Skip to Content

Best Themed Restaurants at Disney World

Best Themed Restaurants at Disney World

In this post, we’re going to highlight the best themed restaurants at Walt Disney World, including what makes them special, the average cost, whether or not they are kid-friendly, and of course, what you can expect to find on the menus.

Let’s get into it!

Disney World Themed Restaurants

Disney World is good at a lot of things: coming up with excellent Mickey-shaped treats, creating attractions we want to ride more than once every trip, making us crave ice cream every time we walk past The Plaza on Main Street in Magic Kingdom. But what connects all of these parts of the experience is the theming, and that really shines through when it comes to Disney dining.

At just about every restaurant on property, you’ll find some kind of theme or storyline — these aren’t your neighborhood chain restaurants.

But certain spots really go all in on it, whether the atmosphere makes you feel like you’re eating in a 1950s kitchen or like you were invited to breakfast by an actual princess. These experiences can end up being among the most memorable of your trip… and the food isn’t bad, either.

Magic Kingdom Themed Restaurants

Cinderella’s Royal Table

cinderella at cinderella's royal table

Location type: Character Dining
Characters (can vary, but typically includes a combination of several of these): Ariel, Cinderella, Aurora, Snow White, Jasmine and sometimes Merida
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 2 table service credits
  • Pros: The experience, view, and characters (which include Ariel, Aurora, Cinderella, Snow White, and Jasmine), are all good. Food has improved over the years.
  • Cons: Expensive, waits can be long to get in even with a reservation.

  • Theming: Cinderella’s Royal Table will make you feel like you’re dining inside of Cinderella’s castle… because you are. The inside is decorated just as you’d imagine a castle dining room would be (complete with stained-glass windows that show off some truly beautiful views of Fantasyland below), and you’ll be greeted by Disney princesses while you dine — yes, this is a character meal, which contributes to the hefty price.
  • What’s on the menu? The menu here is prix fixe, so you’re getting a lot of food. At breakfast, this means everyone in your party will share a pastry plate and entrée, and at dinner, each person can choose an appetizer, entrée, and dessert. The choices here are a bit elevated over other dining locations, but there’s still something for everyone.
  • Is it kid-friendly? Disney princess fans of all ages will love this dining experience, especially if you’re hoping to knock out meeting several princesses in one experience without waiting in multiple lines throughout your trip. The kids’ menu offers crowd pleasing dishes like Mickey waffles at breakfast and chicken strips at dinner with customizable side dishes, so your bases will likely be covered.

Be Our Guest

Be Our Guest

Location type: Table Service
Character: The Beast
Type of food: American/French
Meals Served: Lunch and Dinner

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 2 table service credits
  • Pros: The only way to go inside The Beast’s castle and to see The Beast in person (he only walks through the dining room; not a meet and greet)
  • Cons: Expensive, service and food can be inconsistent, waits can be long, one of the hardest dining reservations to get at Disney World
  • Tips: The Be Our Guest lunch and dinner menus are a fixed price format that includes an appetizer, main entrée, and dessert. Even though it is a Signature Table Service meal (meaning it is more expensive) it is still one of the toughest reservations to snag. Check out our tips for getting reservations for help.

  • Theming: When you step inside Be Our Guest, you’ll find yourself in Beast’s castle from Beauty & the Beast. It’s impressively close to the real thing, and no matter where you’re seated, you’ll be able to explore the different rooms of the restaurant, from the ballroom to the west wing (complete with enchanted rose). At some point during your meal, the Beast will walk through the dining rooms to greet his guests, though you won’t be able to take photos with him.
  • What’s on the menu? The menu is themed to the movie’s French setting, with items like French onion soup, escargot, and Roasted Poulet Rouge Chicken. Dining here is prix fixe, so each guest can choose an appetizer, entrée, and dessert.
  • Is it kid-friendly? Kids who love Beauty & the Beast will probably think it’s cool just being inside the Beast’s castle. The kids’ menu is pretty basic and should appeal to all types of eaters.

Hollywood Studios Themed Restaurants

50’s Prime Time Café

'50s Prime Time Cafe

Location type: Table Service
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Lunch and dinner

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 table service credit
  • Pros: The restaurant is themed like you’re kids eating at your parents’ house in the 50’s, and the Cast Members will act like your family members, whether that means they’re snarky or sweet, the menu includes yummy comfort food and milkshakes
  • Cons: Some people may be turned off by the Cast Members’ acting if they’re hoping for a more traditional dining experience

  • Theming: When you’re eating at ’50s Prime Time Café, you’re stepping into a 1950s sitcom where you’re allowed to watch TV while you eat, and your servers are members of your family who invited you over for dinner. From the moment you walk in, the experience is immersive, and you’ll be reminded (sometimes, not so kindly) to clean your plate.
  • What’s on the menu? The menu is made up of comfort foods that you’d expect relatives to make when the family gets together — items like pot roast, fried chicken, and meatloaf are all up for grabs. The milkshakes here are also known for being consistently yummy.
  • Is it kid-friendly? While the environment will certainly be entertaining for kids, the kids’ menu may not please everyone. It does offer a few options, though, including salmon, grilled chicken, a sloppy joe, and chicken strips.

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant

sci-fi dine-in theater hollywood studios

Location type: Casual Dining
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Lunch and dinner

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 table service credit
  • Pros: Fun atmosphere where most people are seated in cars facing a screen that’s playing old movies, often easy to get a reservation, ribs and milkshakes are delicious (and shakes are a drink on the Disney Dining Plan!)
  • Cons: Food and service can be inconsistent, odd table configurations can be tricky for some families
  • Theming: No matter what time of day it is, when you walk into Sci-Fi Dine-In, it’s nighttime at the drive-in movies. Guests dine in booths made to look like vintage cars, while black and white sci-fi clips play on the big screen. Look up, and you’ll even see stars in the night sky.
  • What’s on the menu? Basic American fare is found here, including a few different burgers, pastas, and salads. It’s not a super varied menu, but most diners are coming here for the atmosphere, which is very often worth it.
  • Is it kid-friendly? This is going to be a fun experience for kids (and adults) of all ages, whether they actually know what a drive-in theater is or not! Many of the tried and true favorites for kids are on the menu, including chicken bites, macaroni and cheese, and a cheeseburger, and they can even choose an ice cream sundae as one of their side dishes.

Roundup Rodeo BBQ

Roundup Rodeo BBQ is a Table Service restaurant that serves lunch and dinner family-style. The location is themed after Toy Story, but is not character dining.

roundup rodeo bbq in toy story land at hollywood studios

Location type: Table Service
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Lunch and dinner
Seating Available: Indoor

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 Table Service credit(s)
  • Discounts available? Yes, both Annual Passholder and Disney Vacation Club members
  • Pros: Fun Toy Story theming, with great BBQ-inspired food for everyone, including vegans and vegetarians
  • Cons: Can get very busy
  • Tips: Roundup Rodeo BBQ is so popular, reservations are extremely hard to get. Be sure to book 60 days in advance.
  • Theming: Roundup Rodeo BBQ is a Toy Story-themed restaurant with a rowdy atmosphere. You’ll be surrounded by oversized toys (including some familiar faces), and a few fun moments will take place while you’re here… including a moment when everyone has to go totally still because Andy’s coming.
  • What’s on the menu? The meal is served family style, and it’s a lot of food — biscuits, salads, multiple BBQ meats (or a plant-based platter), several side dishes, and everyone gets to choose a dessert at the end of the meal. It’s a good idea to come hungry!
  • Is it kid-friendly? Toy Story fans will get a kick out of the decor and the way that this restaurant brings the movie franchise to life. Kids eat from the same platters that are served to the adults, and there are several different options that may be more kid-friendly than others, including the sides like Potato Barrels (otherwise known as tater tots) and mac and cheese.

Oga’s Cantina

oga's cantina hollywood studios

Location type: Lounge
Type of food: Bar snacks
Meals Served: Drinks and bar snacks only

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? No
  • Is Mobile Order available? No
  • Pros: Well themed immersive Star Wars cantina experience, cocktails are tasty, fun atmosphere with DJ Rex
  • Cons: Very limited menu items (all the cocktails are pre-mixed), only 1 or 2 food items available, few tables (mostly standing) and are often placed at tables with other guests, not a great atmosphere for children

  • Theming: Oga’s Cantina is a lounge, so you won’t be able to eat a meal here — but as one of the most immersive and well themed dining venues at the Disney parks, it’s worth including here. It’s made to give fans a realistic experience of visiting a cantina in the Star Wars universe, complete with an animatronic droid DJ who spins the hits while you grab a drink.
  • What’s on the menu? The menu is largely alcoholic drinks, and very unique ones at that. Try the Bespin Fizz if you want to experience a drink making your mouth numb! There are only two food items on the menu: Batuu Bits (a themed snack mix) and the Happabore Sampler (charcuterie board).
  • Is it kid-friendly? Kids are welcome even though this is a bar — just keep in mind that you may not have much room to move around or sit, since it does get crowded in here. There are a few unique, non-alcoholic drinks on the menu for the little ones to enjoy, and Star Wars fans will love getting to see DJ Rex in action.

Epcot Themed Restaurants

Biergarten

Biergarten entrance

Location type: Table Service
Type of food: German
Meals Served: Lunch and dinner

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 table service credit
  • Pros: Buffet offers plenty of unique, German-style options, along with live polka music
  • Cons: It can get a bit loud in here while the band is performing

  • Theming: Biergarten is basically like being able to celebrate Oktoberfest any day of the year. Alongside a buffet of many of the foods you’d find at the festival, you’ll also get the chance to hear a live polka band and feel like you’re partying in a Bavarian village at night.
  • What’s on the menu? The food here is served on a buffet and includes typical German fare — schnitzel, sausages, nudel gratin, and more. And since you’re at Oktoberfest, of course there’s a healthy variety of German beer and wine.
  • Is it kid-friendly? The atmosphere is a lot of fun, and the food should be acceptable by even the pickiest eater’s terms. The buffet offers familiar foods including rotisserie chicken and potatoes (along with some fun desserts).

Garden Grill

farmer mickey at garden grill in epcot

Location type: Family-style character dining
Characters available: Pluto, Mickey Mouse, Chip, and Dale (dressed as farmers)
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Seating Available: Indoor

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 Table Service credit(s)
  • Pros: Meals are served family-style, which may be easier for families when compared to a buffet. The restaurant rotates, offering cool views of Living with the Land. You can meet Chip, Dale, Pluto, and Mickey, who wears farmer overalls. Good use of a Table Service credit when using the Disney Dining Plan.
  • Cons: While the rotation of the restaurant is super slow, it may bother some guests.
  • Tips: It is often possible to get a reservation here when many others aren’t available. Garden Grill is often included as an option for dining packages like those for the Candlelight Processional.

  • Theming: Garden Grill is a rotating restaurant and a character meal all at once. As you (very slowly) rotate over the course of your meal, you’ll get to see scenes from the inside of Living With the Land, chow down on produce grown on the ride, and hang out with Chip, Dale, and friends in the process.
  • What’s on the menu? The meal here is served family style, and diners can choose from the regular Harvest Feast or the plant-based version. At breakfast, that means favorites like bacon, potatoes, and even steak. Lunch and dinner’s offerings include rotisserie turkey and plenty of veggies.
  • Is it kid-friendly? Children who love character meals will love Garden Grill, and the menu should be good with picky eaters as well. At breakfast, there are basics like Mickey-shaped waffles and scrambled eggs; lunch and dinner include items like macaroni and cheese and mashed potatoes.

Space 220 & Space 220 Lounge

space 220 restaurant sign epcot

Location type: Table Service
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Lunch and dinner

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? No
  • Pros: Highly immersive space theming, unique food and cocktail options on the menu
  • Cons: Expensive prix fixe menu in the restaurant (although you can order a la carte in the lounge), reservations are in very high demand so it can be hard to snag one

  • Theming: When you’re eating at Space 220, you’re actually eating on a space station — lucky you! In order to get to the dining area, you’ll take an elevator 220 miles into space, and once there, you’ll be able to see some sweet views of earth from the windows while you dine.
  • What’s on the menu? A prix-fixe menu is served here, which will get you an appetizer and entrée at the slightly cheaper lunch and an appetizer, entrée, and dessert at dinner. The food is a bit more upscale than what you would find at other Disney dining locations, with menu items like filet mignon and short rib as entrées.
  • Is it kid-friendly? This is a great choice for little space enthusiasts in your group, if a bit pricey. The menu includes chicken tenders, macaroni and cheese, and spaghetti (among other choices), but is a rather pricey meal if you’re not enthusiastic about the experience.

San Angel Inn Restaurante

san angel inn restaurante - epcot mexico pavilion

Location type: Table Service
Type of food: Mexican
Meals Served: Lunch and dinner

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 table service credit
  • Pros: Authentic Mexican food, strong margaritas and great ambiance
  • Cons: Food quality can be inconsistent

  • Theming: The vibes of San Angel Inn are always romantic, like you’re eating at night no matter what time of day it is! While dining at “a 17th-century hacienda at the base of Mayan ruins,” you’ll get to watch boats float by filled with guests who are currently riding Gran Fiesta Tour.
  • What’s on the menu? If you like Mexican food, you’ll like this restaurant. Appetizers include standards like chips and guacamole and tortilla soup, and the entrées cover all the bases, from tacos to enchiladas.
  • Is it kid-friendly? The atmosphere is really cool for kids, especially if you luck out with a table right by the water. The kids’ menu offers both basic Mexican dishes like cheese quesadillas and beef tacos alongside mac and cheese and chicken tenders.

Resort Themed Restaurants

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

  • Location: Contemporary Resort
  • Theming: At this fun character buffet, you’re dining with Mickey and his pals in some of their cutest outfits yet. Here, they’re all working in the kitchen to prepare your meal, but they have plenty of time to stop for photos or autographs at your table.
  • What’s on the menu? The buffet here is rather basic — you’re here for the character greetings above all else. Still, the food is typically very solid. At breakfast, you’ll find waffles, french toast, pancakes, bacon, scrambled eggs, and more, and dinner offerings include roasted turkey and New York strip loin alongside
  • Is it kid-friendly? Chef Mickey’s is just about as kid-friendly as it gets, and there are special portions of the buffet at each meal geared specifically towards kids.

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

  • Location: Ft. Wilderness
  • Theming: Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue is a full-blown dinner show packed with musical numbers and slapstick comedy that will have you feel like you’re dining in the wild west (but this is much more fun).
  • What’s on the menu? Dinner is served family style and covers all the barbecue basics, like cornbread, mac and cheese, fried chicken, and smoked pork. Alcoholic beverages like beer and wine are also included in the cost of your meal.
  • Is it kid-friendly? For kids who enjoy barbecue and a loud, boisterous show that they feel like they’re a part of, this is a great evening activity. It may be too loud for some little ones, especially if they find live shows overwhelming.

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto and Tiki Bar

Trader Sams

Location type: Lounge
Type of food: Polynesian
Meals Served: Appetizers only
Seating Available: Indoor

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? No
  • Pros: Immersive and lively atmosphere with unique cocktails
  • Cons: Long wait times and limited seating, drinks are expensive

  • Location: Polynesian
  • Theming: Trader Sam’s might just be the most magical tiki bar you’ve ever visited. Located on the lower level of the Polynesian’s main building, the low-key entry gives you the feeling you’re discovering a speakeasy as you enter into a lounge where many of the drinks come with special effects you’ll see, hear, and even feel all around you when ordering.
  • What’s on the menu? Since this is, first and foremost, a bar, the menu largely consists of alcoholic drinks, so don’t plan on eating a filling dinner here. However, there is a small appetizer-style menu that can definitely serve as a snack (or a meal if ordering more than one). The Asian-inspired dishes include sushi rolls, dumplings, and pork tacos.
  • Is it kid-friendly? The atmosphere of Trader Sam’s is really fun, and kids are welcome into the lounge before 8 p.m. After that time, only those 21 and above are allowed to enter. The menu does include a few mocktails.

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
  • Location: Wilderness Lodge
  • Theming: Themed after the enchanted forest in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Story Book Dining really is a magical restaurant (albeit a pricey one). Everything is heavily themed to the movie, including the food and drinks, and it’s more than a character meal — it really is an experience.
  • What’s on the menu? Your prix fixe meal comes with shared appetizers, your choice of entrée, and shared desserts (with alcoholic beverages available for an additional fee). Among the entrée options are prime rib, fish, a plant-based chicken dish, and more.
  • Is it kid-friendly? Snow White fans will love dining here (unless, of course, they’re afraid of the Evil Queen, in which case, you might want to pass). The kids’ menu isn’t super friendly to picky eaters, though — kids can choose between grilled fish, grilled chicken, or prime rib, with side dish options including potatoes, mac and cheese, and carrots.

More Themed Dining Options

Although the spots listed above are our top picks, there are plenty of other restaurants with the over-the-top theming that you might enjoy:

  • Akershus: Located just outside of Frozen Ever After at Epcot, this character dining experience features Disney princesses and food inspired by Norway.
  • Jungle Skipper Canteen: Serving as the headquarters of the skippers who act as your tour guide on Jungle Cruise, this Magic Kingdom restaurant is full of Easter eggs for fans of the ride.
  • Rainforest Café: With locations in both Animal Kingdom and Disney Springs, Rainforest Café is like dining in the actual rainforest, complete with animal animatronics.
  • T-REX Restaurant: Basically the dinosaur-themed version of Rainforest Café found at Disney Springs.
  • Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar: Jock Lindsey from the Indiana Jones franchise has opened a dive bar at Disney Springs, which is the perfect place to store his mementos.

Brittany T.

Thursday 18th of April 2024

Every time I visit Disney, I make it a point to check out their themed restaurants! They're perfect for my feed – the decor, the dishes, everything is so picture-worthy. Can’t wait to add Trader Sam's to my collection!

Josh K.

Thursday 11th of April 2024

Traveling to Disney solo next month. Any recommendations on dining spots that are great for solo visitors? Interested in places where the theming makes you feel part of the story, even when you're alone.

Elaine R.

Sunday 7th of April 2024

Appreciate the focus on themed dining, but are there good options for those of us who prefer healthier meals? Disney isn’t exactly known for light dining options.

Dan O'Leary

Friday 29th of March 2024

Is the theming really worth the upcharge? Seems like you're paying a lot extra just for a bit of decor. Would love to see if the food actually lives up to the price.

TJ Reynolds

Sunday 17th of March 2024

Trader Sam's is a hidden gem! It's not just a restaurant, it's an adventure. The interactive elements with the bartenders are a blast. Highly recommend it for anyone looking for a unique experience.