There are dozens of amazing food choices at Walt Disney World, and for someone making ADR’s well in advance, there are a TON of things to consider, and look at ahead of time. That being said, I’m in that exact situation now planning for my fall trip, and I thought I’d touch on a few places that I’ve never been before, that I’m considering, and I’d love your feedback on these places! So without further ado…..
Magic Kingdom (And surrounding area)
The Plaza Restaurant: I’ve got many friends on Twitter who have eaten here before and give it glowing reviews, and its a place I’d love to go for lunch. The cheese steak sandwich really sticks out at me, as does the Original Banana Split. I just think these meals really fit well with the placement in Main Street USA, as they are classic meal options!
‘Ohana: I had my first trip to the Polynesian last October for Tonga Toast, and was not disappointed, and now I want to try this family style option, for both breakfast and dinner! The breakfast really appeals to me and Libby because Lilo & Stitch was the first Disney movie we saw together when we were dating, however the dinner menu here is the bigger draw to me. We’ve discussed it on Generation Mouse before, and just talking about the skewers they offer make my mouth water and the coconut bread makes me think of school bread, and I’m curious to see if its just as good!
Epcot
La Hacienda de San Angel: Ever sense I saw the menu for this place when it was announced last year, I’ve been excited for it, however I never pulled the trigger on it after I heard a few “meh” reviews, but now I really want to see it for myself. The Mango Blueberry Margarita sounds like it would go wonderfully with the Queso Fundito, and then I’d love to follow it up with the La Hacienda (it comes with flank steak and chicken, and serves two!)
Le Cellier (Dinner): I’ve been to Le Cellier many, many times, however I’ve never been for the Signature Dinner seating, and I want to so badly! Le Cellier is hands down one of the top two places on property to eat (The other being Yachtsmen Steakhouse), and I really want to see if the hype is worth it. The menu changes up a bit for dinner and the Bone-In Ribeye just makes me hungry, and the free range chicken does sound tempting, however I’ve gotta say… If I’m going to Le Cellier, I’m having me a big ol’ steak! I’d also love to have my first ever sampling of the Poutine Fries!
Lotus Blossom Cafe: Now I know this is a counter service location and I don’t need an ADR for it, however I’ve heard its one of Epcot’s hidden gems when it comes to a good, quick meal. I had the potstickers from the China booth at Food and Wine 2011, and I’ve heard the ones served at the Cafe are just as good! The Orange Chicken here is also supposed to be quite good as well.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios (And surrounding area)
Hollywood Brown Derby: There are SO many things on the menu that I’d love to try at the Brown Derby, sadly I can’t eat them all.. in one sitting anyway! This has to be the one place I’d love to try before any of the others. Between the seared pork tenderloin, and the roasted leg of lamb, I really don’t know which one I’d pick to enjoy first! And the same goes for the dessert menu, so many delicious options here! I do think the Banana White Chocolate Toffee Tower would win out because white chocolate is hands down one of my favorite things!
Kouzzina: Cat Cora has been a favorite chef of mine, and sadly, I’m not the most adventurous eater, and the lunch/dinner service has always kinda scared me, however the breakfast menu just sounds great! There are some really creative changes to some of my favorite breakfast offerings that appeal to me. The breakfast skillet that has eggs, peppers, bacon and Greek cheese on a sweet potato hash, as well as the French Toast Baklava are just a couple of the stand outs here.
Animal Kingdom (And Lodge)
Yak and Yeti: I have never had Kobe Beef before, and the Kobe Beef Burger here really sounds interesting, but I’d get it sans mushrooms. The Crispy Honey Chicken also really appeals to me, along with fried wontons.
Boma: I’ve never set foot inside of Animal Kingdom Lodge (don’t shoot me!), but I will for Boma! I’ve heard so many amazing things about the dinner here and the menu speaks for itself. They have a bit of everything, but the standouts to me are various wood fire roasted meat options, as well as the FuFu and Zebra Domes.
Now, there’s one thing I’ve not mentioned, and this is on the “Ultimate” Disney Bucket List for me.. and it would be my ultimate meal that I’ve had thus far in my life. Victoria and Albert’s Chef’s Table. Ever sense I saw this place highlighted on the Travel Channel, and on the Undiscovered Walt Disney World shows, I’ve wanted to eat here. One of the best chef’s in the country preparing a meal catered to you, and an incredible view of the kitchen, this just screams amazing to me. One day it will happen….
I’d love to hear if you’ve been to any of these places or let me know if there’s a place I overlooked! I really want my next trip to have some new dining options lined up, and experience some amazing eats!
Contributed by: Mark Weaver. Mark is the owner of Illuminating Epcot, a website dedicated to all things Epcot and a co-host on the Generation Mouse Podcast.
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I would choose Ohana. We had a fantastic meal there on our last trip and the drinks from the bar are great.
For Epcot, I would probably skip all of your choices and either go to Yatchsman, Flying Fish, Bistro de Paris or Kouzzina for dinner….which ever ones you haven’t done.
In the Studios you have to try Brown Derby. It is great.
I wasn’t in love with Boma’s dinner (loved their breakfast), but I would choose that, Jiko or Sanaa over Yak and Yeti.
You and I are both waiting for our V&A meal!
When you go to Boma, allow a lot of extra time to go walk-about in the hotel. The animal viewing area is great and the cast members who are out there are also very nice and informative. There is the sunset balcony, a great spot if it is feeding time for the giraffes and ostriches. The flamingo feeding area & pool.
Inside there is lots to take photos of as well.
Also, great gift store!
We were quite delighted with our sit down lunch at Yak and Yeti. I’d definitely recommend that.
Don’t have too much experience with the rest of your list. We were a bit dissapointed by Le Cellier, but may have been what we ordered. We’ve done Ohana for dinner, which we love and will do in November again, but not for Breakfast! Plaza is on our list for next trip too.
Ohana, every time – can not recommend it enough! We did it for dinner the first time on our last trip and loved it so much we cancelled another meal and went back on a walk-up and waited later in the week. And next trip, we also plan to go twice! Sooo yummy! Its one you have to book right on your 190/180 day mark though. We’ve tried Kouzzina for dinner and weren’t that impressed – I’d only try it for breakfast if we were staying on the Boardwalk and it was really close by, I think. We’ve also done Boma and were expecting great things due to the reviews but we were really disappointed. The food was mainly so-so and generally not hot enough. I’d rather do Jiko or Sanaa any day. V&A’s is on our bucket list too!
Ohana is always delicious and a fun experience. Book your reservation in conjunction with the MK fireworks and you get a show with your dinner.
Le Cellier wasn’t that great when we went to it and the atmosphere is not my favorite. Yachtmen’s Steakhouse used to be my favorite but we’ve had some poor experiences there the last few times we went. I think one of the best steaks on property is at Flying Fish. Who knew!
Run, don’t walk to Brown Derby. It’s a wonderful representation of old Hollywood and the food is delicious. The biggest problem I have there is narrowing my selection down of what to eat because I love everything.
The lamb and steak from kouzzina are probably the nicest dishes ive ever eaten in WDW… and ive eaten a lot as our trips are usually 2/3 weeks long… (lol)
Seriously, be brave, we were and were not disappointed.
Love a fussy eater