Walt Disney World is renowned for offering world-class dining experiences, from elegant fine dining to fun, casual meals. With hundreds of restaurants scattered across the property, finding the best places to eat can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re looking for something quick and affordable.
Luckily, Disney’s counter service restaurants provide quick, convenient meals that are far from your average fast food. These dining spots offer delicious options at a fraction of the price (and wait time) of traditional table service restaurants. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of counter-service dining at Disney, including tips on where to go, what to eat, and how to plan your meals for maximum enjoyment!
1. Pick Your Location
Before diving into specific counter-service recommendations, it’s important to consider location. Disney’s counter service restaurants are spread across the four theme parks, Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios, as well as the various resort hotels and Disney Springs. Keep in mind that if you want to eat at a counter service location inside a theme park, you’ll need valid park admission.
If you’re planning to spend a non-park day, your best bet for quick meals is Disney Springs or a resort restaurant, where no park ticket is required for entry.
Planning meals around where you’ll be spending your day can save time and eliminate unnecessary travel. For instance, if you’re spending the day at Magic Kingdom, dining at Columbia Harbour House or Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café will keep you in the park and allow you to maximize your time on rides.
On the other hand, if you’re visiting Animal Kingdom and want to venture out for dinner, The Mara at Animal Kingdom Lodge is a nearby option that offers unique flavors.
2. Pick Your Cuisine
One of the best things about Disney’s counter-service dining is the variety of cuisines available. Whether you’re in the mood for American favorites, international dishes, or something completely different, Disney has you covered. Choosing a counter-service restaurant based on the type of food you’re craving is a great way to narrow down your options.
Here’s a list of popular counter service locations broken down by cuisine:
African Cuisine
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- The Mara at Animal Kingdom Lodge offers African-inspired dishes like stews, flatbreads, and unique sides. For something different, try the falafel pita or an African stew.
- Tamu Tamu Refreshments in Animal Kingdom serves up dishes with a hint of African flavor.
Asian Cuisine
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- Katsura Grill in Epcot – Japan Pavilion serves delicious Japanese food like sushi, teriyaki, and noodles.
- Lotus Blossom Café in Epcot – China Pavilion offers Chinese favorites such as potstickers, fried rice, and egg rolls.
- Yak & Yeti Local Foods Café in Animal Kingdom offers dishes like fried rice and honey chicken with an Asian flair.
British Cuisine
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- Yorkshire County Fish Shop in Epcot – UK Pavilion is famous for its fish and chips a must-try for fans of British comfort food.
French Cuisine
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- Be Our Guest Restaurant at Magic Kingdom offers a quick-service lunch featuring French-inspired dishes like croque monsieur and tuna Niçoise salad.
- Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie in Epcot – France Pavilion serves French pastries, sandwiches, and desserts.
Mexican Cuisine
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- La Cantina de San Angel in Epcot – Mexico Pavilion offers tacos, nachos, and other Mexican favorites, and it has a beautiful view of the World Showcase Lagoon.
Seafood
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- Columbia Harbour House in Magic Kingdom is famous for its lobster rolls, fried shrimp, and New England clam chowder.
Whatever you’re in the mood for, Disney has a counter service option to match your cravings.
3. Follow the Crowds (Popular Spots Worth the Wait)
Some counter-service restaurants at Disney are incredibly popular, drawing crowds throughout the day. The good news? These spots are popular for a reason: they serve up some of the best quick meals on the property. Here’s a rundown of a few must-visit counter service locations and their standout menu items:
Columbia Harbour House – Magic Kingdom
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- Known for its New England-inspired menu, this restaurant offers classic dishes like lobster rolls, fried shrimp, and even seafood mac and cheese. The cozy atmosphere and unique menu make this a favorite for many guests.
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café – Magic Kingdom
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- A long-standing favorite, Cosmic Ray’s offers large portions of American classics like the half chicken and ribs combo, barbecue pork sandwiches, and burgers. The portion sizes are big enough to share, making this spot a great option for families.
Be Our Guest Restaurant – Magic Kingdom
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- As one of Disney’s most popular restaurants, Be Our Guest serves up a French-inspired menu for lunch, featuring dishes like croque monsieur and braised pork. The theming is truly magical, as you’ll dine in the Beast’s castle.
Sunshine Seasons – Epcot
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- Located in The Land Pavilion, Sunshine Seasons offers a variety of hearty meals like oak-grilled rotisserie chicken and salmon. It’s perfect for those looking for a healthy, filling meal that’s more than just a snack.
Flame Tree Barbecue – Animal Kingdom
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- This counter service spot is known for its St. Louis-style ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, and smoked chicken. With its outdoor seating and view of the river, it’s a relaxing place to enjoy a tasty meal.
Capt. Cook’s – Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
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- Famous for serving the elusive Dole Whip, this spot also offers delicious dishes like pulled pork nachos and hot beef and cheddar sandwiches.
Popular counter service restaurants can get busy, but using Disney’s mobile ordering feature through the My Disney Experience app can help you skip the line and enjoy your meal faster.
4. Share Meals to Maximize Value
Disney portions are often very generous, making it easy to share meals and save money. Some of the larger entrees at counter service restaurants, like the half chicken and ribs combo at Cosmic Ray’s, are perfect for sharing between two adults. Likewise, a sandwich and fries from Columbia Harbour House can easily be split.
Sharing meals also allows you to sample more of Disney’s delicious offerings without feeling too full. This strategy is particularly helpful if you want to save room for iconic Disney snacks like Mickey pretzels, Dole Whip, or school bread from Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe.
5. Don’t Forget About Disney Springs and Resorts
While the parks offer plenty of fantastic counter service options, don’t overlook Disney Springs and the resort hotels. These locations often have hidden gems with great food and fewer crowds. Some favorites include:
Cookes of Dublin -Disney Springs
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- Serving up traditional Irish fare like fish and chips and fritters, Cookes of Dublin is a great place for a quick bite.
The Mara – Animal Kingdom Lodge
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- With its African-inspired menu, The Mara offers unique flavors in a casual setting. Try the falafel pita or the African stew.
Pepper Market – Coronado Springs Resort
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- This spot offers Mexican-inspired dishes like enchiladas, tacos, and empanadas.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to dining at Walt Disney World, the variety and quality of counter service restaurants make it easy to enjoy a delicious meal without the need for a reservation or a long wait. Whether you’re in the mood for something familiar like American BBQ or want to explore international flavors, Disney’s counter service options offer something for every taste and budget.
By planning ahead, using mobile ordering, and choosing meals to share, you can maximize both your time and your dining budget while exploring all that Walt Disney World has to offer.
BONUS TIP
Need help planning your Disney vacation? Consider booking with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner like Mickey Travels. They can help you find the best deals, book dining reservations, and make sure you get the most out of your Disney experience all for free!
