I’ll be honest – the Magic Kingdom dining situation isn’t my favorite. It’s not that the food isn’t good, it’s just that I love the dining at the other parks (Epcot’s World Showcase is my absolute favorite) so much more. But, chances are, you’ll be spending enough time at the Magic Kingdom that you’ll need to eat a few meals there. Here’s our guide to Magic Kingdom dining, including table service and quick service restaurants, as well as snacks.
Disclosure: I have experienced some of these during press trips (at no/limited cost) as well as personal trips (at my expense). All thoughts are my own. This post contains affiliate links. A purchase/click through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us.
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The Complete Guide to Magic Kingdom Dining – The Good and the Bad
The table-service restaurants at the Magic Kingdom aren’t very big and are very popular. So, you’ll definitely want to do your research in advance and make your dining reservation 60 days in advance where possible. When the parks are busy (which is pretty much year-round these days), it’s not always feasible to get in if you don’t have one.
Keep in mind that you’ll need valid park admission and a park reservation (or park hopper, if visiting a different park in the morning) in order to dine at a Magic Kingdom restaurant. A dining reservation alone isn’t enough.
See Magic Kingdom hotels here.
Table Service Restaurants at the Magic Kingdom
Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen
The newest table service restaurant at the Magic Kingdom is themed after the Jungle Cruise attraction, and I think it’s one of the best Magic Kingdom restaurants. The menu at the Jungle Navigation Skipper Canteen includes some exotic Asian-inspired entrees. My favorite is the “Tastes like Chicken” Because it is!” which is absolutely delicious. If you haven’t been here yet, it’s a great option.
Cinderella’s Royal Table
This is one of the most popular Magic Kingdom restaurants, and it’s small, so it books up quickly. In the past, princess lovers would enjoy going to Cinderella Castle to dine among their favorite princesses. However, the princess dining experience hasn’t yet returned. It’s a signature dining location, and you’ll need to use 2 table service credits.
Be Our Guest Restaurant
Be Our Guest is one of the most unique dining experiences at Walt Disney World. Located in the Beast’s Castle in the Magic Kingdom, it offers lunch and dinner, and reservations are recommended.
This isn’t a character meal. There are three different areas in the restaurant – the Grand Ballroom, the West Wing, and the Castle Gallery.
The Crystal Palace
This beautiful restaurant located right off of Main Street USA offers character dining with Winnie the Pooh and Friends. You’ll get to enjoy a delicious buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s one of our favorite character meals at Walt Disney World, and my kids have wanted to go there on every vacation, even as they have gotten older.
I usually enjoy making lunch reservations there, because it’s a nice break during a long day. The restaurant is beautiful, and the food is really good. Even the pickiest of eaters will find something to enjoy on the buffet. The Crystal Palace is definitely one of the best restaurants for families at Walt Disney World.
Liberty Tree Tavern
Located in Liberty Square, the Liberty Tree Tavern offers American-inspired cuisine. It has six separate small rooms inspired by different figures in American history. Menu items include fish and chips, pot roast, chicken, and more.
The Plaza Restaurant
This small restaurant tucked away off Main Street USA is one of my family’s favorites. It’s pretty casual and low-key, so it’s a nice spot to take a break. They offer lunch and dinner. It’s pretty small, so it can be tough to get a reservation, but it’s not as popular as some of the other Magic Kingdom restaurants.
Tony’s Town Square Restaurant
As you walk into the Magic Kingdom, you’ll find Tony’s Town Square Restaurant right off the entrance. Tony’s is inspired by the restaurant in Lady and the Tramp, so of course, you’ll find the iconic spaghetti and meatballs, as well as other southern Italian specialties.
Quick Service Restaurants at the Magic Kingdom
If you don’t have a reservation, or would prefer a quicker meal, there are a number of quick-service restaurants in the Magic Kingdom for a quick bite. If you are in a hurry, you can also order in advance for select locations on the My Disney Experience app. During busy times, it’s best to visit either early or late to have a better chance of getting good seating.
Casey’s Corner
Baseball lovers will enjoy some of their ballpark favorites at Casey’s Corner, including hot dogs, fries, corn dog nuggets, and more. There are tables outside on the corner of Main Street, so in nice weather, it’s great to grab food and sit outside.
Columbia Harbour House
Although it can still be crowded, I consider Columbia Harbour House a bit of a hidden gem. It’s in the back of the park across from the Haunted Mansion and offers some delicious New England specialties like shrimp, fish, lobster roll, cobbler, and New England clam chowder. There’s a dining room with extra seating upstairs, so head up there for the best seating. The Columbia Harbour House is probably my favorite quick-service restaurant at the Magic Kingdom.
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe
Cosmic Ray’s is one of the more popular quick-service restaurants in the Magic Kingdom. It’s located right off the bridge headed to Tomorrowland. Menu items include burgers, fries, nuggets, and salads. It’s a big spot with lots of seating that gets crowded during peak times. They offer lunch and dinner.
The Friar’s Nook
The Friar’s Nook in Fantasyland is a small spot with a few unique menu items. These include buffalo chicken tots, fiesta tots, and fried twinkies.
Golden Oak Outpost
This small shop in Fantasyland offers some on-the-go items including chicken nuggets, jalapeno poppers, and cauliflower.
The Lunching Pad
The Lunching Pad, is located right in the middle of Tomorrowland, in an outdoor venue with a few tables. Menu items include hot dogs, BBQ pork sandwiches, pretzels, and churros.
Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe
Another one of our favorites is Pecos Bill’s, which is located in Frontierland. This large quick service location offers lunch and dinner, with lots of indoor seating.
Menu options include hamburgers, nachos, tacos, rice bowls, lettuce wraps, and more. Mobile ordering is also available, and the menu especially appeals to kids.
Pinocchio Village Haus
This Fantasyland restaurant, located adjacent to it’s a small world, was our go-to place when I was a kid. If you arrive early, you can grab a seat overlooking the beginning of the it’s a small world attraction. Dining options include flatbreads, pasta, and sandwiches. Because of its location in the center of Fantasyland, it often gets crowded early during lunch and dinner times.
Tortuga Tavern
You’ll find Tortuga Tavern right across from Pirates of the Caribbean. It has a fairly limited menu, but can be a great spot for a quick bite. Here, you’ll find turkey legs, hot dogs, and pretzels for both lunch and dinner.
Magic Kingdom Snacks
I could write an entire post about Magic Kingdom snacks (here’s one on Walt Disney World snacks). There are so many delicious options that you may even want to have a light lunch or dinner. Of course, you’ll find plenty of popular snacks like Mickey Bars and popcorn, but there are other fun options as well.
For churros, visit Cool Ship or the Lunching Pad in Tomorrowland. There’s also a churro cart in Frontierland.
Want to try the world-famous Dole Whip? Head to Aloha Isle in Adventureland. There are a few options, but my favorite is the Pineapple Float which includes pineapple juice at the bottom. If you prefer orange, visit the Sunshine Tree Terrace, also in Adventureland.
Love waffles and funnel cakes? Sleepy Hollow in Liberty Square offers a variety of different funnel cakes and waffles, including fresh fruit waffle sandwichs with Nutella.
If you’d like some fresh fruit, head to Liberty Square Market. You can also get grapes at Prince Eric’s Village Market, as well as a turkey leg and slush.
Other popular spots for a quick snack include Gaston’s Tavern (try the LeFou’s brew), the Main Street Bakery (where you’ll find Starbucks), and the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor.
What is the best restaurant at the Magic Kingdom?
I’m often asked what the best restaurant at the Magic Kingdom is. It really depends on what you are looking for. My two favorites right now are the Crystal Palace (for the buffet and the Winnie the Pooh characters) and the Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen (for the slightly more exotic food options).
What is the best quick-service meal at the Magic Kingdom?
My favorite spot for a quick service meal is the Columbia Harbour House. They have some delicious, healthy options, and there’s lots of seating.
Is alcohol served at the Magic Kingdom?
Until recently, alcohol was not served at the Magic Kingdom. When Be Our Guest opened, it was the first Magic Kingdom dining location offering alcoholic beverages. Recently, all of the restaurants started serving alcohol.
Do you need a park ticket to dine at the Magic Kingdom?
Valid park admission is required to dine right at the park. If you have the park hopper option on your ticket, you’ll be able to visit another park and then just go to the Magic Kingdom for dinner. However, if you just have a base ticket, without the park hopper, you can only visit the Magic Kingdom for the day. Don’t forget your park reservation.
What is your favorite Magic Kingdom dining spot?
