“Say cheese!”
Disney Parks around the world have become famous for immersive and engaging dining experiences. In every park and many resort hotels around the world, character dining is an easy way to create instant memories while refueling for your next adventure.
In Walt Disney World alone, there are well over a half-dozen meals where guests can meet Mickey Mouse. Several of them also include Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, and Pluto. Outside the Fab Five, guests can meet a variety of endearing characters – both heroes and villains – from many favorite Disney films. These characters present opportunities for unique interactions and capturing lasting photo memories.
But there are also many dining experiences throughout Walt Disney World that thoroughly entertain guests without relying on tableside character meetings. The decor and environment alone are fascinating to take in. And for some, the addition of live entertainment makes dining an attraction unto itself.
Let’s take a bite out of my dozen favorite non-character dining experiences in Walt Disney World.
12 – Space 220 – EPCOT
In a time where Star Wars is more present than ever around Walt Disney World, the 2021 opening of Space 220 – without IP theming – in EPCOT’s World Discovery came as a refreshing surprise. Located next to Mission: SPACE, Space 220 whisks guests off into the stars via a “space elevator.” This simulation treats guests to a virtual blast-off from EPCOT toward the sky, coming to a hover about 220 miles above Earth.
Once in space, guests enter the dining room and are treated to a stunning view of our blue planet, nestled among the star-speckled sky. Occasional space craft float by as well, adding a sense of adventure to this breathtaking scene.
I haven’t even mentioned the food! Space 220 serves up cosmic cuisine with an elevated presentation, including options like Blue Moon Cauliflower, Starry Calamari, Space Pad Thai, and Cosmic Cheesecake. A full selection of space-themed drinks are available too, with my personal favorite, Illumination – a fruity and refreshing rum drink offering a nod to EPCOT’s much beloved and sorely missed IllumiNations fireworks show.
11 – T-REX – Disney Springs
DinoLand U.S.A. in Disney’s Animal Kingdom may be extinct, but there is still one place in Walt Disney World where dinosaurs rule. T-REX, located in Disney Springs, is a feast for the senses. Guests brave enough to dine 200 million years in the past will be eating among barking pterosaurs, wooly mammoths, a massive wiggling octopus, and life-sized animatronic dinosaurs. The biggest and baddest of them all is a 15-foot-tall Tyrannosaurus Rex looking for his next meal.
Several themed rooms immerse guests in unique landscapes, including a color-changing ice cavern and the midsection of a triceratops! And every 20 minutes, a meteor shower steals the show – complete with rumbling, fiery “explosions.”
Outside the dining area, young guests can visit the Paleo Zone, a hands-on experience where they dig for hidden dinosaur fossils, pan for treasures in Discovery Creek, and learn more about this extinct empire.
The food in this uber-themed restaurant is good, though not great. But hey – that’s not really the priority in this family-friendly feeding frenzy. That being said, Chocolate Extinction – a colossal fudge cake with ice cream and Butterfinger crumbs – is definitely a highlight.
10 – San Angel Inn Restaurante – EPCOT
The Mexico pavilion in EPCOT’s World Showcase is one of my favorite indoor spaces in all of Walt Disney World. Browsing the “outdoor” marketplace and dining in perpetual twilight lends a romance found in few other places on property. The cozy tables at San Angel Inn Restaurante present a relaxing ambiance while offering a beautiful view of a Mayan temple and lively volcano just across the water. Happy passengers aboard the Gran Fiesta Tour boats float by looking for Donald Duck, while hungry and thirsty diners at San Angel Inn browse the menu looking for just the right margarita to accompany their “South of the Border” entrees.
Classic Mexican cuisine really shines here, with favorites like Carne Assada and Osso Buco Con Mole Negro. But fear not – San Angel Inn offers enough mainstream kids items to keep picky little ones happily fed. Spoiler alert: The Black Magic margarita – created by Disney-loving superstar Neil Patrick Harris – may be the best margarita in Walt Disney World (though the other dozen specialty margaritas on this menu are no slouches either)!
9 – Coral Reef Restaurant – EPCOT
The Seas with Nemo and Friends Pavilion – located in EPCOT’s World Nature neighborhood – celebrates all things that live in saltwater. Boasting a close to 6 million-gallon aquarium tank, the pavilion is home to over 2,000 sea creatures. And you can gaze at them all while you eat dinner!
The Coral Reef Restaurant offers guests panoramic windows into this watery world, which includes sharks, sea turtles, rays, and countless other species of sea creatures. If you’re lucky, you may see one of EPCOT’s highly-trained divers visiting their undersea friends as they swim in this marvelous coral reef.
While the sea life are the undisputed stars of the show, the food is a little less standout. The menu consists mainly of seafood items, with a few exceptions, cooked to a satisfying degree of sophistication. Plenty of signature drinks and a few fun desserts round out the menu.
8 – Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant – Disney Springs
Step into the heart of Ireland in this “spirited” pub and restaurant. The entire interior of Raglan Road was imported from the Emerald Isle! At night, the energy level at Raglan Road reaches a fever pitch. Talented singer-songwriters and energetic bands belt out Irish folk tunes and pub classics. Captivating Irish dancers command the stage, performing their impressive step routines. During the weekly Sunday brunch, the Rhythms of Raglan Dance Show hits the Main Stage from noon to 3:00 PM. And on St. Patrick’s Day…let’s just say Raglan Road is by far the most popular dining location by a mile.
Speaking of dining, classic Irish fare is on the menu. Bangers & mash, fish & chips, shepherd’s pie, potato pancakes, and braised beef short ribs are menu highlights, though there are other lighter (and healthier) options as well. And of course, Irish beers and whiskey are highlights on the drink menu, along with American beers, wine, and cocktails. Sláinte!
7 – Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto and Tiki Bar – Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Tucked away in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Trader Sam’s is a cozy hideaway filled with fun surprises inspired by the South Pacific seas. The indoor lounge is bursting with ancient artifacts and exotic treasures, celebrating famed Adventureland explorer Trader Sam, who was bitten by the bartending bug. Polynesian-inspired cocktails are the specialty here, with favorites like HippopotoMai-Tai and Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Rum. But if you want a truly unique experience, order the Uh-Oa and see what happens.
Outdoors, the Tiki Terrace offers guests a tropical experience under the stars near the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon, with live music and the vibrant outdoor energy of the nearby pool and beach. Outdoor guests can see the Magic Kingdom fireworks tableside, and may even be able to catch a glimpse of the Electric Water Pageant as it floats by.
Aside from a fun selection of tropical libations, Trader Sam’s offers a limited (though very tasty) selection of Polynesian-inspired lighter bites, including sushi, dumplings, lettuce wraps, and flatbreads.
6 – California Grill – Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Located just outside the gates of Magic Kingdom, California Grill is the most upscale restaurant on this list. This fine dining establishment is perched up on the 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and overlooks Magic Kingdom and the Seven Seas Lagoon. The views from this place are absolutely stunning at any time of day. But at night – specifically when fireworks are erupting from Magic Kingdom – California Grill’s entertainment value goes through the roof. Lights dim in the dining room and music is piped into the restaurant, giving guests a sweet kiss of the fireworks magic. Scoring a reservation to California Grill for “fireworks time” is one of the hardest reservations to get in all of Walt Disney World. But if you can pull it off, you will be rewarded with sparkling dinnertime entertainment (assuming weather permits).
If you can peel your eyes away from the floor-to-ceiling windows, you’ll be equally entertained by the lively open kitchen, where world class chefs have your meal prep down to a science. The upscale menu – inspired by the Golden State – features a presentation of classic surf, turf, and plant-based options. California Grill sports an extensive wine selection, a robust offering of mixed drinks, and a healthy selection of allergy-friendly options.
5 – 50’s Prime Time Café – Disney’s Hollywood Studios
“Finish your vegetables!” When you visit this iconic, time-stamped restaurant for lunch or dinner, make sure you do a good job on your veggies. If you don’t, your pushy server just may reprimand you. And if you are a grown adult and you ask for a straw to drink your beer, be ready for a plateful of ridicule (I’ve seen it before, and I’ll be honest, it was well-deserved).
The 50’s Prime Time Café serves up good old-fashioned American eats (think meatloaf, pot roast, and the Blue Plate Special). And it does so amid the comfort and “style” of the mid-20th century American kitchen. We’re talking Formica tabletops and counters, chrome-legged chairs with vinyl seats, black-and-white tableside TVs (playing classic silly sitcoms), and Mom’s pushy sensibilities in the kitchen. The food is dependable, the service is fun (albeit sometimes playfully intimidating), and the vibe just screams “comfort time.” Just remember to keep your elbows off the table!
4 – Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant – Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Surprisingly, “Sci-Fi” gets my vote for the most relaxing meal of any day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Stepping into Sci-Fi Dine-In is to lose oneself in eternal evening bliss. Pull up a seat in one of the classic “automo-booths” and order up a milkshake from your carhop server. Vintage memorabilia will pull at your retro-heartstrings. Twinkling stars and soft tail lights from the other cars give a warm glow to the drive-in yard.
But the big show is on the giant screen in front of you. The classic big-screen plays endless clips of cheesy science fiction films (think aliens, swamp monsters, and giant bugs). In between the sci-fi clips are endearing commercials and announcements from the days of old. For all there is to see and take in, Sci-Fi is surprisingly calm and restful, with conversations staying muted among individual tables. It’s the perfect combination of “interesting” and “recharging.”
Food-wise, Sci-Fi offers standard American fare (burgers, chicken, salads, onion rings). They’re all fine. In fact, the burgers are excellent. There are also plenty of fun drinks to choose from – both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. If you’re in the mood for classic movie snacks, there’s a cute concession stand at the back of the theater!
3 – Biergarten Restaurant – EPCOT
EPCOT’s World Showcase is known for its cultural immersion, and Germany does it exceptionally well. Biergarten Restaurant – tucked all the way at the back of the pavilion – celebrates Oktoberfest all year long with authentic German cuisine and lively entertainment. Another one of Disney’s meticulously-themed “indoor-outdoor” spaces, Biergarten makes you feel like you are in a folksy German courtyard – complete with a fully-functioning water wheel. A semicircle of long beer hall-style tables surround a round stage, where you’ll hear the oompah beat of a live polka band. In fact, singing and dancing along is encouraged.
Classic German fare is the taste of the day, with a rotating selection including bratwurst, schnitzel, rotisserie chicken, potatoes, and salads. Bavarian cheesecake is a dessert highlight. Of course, libations here include a wide selection of German beer and wine, or you can be adventurous and take a shot of Jägermeister!
2 – Oga’s Cantina – Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Nestled deep in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is a local watering hole serving as a “home away from home” for many intergalactic species. Oga’s Cantina – run by proprietor Oga Garra – plays an amusing selection of bold musical numbers, courtesy of droid DJ R-3X (Rex). You may remember him as the former pilot of Starspeeder 3000 in Star Tours: The Adventures Continue, before C-3PO took the job.
To call this a dining experience would be misleading. Yes, there are a few basic snack items, but Oga’s specializes in creating cosmic concoctions using ingredients from across the galaxy. Some of the creatively-named house favorites include Fuzzy Tauntaun, Jedi Mind Trick, Jabba Juice, and Blue Bantha. There are just as many non-alcoholic concoctions as there are those with alcohol, so there are plenty of choices for the kids.
Come take a swill at this local cantina, where bounty hunters, smugglers, traders, and travelers of all ages come to refuel, enjoy a little music, and conduct not-so-shady “business” meetings.
1 – Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue – Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
Number one on this list just may be the most entertaining two hours you’ll spend during your Walt Disney World vacation. Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue has it all. Laugh-a-minute fun, supercharged energy, friendly atmosphere, and comfort food. This charming, vaudeville-style, high-spirited music and comedy show is happily paired with a fantastic family-style feast, satisfying guests of all ages since 1974.
Pioneer Hall, in Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort hosts the raucous show featuring six lovable performers, singing, dancing, and joking their way into the audience’s collective hearts. The show is separated into three acts, all packed with hilarious moments, as well as some personalized entertainment with audience participation. In addition to eating and watching, guests are encouraged to participate in the show by singing, clapping, stomping their feet, and waving their napkins.
While watching the show, happy guests feast on fried chicken, smoked BBQ pork ribs, salad, cowboy beans, cornbread, and mac-and-cheese. Don’t forget to save room for the famous strawberry shortcake!
Hoop-Dee-Doo has completed over 44,000 performances at Pioneer Hall, entertaining over 12 million happy guests over the course of five decades. The Wild West party continues to sell out to happy crowds from around the world, and that makes Hoop-Dee-Doo an easy pick for number one!
Honorable Mention – Casey’s Corner – Magic Kingdom
“Take me out to the ballgame” (or at least out to Main Street, U.S.A.)! I couldn’t call this list complete without including a Magic Kingdom location. Casey’s Corner is that little take-out spot located on – appropriately – the corner of Main Street. The food offerings consist almost entirely of hot dogs and fries, and the decor celebrates baseball – America’s national pastime.
But neither of these are why Casey’s Corner makes a cameo on this list. The real magic is outside. Take your corn dog out to the shaded terrace and enjoy some ragtime tunes from an era long past. The Main Street pianist tickles the ivories with blazing speed and astounding talent. I dare you to not tap your feet and sing along!
In addition to the music, enjoy spending a few minutes taking in the electric atmosphere of Main Street. Peoplewatching is a fantastic sport in Walt Disney World, and Main Street never fails to serve up some of the most entertaining moments you’ll see during your vacation.
What is your favorite dining experience in Walt Disney World? Is it a character meal, an uber-immersive feast, or fine dining? Let me know by reaching out and joining the conversation with Facts and Figment on social: Instagram Facebook X
