Eating at Walt Disney World Resort isn’t your standard theme park dining experience. The resort’s best family-friendly restaurants serve up tasty food alongside immersive themes, character encounters, and plenty of kid-approved fun.
From lively atmospheres to dishes that delight, these ten Disney World restaurants will give you the most magical meals of your trip. Just be sure to reserve your table as early as possible!
1. 50’s Prime Time Café (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)
Step back in time at 50’s Prime Time Café, where you’ll dine in a retro 1950s-style home kitchen. Servers act as extended family members, reminding you to keep your elbows off the table and finish your vegetables.
- The menu features comfort food favorites like fried chicken and meatloaf.
- Kids will love the playful atmosphere, and adults will appreciate the nostalgic decor.
- For picky eaters, there are simple options like macaroni and cheese and chicken tenders.
Why It’s Great for Kids: The interactive experience keeps little ones entertained while waiting for their meal. Just be prepared for some friendly teasing from the waitstaff!
2. Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)
If your kids love movies and cool cars, the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater is a must-visit. This restaurant replicates a classic drive-in theater, where guests dine inside vintage convertible booths while watching old-school sci-fi movie clips.
- The dimly lit, starlit setting creates an immersive experience.
- Menu highlights include burgers and milkshakes.
- Even though the clips aren’t too scary, some younger kids might find the black-and-white aliens a little spooky.
Why It’s Great for Kids: Dining in a ‘car’ is a blast, and the setting is unlike anything else at Disney!
3. Rainforest Café (Disney’s Animal Kingdom & Disney Springs)
Take a wild adventure at Rainforest Café, where animatronic animals, jungle sounds, and periodic thunderstorms set the scene for a unique dining experience.
- The menu offers a wide variety of kid-friendly options, from burgers to pasta.
- The restaurant features moving gorillas, elephants, and tropical birds, making it an entertaining place to eat.
- If your child is sensitive to loud noises, the simulated thunderstorms might be overwhelming.
Why It’s Great for Kids: The lively setting keeps them engaged throughout the meal, making it a great spot for families with energetic little ones.
4. Tusker House Restaurant (Disney’s Animal Kingdom)
For an adventurous dining experience, Tusker House offers an African-inspired buffet where Mickey and friends greet guests in safari gear.
- A mix of kid-friendly staples and African flavors allows parents to try something new while kids enjoy familiar foods.
- Character interactions mean you can check meet-and-greets off your list while dining.
- Buffet-style service allows kids to choose their favorites without waiting for a server.
Why It’s Great for Kids: The fun costumes, lively atmosphere, and variety of food options make this one of the best family-friendly meals at Disney World.
5. Garden Grill Restaurant (EPCOT – World Nature)
Located in World Nature at EPCOT, Garden Grill is a unique rotating restaurant that overlooks the Living with the Land attraction.
This family-style meal features Chip, Dale, and other Disney characters making table-side appearances.
- Enjoy fresh produce sourced from EPCOT’s greenhouses.
- The rotation is slow and smooth, making it an entertaining yet relaxing experience.
- The menu includes farm-to-table classics like turkey, mashed potatoes, and farm-fresh veggies.
Why It’s Great for Kids: The rotating restaurant keeps them engaged, and the character dining ensures they get to meet some favorite Disney pals.
6. Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (EPCOT – Norway Pavilion)
Your little royalty will love dining in Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, a medieval castle where they can meet Disney Princesses.
- The setting is elegant, with beautiful stained glass and regal decor.
- Norwegian-inspired cuisine is served, but classic kid-friendly options are available.
- Breakfast is a great option for kids who prefer familiar foods.
Why It’s Great for Kids: Princess lovers will enjoy the royal treatment, and it’s a great alternative to Cinderella’s Royal Table, which tends to be one of the most in-demand experiences at Disney World.
7. Roundup Rodeo BBQ (Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Toy Story Land)
Andy’s coming! Just kidding. Inspired by the Toy Story franchise, the restaurant drops you right into Andy’s backyard, surrounded by oversized toys and playful details that make little ones feel like honorary deputies.
The all-you-can-eat barbecue means no one leaves hungry, and the interactive moments — like surprise “freeze” games led by the staff — keep kids entertained long after the last bite.
- Tasty, family-style BBQ feasts.
- One of the most colorful restaurants on Disney property.
- Surprise moments like “Andy’s coming!” keep the atmosphere lively.
Why It’s Great for Kids: Food plus interactive experiences equal non-stop fun for kids come dinnertime.
8. The Crystal Palace (Magic Kingdom)
Dine in a Victorian-style greenhouse while meeting Winnie the Pooh and friends at Magic Kingdom’s The Crystal Palace.
- A buffet-style meal makes it easy for kids to find something they like.
- The character interactions feel personal and relaxed.
- Children are sometimes invited to join a “Friendship Day Parade” through the restaurant.
Why It’s Great for Kids: The cheerful setting and fun character interactions make this an excellent choice for younger guests.
9. Be Our Guest Restaurant (Magic Kingdom – Fantasyland)
Step inside Be Our Guest Restaurant and dine in the Beast’s castle.
This restaurant features three beautifully themed rooms, including the grand ballroom and the mysterious West Wing.
- French-inspired dishes add a touch of elegance while still offering kid-friendly options.
- The Beast makes special appearances, though there are no traditional character meet-and-greets.
- Quick-service breakfast and lunch make it an easier option for families who prefer fast meals.
Why It’s Great for Kids: The immersive theming makes it feel like stepping into Beauty and the Beast!
10. Cinderella’s Royal Table (Magic Kingdom – Cinderella Castle)
For a truly royal experience, Cinderella’s Royal Table allows guests to dine inside Cinderella Castle with appearances from beloved princesses.
- Elegant dining with a fairytale atmosphere (if you manage to snag a rare reservation).
- Stunning views of Fantasyland.
- A chance to meet multiple Disney princesses in one place.
Why It’s Great for Kids: Dining inside Cinderella Castle is a bucket-list experience that makes any Disney trip extra special.
What’s your favorite Disney World restaurant for kids?
