Hi there, Sarah, and welcome to planDisney!
I LOVE that you asked me this question about all things food at Walt Disney World. My favorite “activity” at the Most Magical Place on Earth is (drum roll, please…) eating! From sampling all of the foods at the EPCOT festivals to grabbing a Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar before a show, I’m all about the eats and the treats. I’d love to share some of my recommendations with you, Sarah!
My first suggestion is to eat all of the snacks! The quintessential snacks are anything that’s Mickey-shaped: pretzels (with cheese—yummm!), ice cream bars, and beignets. Yes, beignets! You will have to travel to Disney’s Port Orleans Resort—French Quarter to find these though, but it’s worth the trip!
At Magic Kingdom Park, you must try a DOLE Whip from Aloha Isle in Adventureland and a Frozen Mint Julep Lemonade with a side of mini corn dogs from Casey’s Corner. EPCOT almost always has a festival going on, so once it’s published, check out the
Foodie Guide for March 2024’s festival (most likely the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival). The other theme parks have amazing snacks, too, so definitely revisit me here at planDisney if you’d like to hear more about those.
It is impossible for me to tell you every restaurant that I dream about, but here is a (very) short list:
Disney SpringsChef Art Smith’s Homecomin’: The brunch is delicious!
The BOATHOUSE: The view and the food are not to be missed, in my opinion.
Magic Kingdom Park The Crystal Palace: Even if you’re not a fan of Winnie the Pooh, you’ll love the experience and its all-you-care-to-enjoy meal.
Cinderella’s Royal Table: Dine with the princesses in Cinderella Castle!
EPCOTGarden Grill Restaurant: The restaurant rotates on a moving platform—very cool!
Space 220 Restaurant: I haven’t been here yet, but it’s very popular.
Disney’s Hollywood StudiosRoundup Rodeo BBQ: I love Toy Story theming—and the cheddar biscuits.
The Hollywood Brown Derby: Dine among the stars!
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme ParkNomad Lounge: Join the walk-up list early.
Satu’li Canteen: The customizable bowls are yummy!
Resort Hotels’Ohana: Character breakfast or a Polynesian dinner is a MUST for your first time!
Sanaa: The bread service alone is worth a visit.
AN EXTRA GEM: Keep in mind that you can begin making advance dining reservations for restaurants up to 60 days (plus 10 days if you’re staying on property) before your great adventure begins. So, if your heart is set on dining with Donald Duck and friends at Tusker House Restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, you’ll want to mark your calendar and set your alarm for as early as 5:45 a.m. 60 days before your arrival. Also, consider adding a Disney Dining Plan to your vacation package if you prefer for everything to be prepaid.
As you prepare for your trip, definitely check out the First-Timers planDisney Podcast that I’ve included for you. My friends Elaine and Jonathan really know their Disney stuff, and they’ll give you a lot of planning inspiration. Sarah, if you have any other Disney vacation planning questions, just give me a holler here at planDisney.
I’m all ears! Magic always,
LeAndra