Dining with little ones. For some, those four words can bring more terror than the breathtaking drop of your elevator car on Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. But take a deep breath and relax, because LeAndra and Leslie are back with game-changing tips on selecting the best dining options at Walt Disney World Resort for your entire family … and yes, even that picky eater!
Character Dining
Without a doubt, character dining is a top pick for many families dining with little ones. There are numerous choices to select from and all offer not only delectable meals but also fun with your favorite characters. As LeAndra and Leslie mention, Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a panelist favorite for an all-you-care-to-enjoy dining experience with Mickey and some of his pals. ‘Ohana, at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, for breakfast with Lilo and Stitch is another top choice. And let’s not forget The Crystal Palace at Magic Kingdom Park with Winnie the Pooh and his friends from the Hundred Acre Wood. There is also Tusker House Restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. The fun never stops here with Donald Duck and his friends, and a buffet filled with choices everyone can agree on! And as mentioned by LeAndra, don’t forget to check out the amazing character dining at Hollywood & Vine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Garden Grill Restaurant at EPCOT.
Playful Dining
That is right, you can absolutely find playful dining that you and your little ones will enjoy at Walt Disney World Resort. 50’s Prime Time Café offers up meals that will remind you of grandma’s home cooking, but everyone better eat those veggies or your server might just take you off the eligible list for dessert and believe us … you don’t want to miss the dessert! Whispering Canyon Cafe – a restaurant where the shenanigans never end! Our recommendation? Be sure and ask for some ketchup. And while we believe a good time can be had at all of the Walt Disney World restaurants, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue! There will be singing, dancing, and dining on all-you-care-to-enjoy fried chicken and smoked BBQ pork ribs. Oh, and how could we forget the mac and cheese? A winner for all!
It is important to note that advanced reservations are highly recommended for all of the dining options mentioned above, and children under the age of three do eat free!
Dining Plans
Dining plans can currently be added to Disney Resort hotel packages with arrivals on or after January 9, 2024. Guests with little ones will definitely want to make sure to look into this offering for their next Walt Disney World vacation. The convenience and flexibility of prepaid meals and snacks can provide peace of mind when guests purchase a dining plan as part of their Disney Resort Hotel package. Did you know that with a dining plan you can save up to 20% on dining for kids ages 3 to 9?* To learn more be sure to visit Disneyworld.com.
*Savings compared to the non-discounted price of menu items available to kids ages 3 to 9 at participating locations when purchased without a dining plan. Actual savings vary based on menu items ordered.
Snacks
No doubt, Leslie and LeAndra hit it out of the parks, the theme parks that is, with their snack recommendations for you and your little ones. From Mickey Premium Bars to DOLE Whip, we can all agree on their tasty advice. And don’t forget that if your little one has had enough magical sugar for the day, there are healthier options. Be sure to look for the Mickey Check and tell your little one it’s a snack their favorite Disney character would enjoy!
These dining recommendations are only the start of all the dining options you can find for your little one at Walt Disney World Resort. While planning your dining options be sure to check out the Walt Disney World Preschool webpage for more information, and if you are looking for more tips on planning your next Disney vacation, then stop by @planDisneypanel on Instagram, @planDisney on Twitter, or planDisney.com. We look forward to answering your planning questions.
Panelists receive compensation for their participation on planDisney.