Most Disney fans can agree that attractions and shows are the main reason to visit a Disney Park. But for some of us, those incredible dining experiences can leave a longer lasting impression. If you have ever done the Disney Dining Plan, you know the “foodies” have the right idea. We rounded up our list of what we think are the most unique dining experiences at Disney and worth you taking time out from riding those rides to try. We aren’t covering buffets or character dining on this list, as we think they deserve their own category. Let’s dig in….you see what we did there?
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater
Located at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, this ’50s-style drive-in theater features all-American cuisine and sci-fi movie clips. Enter the Hollywood-style soundstage, pass by all the vintage memorabilia as you are led to your own car shaped booth or table. Road-ready picnic tables are located at the back of the theater, where thereâs even an old-fashioned, drive-in-style concession stand! The illuminated tail lights of your fellow drive-in diners and a sky full of twinkling stars set the mood as you place your order. This place is famous for it’s shakes so be sure to enjoy one while watching all the thrilling, chilling sci-fi scenes on the big screen. Before your ‘dinner and a show’ experience ends, make sure you try the House-made Sci-Fi Candy Bar! Tables and booths will be assigned upon your arrival at the restaurant, unless otherwise reserved. Advance reservations are highly recommended.Â
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto
Tucked away under the lush fronds of swaying palm trees, Trader Samâs Grog Grotto is conveniently located steps away from the lavish lobby of the Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Itâs the perfect place to unwind after a day at the theme parks. Explore the whimsically themed lounge overrun with ancient artifacts and exotic treasures. Feel free to enjoy the open-air Tiki Terrace for a relaxing drink or appetizer under the starry sky, complete with live Hawaiian-themed musical entertainment.
Enjoy delicious cocktails with catchy names like Polynesian Pearl, Nautilus and Tahitian Torch. If you’re longing for classic concoctions from Disneyland, you’re in luck. Libations like the Krakatoa Punch, Uh Oa!, HippopotoMai-Tai and Shrunken Zombie Head have made their way to Florida! You can even order your cocktail served in a collectible, Disney-exclusive tiki mug. Hungry for a taste of the island lifestyle? Sample Hawaiian poke, sushi rolls, kĂĄlua pork tacos, chicken lettuce cups or the signature bĂĄnh mĂŹ sliders. The wait to get into the grotto can be long and advanced reservations are not available.
Biergarten Restaurant
Celebrate Oktoberfest all year long with authentic German cuisine and lively entertainment. Located in the Germany Pavilion at EPCOT World Showcase, Biergarten transports guests to a nighttime Bavarian village. Throughout the course of the meal, a lively polka band performs traditional German songs and encourage guests to join in the fun. At biergarten-style tables, traditional German fare such as bratwurst, rotisserie chicken, pork schnitzel and a variety of salads are served. Save room for Bavarian cheesecake and hand-pulled apple strudel, made fresh daily! Raise a stein to over 200 years of Oktoberfest celebrations. Guests can enjoy a slew of German beers and wines as they relax in the twilit atmosphere. Advance reservations are highly recommended.
Be Our Guest Restaurant
Bon appĂ©tit! Feast on French-inspired fare in one of elaborately themed rooms from the beloved Disney classic. Be Our Guest Restaurant is located in Beast’s Castle in Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom park. Table-service lunch and dinner includes a prix fixe, 3-course menu featuring French-inspired dishes. Guests are seated in one of the 3 dining areas, each designed to immerse guests in the heartwarming mystery and romance of Beauty and the Beast: The Grand Ballroom boasts high, domed ceiling, chandeliers and snow-laced Gothic arches. The Beastâs mysterious West Wing study where you may even spy his enchanted rose. The Castle Gallery Belleâs private library, and inspired by the larger-than-life figures of Belle and Beast dancing. Reservations are strongly recommended for all meals.
Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue
A hilarious, high-spirited hootenanny the whole family will enjoy, accompanied by a finger-lickinâ feast. Join the Pioneer Hall Players for 2 hours of Wild West dancing, singing and zany comedy. You never know what to expect when Claire de Lune, Johnny Ringo, Dolly Drew, Six Bits Slocum, Flora Long and Jim Handy hit the stage. Get ready to clap your hands, stomp your feet, sing along and have a good olâ time at rustic Pioneer Hall in Disneyâs Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. In between skits and song, guests chow down on buckets of all-you-care-to-enjoy fried chicken and smoked BBQ pork ribs, as well as a tossed green salad, baked beans, fresh-baked cornbread and strawberry shortcake. Unlimited draft beer, wine and sangria are included for Guests 21 years of age and up (proper ID required). Soft drinks are also included.
San Angel Inn Restaurante
Dine in perpetual twilight at this Mexican restaurant, modeled after a 17th-century hacienda at the base of Mayan ruins. South of the Border specialties are served with Old World hospitality in this intimate, twilit setting. Start your meal with zesty appetizers like tortilla soup topped with avocado, cheese and tortilla strips. Next, enjoy steak, chicken and fish entrĂ©es served with sauces such as chipotle pepper, chocolaty mole and green tomatillo. Guests can even enjoy a variety of margaritas and premium tequilas. Mexican wines, beers and coffees are also available. Advance reservations are highly recommended. San Angel Inn is Walt Disney Worldâs Blue Bayou, and although Gran Fiesta Tour is no Pirates of the Caribbean, the experience here is every bit as good. We highly recommend arriving early to your ADR, requesting a waterside table, and being willing to wait.Â
The Edison
Located at Disney Springs, this lavish, industrial gothic-style hotspot features classic American cuisine, craft cocktails and unique entertainment. Experience a clever tribute to an era fueled by invention and imagination! Designed to look like a 1920s electric company, The Edison exudes an air of romance and Old World sophistication. Anticipate expansive 35-foot ceilings and a range of themed areas, including The Ember Parlour, Telegraph Lounge, The Patent Office, The Tesla Lounge, The Radio Room, Waterfront Patio and The Lab. A steady lineup of unique acts is sure to keep you entertained and on your toes. Advanced reservations are highly recommended.
Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show
Enjoy a authentic luau with Polynesian dancing and an all-you-care-to-enjoy, family-style feast. Celebrate the spirit of aloha with spellbinding dancers, drummers and a show-stopping fire-knife performer. Auntie Wini is hosting a fun-filled luau to say goodbye to one of the local girls who’s headed to the âmainlandâ for college. In the open-air theater in Luau Cove, delight in enchanting traditions from Polynesia, including dances from Tahiti, Samoa, Tonga, New Zealand and Hawaii. Dine on platters of authentic Aloha pulled pork, Polynesian ribs, roasted chicken and seasonal vegetables. Enjoy fresh fruit and a salad with ginger-lime dressing and then finish the meal with Pineapple Guava Cake and Chocolate Cake! In addition to soft drinks, lemonade, coffee and other non-alcoholic beverages, Guests 21 years of age and up can enjoy beer and wine with their meals.
Beaches & Cream Soda Shop
Nestled in by the famous 3-acre Stormalong Bay, Beaches & Cream is a boardwalk style ice cream parlor. Sip on flavored sodas, malted milkshakes and more while listening to oldies on the classic jukebox. Sit at a beach ball-bedecked table and peruse a menu of fountain favorites, sweet surprises and hot-off-the-grill items. Indulge in the famous burgers or try the equally sublime grilled cheese and tomato soup. The chili-cheese tots and onion rings are among the other comfort classics offered. Save some room because the main event here is, of course, dessert! You will find all your childhood favorites plus some showstoppers, like the Snickers Sundae and the No Way José, a delicious creation with ice cream, peanut butter and hot fudge. For the ultimate experience, try the Kitchen Sink challenge: 8 scoops of ice cream smothered in every topping they have!
T-REX Cafe
Surround yourself with the sights and sounds of a prehistoric world when you explore this dinosaur-themed cafĂ©, located at Disney Springs. Travel back 200 million years to see wooly mammoths and life sized animatronic dinosaurs, including a 15 foot tall T-Rex! Dine on family-friendly American favorites beneath luminescent jellyfish or in the midsection of a triceratops! Themed rooms depict diverse primordial landscapes like a color-changing ice cavern to a forest buzzing with giant wasps. Every 20 minutes or so, witness a meteor shower complete with rumbling and fiery âexplosions.â The food is quite good and features American fare sure to please herbivores, omnivores and carnivores alike. From salads and burgers to pasta and steaks, tear into tasty plates that everyone will enjoy. Brought to you by the same folks behind Rainforest Cafe. Note that this restaurant can be noisy and frighten some children.
In addition to a confirmed dining reservation, in-park dining at table-service restaurants requires a park reservation and valid admission for the same park on the same date for each person in your party ages 3 and up. Dining reservations do not guarantee access to a park, and Park Hopper availability may change daily. We recommend Guests book in-park dining at the park where they have a Disney Park Pass reservation.
Did your favorite dining spot make our list? Let us know below if you plan to try any of these locations on your next visit. Also, be on the lookout for our roundup of the best buffets and character dining. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for updates.