Neighborhoods

In Epcot

The world is at your feet at Epcot, quite literally, in fact. In addition to the eateries 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 $10 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.

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. Remember - Magic Kingdom restaurants don't serve alcohol.

At Disney-MGM 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-MGM 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.

Disney-MGM 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 or $7. 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). Nevertheless there are two notable enough to list. Note: At press time, a new themed restaurant, reportedly including both a sit-down and counter-service area, was set to open in the summer of 2007 near Expedition Everest. Details have yet to be released (other than it will be owned and operated by Landry -- the same company that owns and operates the Rainforest Cafe), though it's rumored that Ying & Yak will be its name.

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. These restaurants have kids' menus, usually in the $4 to $9 range, though sometimes higher.

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

A Reason to Celebrate

An eclectic array of upscale eateries lines the streets along Market Square in the Disney-built town of Celebration (www.celebrationfl.com). From the Market Street Café (tel. 407/566-1144), an updated '50s-style diner, to the refined surroundings of The Plantation Room (tel. 407/566-6000; www.celebrationhotel.com; located within the Celebration Hotel), those in search of stylish surroundings and creative cuisine won't be disappointed. An ornate old-world Spanish decor and Cuban-influenced cuisine are the signature of the Colombia Restaurant (tel. 407/566-1505; www.columbiarestaurant.com), while Café D'Antonio (tel. 407/566-2233; www.antoniosonline.com) serves up tasty Italian cuisine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The Seito Japanese Restaurant (tel. 407/566-1899; www.seitosushi.com) is known for its fresh sushi, fusion-style cuisine, and stylish atmosphere. And finally, The Celebration Town Tavern (tel. 407/566-2526; www.thecelebrationtowntavern.com) is a more casual alternative that sports a nautical theme and fresh seafood.