Disney Restaurants You’ll Miss Out On If You Dine In Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom Park has many restaurants available to dine at. Whether you want a quick-service meal or wish to eat in a full-service restaurant, there is something to suit everyone. However, there are excellent restaurants located nearby in Lake Buena Vista, too.

Only dining in the Disney Parks is often a mistake Guests enjoying Walt Disney World dining make. Doing so will stop you from enjoying the wide variety of restaurants in the Walt Disney World Resort hotels. While it can be daunting to venture beyond a Disney theme park, you will be glad you did. Here are the best full-service alternatives to a Magic Kingdom restaurant. 

Grand Floridian Cafe

 As the name suggests, the Grand Floridian Cafe is in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The Disney full-service restaurant is an excellent place to dine for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. In particular, we love to visit for ‘blunch’ as it’s known in the Disney restaurant. We recommend spending the morning in Magic Kingdom Park, using Early Theme Park Entry. Then, secure an advanced dining reservation at Grand Floridian Cafe around 11 a.m. Don’t worry if you decide to dine there on the day. Generally, there is walk-in availability at the Disney restaurant.

Dining in the Grand Floridian Cafe offers you a relaxing yet sophisticated experience. The airy dining room has floor-to-ceiling windows that provide you with a view of the beautiful grounds of the Disney Resort hotel. To get there from Magic Kingdom Park, you can walk, catch the boat across Seven Seas Lagoon or use the Disney Monorail.

Grand Floridian Cafe is an excellent alternative to the following Magic Kingdom restaurants:

• The Plaza Restaurant on Main Street, U.S.A.
• Tony’s Town Square on Main Street, U.S.A.

‘Ohana

In Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, ‘Ohana is a popular restaurant among Disney Guests. You can enjoy family-style breakfast and dinner at the Disney restaurant. If you want a Disney character dining experience, dine at ‘Ohana for breakfast. Lilo, Stitch, Mickey Mouse, and Pluto join you for photos, hugs, and magical experiences. Breakfast is served in ‘Ohana from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. An early reservation will allow you to eat before heading to Magic Kingdom Park. Alternatively, spend the morning in the Disney Park, and dine at ‘Ohana for brunch.

While Disney characters don’t accompany you for dinner, ‘Ohana is one of the most sought-after dinner reservations in the Walt Disney World Resort. Dinner is served from 3:30 p.m. through 10 p.m. The all-you-care-to-enjoy dining experience features Hawaiian specialties. We especially love the ‘Ohana noodles. Make sure you save room for dessert; the ‘Ohana pineapple coconut bread pudding is delicious.

Traveling to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort from Magic Kingdom Park is easy. We recommend using the Disney Monorail or catching the boat from the Resort landing. ‘Ohana is an excellent alternative to the following restaurants in Magic Kingdom Park:

• The Crystal Palace on Main Street, U.S.A., for breakfast
• Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen in Adventureland for dinner

Kona Cafe

Kona Cafe is another excellent restaurant to dine at in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Relax in the tropical ambiance of the Great Ceremonial House. The menu features a variety of American dishes with an Asian twist. Kona Cafe is the perfect place to relax after spending time in Magic Kingdom Park. Generally, an advance dining reservation is recommended to eat at Kona Cafe. However, walk-in reservations may also be available if you decide to dine there last minute. Three different menus are served throughout the day, depending on the time of your visit. Will you eat at breakfast, lunch or dinner?

Kona Cafe is a great alternative to dining at the Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen in Adventureland.

California Grill

If you’re looking for a sophisticated and elegant restaurant, you should consider California Grill. The signature dining experience offers stunning views over Magic Kingdom Park and Seven Seas Lagoon. While dining, you’ll enjoy your choice of dishes from a three-course selection menu. Accompany your dinner with an alcoholic beverage from the extensive wine and drinks list. Afterward, retire to the rooftop terrace on the 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Here, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Happily Ever After over Magic Kingdom Park. The soundtrack played through the speakers will accompany your viewing experience of the nighttime spectacular. 

California Grill is an excellent alternative to dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table in Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom Park.

Whispering Canyon Cafe

Another excellent dining experience away from Magic Kingdom Park is Whispering Canyon Cafe in Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Similar to ‘Ohana, family-style dining is available at the Disney restaurant. Alternatively, you can order individual dishes if you don’t wish to overeat. However, for value for money, the skillets are the things to order in Whispering Canyon Cafe. This is especially true if you use the Disney Dining Plan when visiting Whispering Canyon Cafe. While dining, the dining team will provide plenty of fun and a little sass. Whichever time of the day you eat, make sure you order ketchup!

Whispering Canyon Cafe is an excellent alternative to the following restaurants in Magic Kingdom Park:

• Liberty Tree Tavern in Liberty Square
• The Diamond Horseshoe in Liberty Square

Which of these restaurants will you decide to dine at during your next Disney vacation? While eating in a Disney Resort hotel, take some time to explore. Enjoy the theming of the Disney hotel, admire the lobby, browse the shop and take a little time to relax. Some of our favorite experiences are found beyond the Disney Parks in Lake Buena Vista.