Hi, Helen! Welcome!
Walt Disney World is a great way to celebrate a birthday! There are so many restaurants to choose from, so let's dig in.
Since you'll be staying at one of my very favorite resorts, let's start right there at
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. The smell of
Jiko - The Cooking Place lures you in, with wood-burning ovens and eclectic spices giving you a sniff of what's to come. Infused with the flavors of Africa, India, and the Mediterranean, you can enjoy this culinary tour while sipping from the huge collection of African wines. It's one of my favorite restaurants.
Another great place to celebrate a birthday is
Citricos at
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. Newly reimagined, this light and bright restaurant is whimsically inspired by the movie
Mary Poppins Returns, so the kids may have fun finding the references. The food is excellent, and if you time your meal right, you can walk down by the marina to watch the fireworks after you've eaten.
If you want to feel like royalty on your birthday, Helen, try
Cinderella's Royal Table. Dine right inside Cinderella Castle, the iconic centerpiece of
Magic Kingdom Park. At the moment, you only get a glimpse of Cinderella herself, but you will still have a lovely meal in a unique setting.
For a meal with character, check out
Chef Mickey's. This delicious family-style meal is a great way for the whole family to enjoy some birthday festivities with their favorite characters.
Almost any Disney restaurant can work with a gluten allergy - just let your server know.
Enjoy a wonderful celebration, Helen!
Anna