Cheryl:
If you're looking to get out of the park, let me recommend that you stay within Disney World, but visit a nearby resorts for a pleasant respite. Believe me, it will be a lot faster than the 30-minute transfer back to your car (not to mention the hassle of going off property to a restaurant)....
A few suggestions:
- Take the 15-minute boat ride over to Fort Wilderness and mosey over to Trail End's Buffeteria. It's the most economical buffet on property. Its rustic setting might be a good change of pace. Trail's to Go offers picnic fare that you could enjoy at one of the tables near the pier.
- Hop on the monorail to the Polynesian and enjoy Kona Cafe. The menu runs from substantial chicken and fish sandwiches to lump crab cakes!
- Relax and let the monorail whisk you away to a gentler time at the Grand Floridian. Most of the table service restaurants will need a dining reservation (407-939-3463), but Gasparilla Grill serves up fast-food selections.
- Another boat ride takes you to Wilderness Lodge, home of the Roaring Fork. Its sandwiches aren't served on the usual two slabs of white bread! Look for tasty offerings on focaccia and rustic bread. (Take a stroll around the lobby while you're there in search of hidden Mickeys!)
If you still have your heart set on going outside the park, many chain establishments line International Drive, but you're looking at a minimum of 45 minutes to get there once you leave the turnstiles of Magic Kingdom. If you're wanting something off the beaten path, a great resource for restaurants in close proximity of the parks is
The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World. In it, you'll find a few pages in the dining chapter that give you restaurant suggestions that aren't just chain fare.
Wishing y'all a magical vacation!
Whitney