On
May 9, 2012
Megan
Asked
Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.
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“
It's our family's first visit to Disney, and I was wondering what the best sit-down restaurants to try with kids were. We have the Disney dining plan, and my kids are going to be 3 1/2 and almost 2 when we're there. Thanks for any suggestions!”
Hello, Megan!
Oh, my! Your first visit to Walt Disney World AND it's with your little ones! How wonderful!
Traveling with kids, we love the buffet meals because that means we can get to the table, put in our beverage order, and head to the food! (You know when they are hungry, it's tough to sit and wait!) In addition, at a buffet restaurant in WDW, you might even be able to help your children try new foods more easily, since they can actually see what they look like and decide "hey, that looks pretty good!"
At Magic Kingdom Park, try The Crystal Palace, a wonderful buffet where Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore and Piglet greet Guests at every meal. Another favorite buffet is Chef Mickey's, where Mickey himself, and pals, will greet Guests in Disney's Contemporary Resort. If there is a little princess in your party, don't miss Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, where you'll enjoy a wonderful meal, greeted by the princesses, and it will only "cost" you one Table-Service meal entitlement (in Norway at Epcot.) Over at Animal Kingdom Park, we love Tusker House Restaurant, which also offers a Character Experience at both breakfast and lunch (Safari Donald Duck and pals greet Guests here.)
For a nice family-style meal, try The Garden Grill Restaurant (with Chip 'n' Dale and friends) at The Land Pavilion at Epcot, as well as 'Ohana for a family-style breakfast with Lilo and Stitch, at Disney's Polynesian Resort.
We also love to take the kids to The Coral Reef, at Epcot, where an entire wall is filled with windows into the 5.7 million gallon salt-water tank that is filled with all sorts of sea life!
There are so many other wonderful restaurants, all of which are little one-friendly. Each WDW restaurant offers a very well-balanced kids menu, which will help your little ones feel comfortable, no matter where you take them. Send me another question including where you'll be staying and favorites of those in your party; I'd love to help!