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8 Best Restaurants For Avoiding The Crowds At Walt Disney World

One of the things that guests look forward to the most in Walt Disney World is enjoying the wide array of impressive dining found all throughout the property. Each Disney Park, Disney Resort, and Disney Springs is home to incredible dining options that offer up extensive choices for guests of all culinary preferences. While every dining option is wonderful, sometimes popular locations can end up being completely booked or totally overcrowded on busy days in the parks. Guests who are looking to enjoy a calmer, quieter meal on a busy day to escape the crowds can opt for one of the restaurants on this list. All of these options are wonderful dining experiences, but tend to be less popular either due to being located slightly off the beaten path or conveniently close to another more popular location. No matter what kind of meal a guest is looking for, these are great options to choose from! Here are the eight best restaurants to enjoy when trying to avoid the crowds on a busy day in Walt Disney World.

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1. Columbia Harbour House

The Magic Kingdom is always busy with guests who consider spending time in the park a must do on every Disney vacation. While the park is home to many eateries that are always busy and popular, there are others that are just as delicious, but offer a quieter dining experience. Columbia Harbour House in Liberty Square is a two floor quick service restaurant that is open daily for lunch and dinner and is decorated with a nautical theme that will make guests feel as though they are about to set sail. The menu at Columbia Harbour House features unique options that guests will love to enjoy including the Grilled Shrimp Skewer, Chicken Pot Pie, Grilled Salmon, Lobster Roll, and Tuna Sandwich.

2. Tony’s Town Square Restaurant

Guests who are in the Magic Kingdom but looking to enjoy a full service meal can head to the front of the park to enjoy a wonderful location inspired by a favorite Disney film that is typically not as crowded as other locations. Tony’s Tow Square Restaurant is inspired by the famous chef from Lady & the Tramp and serves up Italian favorites with views of Main Street. Guests who dine at the restaurant for lunch and dinner can enjoy options such as Spaghetti, House-made Gnocchi Primavera, Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo, and Ravioli with Grilled Chicken Breast.

3. Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen

Another wonderful full service location in the Magic Kingdom that tends to be quieter on busy days is located in the heart of Adventureland. The Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen is run by the skippers from the Jungle Cruise and guests can dine on exotic options inspired by worldly flavors while enjoying their signature humor and sense of adventure. Lunch and dinner options at the restaurant include Whole Fried Fish, Trader Lamb, Dr. Falls Signature Grilled Steak, Perkins Thai Noodles, and Sankuru Sadie’s Seafood Stew.

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4. Kona Café

For days that the Magic Kingdom is simply too crowded to deal with, guests can head to the nearby Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort for a wonderful full service restaurant that nearly always has available tables. Kona Café is located on the second floor of the Great Ceremonial House and features an open air setting where guests can enjoy the ambiance of the Disney Resort’s main lobby. Featuring American favorites infused with Asian flavors and ingredients, guests can choose from menu options including Macadamia Nut Pancakes, Tonga Toast, Duck Fried Rice with Leg Confit, Perfect Porterhouse Steak, and Pork Belly Noodle Bowl.

5. Contempo Café

Another nearby option that guests can enjoy when the Magic Kingdom is too crowded is located at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Contempo Café is a quick service option that features an open air dining area that allows guests to enjoy delicious meals while taking in the sights of the modern lobby including the monorail gliding by. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Contempo Café features some grab and go options in addition to made to order choices including Steel-Cut Oatmeal, Scrambled Hash Bowl, Vegetarian Pizza, Turkey Club Wrap, and Grilled Vegetable Sandwich.

6. Coral Reef Restaurant

One of the most popular places that guests head to when they are looking to enjoy a delicious meal is Epcot thanks to its dozens of dining options throughout World Showcase and Future World. Guests who are looking to enjoy a full service meal without the high crowds can head to the Coral Reef Restaurant which is located inside of The Seas with Nemo and Friends Pavilion. Coral Reef Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and serves up a seafood inspired menu with beautiful views of the pavilion’s massive aquarium. Popular menu options at the restaurant include Seared Mahi Mahi, Lobster Seafood Boil, Shrimp and Grits, 10-oz Grilled Top Sirloin Steak, and Grilled Swordfish.

7. Spice Road Table

Another wonderful dining option to enjoy in Epcot when trying to avoid crowds is a full service location in the heart of World Showcase. Spice Road Table is situated at the front of the Morocco Pavilion and offers up beautiful views of World Showcase Lagoon and Future World from both an outdoor patio and indoor dining room. Specializing in Mediterranean flavors, guests who dine at this typically quiet location can enjoy options including Yellowfin Tuna, Coriander-Crusted Rack of Lamb, Mix Grill Skewers, and Mediterranean Vegetable Platter.

8. Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano

Like Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is home to many dining locations, most of which are typically busy on a crowded day in the park. Guests who are looking to avoid the crowds can enjoy Italian favorites infused with the flavors of California at a fun eater. Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano features a fun and festive décor that pairs perfectly with lunch and dinner options such as Shrimp Campanelle, Saltimbocca, Seafood Fra Diavolo, and Spaghetti and Meatballs.

About Caitlin Kane

Caitlin Kane first started visiting Walt Disney World when she was two years old, and despite spending most of that trip quarantined with the chicken pox she managed to fall in love with the place. Visiting WDW every year since, she especially loves learning all about the history and small details of the parks and eating/drinking her way through the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival each fall. When she's not in Disney, Caitlin lives in New York and spends her time counting down the days to her next trip.