The Best Disney World Dining Recommendations for 2023

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Last week, we shared an updated (for 2022) post featuring our tips for making successful Disney World dining reservations. Over the years, we have learned many ways to make your trip to Disney World as smooth as possible (spoiler: it takes some planning, some luck, and some flexibility).

This week, we’re sharing an updated list of our favorite dining spots at Disney World (our original list can be found here and we do have some repeats!). We’ve been to Disney World four times and have a few spots we visit on every trip and some spots that have become newer favorites. We hope you’ll check these restaurants out on your next visit to Disney World, and would love for you to leave us a recommendation for a spot for our next visit.

Note: We have fact checked all information as of December 2022, but Disney does change their policies, hours, and plan frequently. It’s always best to call or book directly on the Disney app for the most accurate information.

  1. The Crystal Palace is one spot we ALWAYS visit when in the Magic Kingdom. 
    Location: At the end of Main Street USA inside Magic Kingdom 
    Meal options: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
    Our favorite parts: The light, bright airy atmosphere; getting into the park before it opens for breakfast and beating the crowds; meeting Winnie the Pooh and friends.
    Menu here
  1. Cinderella’s Royal Table is one of the most popular reservations and unique experiences at Disney World. Any princess fans will surely want to go here.
    Location: In the middle of Magic Kingdom
    Meal options: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    Our favorite parts: Eating inside the castle in the middle of the park (another spot for  beating the crowds and getting into the park before it opens); meeting the princesses (returning in 2023); getting a special photo with Cinderella; getting a special souvenir from the princesses.
    Menu here
  1. Liberty Tree Tavern is what some people might call a “sleeper pick.” But if you’re tired of the typical fried food or Italian, Liberty Tree is the perfect spot- in the middle of the park- for a filling meal in a quiet, old world restaurant. 
    Location: Liberty Square in the middle of Magic Kingdom
    Meal options: Lunch and dinner
    Our favorite parts: It’s different from many of the menus and locations; if you’re looking  for a hearty, filling meal reminiscent of Thanksgiving, this is a great spot; it’s in the  middle of the park, so it’s easy to stop in between rides for a meal.
    Menu here
  1. Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is another a “must-do” for the princess fans, but check out the menu first (it’s uniquely Scandinavian and not for everyone).
    Location: In the Norway World Showcase in Epcot
    Meal options: Dinner
    Our favorite parts: Meeting the princesses (who often lead a dance parade through the  restaurant); the meatballs.
    Menu here
  1. La Creperie de Paris is my favorite spot for a snack in all of Disney World. The walk up counter offers the most delicious crepes (and other yummy options in the sit down restaurant)
    Location: In the France World Showcase in Epcot
    Meal options: Open from 9am(ish) to 9pm(ish)
    Our favorite parts: The walk up window (easy snack without the time of sitting down  inside) and the dessert crepes.
    Menu here
  1. Biergarten Restaurant is the best way to experience Ocktoberfest anytime of year with festive German food, beer in a boot, and a Polka band.
    Location: In the Germany World Showcase in Epcot
    Meal options: Lunch and dinner
    Our favorite parts: The bratwurst, Bavarian cheesecake, and the huge dance floor in  front of the Polka band (concerts happen every hour).
    Menu here
  1. Hollywood Brown Derby is a replica of the original Golden Age Brown Derby and the perfect spot for a more upscale meal (but is still kid friendly).
    Location: Hollywood Boulevard at Hollywood Studios
    Meal options: Lunch and dinner
    Our favorite parts: The ambience and caricatures of famous people in Show  Business; the menu options!
    Menu here
  1. Hollywood and Vine is the home of Disney Junior characters like Jake, Doc McStuffins, and Minnie with a diner themed menu.
    Location: Echo Lake at Hollywood Studios
    Meal options: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    Our favorite parts: Meeting the characters; lots of buffet options
    Menu here

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  1. Tusker House inside Animal Kingdom is the best spot to see Mickey, Donald, Daisy and Goofy dressed for a safari.
    Location: Africa inside Animal Kingdom
    Meal options: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    Our favorite parts: The ambiance of a Harambe marketplace; the unique menu
    Menu here
  1. Chef Mickey’s is a perennial favorite, known for being the only spot where guests can see the “original five”: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto.
    Location: Inside the Contemporary Resort (one stop from the Magic Kingdom)
    Meal options: Breakfast and dinner
    Our favorite parts: The dance party with the characters; the desserts!
    Menu here
  1. California Grill is one of our favorite spots for viewing the nighttime fireworks in Magic Kingdom and a great spot for a special occasion meal.
    Location: The top floor of the Contemporary resort (one stop from the Magic Kingdom)
    Meal options: Dinner
    Our favorite parts: The views and private balcony for dining guests for the fireworks  show
    Menu here
  1. Topolino’s Terrace (named after the Italian word for “Mickey”) is one of the newest Disney resort restaurants and one of the most popular spots!.
    Location: The very top of the Riviera Resort
    Meal options: Breakfast and dinner
    Our favorite parts: The French cuisine, character visits from Mickey, Minnie, Donald,  and Daisy (right now just during breakfast), and the views of the resort and many Disney  properties from the outdoor terrace.
    Menu here
  1. Ohana will transport guests to the Grand Polynesian with the decor, ambience, food, and music, and even a visit from Lilo and Stitch (right now, just for breakfast).
    Location: Second floor of the Great Ceremonial House at the Polynesian Village Resort
    Meal options: Breakfast and dinner
    Our favorite parts: The family style meals (especially cornbread, and noodles) and the  live music.
    Menu here
  1. Beaches n Cream Soda Shop is a cute (but very small- just over a dozen tables) soda shop that has the most incredible desserts. The shop also has a walk up window for ice cream treats.
    Location: Down by the main pool complex at the Beach Club Resort
    Meal options: Lunch and dinner
    Our favorite parts: The “Kitchen Sink” (Betcha can’t finish it)
    Menu here
  1. Trattoria al Forno will transport you right back to Italy with the beautiful decor and delicious menu.
    Location: At the boardwalk level of the Boardwalk Resort
    Meal options: Breakfast and dinner
    Our favorite parts: The BEST pizza anywhere on Disney property (in our opinion).
    Menu here
  1. Story Book at Artisan Point with Snow White is one of the newer resort dining options and is another top choice. Guests get to meet with Snow White, Grumpy, Dopey, and the Queen (with professional photographer) and eat in a replica forest.
    Location: Inside the main level of the Wilderness Lodge
    Meal options: Dinner
    Our favorite parts: Meeting the Queen (and mimicking her scowl); the decor; the  desserts
    Menu here
  1. Hoop- Dee-Doo Musical Review is a meal and show in one visit! Guests take a bus from the parking and transportation area to the campsite and restaurant lodge (there is no way to directly get there on your own). The BBQ meal is delicious and the show is so much fun.
    Location: The campsites at Disney’s Wilderness Resort
    Meal options: Dinner (served family style)
    Our favorite parts: The show (with some audience participation) 
    Menu here

Looking for more Disney posts? Check out our features of the Polynesian Resort, Contemporary Resort, and Disney Springs. And follow along on our adventures on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter. 

New England based, part high school English teacher, part non profit founder, part road tripper who LOVES hopping in the family SUV to explore America. Our bucket list includes National Parks, MLB stadiums, presidential libraries, and eating wherever the locals eat!

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One Comment

  1. Your post was a great reminder that is has been far too long since our last visit to Disney World. Even without kids we have a blast. Your dining recommendations are something we will have to keep for our next visit. I love the idea of the Liberty Tree Tavern for an old world restaurant to take a bit of a break. It is great that there is so much variety in the food offered.

    Reply

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