done with the fine print of this post, let’s get into it!

Honorable Mentions

Yep, we wanna warm you up for the good stuff. So here are the picks that we love, and are still worth a try, maybe if you couldn’t snag a coveted Advanced Dining Reservation at one of the other spots we mention. We’ve got two in this category, so let’s get right to it!

T-Rex

Some basic stats right off the bat:

• Service Style: Table Service restaurant, so Advance Dining Reservations are highly recommended
• Type of Food: American, Unique/Themed Dining,
• Location: Marketplace, Disney Springs
• Famous Dishes: Cotton-Tini (Candy Cotton cocktail), Paleozoic Chicken Sandwich, the Bronto Burger, and the Chocolate Extinction dessert
• Price Point: $$ ($15-$34.99 per adult)

T-Rex certainly sticks out when you’re strolling through Disney Springs. The exterior of the restaurant features HUGE dinosaur skeletons and prehistoric vibes. And the fun CERTAINLY doesn’t stop when you head inside.  There are GIANT dinosaur robots EVERYWHERE inside. Yup, that includes tyrannosaurus rexes! The schtick here is exactly what you find across the way at Rainforest Cafe: you’re IN the creatures’ world while you eat your chicken nuggets or pizza.

The menu is full of creative names, but the cuisine itself is pretty standard. You’ll find classic favorites like burgers, pasta, and even some seafood options like coconut shrimp. The kids menu is pretty hearty, too, with familiar favorites like mac and cheese, pizza, and corn dogs. This spot isn’t winning any culinary awards, but it provides some kid-pleasing options, and enough unique options that it’ll likely be a fun memory, too.

A word of warning for those sensitive to noises, every 20 minutes or so, there’s a meteor shower that makes part of the restaurant go dark or change color while sound effects happen! You can even see the meteors in the meteor room. So, if your kids are into dinosaurs but not loud noises, bring earmuffs, earplugs, or other devices that can soften this feature for your tyke.

REVIEW: This is the Chili’s of Disney World. And It’s Filled With Robot Dinosaurs.

Chef Mickey’s

Here’s the rundown:

• Service Style: Table Service restaurant, so Advance Dining Reservations are highly recommended
• Type of Food: American, Character Dining, Family Style/Buffet
• Location: Contemporary Resort
• Famous Dishes: Loaded Potato-Cheese Casserole, Mickey Waffles, Potato Gnocchi, Prime Rib
• Price Point: $$$ ($35-$59.99 per adult)

*Gasp* How did Chef Mickey’s not make the best of the best list for kids!?!? It’s ICONIC and one of the toughest restaurants to get a reservation — yep, it’s that popular! And don’t get us wrong, we enjoy Chef Mickey’s, but when there’s only one top spot for ALL of the Disney Resorts, there was some fierce competition.

With the characters, the monorail whizzing to and fro, and the meal that provides plenty of options for picky-eaters, Chef Mickey’s is a kid-pleaser for sure, but it’s not our TOP kid-pleaser. If you can snag a coveted dining reservation for this sweet spot, you’ll have a great time. But we have some other options that will also make your kiddo squeal with glee.

If You LOVE Chef Mickey’s in Disney World, You’ve Gotta See These Ears

If those two were the “runners up,” how awesome must the winners be? Well.. without further ado, let’s get to our WINNERS! The BEST restaurants for adults for each park, the resorts, and Disney Springs.

EPCOT

Garden Grill

The overview:

• Service Style: Table Service restaurant, so Advance Dining Reservations are highly recommended
• Type of Food: American, Character Dining, Family Style
• Location: Land Pavilion, EPCOT
• Famous Dishes: Grilled Beef and Harvest-inspired Garden Salad (featuring ingredients grown in the pavilion’s hydroponic gardens!)
• Price Point: $$$ ($35-$59.99 per adult)

Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Harvest Feast at Garden Grill Restaurant is one of the only places you’ll find Mickey Mouse in EPCOT — and he’s joined by Chip, Dale, and Pluto! These four characters provide ample entertainment at this family-style restaurant! The food is served on platters here, so it’s an all-you-can-eat feast with your family. Since the earliest days of EPCOT Center, this restaurant has had many different styles, but has always been Disney World’s only rotating restaurant! Throughout your meal, you’ll see several of the different scenes from the Living with the Land ride below!

The menu here is all-you-care-to-eat. The rotating menu for lunch and dinner can include grilled steak, roasted chicken, and sustainable fish of the day (at dinner only). Platters are served family-style to your table, so there’s no getting up to go to a buffet. Also included are salad (featuring ingredients grown within the Land Pavilion), rolls, veggies, desserts, and non-alcoholic beverages. The homestyle food pleases practically every palate, and the characters plus the rotating dining room keep the kiddos entertained throughout the meal!

Is Garden Grill in EPCOT the Same Without Its Signature Dish? We Found Out.

If you’re looking for more of a quick meal, then our counter service recommendation is Connections Eatery!

Though World Showcase gets a lot of attention for its international cuisine, Connections is our pick because of the ABUNDANT seating! Some of the World Showcase counter service options don’t offer a lot of seating, and this spot has plenty of indoor spots to nosh, cool off, and even charge your phone if you need to before hopping on Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.

REVIEW of the NEW Connections Eatery Restaurant in EPCOT

Magic Kingdom

The Crystal Palace

The overview:

• Service Style: Table Service restaurant, so Advance Dining Reservations are highly recommended
• Type of Food: American, Buffet, Character Dining
• Location: Main Street, U.S.A., Magic Kingdom
• Famous Dishes: Shrimp and a crab claw with cocktail sauce, Loaded Tater Tot Station, Carved Prime Rib
• Price Point: $$ ($15-$34.99 per adult)

The Crystal Palace is located at the very end of Main Street, U.S.A, right near Adventureland. The building is done in a Victorian style and is quite striking. Look for the big, window-filled creamy white building nestled just off the hub. This restaurant is always celebrating friendship day, so it’s a great place to bring some friends of your own!

This friendly buffet also has some home-cookin’ inspired dishes to choose from, like Country Fried Chicken with Black Pepper Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, and Carved Prime Rib. Kids also have their own section with pizza, quesadillas, and mac and cheese. There’s so much to love about this restaurant! The stick-to-your-ribs options, dining in the HEART of the magic (with a view of the Castle right out the front windows!), and hugging some of your favorite Pooh friends. Really the only somewhat downside is that as a buffet, you do have to go up to the buffet to get your meal, so you’ll have to coordinate with your travel party, who stays at the table with the kiddos while someone grabs the grub!

REVIEW: Do Characters Justify the HUGE Price Increase at Crystal Palace in Disney World? We Found Out.

If you’re looking for more of a quick meal, then our counter service recommendation in Magic Kingdom is Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe!

You’ll find classic fast food here, burgers, sandwiches, and chicken strips — but there are some fun seasonal offerings. We love that Cosmic Rays offers something for adults and kiddos alike. But the real draw to this spot is Sonny Eclipse, who plans some of the most popular music across the galaxy.

Review: Galaxy Loaded Fries — a Secret Menu Item — at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe

Hollywood Studios

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant

The overview:

• Service Style: Table Service restaurant, so Advance Dining Reservations are highly recommended
• Type of Food: American, Unique/Themed Dining
• Location: Commissary Lane, Hollywood Studios
• Famous Dishes: Fried Pickles, Drive-In BBQ Burger, Warm Glazed Doughnut
• Price Point: $$ ($15-$34.99 per adult)

Drive-in + Restaurant = Fun! Especially if it’s actually indoors! That’s what you’ll find at Sci-Fi Dine-In Restaurant in Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Picture this: you’re in a car at a drive-in watching silly, mid-century b movies about zombies and The Blob, when a server glides up to your table with a burger, shake, and some fries! Just about perfect, right? I think so, too. Disney’s Sci-Fi Dine-In is an extraordinary restaurant that’s worth at least one try for the unique atmosphere, but you’ll be coming back for more.

The entrees are items that everyone recognizes — mostly burgers, with a few other options like pasta and salad, for those who want a bit of variety with their film. Families sit in a car and watch a movie on the HUGE movie screen while eating. Kids get a chance to sit in the FRONT seat and get familiar options like cheeseburgers, chicken strips, and mac and cheese. It’s a unique experience that the whole family will love — but especially the kiddos!

Review: Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Got a Menu OVERHAUL in Disney World and We’re Trying it Out!

For a quick meal in Hollywood Studios, head over to Backlot Express!

“A Warehouse of Good Eating” is the motto at Backlot Express, which is themed as a production warehouse and is therefore positively packed with unique props, paints, and more! Backlot Express offers classic counter service entrees: you’ll find burgers, sandwiches, and salads on the menu. And, even though most Star Wars food items are found in Galaxy’s Edge these days, you’ll often spot a fun Star Wars-themed treat or two up for grabs.

Have New Menu Items Made a Hollywood Studios Restaurant BETTER?

Animal Kingdom

Tusker House

The overview:

• Service Style: Table Service restaurant, so Advance Dining Reservations are highly recommended
• Type of Food: African, American, Character Dining, Family Style, Unique/Themed Dining
• Location: Africa, Animal Kingdom
• Famous Dishes: Breakfast — Mickey Waffles, Durban Chicken and Egg Curry; Lunch and Dinner — Bottomless Bread Service with spreads, Moroccan Spiced Beef, Cape Malay Green Curry Shrimp, House-made Mac and Cheese
• Price Point: $$$ ($35-$59.99 per adult)

Animal Kingdom’s Tusker House is one of the best-kept secrets around when it comes to Disney dining and Character Meals. It offers buffet style foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

If the idea, name, or even look of the Moroccan-spiced Beef or Berbere-marinated Pork does not appeal to your kiddos (or maybe not even to you) not to worry because there are PLENTY of familiar foods for those who want to leave their sense of adventure on the safari ride and not on their dinner plate. Non-adventurous eaters can still get their fill of Roasted Chicken, House-made Macaroni & Cheese, and Potatoes, along with plain white rice and their choice of Bread and Rolls, too. And, in between mouthfuls, they get to hug and take pictures with Mickey and the gang in their wicked cool safari outfits!

REVIEW: You Had Us at Bottomless Bread Service (!!) at Tusker House in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

The Counter Service option in Animal Kingdom is Satu’li Canteen!

Two words: CHEESEBURGER PODS. Ok, we’ll be honest; this is one of our favorites (as adults)! The menu is “inspired by Pandora’s bounty,” with an international influence on the cuisine. Customizable bowls and Steamed Pods (twists on Bao Buns), along with unique drinks and desserts, are available at this lunch and dinner spot. If you need two more words to convince you: AIR CONDITIONING.

Review: The Disney World Restaurant That’ll Change the Way You Think About “Fast” Food

Disney Springs

Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant

The overview:

• Service Style: Table Service restaurant, so Advance Dining Reservations are highly recommended
• Type of Food: Irish, Unique/Themed Dining
• Location: The Landing, Disney Springs
• Famous Dishes: Bangers and Mash, Gers Bread and Butter Pudding, Fish & Chips (also available gluten-free)
• Price Point: $$ ($15-$34.99 per adult)

Kids aren’t the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the phrase “Irish Pub?” Ok, we feel you, but trust us on this. This spot is a hoppin’ good time! Live music and Irish dancers keep this place entertaining for the kiddos and loud enough that you don’t really have to worry if your hyper seven-year-old is being a bit loud.

And the kids menu is high quality but also very familiar. Fried or grilled chicken, mac n cheese (because it’s a kid menu staple), and a kid version of fish and chips, if your kiddos enjoy their seafood! This is really a great spot for everyone to have a good time!

The Great Irish Hooley Event Is BACK at Raglan Road in Disney Springs — Come Along With Us!

If you’re more in the mood for something quick in between shopping stops, then Chicken Guy! is our spot for you.

We LOVE the high-quality chicken strips here, plus the super melty cheese will always win points with us. Plenty of sauces to choose from for folks who like to keep it classic or some wanting a splash of something more daring.  So many good things here: Super melty cheese , tons of flavorful sauces , even yet another iteration of macaroni and cheese . Yep. Chicken Guy! is approved by both DFB and kiddos!

Does This Newly Opened Eatery Give Chicken Guy! in Disney Springs a Run for Its Money?!

Disney Resort

Ohana

The overview:

• Service Style: Table Service restaurant, so Advance Dining Reservations are highly recommended
• Type of Food: American, Polynesian, Character Dining, Family Style, Unique/Themed Dining
• Location: Polynesian Village Resort
• Famous Dishes: Grilled meats, Ohana Noodles, Bread Pudding dessert
• Price Point: $$$ ($35-$59.99 per adult)

Be honest, all through this post, you were wondering what could’ve possibly beaten out Chef Mickey’s, weren’t you? Well, now that you’re here, let’s explain. ‘Ohana is one of the most popular and beloved dining experiences in Walt Disney World!

This restaurant at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, punctuated by a huge cooking fire in the center, is known for its Hawaiian-style “churrascaria”-type service for dinner. Indulge in an all-you-can-eat feast of grilled meats, Hawaiian specialty sides, and the signature ‘Ohana Bread Pudding for dessert. (And if you time your meal right, you can enjoy viewing the Magic Kingdom fireworks from inside ‘Ohana!)

If you visit ‘Ohana in the morning, you’ll get to meet Lilo, Stitch, Mickey, and other Disney pals (typically Pluto)… all dressed up in their Hawaiian finest for the Best Friends Breakfast!

There’s no bad option here. If you come for breakfast, you get Mickey & the gang to keep you company and Mickey Waffles! If you come for lunch or dinner, you get Ohana NOODLES! No matter when you come, you’re a winner!

Review: Return of Characters Nearly DOUBLES Cost of ’Ohana Breakfast in Disney World — Is It Worth It?

Need something a bit faster before you rush your kids to the parks, or the pool, or to bed? Well, most of the counter service options at your resort are gonna have a standard type of menu. But if you want a destination resort counter service meal, then our choice is the Contempo Cafe in… you guessed it, the Contemporary Resort.

The grab-and-go food is pretty much the same you’ll get at any other resort counter service, but we do enjoy the bakery case with the Peanut Butter Pie and other seasonal cupcakes. Not to mention that you can’t beat watching the Monorail whizz by while you eat. So Contempo Cafe gets an A+ for both desserts and atmosphere!

Is Disney World’s Dole Whip Cupcake As Good As It Sounds?

So there you have it, our top picks and honorable mentions for the best kid dining in Disney World. Some places you might have to plan to spend a bit more money on, and some are right in the middle of that Disney dining price point. You’ll definitely want to be on your Advanced Dining Reservation game to make sure you secure your spot at these table service restaurants, but luckily we tossed in a few counter service “back ups” just in case your schedule requires a bit more flexibility.

For more tips on dining, shopping, and, well, all things Disney, stay plugged in to DFB. Check out some of these other posts to keep informed on all things Disney food!

What’s your favorite Disney World restaurant for kids? Did yours make the list? Comment below!

The post Best Disney World Restaurants for Kids first appeared on the disney food blog.