Neighborhoods

From fast food on the fly to fine-dining establishments, there are literally hundreds of restaurants scattered throughout Walt Disney World, including those at the theme parks (Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom), the Disney resorts, and the "official" hotels. And those totals don't include restaurants located throughout the Downtown Disney areas of Pleasure Island, West Side, and the Marketplace, some of which are listed in the Lake Buena Vista section later in this chapter. As a general rule, the food at Disney is decent enough, though only a small handful of the restaurants would truly qualify as gourmet. Portions are generally large, practically ensuring that you'll never walk away hungry, though prices match portion sizes accordingly. Be prepared to spend a rather hefty amount each day for just a few meals, a snack, and a drink (or two). If you have kids, sharing may be a good option, especially with very young children who tend not to eat so much when on the go. For those unwilling to share, sit-down and counter-service eateries, at least in the theme parks, do offer pint-size platters in the $4 to $9 range (though some may cost up to $12). Another option is to order a la carte, but don't expect to see this listed as an option on the restaurant menus -- you have to ask.

The prices for meals at Orlando restaurants -- except at theme parks and other attractions -- are no more exorbitant than you'd find anywhere else. The better the restaurant, the higher the price you can expect to pay (though you shouldn't necessarily consider a restaurant's pricing a benchmark of its quality). To help you out a bit, the restaurants in this chapter have been categorized by the price of an average entree per person. In this chapter, restaurants in the Inexpensive category charge less than $10 for an entree; those in the Moderate category charge anywhere from $11 to $20. Expensive restaurants will set you back $21 to $30, and Very Expensive restaurants will top that, sometimes by a rather large margin. Do note that when you toss in drinks, appetizers, side dishes, desserts, and the tip, the final tally at even a moderate restaurant can get rather high. Be sure to budget accordingly.

One last note: The restaurants I list in this section occasionally change menus (sometimes seasonally, occasionally weekly, in some cases even daily). So items I feature here may not necessarily be on the menu when you visit. And, as entrees vary, so do prices.

That said, it's time to divide and conquer.

Special Tastes -- When it comes to eating at Disney, just because something's not on the menu doesn't mean it's not available. Looking for kosher food? Worried WDW can't entertain your vegetarian taste buds? What about low sodium, low sugar, or fat-free diets? Disney can usually handle these and other lifestyle diets as well as other special dietary requirements (meals for those with allergies or a lactose intolerance) at any of their full-service restaurants as long as guests give Disney advance notice -- 3 days is suggested to accommodate special dietary needs, while at least 24 hours is necessary for lifestyle diets. This holds true for other dining requests, too. If you are headed to one of the resort's restaurants and know your kids may have a tough time with the menu, chicken nuggets and some other kid-friendly items can be requested in advance. It's easiest to make special requests when you make your Advance Reservations (tel. 407/939-3463) or, if you're staying at a Disney resort, by stopping by the Lobby Concierge desk.

In the Magic Kingdom

There are plenty of fast-food outlets located throughout the park. You may find, however, that a quiet sit-down meal is an essential but all-too-brief way to get away from the day's activities. And remember -- Magic Kingdom restaurants don't serve alcohol.

On Again, off Again . . . on Again -- The Plaza Pavilion in Magic Kingdom's Tomorrowland was transformed in the spring of 2005 into Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station. Its menu includes Oriental-style chicken and beef dishes, egg rolls, and other Asian-themed cuisine. This is one of the prettiest and largest outdoor seating areas in the park; you can eat out in the fresh air even as you get a respite from the hot Florida sun. And as an added bonus, you get a great view of the gardens, waterways, and Cinderella Castle. If you have picked up a sweet treat along one of Main Street's eateries and can't find a place to sit down (as is often the case), this is the perfect place to head as it's often overlooked by visitors. Note: Since its debut the Noodle Station has been open only sporadically, so be sure to check your guide map to see if it's open when you're visiting. All items cost $6 to $8.

In Epcot

The world is at your feet at Epcot, quite literally, in fact. In addition to the restaurants found at Future World, the World Showcase features several ethnic cuisines from around the globe, all served in some rather impressive settings. Though dining at one of the World Showcase pavilions is a traditional part of the Epcot experience, we remind you that many of the following establishments are rather overpriced when compared to an equivalent restaurant beyond the park's boundaries. Unless your budget is unlimited, you may want to consider the more casual counter-service eateries located throughout the park and save the sit-down service for somewhere else. These informal dining spots don't require Advance Reservations (for details, check the Epcot guide map that you picked up upon entering the park) and often go overlooked. If you simply can't resist a more formal meal (and it is difficult, at times), try eating lunch at the full-service restaurants when the price for a meal is much lower. Almost all of the establishments listed here serve lunch and dinner daily (hours vary with park hours), and, unless otherwise noted, they offer children's meals. All but one or two require theme-park admission and the $11 parking fee, too.

Note: Because the clientele at even the fanciest Epcot World Showcase restaurant comes directly from the park, you don't have to dress up for dinner, but do bring along a sweater or sweatshirt to ward off the sometimes chilly indoor temperatures. Advance Reservations, which reserves your place but not a specific table, is available at all WDW sit-down restaurants and is strongly recommended. Otherwise, the chances of getting a table without a wait -- often a long wait -- are pretty slim. Call tel. 407/939-3463 for Advance Reservations.

No Italian? No Way! -- Longtime Epcot dining fixture L'Originale Alfredo di Roma is no longer on Epcot's menu of dining options. It's been replaced, albeit temporarily, by Tutto Italia. Set inside one of the most beautiful of the world pavilions, the replacement retains its spot as one of Epcot's most popular restaurants, even after having changed hands (which is likely attributed to its fabulous food and noticeably friendly service). The elegant establishment features a menu filled with traditional pastas, fish, chicken, and pork; kids will find a small selection of familiar favorites. If you want a quieter setting, ask for a seat on the veranda overlooking the center courtyard. Lunch costs $12 to $28; dinner runs $24 to $36. A permanent restaurant, run by the same owners, is slated to open in late 2009, though at press time details had yet to be released.

At Disney's Hollywood Studios

Some of the most uniquely themed restaurants in all of WDW are set among the movie sets, action-packed shows, and wild rides of Disney's Hollywood studios. That fact, in turn, makes them some of the most difficult to get into. Be sure to make Advance Reservations if you want to eat at any full-service restaurant here. Listed below are the best of the bunch.

Studios Dining Alternative -- If you forgot to make Advance Reservations or couldn't get a table at your chosen restaurant, try the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant's next-door neighbor, the ABC Commissary. While not a themed restaurant per se, it offers one of the most diverse menus in the park, featuring items such as Cuban sandwiches, vegetable noodle stir-fry, tabbouleh wraps, fish and chips, curry chicken, burgers, and more. They offer rather good desserts as well. Most items cost $6 to $9. Plainer than most Disney eateries, it really does resemble a commissary, and TVs lining the walls play commercials for the latest and greatest shows running on Disney-owned ABC.

In the Animal Kingdom

There are few restaurants in the newest of Disney's parks, and most that exist are counter-service or grab-and-go places (of these, the Flame Tree Barbecue is the best).

In the Walt Disney World Resorts

Most restaurants listed in this category continue the Disney trend of being above market price. On the flip side, many offer food and atmospheres that far exceed what you'll find in the theme parks. The quality level means that even those not staying at Disney resorts like to dine at these restaurants, so Advance Reservations are a must if you don't want to miss out on a table.

Places to Dine in Lake Buena Vista

In this section, I've listed restaurants located in Downtown Disney and the Lake Buena Vista area. Downtown Disney is located 2 1/2 miles from Epcot off Buena Vista Drive. It encompasses the Downtown Disney Marketplace, a complex chock-full of cedar-shingled shops and themed restaurants overlooking a scenic lagoon; the adjoining Pleasure Island, a lively nighttime entertainment venue full of clubs and a few restaurants of its own; and Downtown Disney West Side, a slightly more upscale collection of shops, restaurants, Cirque du Soleil, and a multiplex. The restaurants below have kids' menus, usually in the $4 to $9 range, though sometimes higher.

Note: Pleasure Island's restaurants don't require an admission fee.

Coming Attractions -- At press time, Disney was just about to open T-Rex at the Downtown Disney Marketplace. The all new restaurant is similar to the Rainforest Café (which isn't surprising given it's owned and operated by Landry), but with a prehistoric twist. Instead of dense jungles and hanging vines, you'll find a paleontologist's paradise with animatronic dinosaurs.

A Royal Dining Affair -- The Earl of Sandwich (the famous edible was allegedly invented by said earl in 1762 when he was too busy playing cards to eat a real meal -- and found that putting meat between two slices of bread allowed for both) made its debut in Downtown Disney in 2004. The casual eatery offers a great selection of hot and cold sandwiches, including French roasted beef with cheddar and horseradish sauce, turkey with apple bacon and Swiss cheese, and ham with brie and Dijonnaise. Cobb, Chinese chicken, Caesar, and antipasto salads are available as well. There's a small amount of indoor seating though most diners head for the benches outside. If you're looking for a quick, light meal at a decent price (sandwiches and salads run $5-$6), this is the place to head.