DisneyTips.com Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
In general, when you think of “theme park food” you may just think hamburgers and hot dogs, or boring food options. Disney takes that up a notch with quick service offerings. You can of course still get your staple hamburgers and hot dogs, but with additional and unique offerings that are exclusive to Disney and become part of the Disney magic and experience that you crave with each of your family trips (Dole Whip…. ‘nuff said!). I put together a list of the quick service locations across all of Disney property that I feel overall are the best for the value, location, theming, experience and dining options.
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5. Satu’li Canteen, Animal Kingdom:
The newest counter service hot spot is in Animal Kingdom’s Pandora – The World of Avatar. After your journey down river on Na’vi River Journey and flying on a banshee on Avatar Flight of Passage, the next best place to stop is Satu’li Canteen for a bite. The theming is a long ago an RDA (Resources Development Administration) mess hall that has now been decked out with a colorful array of Na’vi (Pandora natives) art and cultural items. You’ll find a great menu for lunch and dinner. The menu offers the option to choose a bowl and/or pods. Create-Your-Own-Bowl by choosing one protein, one base, and one sauce. Two pod selections – vegetable curry pods or cheeseburger pods – are also delicious! Don’t forget to try their Blueberry Cream Cheese Mousse and Chocolate Cake. Plus, Satu’li Canteen is the birthplace of the mobile ordering. Order and pay for your food from the MyDisneyExperience app and pick up your food when you arrive. It’s awesome!
4. Sunshine Seasons, Epcot:
This location found in The Land pavilion is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The location is inside and air conditioned, still a major bonus in selecting places to dine and take a break. The location has various sections with numerous different offerings including items like fish tacos, Mongolian beef, Oak-grilled rotisserie chicken and many other options. This is always a pretty busy location, so snag your seat first and then go in shifts or send one person to get the food. Use this as a great place to have a snack or meal while waiting for your Soarin’ Fast Pass+ time! The options are so varied and too good, that I have trouble recommending a number one option here!
3. Flame Tree BBQ, Animal Kingdom:
You know this location as soon as you get within wind of it. The BBQ smell is amazing, and the food delivers to meet the expectations of the smell! At this location, you will find offerings like ½ slab of ribs, pork sandwiches, turkey or chicken sandwiches, salad and more. I highly recommend trying the ribs, as they are AMAZING! They are served with a side of baked beans and cornbread. The seating for the location is outside, but the areas are shaded with fans so you get a little bit of the opportunity to cool off and take a break. We have tried most of the menu and haven’t found a single thing we didn’t like.
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2. Columbia Harbour House, Magic Kingdom:
Look right across from the Haunted Mansion and you will find this location. It’s easy to pass by without noticing it if you aren’t paying attention or looking for it, and it is worth the stop. We stumbled across this one a few years ago and decided to give it a try for a quick lunch and we fell in love. This location has indoor seating, with an upstairs and downstairs. It doesn’t feel as loud or chaotic as other quick service locations, which can be a huge plus (especially with a sleeping baby in a stroller). The menu was far more unique that we would have expected with lots of seafood options as well as chicken pot pie, salads and their Lighthouse Sandwich (it’s a vegetarian sandwich with veggies and hummus). I LOVED the seafood macaroni & cheese the last time we went. We love the classic nautical theming of the décor and have made this a frequent stop for our visits.
1. Be Our Guest, Magic Kingdom:
The main complaint with this quick service option is getting a reservation! With this location, you can make reservations for a quick service breakfast or lunch just like you make reservations for table services experiences. You get the experience of dining in the Beast’s castle without the cost of a table service meal. The prices are comparable to other quick service locations, but with unique offerings exclusive to Be Our Guest. Amazing atmosphere, reasonable prices, air-conditioned….. It’s no wonder that this tops the list!
Honorable Mention – Sleepy Hollow, Magic Kingdom:
I have a special love for this location. It doesn’t have a very large menu and the seating is mostly outside, but the waffle sandwiches at this restaurant are truly unique and amazing. The sweet and spicy chicken one is my favorite, but be sure to get there in time. They only serve these sandwiches during lunch hours. Try one of their funnel cakes or a waffle with strawberries and whipped cream, too! It’s amazing! I have a love for the story of the Headless Horseman and Disney’s version of the story is one of my absolute favorites, so feeling like I am in THE Sleepy Hollow is a treat!
This short list definitely doesn’t include all of the amazing quick service spots to experience, but hopefully gives you an idea of what they have to offer beyond the traditional fare with a lot of extra experience and atmosphere that Disney executes perfectly! It’s nice to know that you don’t have to take a break from the magic on a Disney vacation since it’s everywhere! What are some of your favorite quick service experiences?
