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The pros and cons of all Magic Kingdom-area resort restaurants

The pros and cons of all Magic Kingdom-area resort restaurants

Magic Kingdom isn’t known for having a lot of Table Service restaurant options, but the Magic Kingdom-area resort restaurants definitely provide many great choices.

If you’re planning to spend some time at the Magic Kingdom, the convenient transportation options between it and the nearby resort-area restaurants makes dining outside that park a good choice for people looking for some alternative culinary choices or even for those looking to escape the park for a bit (or both).

Here’s a rundown of the pros and cons of all Magic Kingdom-area resort restaurants……

Disney World dining basics

While dining at Disney World isn’t all that different than eating in the “real world,” there are few things to know about in order to make your experience easier.

Disney groups their restaurants into two main categories: Quick Service (which is like fast food) and Table Service (which are places that are a little bit nicer, where the food is brought to you).

Here is what you should know about each:

Quick Service

  • Sometimes referred to as “Counter Service”
  • Many locations offer Mobile Order which allows you to skip the line
  • Advanced Dining Reservations are not required or offered

Table Service

If you would rather stay at Magic Kingdom to dine, check out the pros and cons of all of the Magic Kingdom restaurants.

Contemporary Resort

The Contemporary Resort is a short walk or monorail ride from Magic Kingdom and has a variety of dining locations to choose from. Check out Chef Mickey’s if you’re looking for a fun character meal, or California Grill for great views of Magic Kingdom and the fireworks.

Quick Service

Contempo Cafe

This is along the lines of a grab-and-go spot for those who want a quick breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can find a range of items, like breakfast platters, pastries, cookies, sandwiches, salads, and flatbreads.

contempo cafe contemporary resort

Location type: Grab-and-go
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner
Seating Available: Indoor

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 quick service credit
  • Is Mobile Order available? Yes
  • Pros: Diverse options for a Quick Service – everything from good sandwiches to made-to-order salads and some of the best cupcakes ever, many find the onscreen ordering to be fun, view of the monorail
  • Cons: Can be quite noisy, due in large part to its proximity to Chef Mickey’s

Table Service

Steakhouse 71

Steakhouse 71 replaced The Wave and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s a casual steakhouse with a range of options, including plant-based menu items and an amazing 15-layer chocolate cake representing the floors of Contemporary.

steakhouse 71 contemporary

Location type: Casual dining
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner
Seating Available: Indoor

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 table service credit
  • Pros: Really diverse menu with a focus on local and sustainable items, good service, usually easy to get into
  • Cons: Can be noisy, sometimes service is slow

Chef Mickey’s

Chef Mickey’s offers character dining featuring The Fab Five in chef attire: Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Pluto. Meals here are served buffet-style.

chef mickey's contemporary resort

Location type: Buffet-style character dining
Characters: Mickey Mouse, Minnie, Pluto, Donald, and Goofy
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Breakfast & dinner
Seating Available: Indoor

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 Table Service credit(s)
  • Pros: Family favorite due to the fun vibe (and it’s fun to ride the monorail right into the building), good spot to catch the classic characters together, food has improved with many plant-based options
  • Cons: Reservations are hard to get, can be loud
  • Tips: Only 4 of the characters come to your table; you’ll meet either Chef Mickey or Chef Minnie at the separate PhotoPass meet and greet after you’ve paid

California Grill

California Grill is a popular location for dinner. Not only are the views fantastic of Magic Kingdom, but the food is top-notch. There’s also a special plant-based menu, so be sure to ask for that option if you need it.

california grill contemporary

Location type: Fine/Signature Dining
Type of food: American, Seafood, Sushi
Meals Served: Dinner
Seating Available: Indoor

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 2 Table Service credit(s)
  • Pros: Great service and ambiance, amazing food (especially if you like sushi) with a great view of Magic Kingdom fireworks (if you eat earlier in the day, you can return with your receipt to view fireworks at night from their private balcony area)
  • Cons: Expensive, limited options for kids

Everything Else

Steakhouse 71 Lounge

Steakhouse 71 Lounge is connected to the main restaurant, Steakhouse 71. You can order drinks and food here, including the restaurant’s signature burger and other small bites. You may be able to order off the main menu as well, so be sure to ask.

steakhouse 71 contemporary

Location type: Bar and lounge
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Lunch & dinner
Seating Available: Indoor

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 table service credit
  • Is Mobile Order available? No
  • Pros: Easy spot to grab a drink and appetizer
  • Cons: Can be noisy

California Grill Lounge

If you can’t get a reservation in the main restaurant, the California Grill Lounge is a second great option. Not only can you order off the full menu, but you too will have access to Magic Kingdom fireworks.

california grill contemporary

Location type: Lounge
Type of food: American, Seafood, Sushi
Meals Served: Dinner
Seating Available: Indoor

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 2 table service credits
  • Is Mobile Order available? No
  • Pros: Great service and ambiance, amazing food (especially if you like sushi) with a great view of Magic Kingdom fireworks (if you eat earlier in the day, you can return with your receipt to view fireworks at night from their private balcony area)
  • Cons: Expensive, limited options for kids

Contemporary Grounds

Contemporary Grounds is a coffee stand serving pastries and a range of baked goods. Plus, you can order Joffrey’s, the official coffee of Walt Disney World, here.

contemporary grounds joffrey's

Location type: Grab-and-go
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Breakfast & snacks
Seating Available: Indoor

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? No
  • Is Mobile Order available? No
  • Pros: Great spot to grab a coffee and a pastry
  • Cons: Limited seating

Cove Bar

The Cove Bar is located at Bay Lake Tower and is a private pool bar for guests staying at the hotel or for Disney Vacation Club Members.

cove bar

Location type: Pool Bar
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Lunch, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
Seating Available: Outdoor

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? No
  • Is Mobile Order available? No
  • Pros: Great place to grab a quick bite to eat or a drink, view of the pool or Bay Lake
  • Cons: Limited menu and hours

The Sand Bar

This pool bar offers burgers, hot dogs, snacks, desserts, wine, beer, tropical cocktails, and more. There’s also an enclosed area with air conditioning.

the sand bar contemporary resort

Location type: Pool Bar
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Lunch & dinner
Seating Available: Outdoor

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 quick service credit
  • Is Mobile Order available? No
  • Pros: Great place to grab a quick bite to eat or a drink, view of the pool or Bay Lake
  • Cons: Limited menu and hours

Outer Rim

The Outer Rim is a bar that strictly serves drinks, but it’s a great way to enjoy the evening with some stunning views of Bay Lake.

outer rim contemporary resort

Location type: Bar
Type of food: None
Meals Served: None
Seating Available: Indoor

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? No
  • Is Mobile Order available? No
  • Pros: Comfortable seats with a great view make it a great spot to grab a drink, TVs available for watching sporting events
  • Cons: Only open in the evenings

Fort Wilderness Resort

Fort Wilderness is a boat ride away from Magic Kingdom and is home to Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, a long running dinner show that features dancing, singing, and comedy plus an all-you-care-to-enjoy fried chicken and BBQ dinner.

Quick Service

P & J’s Southern Takeout

This is a grab and go style restaurant with several stations that serve burgers, barbecue, Mickey waffles, fried chicken, salads, and more.

P & J Southern Takeout

Location type: Food Court
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner
Seating Available: Indoor and outdoor

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 quick service credit
  • Is Mobile Order available? Yes
  • Pros: Tasty entrees and family meals available
  • Cons: Limited seating, difficult to get to if you’re not staying at Fort Wilderness

The Chuck Wagon

This is a food truck style location that serves a limited dinner menu out of an RV.

The Chuck Wagon at Fort Wilderness

Location type: Food Truck
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Dinner
Seating Available: Outdoor

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 quick service credit
  • Is Mobile Order available? No
  • Pros: Variety of menu options that appeal to many
  • Cons: No indoor seating, limited operating hours

Table Service

Trail’s End Restaurant

This is an Old West themed quick-service restaurant serving a homestyle breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu.

Trail's End Sign

Location type: Quick Service
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Seating Available: Indoor

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 quick service credit
  • Is Mobile Order available? Yes
  • Pros: One of the most well-liked restaurants for its delicious food, affordable prices and friendly service
  • Cons: Difficult to get to unless you’re staying at Ft. Wilderness

Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue

An all-you-care-to-enjoy dinner and show featuring music and comedy and lots of crowd interaction.

hoop dee doo musical revue

Location type: Dinner Show
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Dinner
Seating Available: Indoor

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 2 table service credit
  • Pros: 1 of the most popular things to do at Disney World, this restaurant combines a funny show with family-style down home food, drinks are unlimited (including beer, wine and sangria for people 21+)
  • Cons: Expensive, usually books up pretty far in advance, somewhat difficult to get to (easiest way is by boat from Magic Kingdom), prices vary by category and time of year

Everything Else

Meadow Snack Bar

Meadow Snack Bar at Fort Wilderness

Location type: Pool Bar
Type of food: A pool bar that serves both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and snacks
Seating Available: Outdoor

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 quick service credit
  • Is Mobile Order available? No
  • Pros: Good spot to grab a quick meal and drink
  • Cons: Limited drink menu

Crockett’s Tavern

Crockett's Tavern at Fort Wilderness

Location type: Outdoor Lounge
Type of food: An outdoor bar that serves both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and snacks
Seating Available: Indoor and outdoor

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 quick service credit
  • Is Mobile Order available? No
  • Pros: Familiar bar food available here like nachos and wings, alcoholic drinks (including Yuengling) are an option, indoor and outdoor seating
  • Cons: Limited menu

Grand Floridian Resort

The Grand Floridian Resort is now accessible from Magic Kingdom in 3 ways: boat, monorail, or walking trail. Head over to the Grand Floridian Café for a low-key meal that is often easy to get into. Or stop at Enchanted Rose for a glass of wine or creative cocktail at this Beauty and the Beast inspired lounge.

Quick Service

Gasparilla Grill

Gasparilla Grill is a food court style restaurant serving burgers, sandwiches, salads, and more.

Gasparilla Grill grand floridian

Location type: Food Court
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, & late night dining
Seating Available: Indoor and outdoor

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 quick service credit
  • Is Mobile Order available? Yes
  • Pros: Affordable options, create-your-own salads available, indoor and outdoor seating (outdoor seating overlooks the marina)
  • Cons: Food is just OK, service can be slow

Table Service

Citricos

This Mary Poppins Returns inspired restaurant allows you to dine underneath the London sky in a fine dining environment.

citricos grand floridian

Location type: Fine/Signature Dining
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Dinner
Seating Available: Indoor

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 2 table service credit
  • Pros: Beautiful restaurant with great food and service, somewhat of a hidden gem so getting reservations here can be easier than other upscale restaurants, upscale (dress code is in place)
  • Cons: Expensive, no view of fireworks

Narcoossee’s

A fine dining experience on the waterfront with panoramic views of the Seven Seas Lagoon and Magic Kingdom.

narcoossee's at grand floridian

Location type: Fine/Signature Dining
Type of food: American, Seafood
Meals Served: Dinner
Seating Available: Indoor

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 2 table service credit
  • Pros: Fantastic seafood and amazing views including being able to see the fireworks from the Magic Kingdom
  • Cons: Expensive, waits can sometimes be long for food

1900 Park Fare

Wish upon a star with favorite Disney characters.

1900 park fare grand floridian

Location type: Character Dining – Buffet
Characters available: Aladdin in his Prince Ali look, Cinderella, Mirabel and Tiana in her new look for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Breakfast & dinner
Seating Available: Indoor

  • Link to breakfast menu coming soon!
  • Link to dinner menu coming soon!
  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 table service credit
  • Pros: Coming soon!
  • Cons: Coming soon!
  • Tip: If you arrive by monorail, it may not be obvious where this restaurant is located. When you exit the monorail, go down to the first floor, and you’ll find the restaurant entrance there.

Grand Floridian Café

grand floridian cafe

Location type: Casual Dining
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner
Seating Available: Indoor

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 table service credit
  • Pros: Great food, often easy to get into
  • Cons: Though relatively affordable compared to other Grand Floridian restaurants, some still find some prices to be a bit high

Victoria & Albert’s

citricos and victoria and albert's grand floridian

Location type: Fine/Signature Dining
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Dinner, Chef’s Table, & Queen Victoria Room
Seating Available: Indoor

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? No
  • Pros: 1 of only 3 AAA Five Diamond-rated restaurants in Florida, 6+ course meal that is skillfully prepared, amazing food
  • Cons: Lengthy meal may be a bit too long for some, very expensive

Everything Else

Garden View Tea Room

the garden view lounge grand floridian

Location type: Tea Room
Type of food: British
Meals Served: Morning or afternoon tea
Seating Available: Indoor

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? No
  • Is Mobile Order available? No
  • Pros: Relaxing, traditional English tea experience that includes tea as well as a selection of sandwiches, fruit and pastries. A special “Mrs. Potts Tea” (chocolate milk) is available for younger guests. If you book your reservation for 3:00 pm or later you’ll be able to relax and enjoy your tea while the listening to the live music from the Grand Floridian lobby.
  • Cons: Fairly expensive for just tea and mini-sandwiches, scones and fruit (costs the same or more than a full meal).

Beaches Pool Bar & Grill

Gasparilla Grill is a food court style restaurant serving burgers, sandwiches, salads, and more.

beaches pool bar and grill grand floridian

Location type: Pool Bar
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Lunch, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
Seating Available: Seating available around the pool

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 quick service credit
  • Is Mobile Order available? No
  • Pros: Interesting food options for a pool bar
  • Cons: Limited menu and hours

Courtyard Pool Bar

courtyard bar grand floridian

Location type: Pool Bar
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Lunch, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
Seating Available: Outdoor

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 quick service credit
  • Is Mobile Order available? No
  • Pros: Interesting food options for a pool bar
  • Cons: Limited menu and hours

Enchanted Rose

enchanted rose grand floridian

Location type: Lounge
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
Seating Available: Indoor and outdoor

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? No
  • Is Mobile Order available? No
  • Pros: Unique themed drinks (plus champagne, ports, cognacs), appetizers available, Beauty and the Beast theming
  • Cons: Disney Dining Plan not accepted, only open in evenings, pricey

Citricos Lounge

citricos lounge grand floridian

Location type: Lounge
Type of food: American, Mediterranean
Meals Served: Dinner
Seating Available: Indoor

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 2 table service credits
  • Is Mobile Order available? No
  • Pros: Some of the great food and drinks that are served in the Citricos’ restaurant, but usually without the waits or need for a reservation
  • Cons: Limited seating

Polynesian Village Resort

The Polynesian Village Resort is a lovely resort to visit during a Magic Kingdom break and is home to several fan favorite dining locations, including all-you-care-to-enjoy breakfast and dinner at ‘Ohana and Trader Sam’s – a fantastically themed tiki bar.

Quick Service

Capt. Cook’s

Capt. Cook’s is Polynesian’s main Quick Service location, where you can order a variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner items, including Tonga Toast, Pan-Asian Noodles and Vegetables, and Thai Coconut Meatballs.

capt. cooks polynesian

Location type: Grab-and-go
Type of food: American, Seafood
Meals Served: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner
Seating Available: Indoor and outdoor

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 quick service credit
  • Is Mobile Order available? Yes
  • Pros: Easy and quick way to grab favorite breakfast items like Mickey waffles and Tonga Toast, solid lunch and dinner choices (the homemade chips, Pulled Pork Nachos, ad Aloha pork sandwich are particular favorites) lots of seating
  • Cons: Can get quite busy during peak times

Kona Island

Kona Island is a Quick Service spot where you can buy coffee and pastries in the morning and grab-and-go sushi later in the day. There’s also a variety of desserts.

kona island polynesian

Location type: Grab-and-go
Type of food: American, Sushi
Meals Served: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner
Seating Available: Indoor

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 quick service credit
  • Is Mobile Order available? No
  • Pros: Easy and quick option, especially for guests staying at the Polynesian
  • Cons: Limited menu, not much seating

Oasis Bar & Grill

Oasis Bar & Grill is the Quick Service dining spot at the Oasis Pool. While you can order meals here, there is also a full bar with tropical cocktails and Hawaiian beer.

oasis bar and grill polynesian

Location type: Pool Bar
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Lunch & dinner
Seating Available: Outdoor

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 quick service credit
  • Is Mobile Order available? No
  • Pros: Several unique salads and fish options are available for lunch or you can grab some standard bar food or a specialty cocktail or Hawaiian beer while enjoying the pool
  • Cons: Limited menu, not much seating

Table Service

‘Ohana

‘Ohana is a popular Table Service location that serves breakfast and dinner, with the former featuring beloved characters. The family-style food is also usually a hit here, especially the noodles and bread pudding.

ohana polynesian

Location type: Family-style, Character dining
Type of food: American, Polynesian
Meals Served: Breakfast & dinner
Seating Available: Indoor

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 Table Service credit(s)
  • Pros: Food options to please most anybody (all-you-can-eat American breakfast, lots of meat options for dinner plus the much-beloved bread pudding for dessert, and plant-based choices), characters appear (Lilo, Stitch, Mickey, and others), kids are included in activities during the meal
  • Cons: Popular spot so reservations are hard to get, check in can take a long time so maybe even consider arriving early for your reservation
  • Tips: Book ASAP if you are interested in eating here; breakfast hours extend until 12:00 pm which makes it a great place to grab a late breakfast

Kona Cafe

Kona Cafe is a great Table Service restaurant to grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They’re best known for breakfast, especially the famous Tonga Toast and Kona coffee. We’re also fans of the Macadamia Nut Pancakes.

kona cafe polynesian

Location type: Casual dining
Type of food: American, Seafood
Meals Served: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner
Seating Available: Indoor

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 table service credit
  • Is Mobile Order available? Yes
  • Pros: Good food all around (try the Tonga Toast and Kona coffee for breakfast)
  • Cons: Used to be a hidden gem but now books up much further in advance. Can’t get in? Try pastries, coffee, and sushi at the nearby Kona Island

Everything Else

Barefoot Pool Bar

The Barefoot Pool Bar is located at the Lava Pool. You can find drinks, snacks, and entrees (perfect for if you’re hanging by the pool), including cocktails with Dole Whip.

barefoot pool bar polynesian

Location type: Pool Bar
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Snacks, lunch, & dinner
Seating Available: Seating available around the pool

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? No
  • Is Mobile Order available? No
  • Pros: Great place to grab a specialty drink and Dole Whip
  • Cons: Limited seating

Pineapple Lanai

Pineapple Lanai is a small outdoor stand, where you can order a variety of Dole Whip flavors.

Pineapple Lanai at Disney's Polynesian

Location type: Counter service
Type of food: American
Seating Available: Outdoor

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, snack credits
  • Is Mobile Order available? No
  • Pros: Dole Whip treats (much quicker spot to get Dole Whips than Magic Kingdom location), good use of snack credits, nice outdoor seating area
  • Cons: No longer self serve

Tambu Lounge

Tambu Lounge is an indoor bar and lounge next to ‘Ohana. You can either sit at the bar or tables for drinks and small bites or take drinks to go. You can also order select menu items from the ‘Ohana dinner menu.

tambu lounge polynesian

Location type: Lounge
Type of food: American, Polynesian
Meals Served: Small plates and drinks
Seating Available: Indoor

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? No
  • Is Mobile Order available? No
  • Pros: Nice spot to grab an appetizer, ‘Ohana bread pudding and noodles (not on menu, but you can can still order), or a specialty drink (including a Lapu Lapu, the popular drink that served in a pineapple), good atmosphere
  • Cons: Only open in the evening, expensive drinks

Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace

Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace is an outdoor bar that serves the same cocktails as Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, and indoor themed-bar experience.

trader sam's tiki terrace polynesian

Location type: Lounge
Type of food: American, Polynesian
Meals Served: Small plates and drinks
Seating Available: Outdoor

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? No
  • Is Mobile Order available? No
  • Pros: Same delicious drinks offered inside at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, lovely seating area with view of the Polynesian pool and Magic Kingdom
  • Cons: The fun antics that occur inside at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto are missing at the outdoor Tiki Terrace

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto

A themed-bar experience that has all kinds of fun antics that are not to be missed. The cocktails and souvenir cups are great too. This is a very popular spot. Reservations are not accepted and guests are welcomed on a first-come, first-served basis.

trader sam's grog grotto polynesian

Location type: Lounge, Unique/Themed dining
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Small plates and drinks
Seating Available: Indoor

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? No
  • Is Mobile Order available? No
  • Pros: Super fun environment, delicious drinks (including great souvenir cups!) and food
  • Cons: Very limited indoor seating, Disney Dining Plan credits not accepted, often very long waits to get in

Wilderness Lodge

Wilderness Lodge is home to one of our favorite quick service locations – Geyser Point Bar and Grill. Here you can enjoy a beverage and a quick meal while enjoying the peaceful views of Bay Lake. Have a Snow White or 7 Dwarfs fan? Try Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White for a fun and delicious character meal.

Quick Service

Roaring Fork

This is a food court-style restaurant with several stations that serve burgers, salads, sandwiches, barbecue, and more.

roaring fork

Location type: Food Court
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, & late night dining
Seating Available: Indoor

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 quick service credit
  • Is Mobile Order available? Yes
  • Pros: Usually good service, often have interesting seasonal cupcake options
  • Cons: Mediocre food, small and can be very busy/crowded during peak meal times

Geyser Point Bar & Grill

This is an outdoor bar and grill with beautiful views of Bay Lake.

geyser point

Location type: Quick service dining and lounge
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Lunch & dinner
Seating Available: Indoor

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 quick service credit
  • Is Mobile Order available? Yes
  • Pros: Lovely covered outdoor seating (with heaters and retractable walls for cooler months), home-made chips and many unique food options that should appeal to a wide range of tastes
  • Cons: Out of the way for a Quick Service meal (unless you are staying at the Wilderness Lodge)

Table Service

Whispering Canyon Cafe

This is a table service restaurant featuring fun shenanigans and western fare and is located in the lobby of Wilderness Lodge.

whispering canyon

Location type: Themed Dining
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner
Seating Available: Indoor

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 table service credit
  • Pros: Family-pleasing food (skillets/platters) and a fun atmosphere that includes “pony” races
  • Cons: Noisy, little bit pricey, and while the servers here used to be known for their shenanigans, those have been scaled back (which takes away some from the fun)

Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White

Enjoy a prix fixe menu in an enchanted forest, with visits from Snow White, dwarfs, and the opportunity to meet the (Evil) Queen.

dopey at artist point

Location type: Table Service character meal
Characters (can vary): Snow White, Evil Queen, Dopey, and Grumpy
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Dinner
Seating Available: Indoor

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 2 table service credits
  • Pros: Opportunity to meet Snow White and the Evil Queen, fun themed menu
  • Cons: Can be a little bit of a hassle to get there if you aren’t staying at Wilderness Lodge or have plans to be at Magic Kingdom that day; food quality has decreased greatly since first opening
  • Tip: The specialty mocktails and cocktails here are fun and very well themed

Everything Else

Territory Lounge

The Outer Rim is a bar that strictly serves drinks, but it’s a great way to enjoy the evening with some stunning views of Bay Lake.

territory lounge

Location type: Lounge
Type of food: A lounge that serves both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as light snacks
Meals Served: Snacks
Seating Available: Indoor

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? No
  • Is Mobile Order available? No
  • Pros: Fantastic place to grab a drink and appetizer, great ambiance
  • Cons: Can be noisy, Disney Dining Plan credits not accepted

Getting to your reservation at one of the Magic Kingdom-area resort restaurants

All of the Magic Kingdom-area resorts offer monorail and/or boat service between the park and the resort. To figure out which you’ll need to use check out the WDW Prep School Navigator.

Other reasons to dine outside of Magic Kingdom

Not only can it make sense to dine outside of Magic Kingdom because you want to try something new, some people like to plan a relaxing meal during the nighttime fireworks show. While the best view is going to be within the park, viewing it from one of the nearby restaurants can be a romantic way to end an evening or a nice alternative for anybody that doesn’t like loud noises or the thick crowds the fireworks draw.

The holidays at Disney World are another time when venturing out of Magic Kingdom for a meal might make sense. During the holiday season, all of the resorts will be decked out in their finest with lots of seasonal decorations to explore.  If you are visiting during the holiday season, it is well worth it to set aside a couple hours to check out what they have to offer.


Are you planning to eat at any of these restaurants? We’d love to hear your thoughts on the Magic Kingdom-area resort restaurants in the comments.

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Have our guide delivered right to your inbox with our 6-step Disney World planning process to make it less overwhelming. Snag our free guide ➡️

Take our course

Check out our course that will help you learn all about Walt Disney World planning with dozens of videos and downloadables for each step along the way. Get access now ➡️

Our recommend travel agency

We partner with Small World Vacations, Diamond Level Authorized Disney Vacations Planners in business since 1996. Get a quote now ➡️

Want to stay deluxe on a moderate budget?

It’s 1 of our top fave ways to save! By renting DVC points, you can stay in deluxe accommodations for a fraction of the price. Check availability ➡️

Private car service

Quicksilver Tours will transport you in style. They assist with luggage at the airport, provide car seats, and include a free grocery stop. Book your car ➡️

Need a stroller, wheelchair, or scooter?

Buena Vista Scooters is a company with a great reputation who offers in-person resort drop off and pick up of strollers, scooters, and wheelchairs. Book your rental ➡️

Amazon recommendations

Check out our Amazon shop with trip essentials we love. Start shopping ➡️

WDW Prep merch

Get WDW Prep merch to show off your Disney knowledge (especially fun for spotting others during your trip!). Check out the WDW Prep merch shop ➡️

Felicia Goodwin