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Top Non-Character Meals for Families at Disney

Having great meals while on a Walt Disney World vacation is all part of the magic. A lot of Guests enjoy having meals with characters. Chef Mickey’s, Cinderella’s Royal Table, and other character meals remain the top reservations to get at Walt Disney World.

Although these dining experiences are fun, what if your family isn’t into characters? Are there still delightful restaurants to eat at throughout Walt Disney World? The answer is 100% yes! We will share some of the top dining experiences at Walt Disney World for families that aren’t looking for character meals.

These places have great food and are entertaining, making them an excellent choice for a family meal on vacation.

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater: Disney’s Hollywood Studios

This entertaining restaurant is designed to look like an old-school drive-in theater. Your kids will be amazed that this is how people used to go to the movies. A huge screen plays clips from old commercials and even sci-fi movies.

The seating area is mainly made up of cars designed to be tables. Families can enjoy their meals while hanging out in a vehicle and watching clips on the big screen. Kids will love this unique dining experience as there is so much to be entertained by during the meal.

Great, diner-themed options such as burgers, onion rings, and chicken sandwiches can be found on the menu. Even though the menu is basic, the food is delicious. If you are looking for a delightful meal without characters, Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater is a great option.

Prime Time Cafe

50’s Prime Time Cafe: Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Another throwback restaurant in Disney’s Hollywood Studios is 50’s Prime Time Cafe. Here Guests will dine in a 50s-themed dining complete with all of the 50s decorations you would expect.

Kids will love watching their parents get in trouble for not eating their vegetables or having their elbows on the table. You can enjoy mom’s home cooking with delightful options such as pot pie, fried chicken, and meatloaf here. Don’t forget to have dessert. The peanut butter shake is a favorite.

This is a great dining location within Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It provides a great menu and lots for entertaining kids and adults throughout the meal.

Related: Best Breakfast Spots in Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Coral Reef Epcot
Credit: Disney

Coral Reef- EPCOT

For a quieter but still entertaining dining experience, check out Coral Reef in EPCOT. Located in the World Nature section of EPCOT, Guests enjoy EPCOT’s massive aquarium. Kids will love watching sharks, turtles, and other fish pass by their tables during the meal.

The food has a wide selection from prime rib to Mahi Mahi. Both lunch and dinner are top options at Coral Reef, where the whole family will be delighted by the amazing aquatic life during the meal.

Space 220, EPCOT
Credit: Travel + Leisure

Space 220- EPCOT

Travel together 220 miles above Earth to dine among the stars at Space 220. Guests start their dining journey by boarding a special space elevator that will take them up to the stars. There they will enjoy fantastic views of Earth from 220 miles up.

This is a prix-fixe dining experience where Guests choose from a 2-course lunch or a 3-course dinner menu. The food and drinks are delicious, and the views will keep everyone entertained as they enjoy a delicious meal together.

Teppan Edo
Photo Credit: Disney

Teppan Edo: EPCOT, Japan Pavilion

Another entertaining option at EPCOT is found in the Japanse Pavilion with Teppan Edo. This is a hibachi-style meal that is prepared right in front of you. Everyone will enjoy the high-energy chefs that prepare your meal.

The food is fresh and fantastic, providing options that everyone will enjoy. You won’t want to skip this dining option if you are looking for an entertaining and delicious dining experience at EPCOT.

'Ohana Entrance, Disney's Polynesian Village
Credit: Visit Orlando

Ohana (dinner only)- Disney’s Polynesian Resort

For dinner with a view, consider taking the family to Ohana at the beautiful Disney’s Polynesian Resort. Guests will enjoy views of Cinderella Castle, Seven Seas Lagoon, and this fantastic resort’s lush grounds.

Ohana is a family-style meal which is an excellent option for families. Food is brought to the table and features bread, salad, pot stickers, and various types of meat. Enjoy as much as you want throughout the meal; just ask your server.

Ohana is excellent as Guests enjoy the Polynesian’s unique atmosphere while having a fantastic meal together.

Tony's Restaurant Spaghetti

Tony’s Town Square- Magic Kingdom

On Main Street, U.S.A., in Magic Kingdom, Tony’s Town Square is a cute restaurant themed after Lady and the Tramp. The pasta-focused menu makes it easy for the whole family to find something to enjoy.

If it is nice outside, consider sitting on the patio. You can catch the different cavalcades, Festival of Fantasy Parade or people-watch while enjoying your meal. Tony’s quiet, low-key environment is a nice escape for the family within Magic Kingdom.

Related: Five Restaurants in Magic Kingdom You Should Book Now

Rainforest Cafe
Credit: Disney

Rainforest Cafe/T-Rex: Disney Springs

At Disney Springs, Guests can dine in a rainforest or with dinosaurs. These two restaurants are very similar in their food selections; however, the theming makes them drastically different and highly entertaining.

From impressive animatronics of elephants, dinosaurs, and more to well-themed rooms, these two restaurants are highly entertaining. Although they aren’t going to win any significant culinary awards, kids will find them both extremely entertaining.

There are a lot of great dining options throughout Walt Disney World. These are some of the top choices for those families wanting something entertaining without characters. Consider experiencing one of these delightful choices during your next Walt Disney World vacation.

Related: Character Meals in Disney Everyone Forgets About

 

Jennifer Retzlaff

Jennifer became a lifelong Disney fan during her first trip to Walt Disney World in 6th grade. From that moment, Disney became a big part of her life. She quickly started to introduce her love of Disney to her family with a Disney honeymoon and then family trips when her youngest was 18 months old. She loves the magic that Disney brings to people through theme parks, cruises, and adventures. As a teacher, she tries to bring Disney magic into her classroom to help kids believe that “If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It.” She is also part of the Magic Vacation Planner team as a personal travel advisor. With this team, she can now help others plan magical vacations. She loves bringing her love to Disney to readers with How to Disney.

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