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Top Quick Service Picks at Walt Disney World to Keep Kids Happy and Fed
Planning family meals at Walt Disney World can be part of the magic! While there are two primary dining options for guests—table service and quick service—quick service is often a top choice for families with kids. Quick service dining is fast, efficient, and offers plenty of options for everyone, including mobile ordering through the My Disney Experience app. This feature allows you to order in advance and pick up your meal at a designated window, saving valuable time.
Let’s explore some of the best quick service locations in each park, perfect for families looking for kid-friendly options and classic Disney dining favorites.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Known for unique dining options, Disney’s Animal Kingdom features quick service restaurants that offer both classic favorites and adventurous flavors. Here are two spots that cater well to families with kids.
Flame Tree Barbecue – Discovery Island
Flame Tree Barbecue serves up hearty options like a chicken drumstick or pulled pork platter, which kids often enjoy. There’s also a classic hot dog and an Uncrustable for more familiar flavors. Sides like graham crackers and Cuties are kid-approved options. This open-air location is perfect for grabbing a filling bite before exploring the rest of the park.
Restaurantosaurus – DinoLand U.S.A.
For the pickiest eaters, Restaurantosaurus in DinoLand U.S.A. has all the essentials: chicken nuggets, hot dogs, and burgers. This spot is a family favorite, with a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of seating. It’s an excellent place to take a break and enjoy reliable menu options.
If your kids are open to trying new flavors, Animal Kingdom also has several other unique quick service spots that are well worth exploring!
EPCOT
EPCOT is a hub for international dining, but there are also places where kids can enjoy familiar favorites alongside new flavors.
Sunshine Seasons – Land Pavilion
Located inside the Land Pavilion, Sunshine Seasons offers a wide range of options, making it ideal for families with different tastes. This cafeteria-style eatery has walk-up windows featuring kid-friendly options like pizza, chicken nuggets, and chicken drumsticks. Adults can enjoy Asian cuisine or tacos, offering variety without splitting up the group.
Connections Eatery – World Celebration
A recent addition to EPCOT, Connections Eatery offers a straightforward menu with burgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, and the delicious liege waffle. This variety ensures something for everyone, making it easy for families to enjoy a meal together in one spot.
Magic Kingdom
With so many attractions and experiences, Magic Kingdom has plenty of quick service options to keep everyone fueled and ready for more fun.
Casey’s Corner – Main Street, U.S.A.
For a classic Disney snack, head to Casey’s Corner. Known for its hot dogs and popular corn dog nuggets, Casey’s is a go-to for families. The limited menu is ideal for kids who love simple, tasty bites. Enjoy your food outside with views of Cinderella’s Castle, and you might even catch a character cavalcade passing by!
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe – Tomorrowland
Cosmic Ray’s is a must-visit for families with young kids. Serving up theme park classics like burgers and chicken nuggets, this spot also offers a live performance by Sonny Eclipse, an animatronic alien who sings and entertains while you eat. With plenty of indoor seating, Cosmic Ray’s offers a comfortable place to recharge with views of Tomorrowland and Cinderella’s Castle.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Hollywood Studios has expanded its quick service options in recent years, adding more family-friendly spots that appeal to both kids and adults.
Backlot Express – Echo Lake
Backlot Express offers a diverse menu with both classic and unique options. Adults can enjoy items like the Cuban sandwich, while kids can stick with staples like an Uncrustable or chicken nuggets. This spacious dining location makes it easy to find seating, and mobile ordering adds convenience. Try the Wookie Cookie for dessert if it’s available—this massive treat is a crowd-pleaser!
Sunset Boulevard Quick Service Stands
For more flexibility, head to Sunset Boulevard, where food stands like Rosie’s All-American Café, Fairfax Fare, and Catalina Eddie’s serve up classic quick service options. With outdoor seating and easy mobile ordering, you can grab different items for everyone without waiting in separate lines.
Extra Tips for Dining with Kids at Walt Disney World
When it comes to meals and snacks, here are some helpful tips to make the most of your dining experiences:
- Mobile Ordering Saves Time: Mobile ordering is available at most quick service locations, allowing you to browse the menu, place your order, and select a pickup time. This feature helps you avoid long lines and streamline the ordering process.
- Consider Sharing Portions: Portions at Disney are often large enough to share, especially for kids. Consider ordering a few items to split, which can help save money and reduce food waste.
- Get the Refillable Popcorn Bucket: If your family loves popcorn, invest in a refillable popcorn bucket. Available at most parks, these buckets are refillable for a small fee throughout your stay, providing a budget-friendly snack for everyone.
- Explore Beyond Burgers and Nuggets: While classic kid-friendly options are available, Walt Disney World offers a range of international flavors and unique dishes. Encourage your kids to try new foods at places like EPCOT’s World Showcase or Animal Kingdom’s Asia and Africa sections.
- Look for Character-Inspired Snacks: Kids will love treats shaped like Mickey or themed around beloved characters. You’ll find everything from Mickey-shaped pretzels to character-themed cupcakes across the parks.
- Use the My Disney Experience App for Waitlists: For some table service restaurants, you can join a virtual waitlist through the app. This feature allows you to explore the park while waiting for a table to open up, giving you more time to enjoy attractions and shows.
Quick Service Dining with Confidence
Dining at Walt Disney World should be as magical as the attractions themselves. With so many quick service options designed to cater to families, it’s easy to keep everyone happy and fueled throughout your vacation. From classic choices like burgers and chicken nuggets to international flavors and unique Disney snacks, there’s something for everyone at the parks.
These quick service recommendations across Disney’s four parks ensure that even the pickiest eaters will find something they love. So grab your Mickey Ears, plan your next meal with the My Disney Experience app, and enjoy every delicious moment of your magical Disney adventure!