Recently, Disney Parks Blog put out a promotional piece linking with the Hulu streaming service show declaring the not-at-all-definitive best pizza options in Disney domestic parks. When I saw this list, I drew back in horror at first. I could name at least ten better pizza options than the ones listed just on Walt Disney World property. That would not even include the California parks. However, that blog says in the Disney Parks—not on Disney property. With that very narrow range of choices, only one place qualifies as good pizza within the domestic Disney theme parks. In that blog, at least they got that correct. If you are just looking for pizza to fill your stomach so you can keep going, Disney Parks have plenty of that. Yet, the quality rates as below average most of the time.
If you have read many of my theme park food reviews, you know how I feel about pizza and burgers in Orlando area theme park resorts. For transparency, if you were to check my mobile phone for fast food apps, you would find many burger places on it. I enjoy burgers. I recommend burgers often—just not the counter service ones at Walt Disney World. Also, in fairness, I love pizza. However, at this stage of life, I do not want to spend large amounts of money on below-average pizza. Walt Disney World offers a significant amount of sub-par pizza. We can debate the water use or the dough as the culprit. However, I avoid paying about $10 for a below-average slice of pizza at any of the Orlando area theme parks.
Photo Credit: Via Napoli social media
This begs the question: “Where do you find decent pizza inside Walt Disney World Resort?” You could visit Disney Springs for counter-service pizza at Pizza Ponte. The price point will not destroy your budget. Still, that pizza will not change your life either. Several of the Italian options at Walt Disney World offer pizza. I recently visited Terralina Crafted Italian. That pizza experience went well (with their burger) there. However, Walt Disney World veterans continually insist that Via Napoli Ristorante offers the best pizza on the property. Though I might dispute that claim, Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria in Epcot easily wins the battle of in-park pizza options. Remember, the blog focused only on in-park pizza options.
Photo courtesy of Rope Drop Radio
I must advise you that this recommendation tends to overlook the high price point for this Epcot table service dining option. For example, an individually portioned pizza here costs around $25. In fairness, the individual-sized pizza would not be the correct decision here anyway.
The pizzas here magically appear from a wood-fired oven. Some guests find watching the chefs work on these pizzas very entertaining. Some find themselves amused by the faces featured in these ovens. Still, the quick preparation process involving these ovens does create a consistent appearance and texture.
As the recent Disney Parks Blog wrote: “It comes as no surprise that the traditional Neapolitan pizza of Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria is on this list. Nestled into the Italy Pavilion at EPCOT, a trip to Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria will transport you across the boot, with Venetian architecture from the North to Sicilian artwork from the South. This pizza is crafted with San Marzano tomatoes and real Caputo flour imported straight from Southern Italy earning the stamp of approval from authentic Italians.” Once again, some of those words qualify as toeing the company line. Still, the pizza produced here exceeds the quality found elsewhere in the area theme parks.
The pizza comes in a thin-crust style. Yet, something magical happens when the pepperoni emerges from the wood-fired oven. The pepperoni curls up into cup fashion looking delicious and greasy, of course. Though some debate exists about the type of cheese being used on Via Napoli pizzas these days, the portion of cheese will excite most pizza fans. Of course, you can order a pizza without pepperoni. Still, that topping seems to work best here. The crust tastes light and crispy, The sauce tastes better than most commercial sauces and matches this type of pizza well.
The largest drawback of pizza here would be the price. The best way to play the price game here would be to order a “Metro Mezzo” size pizza. This half-meter pizza should feed three to four people. Even at $50 or so, dividing that among three or four people make a reasonable value for table service dining in Epcot. However, if you have been settling for counter-service pizza, then this pizza will taste incredible. I have heard some people complain that the pizza crust is so thin that even this size pizza will not satisfy three or four people.
Photo courtesy of Rope Drop Radio
If dining here, expect slower than normal service. This place continues to be popular and busy. Also, depending on where you find yourself seated, this place generates a large amount of noise. In addition, if you were planning to order a larger pizza than you need intending to take some back to your room, they rarely have boxes for to-go pizza here.
Despite some of these potential negatives, Walt Disney World fans adore Via Napoli. Pizza plays the role of the star of the show. If craving good pizza while in the theme parks, Via Napoli reigns as the best, if not only good option. Though this would be classified as the toughest place to get an advance dining reservation in Epcot, these reservation slots will go quickly. If you want to dine here, be ready 60 days in advance and consider setting an alert at MouseDining.com. As always, eat like you mean it!
Narrowing down your breakfast options when vacationing at Walt Disney World can be difficult. Do you want to eat simple breakfast food in your room? Are you going to try to get a basic quick-service breakfast at Starbucks or a food court for example? Do you want a buffet breakfast? Most of the breakfast buffets involve character dining. Do you need/want to experience character dining? If so, how much are you willing to spend? Since character breakfast often possesses a higher price tag around $45 or more, how many times will you do that? A few places on-site offer a type of buffet breakfast to start your day well without that higher price point. An example of this connects to the Ale and Compass buffet at Disney’s Yacht Club.
Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog
Ale and Compass restaurant serves breakfast from 7:30 am to 11:00 am each day of the week. Reservations would be recommended here. When I checked on availability when typing this, I found options most days. I did notice most of the open times were the earlier time slots. Based on that unscientific data, if you want a later breakfast time, then you should probably set an alert at MouseDining and/or book a reservation 60 days in advance.
Some of the “buffet” items here (Photo courtesy of Claudia McCain)
This restaurant offers an interesting set-up for a buffet. In addition, guests may purchase an entrée only. However, I suspect you will lean towards getting this place’s version of a buffet, The menu description of the buffet reads like this “Seasonal Fruit, Assorted Yogurt Parfaits, Assorted Breakfast Pastries, House-made Granola, Cheddar Biscuits and Country Gravy, and Warm Cinnamon Rolls. Includes choice of one (1) Entrée. Coffee, Tea, Juice, or Soft Drinks are included.” So, this would not be a traditional buffet but more of an add-on. This add-on becomes very appealing since you get a beverage included this way. Since most beverages here cost over $4, the add-on buffet brings some value. The cost for this add-on-style buffet for adults is $23. This add-on buffet includes an entrée which serves as an important variable.
For full disclosure, I started initial work on this article several months ago. The price of many of the entrees has increased noticeably since then. Yet the buffet price itself has not changed much. In my opinion, this location wants to sell more of its version of a buffet so this pricing steers guests that way. In fairness, this Ale and Compass buffet offerings make a good value if looking for a full hearty breakfast. If looking for a light breakfast, the entrees could provide that, but the price point might not be as appealing.
I will attempt to highlight the breakfast entrée options. Whether you get just an entrée or the buffet add-on, your entrée choice will matter.
Some traditional breakfast options here are an American Breakfast (Two Eggs-Any Style, choice of Sausage or Bacon served with Potatoes) for $16 and a Country Ham and Cheddar Omelet (with Arugula and Breakfast Potatoes) for $17. Another “safe” but quality offering would be the Blueberry-Bacon Pancakes (with a choice of Sausage or Bacon) for $15. If pancakes are not enough for your sweet tooth, then you might want to try the Salted Caramel-Apple French Toast (with a choice of Sausage or Bacon) for $16.
Photo courtesy of Caludai McCain
At this point, you should start to see why a $23 “buffet” looks appealing. For about $6 more, you get a beverage and all the buffet items with your entrée. Once again, considering character breakfasts cost twice as much, the buffet offers some vacation budget relief. With a breakfast protein bowl, shrimp and grits, and crab cake benedict costing $19 or more, the add-on buffet makes a good deal.
I Should not break down every one of the current ten breakfast entrees offered here. Yet, waffle fans need to try Dark Chocolate Waffles. They consist of dried cherry compote, espresso-mascarpone cream, chocolate shavings, and a choice of sausage or bacon. You get three small waffles that might be able to be shared. These black forest-style waffles possess an almost cupcake-like flavor and texture. If you love cherries and chocolate, then this will be your dish. These cost $15 for just the entrée.
For the savory breakfast choices, you can get a breakfast flatbread for $14. This includes a sunny–side style egg, applewood-smoked bacon, ham, provolone, and arugula. This provides a unique savory combination to start your day. Also, you could order the smoked salmon and toasted bagel sandwich for $!7. This includes herbed cream cheese, pickled red onions, vine-ripened tomatoes, and avocado. You also receive house-made chips. You can substitute another side with this, even French fries if desired. The bagel tastes reasonably good but will not impress any bagel expert. However, it holds together while eating this sandwich.
Overall, Ale and Compass will not blow you away in terms of fine dining. Still, a quality table service breakfast for under $25 requires consideration on-site at Walt Disney World. Especially if looking to avoid high price character meals, Ale and Compass deserve a look. As always, eat like you mean it!
I sat down for my theme park writing morning (of course for a while every morning is theme park writing morning now) to see an update of the most searched for dining reservations at Walt Disney World. The MouseDining system tracks this. Some restaurants I just get used to seeing at the top of a list like Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, Space 220, and Cinderella’s Royal Table for example. I looked at the ranking for the Walt Disney World Resort hotel restaurants to see a different restaurant in first place instead of Topolino’s Terrace. To my surprise, Ohana ranked as the top searched for restaurant in that category.
I tried to determine what caused this change in rankings. My conclusion revolves around the return of characters for dining there increasing searching for those advance dining reservations. Then, I pondered what one would do if they wanted to eat at Ohana, but a reservation was not possible. I asked myself where you would go if you did not want to pay for the upcharge tat character dining creates. Sure, you could order from a nearby lounge to get some of the Ohana menu for dinner. However, what if your group really wanted table service dining?
Since I have been doing a large amount of research about more budget friendly table service dining at Walt Disney World, I had a thought. Ohana costs $55 for dinner for an adult. My easily distracted brain scanned through the list of restaurants until I reached Sebastian’s Bistro at Caribbean Beach Resort. Now, the food at Sebastian’s fails to match quality at Ohana. Still, a similar meal at Sebastian’s costs $29 per adult. Please respect that I took a long way to get to discuss Sebastian’s Bistro, but what is done is done.
Why would I even suggest Sebastian’s as a “poor man’s alternative” to Ohana? Well, this place costs less, of course, and it will be easier to get an advance dining reservation. According to the latest MouseDining search data, Sebastian’s Bistro falls a little below middle of list of most searched for resort hotel restaurants. In addition, this menu will satisfy most any appetite or dietary need.
Like Ohana, your meal comes with unlimited refills of the food skillets or plates. Also, your meal starts with signature bread. At Sebastian’s Bistro, they bring buttery house-baked pull-apart rolls. These come with guava butter and caramelized onion jam. The butter and the jam make this bread taste wonderful. Based on my recent experiences with bread at Ohana, I prefer the Sebastian’s version.
Soon after the bread service, you receive the salad course for dinner at Sebastian’s Bistro. The Spice Necklace Salad includes mixed greens and kale with spiced candied pumpkin seeds, tropical fruit, and radish with key lime dressing. The overall balance of this salad offers diners a good quality salad. One complaint I hear, and agree with, involves the radishes sometimes being lower quality. Still, I have heard of guests requesting more than one serving of this salad for their group.
The main course earns the title of “Taste of the Caribbean.” Guests may order this in standard form or vegan friendly version. The standard selection comes as a plate of oven-roasted citrus chicken, slow-cooked mojo pork with mango sambal, grilled chili-rubbed beef with mojito relish served with cilantro rice and beans, vegetable curry, and grilled seasonal vegetables. Just like the salad, guests may request unlimited amounts of these dishes. Consider the cost for an adult is $29, that makes for excellent value especially at Walt Disney World. You can upgrade your dining experience for $8 more per person by adding shrimp.
The vegan version of “Taste of the Caribbean” offers some expected alternatives. Vegan diners may enjoy an Impossible™ kabob, fried jerk tofu, and Impossible™ sausage served with cilantro rice and red beans, vegetable curry, and grilled seasonal vegetables. I have not consumed this version at Sebastian’s Bistro. However, my friends dining exclusively vegan stated this meal holds up very well in terms of vegan dining on Walt Disney World property.
Like Ohana, dessert consists of bread pudding. Sebastian’s Bistro offers a plant-based version also. Sebastian’s calls their version a coconut-pineapple bread pudding. This bread pudding gets drizzled with caramel sauce. Vanilla ice cream finishes this concept. The vegan version involves plant based caramel sauce and vanilla rice milk frozen dessert.
I love Ohana. I see why many people want to dine there. However, often overlooked Sebastian’s Bistro offers an incredible theme park resort value for an excellent meal. Once again, the food at Ohana rates higher. Does it deserve to cost almost twice as much as Sebastian’s Bistro? I suggest it does not. Especially if looking to save a bit of money during your vacation, a trip to Caribbean Beach Resort for Sebastian’s Bistro might be what your budget ordered. As always, eat like you mean it!
Want to hear from a real MouseDining user like you? Meet Liz!
She recently used MouseDining to secure her Disney date night reservation at The Skipper Canteen, and made a vlog about her experience, from setting her MouseDining alert, to picking the perfect outfit for her date, to the actual meal.
Liz said, “Robby and I have been wanting to go to Skipper Canteen for YEARS! Thanks to MouseDining, we were finally able to make that happen. Come along with us as we outfit plan, do a little last-minute DIY, and have a romantic date night in the most magical place on earth! Check out my YouTube video to see my full experience.”
In her YouTube video, Liz shares, “If you’ve ever tried to book dining reservations at Disney, you know it isn’t the most…intuitive or easy way to do things. The way that the dining reservations are organized, sometimes the reservation that you want is like hiding away. It’s so nice that you don’t have to keep checking the site manually.”
“So MouseDining just does it all for you! In my experience of using the service for two or three reservations so far, I’ve been able to get all the reservations I wanted which is incredible! The process of booking it was absolutely fantastic. Thus far I’ve had great success with MouseDining.”
We love seeing how much joy is part of our clients’ experience of a Disney dining adventure. Liz celebrated the fun night out by creating her very own DIY Skipper Canteen Hat with Mickey Ears to fit the theme of the restaurant (check out her video above to see how she did it!).
Here’s a quick rundown of the Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen restaurant highlights:
Skipper Canteen has three quirky dining areas: the crew’s colonial-era Mess Hall; the Jungle Room, former parlor of Dr. Albert Falls himself; and the S.E.A. Room – a once-secret meeting place for the Society of Explorers and Adventures.
This restaurant is located in Walt Disney World at Magic Kingdom in Adventureland
Both lunch and dinner reservations are available at Skipper Canteen, with times reflecting park hours daily
The menu varies, borrowing flavors from African, Asian, and Latin cuisine, offering both meat and veggie-forward options
Most menu options at The Skipper Canteen range between $15 – $34.99
Liz and Robby enjoyed a wonderful meal at Skipper Canteen and ended their Disney date night with a romantic waltz before heading home. Liz says she already has signed up for a few more reservation alerts from MouseDining to make sure she scores the perfect spots for when her friends come for a joint Disney trip next month!
It’s no secret that the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Fort Wilderness has been one of the most desirable Walt Disney World reservations since its reopening in July 2022. So we were so excited when one of our favorite Disney creators, Brenda (she has incredible Disney content all year round!), told us she used MouseDining to land a reservation for dinner.
Brenda tried and failed to get her weekend reservation three times on her own before she decided to sign up for the MouseDining service. After updating her account, it only took a few hours before she got a text alert that her desired reservation time had been locked in!
We loved how Brenda joined in on the festivities and embraced the Western theme of this Disney dining experience by dressing the part with Chip and Dale themed overalls and braiding her hair.
Check out her Disney “get ready with me” video for a sneak peek at this Fort Wilderness dining favorite!
She was blown away by the live stage performance and dug into a big plate of ribs and mac n’ cheese. Brenda loved the interactive show experience and the bottomless sangria was a welcome addition, too!
Brenda said, “So impressed with Hoop-Dee-Doo, it was such a fun show and the food was amazing! So happy I was able to get a reservation thanks to MouseDining. If you are looking for a way to score a reservation for a popular spot like this one, try it out!”
Here’s a quick rundown of the The Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue restaurant highlights:
The Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue is an all-you-can-eat-and-drink style dinner.
There are three time slots available daily at 4 PM, 6:15 PM, and 8:30 PM.
There are three, flat rate dining options to choose from ranging in price from $66 to $74.
This Disney restaurant has been delighting Guests since 1979
Famous for being one of the longest-running dinner show theaters in the country
It is also wildly popular and touted one of the best Disney dining reservations considering the value offered for the price.
Click here to try MouseDining for yourself and make your next Disney dining reservation magical – just like Brenda!
The time has come for the culinary crown jewel of the Walt Disney World Resort – Victoria & Albert’s – to welcome guests back to this one-of-a-kind experience at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Beginning today, July 28, this location is now open and filled with unrivaled flavors expertly crafted by the talented culinary team as well as an enhanced and renovated interior space that will leave you in awe.
There is a reason this AAA Five Diamond Award and Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Award recipient is considered the crown jewel – its decadent cuisine features only the highest quality of ingredients and flavors from across the globe. With an ever-evolving menu, guests can taste their way through multiple courses, including Glacier 51 Toothfish with charred mushroom and sambal, Heirloom Tomatoes with gazpacho and 100 Year Balsamico, and Carrot Tikka Masala with cilantro and puri bread. For a sumptuous finish, the Spectrum of Chocolate is an ombré delight from the inside out featuring four specialty sourced chocolates and a tableside presentation of sabayon with notes of Madagascar vanilla bean, Champagne, and Grand Marnier.
In addition to the incredible dishes at Victoria & Albert’s, this location is also home to a world-class wine collection featuring over 500 different selections. Sommeliers on staff are there to guide you through this precisely curated collection and perfectly pair the flavors of the glass and plate. The new zero-proof cocktail pairing will allow everyone to fully experience the evening with beverages crafted to complement each course. One innovative offering on this menu is the Guajillo Spice, which is smoked tableside to highlight the rich flavors of roasted guajillo chilis, charred jalapeños, and black peppercorn, as well as a touch of caramelized sweetness from turbinado sugar and fresh lime.
The opulence and elegance that are in every corner of the restaurant are part of what makes it so unique. The newly renovated interior features exquisite crystal chandeliers, masterful murals, and delicate wall coverings that bring a modernization to this lavish location. There are three different dining options, each with their own unique experience. The Dining Room serves a tasting menu, that highlights seasonal flavors expertly created to give you and your palette the very best.
For those interested in a more intimate dining experience, the Queen Victoria Room allows you to savor a menu created by the chef de cuisine especially for you in a setting fit for royalty, including tableside presentations. The Chef’s Table is a one-of-a-kind experience that allows first-hand account to the culinary craft as the team creates your decadent tasting menu. This unique opportunity allows you to interact with the chefs like no other as the guests of the kitchen, our most coveted offering.
The legacy of this restaurant is not to be overlooked. Victoria & Albert’s is not only the sole location in Florida to hold the honor of having both the AAA Five Diamond and the Forbes Travel Guide Five Star awards but joins only 26 others in the nation with this same unique distinction.
The culinary team that upholds this legacy is now led by Chef de Cuisine Matthew Sowers, with more than 15 years spent at Victoria & Albert’s and experience assisting in the creation of acclaimed menus for Remy on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. Joining him is Pastry Chef Kristine Farmer who not only was part of the opening team at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, but also leads the entire pastry team for this resort.
For over 20 years, Sommelier Israel Perez has been dedicated to creating memorable experiences at signature restaurants across Walt Disney World Resort. As the maître d’hotel, Israel and his team ensure that each person who walks through the doors of Victoria & Albert’s has a perfect evening through each step of service.
Overseeing culinary operations and teams of the 13 food and beverage outlets at our flagship resort is Executive Chef Kevin Chong. Last but certainly not least, is Culinary Director Chef Scott Hunnel, who was at the helm of Victoria & Albert’s for many years, now provides his expertise and mentorship to culinary teams across multiple resorts, including Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
When enjoying an evening with your guests here, it’s clear that Victoria & Albert’s provides an epicurean experience that is unlike any other. From the moment you arrive and are welcomed with beautiful harp music, to the expert chefs creating magic from the kitchen to the plate and the sommeliers transporting you through each pairing, a meal here is one you cannot find anywhere else.
We are delighted to welcome you back to Victoria & Albert’s and cannot wait for you to join us for a grand evening from first sip to last bite.
(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.)
It doesn’t take much research online to find that a huge part of a Disney World trip is food! When you’re traveling with someone with a disability, special-needs, or medical complexities nutrition isn’t always “easy as pie.” Here’s some insight to know for your Disney World dining adventures.
First let me explain the different types of dining locations around Disney:
1. Food Carts
These are sporadic throughout the parks and Disney Springs but not always accurately labeled on a map. No reservations are used and only occasionally will you find seating nearby. Grab and go options allow for long lines to clear out quickly. You’ll find the famous treats at many of these locations.
2. Bakeries & Cafés
These smaller locations are labeled on MDE app but do not have reservations. They will have limited seating, if any. Some locations will offer mobile order.
3. Quick Service (aka Counter Service)
Found easily on MDE app, these dining options do not offer reservations typically. Some offer mobile order and pick up.
This environment is set up for you to order at a window or go through a line for meal choices if not using mobile order. You would then find your own seating. These locations usually have a dining room for seating or outdoor seating
available first come first serve.
4. Table Service
Reservations for these meal options is highly recommended. The experience will take 1 to 2+ hours and feature a server. Some options include entertainment, shows, or character visits. You may choose from different restaurants serving variations of food offerings—buffets, family style meals, prefix menus, or the good old fashion entrée menu. Depending on popularity, you may be able to join a waitlist without a reservation but this is not recommended from
my experience and rarely available.
On The Go Foodie
For areas that do not have designated seating, this can present a problem for wheelchair users who need a flat surface for dining or snacking. There’s a well known joke that the trash cans are just another variation of table at Disney, especially at Epcotduring festivals. While it’s not ideal, we’ve definitely utilized this trend. Otherwise, I would use the My Disney Experience (MDE) app to locate on the map a nearby outdoor dining space.
My favorite quiet area with tables in Magic Kingdom are found behind the gazebo to the left of Cinderella‘s castle or over near Pete’s Silly Sideshow. In Epcot there are tables near the water of World Showcase and at the Connections breezeway in future world. In Hollywood Studios you can find prevalent seating on Hollywood Boulevard and at Animal Kingdom we prefer tables tucked away in the Harambe Market.
Best Kept Secret
I’ve found the lines at Quick Service locations are no fun at all so I highly recommend using Mobile Order on your MDE app as often as available. There’s nothing better than skipping the line which also makes it easier for people utilizing a wheelchair or ECV. No need to navigate the narrow lines when you can pick up your order right at the counter. You pay directly on your phone by charging to your account or using a saved payment method. Mobile Order is not available at all snack or quick service locations so be sure to check the app and then look for the specific pick up area for each location.
Reservation Requests
When setting up dining reservations for table service restaurants there’s a special circumstances selection that will alert the staff of allergies, dietary restrictions, and accessibility needs. When making your reservation on the MDE app, follow these steps—once you’ve chosen your restaurant, time, and number of guests there’s an optional icon for accommodations. Click “Add a food allergy request” Here you can notate any dietary restrictions and if you need wheelchair accessibility. If you missed this when making your reservation, you can go back and add it in.
Dietary Concerns
Whether you notated an allergy on the reservation when it was booked or not, you can ask to speak with the chef at a table service restaurant. You wouldn’t believe how detailed and service oriented Disney is when it comes to dietary restrictions. You may even get a visit to your table from the chef himself or herself. The goal is to offer a suitable option for every guest with exceptional care to eliminate any cross contamination of ingredients. **Insider tip: One of the most accommodating chefs in all of Disney is Chef TJ who wows guests at Cape May Cafe at Disney’s Beach Club Resort! For allergy concerns at a quick service location you can request specific menu options or find those selections on the app while using mobile order. While at a Quick Service restaurant, look for a greeter at the entrance who will direct you to the register to speak with a chef. They will complete a form with your allergy needs and together you’ll create a meal based on the menu. Pay at the register where a cast member will give you a pager. The chef will deliver your meal when it’s complete and review the ingredients. With both service types, you can review menus online prior to arrival where most
locations offer an allergy friendly menu.
Checking In – Table Service Seating
Having the accessibility alert on your reservation prior to arrival is great but I have found you often have to remind them when you check in for your meal again. Don’t be afraid to request a specific area or type of table when being seated. The arrangement of some tables are less suited for wheelchairs, for example, or perhaps you like to be in a well lit area or near a restroom— cast members are eager to assist your needs. All table service restaurants are wheelchair accessible and fairly easy to navigate even with large crowds. Strollers are not allowed in most table service restaurants; however if your stroller is used as a medical necessity, be sure to have it tagged at guest relations “stroller as wheelchair” so it can not only be taken through attraction cues but also into all restaurants. You can find Guest Relations labeled on the map of the MDE app.
Alternative Nutrition
Currently the only negative thing I can say about dining at Disney World falls among the character meals with regards to guests who are unable to eat by mouth yet still are required to pay the full price for entry. Even if someone in your party won’t be eating or is exclusively tube fed for nutrition, they will still be charged the same price as a guest who enjoys unlimited dishes because all guests are able to participate in the character interactions. I truly wish Disney would reevaluate this policy but it’s definitely something to be aware of as it stands now. Speaking of enteral feedings, if you prefer to provide nutrition by tube in a quiet or separate location within the parks, baby care centers or first aid stations are the perfect retreat. These are easily located on the map of your My Disney Experience app or on the park maps found at the entrance. You’ll find a cool, serene environment to complete a feed and a cast member that can help if needed. If you use water to flush or hydrate by tube and don’t want to rack up a huge bill of water bottles—ask for free cups of water at quick service locations while roaming the parks. It’s definitely faster than filling up at the water fountain.
I hope you find these tips and suggestions helpful when it comes to planning your dining at Disney World. The Mickey bars and churros are just the beginning of the incredible offerings you don’t want to miss. When it comes to those table service restaurants and the highly demanded reservation spots, MouseDining is a necessity. You don’t have to be a special needs family to know that meal times are an important part of vacationing so don’t settle! Line up the meals you are eager to try! Over nearly 10 years of consistent Disney trips with my family, I continue to use MouseDining for snagging those difficult reservations every single time.
Art Smith’s Homecomin’ offers a challenge for guests wanting to dine here. Since Homecomin’ resides withing Disney Springs, guests do not need a theme park ticket. The parking garages provide free parking. The location of Homecomin’ can be found easily in the all the hustle and bustle of Disney Springs. They serve lunch from 11am to about 4pm. After those lunch hours, they serve dinner until 10pm. This place also offers a weekend brunch starting at 9:30am. So, what is the challenge?
The challenge, should you choose to accept it, involves getting a table. The seating within this place for table service is lower than you would expect. An outdoor seating area also exists though. In my attempts to test the lovely Walt Disney Dining reservation system for an upcoming surprise trip, Homecomin’ has been one of hardest reservations to get even at 6:00 eastern time sixty days in advance. For over a week, I woke up 5:40am Florida time to see how long reservations last for dinner time. I compared Homecomin’ with Space 220, Sci-Fi Dine-In Theatre, Cinderella’s Royal Table, and Topolino’s Terrace. According to MouseDining.com data, those places present significant difficulty in getting a reservation. On most days I checked, Homecomin’ reservations lasted about same time as those other places. In that small sample size, reservation acquisition presents problems.
Since Homecomin’ could be difficult to get a table, is it worth part of your Orlando area vacation? I say yes. If you are looking for traditional southern USA comfort food, this place meets that desire. If you want quality table service dining with no entrée over $40, then Homecomin’ deserves a look.
Well, this place offers a menu designed by Chef Art Smith. Art Smith is known to be at this location often. I proclaim this next assertion about Chef Art Smith with admiration. I desire to show no condemnation. However, Art Smith does not create food for those looking to lose weight. His cuisine style builds on taste not long-term health. If your doctor needs you to lose weight, please do not even walk by this restaurant. My vegan and gluten free dining friends find few options here. Despite that, reservations go quickly. If you simply want a solid table service meal at reasonable “Disney” prices, run to this place. Also, if you believe the myth that vacation calories do not count, plan to enjoy Homecomin’.
As you might expect, chicken perfectly fried stars on this menu. If you want truly wonderful fried chicken, visit this place. A great example of this sits on the appetizer menu here. Guests can order the “Thigh High Chicken Biscuits. This appetizer provides a great introduction to the food at Homecomin’.
These chicken biscuits cost $17. However, this appetizer might be worth that price point. The menu description tells us that three excellent biscuits come filled with Chef Art’s famous fried chicken thigh meat. The biscuits then are drizzled with hot honey.
These USA style biscuits (sorry UK friends for our use of English) are well prepared. Many people rave about the biscuits here. Also, these biscuits present a nice balancing cheddar taste to go with the rest of item. As you can see, the signature bread and butter pickles feature prominently with these biscuits. As Jeremy Stein of Main Street Magic Podcast, friend of MouseDining, would point out, you can get these without pickles. However, if you like bread-and-butter style pickles, you should enjoy these. If you dislike pickles but have someone in your party who likes pickles, get them on the side. They will thank you later.
The well-prepared chicken benefits from the flavorful biscuits and honey mixed with Art Smith’s special hot sauce. The flavor combination earns high praise. If the idea of hot honey alarms you, my experience with hot honey is that it provides flavor. Still, the flavor does not reach an excessive spicy kick to scare your taste buds. The balance of hot sauce and honey fits this appetizer thoroughly.
Though some guests voice concern about the quality of the chicken itself. I feel those complaints function as the exception not the rule. Normally, the chicken thigh meat comes well prepared. Also, it is incredibly tender with good flavor by itself. The most common complaint I hear about this appetizer involves nothing about the taste. Many guests would like to see a larger version of this on the main entree portion of the menu. Some wish for a way to get more biscuits even as an appetizer. Also, three chicken biscuits can be tough to share in a group of four or more.
Sure, some podcasters, already mentioned in this article, will shout to the rooftops that the chicken biscuit sliders at Three Bridges are better. Though those get good reviews, I think most people will prefer the Art Smith version. However, even Jeremy would agree if you got a reservation at Homecomin, then this appetizer is worth your time.
If you need help getting a reservation here or any other Walt Disney World restaurant, MouseDining can help. As always, eat like you mean it!
Only about three years ago, Walt Disney World guests were able to make dining reservations 180 days in advance. Maybe since so many things in our world have changed, many of us forget about the stress of making reservations 180 days in advance. Since guests can only make dining reservations within the official 60-day window now, we forget about the thrill and terror of deciding what we wanted to eat basically six months in advance. When Topolino’s Terrace- Flavors of the Rivera prepared to open, people were frantically trying to get reservations for December 2019 in the middle of summer 2019. As the long restaurant title implies, this restaurant exists within Disney’s Riviera Resort.
This restaurant offers French and Italian style cuisine in a fine dining setting. As Walt Disney World marketing likes to say, the views from this sweeping rooftop area rival many other rooftop restaurants. Currently, Topolino’s offers breakfast from 7:30am-12:15pm each day. Adult breakfast entrees cost $42 with child breakfast entrees costing $27. This breakfast comes with high quality food and drink. However, breakfast also comes with some Walt Disney World style. This breakfast qualifies as a character breakfast. Though character appearances can change, this breakfast offers some great Disney characters. How great? Well, Donald and Daisy Duck appear. If that is not enough, Mickey and Minnie Mouse appear also. Depending on your family’s obsession with these characters, their appearance might be worth the price of breakfast alone. This is one of many reasons that reservations are difficult to acquire for Topolino’s Terrace.
The reasons explaining the hype for Topolino’s Terrace do not end with just character breakfast dining. Topolino’s Terrace offers signature dining in the evening. They serve dinner from 5pm-9:30om each evening. As you might expect, reservations present a challenge to acquire. Currently, this restaurant ranks as very difficult to get a table. The dinner menu quality explains the reason for the demand and hype. To start with, the bread service provided for all guests sets a great beginning for your dining experience.
The dinner menu offers several high-quality appetizers for your signature dining such as ricotta and gnocchi. For entrees, guests chose between handmade pasta dishes, seafood dishes, veal options, and a filet mignon. The desserts offered here earn the hype also. Guests rave about the chocolate cake and the vanilla/citrus crème brulee.
Now, as you are reading this, you might be concerned about the amount of money needed. Yes, this place offers signature dining at signature dining prices. For example, the filet mignon costs $54. Still, that price compares well to Orlando area signature dining for a filet mignon. The filet mignon gets solid reviews here. However, what if you want great dining but do not want to spend over $50 for an entrée?
I have a solution for that mathematical puzzle. I suggest the rigatoni here. Okay, I know that fails to sound exciting. Your interest might lower when told the rigatoni currently costs $32. Please stay with me. The rigatoni features braised chicken sugo, rapini, wild mushrooms, and Parmigiano-Reggiano. That rigatoni sounds way more impressive that something you might make a home.
Let me assure you, this pasta-based dish deserves to be at a signature dining restaurant. Many of my Walt Disney World foodies claim this pasta dish as their favorite on Walt Disney World property. The entrée offers an incredibly creamy texture. If you visualize “rich” type of food, this rigatoni meets that standard. Though initially the portion size looks small, this rigatoni qualifies as a filling entrée. The freshness of this entrée exceeds expectations. Even the rapini (broccoli rabe) tastes incredibly refreshing. The rapini adds texture and flavor to this pasta. The chicken might qualify as melt in your mouth good. Also, the chicken tastes so tender. For a chicken pasta menu item, this one gets near perfection. In addition, the cheese looks and tastes wonderful to cap off this great entrée.
Even if you do not fully agree with my glowing review of the rigatoni, you could order this rigatoni and either an appetizer or dessert staying around $50 for signature dining. Overall, the whole dining experience explains the hype.
So, is Topolino’s Terrace worth the hype? You should decide yourself, but we say yes! Yet, if you are lucky enough to get a reservation, enjoy your meal. You might want to consider a service that helps with finding dining reservations at Walt Disney World. The MouseDining system and subscription can assist in finding those tough to locate reservations. Whatever you do, enjoy your meals. As always, eat like you mean it!
It’s about to be your lucky day because the Foodie Guide to St. Patrick’s Day is here! We’ve put together all the tasty concoctions coming to both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, and trust me, the chefs and mixologists from both coasts did not disappoint. Whether you’ve got some Irish in you or just a foodie looking for a streak of luck, you’re in for a treat.
From savory dishes to sweet delights, even deliciously crafted cocktails, there is a little bit of everything for everyone. We hope you’ve grabbed your appetite because we’re going over the rainbow to enjoy this pot of gold filled to the brim with irresistible goodies from coast to coast.
We’ve tempted you long enough. Here’s the St. Patrick’s Day Foodie Guide for your viewing, and snacking pleasure!
Walt Disney World Resort
Resorts
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
Intermission Food Court (available March 13 through 19)
St. Patrick’s Day Mickey: Chocolate Irish crème mousse and chocolate cake with a sugar cookie (Mobile Order available) (New)
Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
World Premiere Food Court (available March 13 through 19)
St. Patrick’s Day Mickey: Chocolate Irish crème mousse and chocolate cake with a sugar cookie (Mobile Order available) (New)
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
The Drop Off (available March 13 through 19)
Good Luck Charm: Vodka and Irish cream liqueur blended with vanilla ice cream topped with fresh whipped cream and cookie ears
Landscape of Flavors (available March 13 through 19)
Luck of the Green: Chocolate cupcake filled with marshmallow mint crème topped with vanilla buttercream, shamrock sprinkles, and gold shimmer (Mobile Order available)
Disney’s BoardWalk
AbracadaBAR (available through March 31)
Irish Magic Trick: Irish whiskey, Italian liqueur, and bitters (New)
Atlantic City Dance Hall (available through March 31)
Shamrock Punch: Apple whisky, vodka, apple sour, lime sour, Granny Smith apple, and Sprite garnished with a glow cube (New)
Bellevue Lounge (available through March 31)
Irish Mule Cocktail: Irish whiskey, ginger beer, and lime juice garnished with a lime (New)
BoardWalk Bakery (available March 12 through 17) (Mobile Order available)
Mint Cookies ‘n Cream Cupcake: Chocolate cupcake filled with mint cookies ‘n cream mousse topped with whipped cream, holiday sprinkles, and a sugar cookie shamrock
Shamrock Sugar Cookie: Sugar cookie with green holiday decor
Cannoli: Traditional Cannoli with green holiday decor
Coconut Macaroon: Traditional giant coconut macaroon with green chocolate decor
Mickey Brownie: Ganache brownie with green holiday sprinkles
Boardwalk Joe’s (available through March 31)
Pot O Lucky Gold: Coconut rum, vodka, lime, pineapple juice, and honey-mango flavors garnished with lime and pineapple (New)
Leaping Horse
Fuzzy Leprechaun: Vodka, blue curaçao, peach schnapps, orange juice, and pineapple juice garnished with an orange slice and maraschino cherry (New)
Trattoria al Forno (available through March 31)
Italian Leprechaun: Limoncello, prosecco brut, and elderflower liqueur garnished with mint (New)
Mimosa Verdi: Prosecco brut, blue curaçao, fruit liqueur, and pineapple juice (New)
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Centertown Market (available March 13 through 19)
Mint Chocolate Cheesecake: Mint chocolate brownie topped with vanilla cheesecake, whipped mint ganache, and a shamrock chocolate décor (Mobile Order available) (New)
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Contempo Café (available March 17)
St. Patrick’s Day Cupcake: Green cupcake filled with gold crispy pearls topped with buttercream, green sugar, shamrock sprinkles, and white chocolate Minnie hat (Mobile Order available)
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Gasparilla Island Grill (available through March 18)
St. Patty’s Day Hat: Caramel Irish cream mousse on a shortbread cookie (Mobile Order available) (New)
Disney’s Old Key West Resort and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Goods to Go and The Artist’s Palette (available March 17)
St. Patrick’s Day Cupcake: Irish dry stout cake with Irish cream liqueur mousse and whiskey caramel finished with vanilla buttercream, gold crisp pearls, and a white chocolate shamrock (Mobile Order available) (New)
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Kona Cafe and Capt. Cook’s (available March 17)
St. Patrick’s Day Cupcake: Vanilla cupcake topped with chocolate and vanilla buttercream, chocolate Mickey ears, and a shamrock (Mobile Order available) (New)
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Everything POP Shopping & Dining (available March 13 through 19)
Luck of the Green: Chocolate cupcake filled with marshmallow mint crème topped with vanilla buttercream, shamrock sprinkles, and gold shimmer (Mobile Order available)
Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory (available March 13 through March 19)
Mint Chocolate Cheesecake: Mint chocolate brownie topped with vanilla cheesecake, whipped mint ganache, and chocolate décor (Mobile Order available) (New)
Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside
Riverside Mill (available March 13 through March 19)
Mint Chocolate Cheesecake: Mint chocolate brownie topped with vanilla cheesecake, whipped mint ganache, and chocolate décor (New)
Disney’s Riviera Resort
Le Petit Café (available March 17)
Caramel Hazelnut Profiteroles: Caramel hazelnut custard filled chocolate profiteroles with chocolate ganache (Mobile Order available) (New)
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Roaring Fork (available March 17)
Shamrock Cupcake: Chocolate cupcake filled with mint cookies ’n cream (Mobile Order available)
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
The Market at Ale & Compass (available through March 17)
Irish Cream Chocolate Cupcake: Chocolate cupcake with a Irish cream mousse covered in chocolate ganache and finished with chocolate and vanilla crisp pearls and a chocolate clover (Mobile Order available)
Disney Springs
Amorette’s Patisserie (available March 12 through 20)
Luck of the Irish Petit Cake: Layers of praline, whiskey-scented vanilla chiffon cake, and Irish cream liqueur pastry cream (New)
City Works Eatery (available through March 17)
Irish Nachos: House-made corned beef, hardwood-smoked bacon, caramelized onions, IPA cheese sauce, green onions, and chips
Take part in the festivities of Raglan Road’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival this year with classics like fresh-caught fish and chips, Shepherd’s to Die for Pie, and the plant-based take on shepherd’s pie, This Shepherd Went Vegan, along with delicious drinks including the new So Berry Les.
So Berry Les: Local Florida strawberry and Key lime-infused hard seltzer (New)
Vivoli il Gelato
Float: Vanilla gelato with an Irish dry stout (available through April 30)
Mint Chocolate Chip Milkshake: Mint chocolate chip gelato, cookies and cream gelato, chocolate sauce, and chocolate chips (available through April 5)
Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Park
Red Rose Taverne (available March 17 through 30)
The Green Stuff: Mint White Chocolate Mousse, Chocolate Cake, Mint Chocolate Chips and Chocolate Cookie Crumbs on a Shortbread Cookie (Mobile Order available) (New)
Disney California Adventure Park
Corn Dog Castle (available March 17) (Mobile Order available)
Hot-Link Corn Dog: Coated with green corn dog batter and served with mandarin orange or small bag of chips (New)
Original Corn Dog: Coated with green corn dog batter and served with mandarin orange or small bag of chips (New)
Cheddar Cheese Stick: Coated with green corn dog batter and served with mandarin orange or small bag of chips (New)
Hollywood Lounge (available March 17)
Strawberry Elderflower Whiskey: Strawberry lemonade mixed with ginger syrup, elderflower, and whiskey (Mobile Order available) (New)
Lamplight Lounge and Boardwalk Dining (available March 17 through 20)
Watermelon Cooler: Irish Whiskey, Muddled Watermelon, Agave and Lemon Juice (New)
Disney’s Grand California Hotel & Spa
GCH Craftsman’s Grill (available March 17 through 20) (Mobile Order available)
Leprechaun Cupcake: Chocolate cupcake filled with pot of gold and frosted with vanilla buttercream (New)
Leprechaun Mickey-shaped Donut: Vanilla cake donut dipped in dark chocolate and decorated with Leprechaun decor (New)
GCH Holiday Cart (available Mach 17 through 20)
St Patrick’s Day Whoopie Pie: Chocolate whoopie pie filled with vanilla buttercream and rolled in shamrock sprinkles (New)
Mickey-shaped Leprechaun Cookie: Vanilla sugar cookie dipped in dark chocolate and decorated with rolled fondant (New)
St Patrick’s Day Double Chocolate Cookie Shot: Available with milk or liqueur (New)
St Patrick’s Day Chocolate Cookie Shot: Available with milk or liqueur (New)
Downtown Disney District
Ballast Point Brewing Co. (available March 17 through 20)
The Rueben: Marble rye, thinly sliced corn beef, Russian dressing, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese served with chips or fries & pickle spears (New)
Hair of the Dog: Bratwurst braised in a porter topped with peppers, onions, beer cheese, and bacon bits on a pretzel bun and served with chips or fries (New)
Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes (available through March 31)
Reuben Burger: Burger with prime beef, swiss cheese, griddled corned beef, sauerkraut, sliced pickles, and special sauce
Lucky Charms Classic Shake: Lucky Charms Shake topped with whipped cream and Lucky Charms (New)
California Churro (available March 17)
Pot of Gold Churro: A churro rolled in Key lime pie sugar drizzled with white chocolate sauce over top, dusted with gold and green sprinkles, and served with a side of whipped cream (New)
Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen (available March 16 through 20)
The Emerald Breeze: Vodka, peach schnapps, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, and orange juice (New)
Salt & Straw (available through March 31)
Pots of Gold & Rainbows: A legendary favorite with hand-sorted luck from the charms, steeping the whole-grain cereal in cream for that bottom-of-the-bowl sweetened milk before stirring in mountains of rainbow marshmallows
Sprinkles (available March 14 through 20)
Irish Coffee: Chocolate coffee cake and marshmallow core topped with Irish whiskey-infused green and vanilla buttercream frosting (recommended just for adults due to hint of alcohol)
Uva Bar & Café (available through March 31)
Beer Cheese Burger: Corned beef, burger patty, Irish stout beer cheese, pickles, and mustard aïoli on a Brioche bun served with sweet fries
Disney’s Vero Beach Resort
Wind & Waves Market (available March 16 through 18)
Shamrock Whoopie Pies: Vanilla cake with golden citrus crème
There you have it. All the delicious happenings coming to you for St. Patrick’s Day. I hope you strike gold and find your favorite item!
