Disney Dining...or...Can We Get Chicken Tenders There??

Some time ago, I had seen this post on the Disney Blog about dining, which made me think of all our experiences in Disney's wonderful restaurants.

If you've been to Disney, you know that getting reservations for table-service dining can be difficult, as the restaurants fill up quickly, especially those that offer character dining. You need to call far in advance of your visit to get the seating you want, especially if you are visiting during a peak season. Daddy Disney has this down to a science, to the point that, six months before our trips, he gets on the phone with Disney Dining and schedules nearly all our meals. We end up debating for a few hours where to eat, with him pressuring us all the way. "Hurry! These spots aren't going to last long! Crystal Palace or Hollywood & Vine?? I've got to call tomorrow!" Good thing for him, otherwise we'd be eating in counter-service spots the whole trip...

Our list is comprised of a mix of kid-friendly and more elegant, expensive restaurants. Our boy loves the character spots the most, and doesn't care about the food, as long as it's chicken tenders and fries (he's taken the whole autistic-obsessive eating thing to a new level). Luckily, Disney's restaurants are pretty flexible, and if chicken nuggets aren't on the menu, the staff will go to the nearest restaurant/food court and get them from their kitchen. That does not happen in NY restaurants. In fact, we've only been denied once, and that was by Shula's (in the Swan & Dolphin). We actually had to beg for french fries, and that was only because we saw someone else eating them, after we had been told they could not accomodate us.

Our list takes into account other factors besides the food, such as location, theme and service, and is in no particular order:

Cinderella's Royal Table - Magic Kingdom. My personal favorite. You're eating in Cinderella's Castle, what more could you want? The food is great too, as are the Princess and her mice.

Whispering Canyons Cafe - Wilderness Lodge. Our daughter's favorite, the wait staff there is of the "insult and scold the customers" type and she just loves when her dad gets yelled at for drinking his milkshake too fast. Food is fair.

Jiko - Animal Kingdom Lodge. African specialities in a gorgeous setting. Hubby is not an adventurous eater and was not looking forward to it. He found a steak, though, that he just loved. Evening saved! Their "Zebratinis" (similar to a white chocolate martini) pack a real punch, as I found out the hard way. Food was terrific.

Crystal Palace - Magic Kingdom. The character buffet, right in the heart of MK, is hugely popular (and not because of the food, which is passable). Pooh and friends dance and sing, and that makes this one our boy's all-time favorite.

Yachtman's Steakhouse - Boardwalk. The first restaurant we went to, on our first trip to Disney after our daughter was born. Wonderful steaks, white glove service and classy ambience. Perfect without the kids...!

Teppan Edo - Japan, Epcot. Hubby had been there numerous times (without me, sadly) until our last trip, when we snuck out without the kids. Very good hibachi, they also have regular table service. Fun eating with strangers, and the chefs are reliably funny & skilled.

Narcoosees - Grand Floridian. Located right on the lagoon, the views are spectactular. We spent our 20th wedding anniversary there with our kids and in-laws, and the food was amazing. Perfect view of the MK fireworks, if you can get a reservation during the show.

The Plaza - Magic Kingdom. The little restaurant behind Edy's Ice Cream, just off Main Street. Really good sandwiches and burgers in a quaint, quiet little room.

Grand Floridian Cafe - Grand Floridian. Great food in a quiet corner of the gorgeous Grand Floridian lobby. Unpretentious but elegant, we love the great burgers and their pork chops are amazing!

Coral Reef - Epcot. Odd choice for us as we don't eat seafood! The restaurant is placed alongside the enormous aquarium that makes up the Sea pavillion, and watching the fish, sharks and rays swim by while you dine is an experience our boy loves. The non-seafood choices are terrific, and we are told, so is the seafood! The last time we were there, we requested our usual chicken tenders before being seated. The manager came out and asked if they needed to be prepared a certain way, then gave us the best table in the house when we explained about our son. Now that's how to care for your customers!


There are many more restaurants we are longing to try, and that may make it onto future lists...California Grill, Victoria & Albert's (may have to take out a second mortgage for that one) Le Cellier, Citrico's, The Wave...and the list goes on.

What are your favorites?