If you've ever been to Walt Disney World, you know there are limitless options to make every foodie's heart sing. But with so many choices comes one of life's greatest hardships: picking one. Here is a comprehensive guide to Disney World dining to make your life a little easier. Featured are my favorite places to get a snack, a quick meal, and remarkable table service.
Magic Kingdom
Aloha Isle offers one of Disney's most legendary treats – Dole Whip. My personal favorite is the soft serve swirl of pineapple and vanilla, but you can't go wrong with any choice from this stand. Dole Whip is the perfect midday treat that offers a retreat from the Floridian sunshine.
Though the Cosmic Ray's menu may seem like nothing special at first glance, the Café offers the highest quality chicken tenders and hamburgers anyone could ask for. Not to mention the place offers an incredible view for your meal.
Be Our Guest Restaurant is the whole package. You can dine in three "Beauty and the Beast" themed areas, the ballroom, the West Wing and the Rose Gallery, each representing different points of the tale as old as time. The French cuisine is divine, but the real star of the show at this place is The Master's Cupcake topped with the coveted "grey stuff." The overall experience offered by Be Our Guest Restaurant makes it a must-have on this guide to Disney World dining.
Bonus: Cheshire Café
This themed stand offers a delicious treat that'll leave guests with a smile as large as the Cheshire Cat's: a Cheshire Cat Tail. The chocolate chip croissant topped with pink and purple frosting is the perfect snack to pass the time as the rest of your group waits for the tea cup ride nearby.
Epcot
Though Epcot offers a wide range of dining options, one of the best snacks it provides the classic funnel cake. The stand is placed at the center of the World Showcase at the American Pavilion and is a necessary stop for anyone who loves a fluffy, sweet pastry.
La Cantina de San Angel offers authentic Mexican cuisine along with a breezy dining area near the World Showcase Lagoon. Not only will you have the greatest tacos of all time, but you'll also have the pleasure of experiencing airy churro rings with a sweet caramel dipping sauce.
Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria
The World Showcase's authentic dining doesn't stop at Mexico. All of its restaurants are extraordinary, but its best table service is Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria. With three wood-burning ovens, its pizza is next level. The crust is always baked to perfection, and the fresh toppings give customers flavors you'd only be able to find in Italy itself.
But really, Epcot offers the best Disney World dining options during its annual International Food and Wine Festival which offers a grand assortment of culture and cuisine.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
The classic soft pretzel gets even better when it's Mickey-shaped. Though these pretzels can be found throughout all four parks, those offered at Anaheim Produce are always the freshest and softest (not to mention they're the perfect treat to share with a group of friends).
The Backlot Express is the move for both food lovers and Star Wars fans. With many options, some film-themed, some not, there isn't a bad choice on the menu. The best choice is the Dark Side Chicken and Waffles, pictured above. The fluffy breakfast option paired with classic chicken tenders makes for a fantastic meal.
Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano
If there's one thing Disney World dining does right, it's Italian food. Mama Melrose's offers an always appealing appetizer of fresh mozzarella and vine-ripened tomatoes that perfectly prepares customers for a hearty serving of spaghetti and meatballs.
Bonus: Really Great Starbucks
A barista who cares creates the best product, and every Starbucks at Disney offers the greatest quality product. Though the menu is the same as your local Starbs, each cup is embellished with a charming Disney pattern that makes every sip come with a side of magic. A Disney Starbucks gives you the best place to test out some life-changing Starbucks hacks, too.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Mickey-Shaped Ice Cream Sandwiches
A good ice cream sandwich becomes even better when it takes the shape of Mickey Mouse. These delicacies are located throughout the park at various carts and stands, and they're always the best at Animal Kingdom.
Disney's newest land, Pandora – The World of Avatar, is inspired by the 2009 box office hit "Avatar." The Satu'li Canteen gives guests the opportunity to create their own burrito bowl style meal that will satisfy even the most dedicated Chipotle lover. The restaurant also has an innovative choice: Cheeseburger Steamed Pod. These cheeseburger dumplings are a delicious option for those who are a little daring with their meals. It even offers some great gluten-free options, making one of the latest additions to Disney World dining one of the greatest.
The Tusker House is an all around great, all you can eat experience. The breakfast shines with its classic Mickey-shaped waffles as well as frittatas and banana bread pudding. Not only is the food delicious, but the restaurant also includes classic Disney characters who make their way around the dining areas in safari-themed outfits.
Now go call Disney, plan an amazing vacation, and hit up these iconic places to eat. Don't let the endless choices overtake the magic of the theme park; keep calm, and follow this food lover's guide to Walt Disney World dining.