With so many fantastic dining options at Walt Disney World, deciding where to eat can feel like a challenge—especially for first-time visitors to Lake Buena Vista. Choosing the right Disney dining spots can truly elevate your vacation experience, making each meal as memorable as the attractions themselves.
To help make your Disney days even more magical, we recommend balancing your time between table-service and quick-service dining. Table-service restaurants, while pricier, offer a more relaxed experience and even the chance for character dining at spots like the Crystal Palace and Cinderella’s Royal Table. If you’re looking for upscale meals, consider Signature Dining at California Grill in Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
For those busy park days when you’re on the go, quick-service dining is perfect. With options that range from hearty meals to light bites, you can refuel quickly without missing a beat. Make use of Mobile Order for an even faster experience, allowing you to spend less time in line and more time enjoying the magic.
However, with so many choices, some restaurants are better to skip, while others offer a superior experience. Here are our recommendations for quick-service restaurants to skip and where to dine instead during your next Disney visit.
Skip: Sunshine Seasons at EPCOT
Location: World Nature, EPCOT
EPCOT is renowned for its culinary variety, especially in World Showcase, where you can explore dishes from around the globe. But if you’re spending time in World Nature, World Discovery, or World Celebration, you might find yourself considering a stop at Sunshine Seasons.
Located near Soarin’ Around the World, Sunshine Seasons serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a large indoor space, with dishes made from produce grown in the Living with the Land greenhouses.
While the concept is fresh and the dishes are decent, there are better quick-service options in the park that offer a more upscale feel and better flavor.
Dine Instead: Connections Eatery
Location: World Celebration, EPCOT
For a more refined, quick-service experience, Connections Eatery is a great choice. This newer addition to EPCOT serves lunch and dinner in a bright, modern setting with spacious seating. Here, you’ll find elevated dishes like specialty burgers, artisanal pizzas, fresh salads, and more—all served on real plates with metal cutlery. It’s a step up from typical quick-service dining, and the sleek, air-conditioned space provides a refreshing break from the Florida heat. Don’t forget to save room for the Liege Waffle, a delicious dessert that’s become a fan favorite.
Skip: Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Location: Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
The resorts at Walt Disney World offer hidden gems when it comes to dining, and Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is no exception. This casual spot serves up Latin and Caribbean-inspired dishes throughout the day, with vibrant flavors that are perfect for lunch and dinner. However, the breakfast menu can be underwhelming, leaving you wanting more from your morning meal.
Dine Instead: Primo Piatto at Disney’s Riviera Resort
Location: Disney’s Riviera Resort
Just a short stroll from Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Primo Piatto at Disney’s Riviera Resort offers a superior breakfast experience. The European-inspired dishes include fluffy blueberry lemon pancakes, quiche, and croque madame, making it a perfect morning stop before heading to the parks. The serene walk along Barefoot Bay to reach the Riviera adds to the charm, offering a peaceful start to your day away from the crowds. For lunch or dinner, enjoy pizzas, sandwiches, and salads on the outdoor terrace overlooking the water. It’s also a convenient stop if you’re using the Disney Skyliner between EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Skip: Pinocchio Village Haus at Magic Kingdom
Location: Fantasyland, Magic Kingdom
Pinocchio Village Haus is a charming quick-service spot in Fantasyland that offers Italian-inspired dishes like flatbreads and salads. Its location near popular attractions like it’s a small world makes it a convenient place for a quick meal. However, the menu can feel limited, and the quality of the food often doesn’t stand out compared to other Magic Kingdom options.
Dine Instead: Gasparilla Island Grill at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Location: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
For a better meal with a similar menu, take a quick monorail ride from Magic Kingdom to Gasparilla Island Grill at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. This quick-service restaurant offers a wider variety of flatbreads, sandwiches, and salads, making it a more appealing choice. Plus, you can enjoy your meal in a more serene setting, with indoor and outdoor seating that offers beautiful views of Cinderella Castle across the Seven Seas Lagoon. It’s a great way to escape the crowds while still enjoying the Disney magic.
Skip: Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café at Magic Kingdom
Location: Frontierland, Magic Kingdom
Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café is a popular quick-service spot in Frontierland, offering Tex-Mex-inspired dishes like rice bowls, fajitas, and tacos. While the indoor seating area is spacious and the flavors are decent, long lines and high demand can make this spot feel more stressful than enjoyable, especially during peak times.
Dine Instead: El Mercado de Coronado at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Location: Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
If you’re looking for a Tex-Mex-inspired meal, consider taking a break from Magic Kingdom and heading to El Mercado de Coronado at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. This airy quick-service spot offers a diverse menu that includes rice bowls, nachos, flatbreads, pasta, and more. The relaxing atmosphere and beautiful views of Lago Dorado provide a welcome escape from the theme park crowds, making it a perfect spot for a quiet, flavorful meal.
Make the Most of Your Disney Dining Experience
Dining at Walt Disney World is about more than just the food—it’s part of the overall magic. While some quick-service spots might not live up to the hype, there are always great alternatives that can elevate your Disney dining experience. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite between rides or taking a relaxing break at a resort, knowing where to dine can make all the difference.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to use Mobile Order for quick-service meals, allowing you to save time and skip the lines. It’s especially helpful during busy periods when you want to maximize your park time.
Do you have a favorite quick-service restaurant at Walt Disney World? Will you be trying any of these alternatives on your next trip? Let us know in the comments and happy dining!
