Magic Kingdom

What to Expect. The best restaurants can be found outside the park at the Magic Kingdom area hotels. The Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian resorts are a short ride away by monorail and well worth the trip. Wilderness Lodge and Fort WIlderness Resorts are a scenic boat ride away. All Disney transportation is complimentary. For quick service, Kids' meals now offer alternatives to french fries such as grapes and sugar-free apple sauce. Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn at Frontierland is a favorite among Disney World veterans - check out the toppings bar! The Contempo Cafe at Disney's Contemporary Resort offers fresh menu options such as flatbread pizza and a smoked turkey BLT - save room for the extra tall cupcakes and gourmet coffee! For table service, Be Our Guest Restaurant gets high marks for overall quality and atmosphere. Those wishing to dine in Cinderella Castle should strongly consider Be Our Guest first. The Kona Cafe at Disney's Polynesian Resort is great for breakfast and dinner alike. Enjoy the causal elegance at the Grand Floridian Cafe or the rustic allure of Whispering Canyon Cafe at Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort.

What the experts say. Don't get your hopes up, table service dining in the Magic Kingdom will leave a lot to be desired. The new Be Our Guest Restaurant is certainly an exception and is earning very high scores in our survey. Parents will find the restaurants to be kid-friendly and that might just be enough help them overlook the mediocre menus of the Magic Kingdom. For the best dining, try one of the Magic Kingdom area hotels; with the unique transportation options at Disney World, getting there is half the fun.

Need a last-minute reservation? Try the Plaza Cafe, Grand Floridian Cafe, Kona Cafe.

Magic Kingdom Dining Index

DDP = Disney Dining Plan Participant | B D L = Serves Breakfast, Lunch, and/or Dinner

Aloha Isle | Snack | DDP
Made famous by the Dole Whip: soft serve ice cream floating in pineapple juice. Has a large following of fans. Expect long lines.

Be Our Guest Restaurant | Counter Service for lunch, Table Service for dinner | DDP
The Magic Kingdom was in serious need of good food and guests will find that here. The menus are a little gourmet, definitely not your average theme park fare. The decor and atmosphere are among the best anywhere in Walt Disney World.

Casey’s Corner | Counter Service | DDP | L D
Hot dogs, fries and pretzels. Convenient location just off the central hub at the end of Main Street USA. Critics say it’s overpriced at $7 for a dog and fries, for others its a tradition to stop here.

Cinderella’s Royal Table | Signature Dining w/ Characters | DDP | B L D
The food is not impressive and neither are the prices, so go in anticipating the overall experience. Book 6 months in advance. Make an early morning reservation, prior to park opening, and you’ll have Main Street USA all to yourself for some great photos.

Columbia Harbour House | Counter Service | DDP | L D
The decor cleverly resembles the interior of a ship. Additional seating upstairs with second story views of the Magic Kingdom. Fried seafood baskets and some surprisingly good salads.

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe | Counter Service | DDP | L D
Separate lines for menu items make things difficult when traveling with a large group. Ample seating with excellent views of Cinderella Castle. The bbq pulled pork sandwich is a favorite.

Crystal Palace | Table Service Buffet w/ Characters | DDP | L D
Buffet style with Winnie the Pooh and friends. The buffet earns high marks and kids will love having their own special buffet area. Make an early morning reservation, prior to park opening, and you’ll have Main Street USA all to yourself for some great photos.

Diamond Horseshoe | Table Service | DDP | L D
Operating hours are unpredictable but it’s usually opened during busy times of the year. Not recommended for lunch. Dinner however is usually buffet style and typically shares a menu with Liberty Tree Tavern.

Gaston’s Tavern | Counter Service | DDP | L D
Part of the New Fantasyland project, this restaurant will be based on Gaston from Disney’s Beauty and Beast animated feature. Le Fou's Brew (a frozen apple juice beverage) and the roasted pork shank are signature items here.

Golden Oak Outpost | Counter Service | DDP not accepted | L D
Originally designed to be the go-to spot for healthier dining options within the Magic Kingdom, but we couldn’t help but notice the french fries, fried chicken, and chocolate cake on the menu. Outdoor seating only.

Liberty Tree Tavern | Table Service | DDP | L D
Reminiscent of an old New England home, this classic kitchen caters to a hearty appetite with carved turkey, beef, and pork. The Patriot Platter, the only item offered at dinner, is served family style.

Main Street Bakery | Quick Service | DDP | B L D
Don’t let the word bakery fool you, there’s more than just sweet treats here. Excellent sandwiches, smoothies, and fruit can also be found alongside the massive array of delectable desserts. Be prepared for long lines.

Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe | Quick Service | DDP | L D
There’s no other place in the theme parks that Disney World veterans are more passionate about than Pecos Bill Cafe, right down to how the name is pronounced (Peekos or Paycos). Typical burgers and fries and pulled pork. Gets very crowded!

Pinocchio Village Haus | Quick Service | DDP | L D
The menu was changed recently and it leaves most guests confused and disappointed. Avoid the flat bread pizza. Salads are acceptable. Find a table that overlooks “it’s a small world” or head upstairs for a second story view of Fantasyland.

The Plaza Restaurant | Table Service | DDP | L D
A best kept secret located just off Main Street USA heading towards Tomorrowland. Basic sandwich menu but always prepared well. Save room for the ice cream. The chef sometimes has meatloaf which is also very good.

Sleepy Hollow | Quick Service | DDP | B L D
A great place to sit and relax while getting up close and personal with Cinderella Castle. Waffles and funnel cakes are served. Outdoor seating only. Not all menu items participate with the Disney Dining Plan.

Sunshine Tree Terrace | Snacks | DDP
Recently refurbished to include the iconic “Little Orange Bird” character that was popular here back in the 1970s and 80s. The Citrus Swirl is also made a comeback but it tastes like frozen OJ from a can mixed with vanilla ice cream.

Tomorrowland Terrace Cafe | Quick Service
At one time this was a bustling quick service eatery. Today, it’s used only as a spare - fired up only when the park is crowded or during hard ticket events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks Dessert Party | Snack Experience | DDP not accepted
Offered most nights, guests can enjoy a dessert buffet in a private area of the Tomorrowland Terrace restaurant offering some of the best views of the castle fireworks. Highly recommended.

Tony’s Town Square | Table Service | DDP | L D
Serving basic Italian dishes that will not impress. It’s one of the few table service restaurants in Magic Kingdom Park so it gets very crowded. Patio seating offers a great view of the evening parades.

Tortuga Tavern | Quick Service | DDP | L D
Across from Pirates of the Caribbean it’s reminiscent of an old pirate hangout. Serving mostly Mexican fare like tacos and burritos. Won’t be enough for a complete meal, but not a bad snack.