Can't Miss Dining Experiences at Walt Disney World

When planning a trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, food is often the last thing a parent thinks about. And that can be a huge mistake. First of all, during peak months, the sit-down restaurants with the best meals often boast 2+ hour wait times for those who don't have a reservation. Secondly, you'll get tired of pizza and hot dogs pretty quickly if you're there for more than a few days, as will your family.

Thankfully, Disney offers an outstanding dining plan that gives you access to some incredible dining experiences.  I can't emphasize enough how important it is to book your sit down meals early. Here's the methodology I have found is most effective when planning my family's Disney vacation:

• Include the Deluxe Dining plan in your vacation package. (Stay on-site!)
• Determine which parks will offer Magic Hours times before booking your meals.
• Reserve your meals around the park Magic Hours to maximize your in-park time.
• If planning to eat dinner in Cinderella's or Belle's castle, book the very first day it is available as it is sure to be full within a few days. (Reservations open 6 months out.)

So, where are the places you absolutely must eat? After several visits, here are my family's favorites and why, as well as a few tips about how to make the most of your Disney dining experience:

1. Cinderella's Royal Table inside Cinderella's Castle in The Magic Kingdom. This will cost you two meals per person, but includes a family photo package with Cinderella before your meal and, if you happen to be lucky enough to book about 90 minutes before the evening fireworks show, is the best place to be during the show IF you can get a window table. At least four of Disney's most popular princesses will visit your table, so don't forget the camera and autograph book. TIP: If you're travelling with your own little princess (10 and under), be sure and book a visit with the fairy godmother's Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in the castle about 2-3 hours before your meal. (The full package will include her favorite princess dress, shoes, wand, tiara, make-up and hair.) Best for families with young children or girls' trips.
2. Breakfast at O'Hana's at the Polynesian Resort. Book this before heading to the Magic Kingdom. Hawaiian-style family portraits are taken while you wait to be seated. The protein-heavy family-style breakfast is cooked over an open flame and your table will be visited by Lilo & Stitch and several classic Disney characters. TIP:  If you're not staying at the Polynesian, hop the monorail to get there and arrive at least 15 minutes early. All ages, especially men and teen-aged boys, will enjoy the endless mounds of breakfast meats.
3. Yak & Yeti in Animal Kingdom. Best suited for families with school-aged or older kids, this restaurant features incredible Asian décor and even better food. No characters, but even your fussier eaters will find something to dazzle their taste buds here. The interior is nice and cool - a great place to wind down the day at Animal Kingdom. TIP: If you happen to be a Landry's club member, bring your card.
4. 50's Prime Time Café in Disney's Hollywood Studios. Book your dinner here about 2 hours before heading off to Fantasmic - it's right down the road. As soon as you walk in, you'll expect Lucy and Ricky to appear at any moment. Classic, home-style American food has never been as much fun, but be sure and keep your elbows off the table or "mom" might come around and correct you! Fun for all ages, but be prepared for a long wait. TIP: Due to the extensive waiting list, you MUST show up 15 minutes before your reserved time to guarantee your table. Try the apple pie a la mode. And yes, the meatloaf is amazing.
5. Be Our Guest Restaurant in Magic Kingdom. The food is good, but the atmosphere is a sight to be seen. Be sure and spend a little time exploring - you won't want to miss the snowy window or the beast's room complete with torn artwork and magical rose. TIP: Use your fast pass to visit during lunch and avoid long lines if you're not able to book a sit-down dinner.
6. Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater in Disney Hollywood Studios. Reserve your lunch and head in here after visiting the back-lot tour to cool down and enjoy some classic film clips from inside your own 50's era "cars." The menu includes excellent sandwiches, burgers and shakes, just like a classic car hop. Reservations recommended with 2+ hour wait times otherwise.
7. Hollywood & Vine in Disney Hollywood Studios. Book an early breakfast here on an extra magic hours morning and enjoy a fun buffet featuring classic American waffle-house favorites in a 40's style soda shop atmosphere. TIP: Bring your camera and autograph books as the restaurant often breaks into dance and parade lines with the characters from the latest Disney Jr. shows. Since it's situated right in the main entry to DHS, it's the perfect place to start your day. Reservation recommended since wait times can exceed 2 hours.
8. Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot World Showcase. Book your lunch here and enjoy a surprisingly calm and easy-to-access Princess dining experience. The buffet features both exotic and "normal" meals and you'll get a complimentary family picture with Snow White or Aurora as well. TIP: there are multiple buffet lines - be sure and figure out which one includes foods your picky child will actually eat.
9. Coral Reef Restaurant in Epcot's Living Seas area. Dine with Nemo and his friends as well as the creatures from Disney's massive Living Seas exhibit. The seafood is excellent and the menu includes foods younger picky eaters will enjoy. TIP: Stop by the huge Nemo sculpture outside to take some fun family photos before arriving to your reservation 10-15 minutes early. Perfect for dinner at Epcot and a nice, cool rest before catching the fireworks display.
10. The Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom. A massive buffet featuring dinner-quality entrees and huge dessert bar make this a must-stop for lunch during your WDW vacation. Winnie the Pooh characters circulate throughout the restaurant and your waiter will ensure you get a visit from each. Check out the amazing floral sculptures as you enter. TIP: Just outside the restaurant you'll find WDW photographers ready to take a family picture from the perfect view of Cinderella's castle. Be sure and make a reservation and arrive early or you may not get in. If you've got a Pooh fan in your group, book an extra visit for breakfast or dinner.
11. Yachtsman Steakhouse near The Yacht Club Resort. This five-star restaurant will cost you two meals per person and isn't well-suited to younger children. However, if most of your crew is 9+, this "dress up" restaurant offers amazing food and a lovely New England feel right on the water. TIP: Take a boat or ferry across the lake to arrive for your meal and get in the mood. (Check ahead for dress code.) Also perfect for mom & dad date time if you go with an in-room sitter for the evening.
12. Tusker House Restaurant in Animal Kingdom. Plan your lunch here and enjoy one of the most varied and tasteful buffets at Disney World. Lots of classic Disney and Lion King characters roam the dining area, so bring along that camera and autograph book.

Don't fret if you can't fit all of these places into your Disney World trip or some are already booked up. There really is no bad dining experience in Disney World. These just happen to be the twelve places we never miss when heading to Orlando.

One last tip: if you're sodium sensitive, let your wait staff know. Otherwise, bring clothes in the next size because the Disney chefs often aren't stingy with the salt.