Walt Disney World is the ultimate vacation destination for families, and that includes the dining experience! With so many themed restaurants, character dining opportunities, and magical settings, there are plenty of spots perfect for kids (and the whole family).
From dining with Mickey and friends to experiencing out-of-this-world atmospheres, we’ve rounded up the best kid-friendly restaurants at Walt Disney World that will make your little ones’ eyes light up and bellies happy. Whether your family loves meeting characters or just craves a fun and engaging atmosphere, this guide will help you choose the best dining experiences for your trip.
1. Chef Mickey’s – Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Located in Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Chef Mickey’s is the ultimate character dining experience for kids. Your little ones can meet Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, and Donald—all decked out in their chef outfits. The excitement of seeing beloved characters up close while they visit each table is a magical experience every child will remember.
The buffet-style menu offers plenty of kid-friendly options like Mickey waffles for breakfast and pasta dishes for dinner, making it easy for even the pickiest eaters.
Pro Tip:
Make your reservation early, as Chef Mickey’s is one of the most popular dining experiences at Walt Disney World. If you can snag a reservation during fireworks time, you’ll also have an excellent view of the nighttime spectacular from the resort.
2. Be Our Guest Restaurant – Magic Kingdom
Step into the Beast’s enchanted castle at Magic Kingdom’s Be Our Guest Restaurant. Kids will love dining in the grand ballroom, the mysterious West Wing, or the opulent Rose Gallery. The immersive atmosphere feels straight out of Beauty and the Beast, and young guests might even spot the enchanted rose! For lunch and dinner, the menu offers a variety of family-friendly options, from the “French Dip Sandwich” to the famous “Grey Stuff” dessert.
Pro Tip:
Reserve your spot for breakfast or lunch to enjoy a quick-service meal while still taking in the incredible ambiance of the castle. Remember to try the “Grey Stuff”—it’s delicious!
3. Cinderella’s Royal Table – Magic Kingdom
Dining inside Cinderella Castle is every child’s dream come true. At Cinderella’s Royal Table, your kids will feel like royalty as they meet Disney princesses such as Ariel, Snow White, Jasmine, and, of course, Cinderella herself.
This dining experience offers a magical opportunity for kids to interact with their favorite characters while enjoying a delicious meal. The ambiance inside the castle is breathtaking, and children love the chance to dine like princes and princesses.
Pro Tip:
This is a hard-to-get reservation, so be sure to book it as soon as your booking window opens (60 days in advance). Consider a breakfast reservation for an early start with the magic!
4. Tusker House Restaurant – Disney’s Animal Kingdom
If your kids love characters and animals, then Tusker House is a must-visit. Located in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, this restaurant features Safari Donald Duck and friends—Mickey, Daisy, and Goofy—in their explorer outfits. The buffet includes plenty of kid-approved dishes like macaroni and cheese and chicken nuggets, but there are also African-inspired options for those who want to try something new.
Pro Tip:
Schedule your reservation before or after a Kilimanjaro Safaris ride to make the most of your Animal Kingdom day. If you plan it right, you can enjoy a relaxed brunch or lunch and then head off for a safari adventure.
5. Hollywood & Vine – Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Hollywood & Vine is a character dining spot that changes with the seasons. For breakfast, kids can enjoy Disney Junior Play ‘n Dine, meeting characters like Doc McStuffins, Vampirina, and Fancy Nancy. During lunch and dinner, Minnie’s Seasonal Dine takes over, featuring Minnie, Mickey, and friends dressed in seasonal outfits. The buffet includes a variety of options suitable for children and adults alike, ensuring a satisfying meal for the whole family.
Pro Tip:
For a complete Disney Junior experience, pair breakfast at Hollywood & Vine with a visit to the nearby Disney Junior Dance Party show, where kids can dance and sing with their favorite TV characters.
6. The Crystal Palace – Magic Kingdom
Set in a beautiful Victorian-style greenhouse on Main Street, U.S.A., The Crystal Palace offers a charming dining experience with Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, and Eeyore. Kids will love joining the “Pooh-rade” and meeting their favorite characters while enjoying a buffet full of tasty options, including breakfast favorites, salads, and carved meats.
Pro Tip:
Book a breakfast reservation before the park opens to enjoy a nearly empty Main Street for those iconic castle photos—an experience that adds a bit of extra magic to the start of your day.
7. ‘Ohana – Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
‘Ohana, located at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, is a family favorite for its tropical theme and interactive entertainment. During breakfast, your kids can meet Lilo, Stitch, Mickey, and Pluto as they enjoy delicious dishes like pineapple-coconut bread and Mickey-shaped waffles.
The evening dinner brings a delightful family-style feast complete with grilled meats and island-inspired flavors. While there are no characters during dinner, the interactive atmosphere, fun games, and activities keep kids engaged.
Pro Tip:
Plan an evening reservation and ask for a table with a view of Magic Kingdom’s fireworks. You can enjoy the show right from your seat!
8. Rainforest Cafe – Disney’s Animal Kingdom & Disney Springs
Rainforest Cafe offers a wild dining experience that’s perfect for animal-loving kids. With locations at both Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney Springs, this immersive restaurant brings the jungle to life with animatronic animals, simulated thunderstorms, and lush surroundings. The diverse menu has plenty of kid-friendly choices, including burgers, pasta, and chicken nuggets, ensuring every young adventurer leaves satisfied.
Pro Tip:
The location at Disney Springs is less likely to have long wait times, so consider making a reservation there if you want a more flexible dining option outside of park hours.
9. T-REX – Disney Springs
Dinosaurs come to life at this prehistoric-themed restaurant in Disney Springs. T-REX is a dining experience that combines fun and food as kids explore different themed rooms filled with animatronic dinosaurs.
The interactive environment includes meteor showers, an ice cave, and fossil displays that will keep your little ones entertained throughout the meal. The extensive menu has a wide range of options for kids, from classic burgers to dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets.
Pro Tip:
If your child loves dinosaurs, visit the Build-A-Dino Workshop inside the restaurant where they can create their own stuffed dinosaur friend to take home.
10. Garden Grill – EPCOT
Garden Grill, located in EPCOT’s The Land Pavilion, offers a rotating dining experience with a farm-to-table twist. Kids will have the opportunity to meet Chip, Dale, Mickey, and Pluto, all dressed in their farmer outfits. The meal is served family-style, featuring fresh, locally sourced dishes like turkey, vegetables, and macaroni and cheese.
The revolving restaurant allows diners to view scenes from the Living with the Land attraction, adding an educational touch to the dining experience.
Pro Tip:
This is an ideal spot for breakfast if you want early access to the popular attractions at EPCOT’s Future World. You’ll be steps away from Soarin’ and Living with the Land once you finish your meal!
Dining at Walt Disney World is more than just about the food—it’s about creating memories and enjoying magical experiences that make your vacation special. From character meals to immersive themed environments, these kid-friendly restaurants offer something for every family. Be sure to make reservations early to secure your spot at these must-visit locations, and enjoy a magical dining adventure with your little ones!
Book your reservations today to ensure your family enjoys all the best kid-friendly restaurants the parks and resorts have to offer. Don’t miss out on these unforgettable moments with your favorite characters and immersive settings!
Ready to plan your next magical dining experience at Walt Disney World? Let us know in the comments!