
Congratulations! You’ve finally made it out of the diaper phase, and now the real fun begins. For the first time in years, you’re planning a family vacation that your kids will enjoy and participate in. You asked your little ones where they wanted to go, and they answered loud and clear: “We want to go to Disney World!”
As a seasoned Disney fan, you think, “Easy! I’ve been to Disney countless times.” You book your trip and dive straight into planning mode. Naturally, you start reserving your favorite dining spots: California Grill, Narcoossee’s, and House of Blues. But then you pause, staring at your plans on the My Disney Experience app.
That’s when you realize you’ve hit an unexpected snag: you’ve booked restaurants that you and your spouse love but that might not appeal to your little ones, who are ages five and under.

Suddenly, the thought of spending a week eating quick-service chicken strips and hamburgers makes you cringe. You wonder, “Surely there are places at Disney where both parents and kids can enjoy a meal together, right?” Thankfully, you’re correct! While your tiny tots might not appreciate a Wagyu beef strip loin with cauliflower purée, Disney offers plenty of kid-friendly spots that cater to even the pickiest eaters (and satisfy parents, too!).
Here are the top 5 kid-friendly dining spots at Walt Disney World that the whole family will enjoy:
5. ‘Ohana – Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
‘Ohana means family, and that’s exactly what you get when you dine at this lively, Hawaiian-themed restaurant. For breakfast, your little ones will love the chance to meet Lilo, Stitch, and other Disney characters while feasting on island-inspired options like Hawaiian pork sausages, island-style fried potatoes, and fresh tropical fruit.
Dinner at ‘Ohana is a non-character dining experience, but it’s still a hit with families. Served family-style, dinner includes skewers of oak-grilled shrimp, sweet and sour chicken, and steak, with servers bringing as much food as you can eat straight to your table. Kids can burn off some energy with coconut races, hula hoops, and island music while you sit back and soak in the Polynesian vibes.
4. Rainforest Café – Disney Springs & Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Step into the Amazonian rainforest for a wild dining adventure at Rainforest Café. Surrounded by animated animals, trumpeting elephants, and aquariums filled with colorful fish, kids will love the vibrant atmosphere almost as much as the food.

Rainforest Café offers a menu that appeals to all ages, from breakfast options like Belgian waffles to lunch and dinner entrees like Caribbean coconut shrimp and a ribs, steak, and shrimp trio. For kids, Jurassic Chicken Tidbits, Castaway Pizza, and the always-loved mac ‘n’ cheese are available. Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop after your meal to pick up some themed souvenirs!
3. T-REX Café – Disney Springs
If your little ones love dinosaurs, T-REX Café is the place to be! This prehistoric-themed restaurant transports guests back to the Jurassic period, complete with life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, woolly mammoths, and even a meteor shower every 20 minutes.
The menu is packed with dino-sized portions, like the Boneyard Buffet (rotisserie chicken and slow-roasted ribs) and the Mastodon Stuffed Chicken. Kids can munch on Jurassic Chicken Tidbits and Paleo Pizza. Before your meal, let your kids dig for dinosaur fossils in the Paleo Zone, a hands-on play area. Just be prepared for some loud roars from the 15-foot-tall T. rex—smaller children may need a little time to adjust to the atmosphere.
2. The Crystal Palace – Magic Kingdom
Step into a beautiful 19th-century Victorian greenhouse at The Crystal Palace on Main Street, U.S.A., where your kids can meet beloved characters from the Hundred-Acre Wood. Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, and Piglet roam the restaurant while guests enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet.
With made-to-order omelets, freshly baked pastries, chicken nuggets, sirloin steak, and soft-serve ice cream, there’s something for everyone at this character dining experience. It’s a whimsical spot to dine and take photos with your favorite furry friends. Don’t forget to bring your autograph books!
1. Chef Mickey’s – Disney’s Contemporary Resort
The ultimate kid-friendly dining experience at Disney World, Chef Mickey’s offers a chance to dine with the Fab Five: Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Pluto. Located at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, this lively restaurant serves up classic American cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Kids will love the Mickey waffles, Goofy’s mini corn dogs, and Chef Mickey’s mac ‘n’ cheese, while adults can enjoy roasted chicken, carved beef, and a full sundae bar. Throughout the meal, the characters lead fun song and dance numbers, making it an unforgettable dining experience for guests of all ages. Be sure to book your reservations well in advance—this spot is incredibly popular!
Final Thoughts
There you have it—the top 5 dining spots at Walt Disney World that will keep both kids and parents happy. While signature dining may have to wait until your little ones are older, these family-friendly restaurants offer the perfect blend of entertainment, delicious food, and Disney magic. Bon appétit!
BONUS TIP: Consider planning your next Disney vacation with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner like MickeyTravels. They’ll help you find the best deals and offer expert advice, and their services are completely FREE!
By choosing these kid-friendly dining spots, you can ensure that your Disney vacation will be a magical experience for everyone—without sacrificing great food!