Ten Disney Dining Reservations You Won’t Want Your Family to Miss

It’s January! And for many of us visiting Walt Disney World in June or other summer months, it is coming close to our 180 day mark. By the way, did you see the NEW Disney discount that is available right now?   That means excitement, planning, and dreaming of those Advance Dining Reservations {ADRs} we want to secure for our family!  If you’re like me, you have an ongoing list of dining experiences and favorites that you want to experience on your upcoming trip.  But, if you are also like me, you have three kids who don’t want to stop to eat.  Maybe you want a fun dining experience without characters for your family.  That is the fun of Disney!   So, how do you know which ADRs are “must dos” for your family?  Let me tell you!

Sci Fi Dine-In Theater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  First, the milkshakes here are to die for. The best ones in all of Disney property!  Plus, the experience of the Sci Fi Dine-In Theater is a treat in and of itself.  Your family will love jumping in their convertible to enjoy their meal.  While you enjoy classic movie clips, the waiter and waitresses on rollerskates add even more fun to your meal!

50s Prime Time Cafe at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  Another family favorite, this is a great place to enjoy “normal” American family friendly food.  Pot roast, mashed potatoes, fried chicken, etc. are perfect if you have picky eaters in your family.  Your waitress poses as your “Mom”, and she will constantly add fun to your meal by reminding the adults of their manners and to keep their elbows off the tables.  The TV tables have their own little screens, so you can enjoy the classic sitcoms like “Father Knows Best” and “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” while you eat!

Via Napoli in Italy at EPCOT’s World Showcase.  I love grilled pizza, even more so if it’s cooked in a brick oven.  You’ll find that, as well as tons of classic Italian dishes at Via Napoli in EPCOT.  This restaurant can be pricier when compared to others, so it’s a good use of credits if you are on the Disney Dining Plan.  Not to mention the super cute Italian waiters…but I digress.  The kids will love Via Napoli because you can build your own pizza.  Authentic pastas, salads, gelato, and tiramisu are also a special treat when you eat at Via Napoli.

Coral Reef at EPCOT.  The cool thing about dining at Coral Reef is the huge tank that showcases the beautiful sea life surrounding you while you eat.  The 5.7 million gallon salt water aquarium containing 85 different species of fish,  is a tremendous back drop for your meal.  You can enjoy lunch or dinner here at Coral Reef.  Seafood dishes, like pan seared flounder, or New York Strip Steak will give your family some variety in their dining.

Biergarten in Germany at EPCOT’s World Showcase.  Biergarten is the traditional German restaurant at EPCOT’s World Showcase.  One great thing about Biergarten is it is an “all you can eat” restaurant, which our kids love.  There is a lot of variety, and the atmosphere is so much fun!  Think German polka party and an Oktoberfest!  You, and the kids, can raise your steins as you party with the Germans at Biergarten!

Le Chefs de France in France at EPCOT’s World Showcase.  Remy, the well loved rat from Ratitouille used to make appearances at Chefs de France, but sadly not anymore!  However, this table service restaurant is still excellent as far as the cuisine goes.  Even though the dishes are created by some of the top chefs in France, the atmosphere is relaxed and family friendly.  Open for lunch and dinner, this dining location is one of the lesser expensive options if you are choosing to pay out of pocket.  With traditional French dishes on the menu, your family will love trying something new while here.

Teppan Edo in Japan at EPCOT’s World Showcase.  Teppan Edo is a fun dining experience all around.  The hibachi style of cooking, friendly chefs, and tasy dishes will keep your family happy!  The fun thing, is the chefs creating your meal literally in front of your eyes!  Stir fry, meats, noodles, rice, and authentic Japanese drinks for the adults are highlights of your meal here.

Tony’s Town Square at Magic Kingdom Park.  Tony’s Town Square is one of the little secrets of Disney dining.  Located on Main Street, USA, you’re reminded of Lady and the Tramp as soon as you are seated.  Sometimes, if it’s not too hot outside, it’s a good idea to get a seat on the porch.  You can people watch, and if you time it right take in an afternoon parade at Magic Kingdom.  The menu is mainly Italian.  It features pizzas, pastas, salads, and of course tiramisu for dessert!

 Liberty Tree Tavern at Magic Kingdom Park.  This is another “classic” American restaurant at Walt Disney World that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.  I know my kids look at a menu, and if they can’t recognize the foods, they’re a little wary.  But at Liberty Tree Tavern, roast turkey, pot roast, and salads are the best items on the menu.  If you have history buffs in your family, they’ll enjoy the atmosphere here as well.  The crier will summon your family when your table is ready.  And, the colonial artifacts that are placed around the dining rooms will allow for lots of good conversation!

Yak and Yeti at Animal Kingdom Park.  Chopsticks, lo mein, Asian food fun is all here at Yak and Yeti at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park.  Tapestries, statues, and even 900 pound gold inlaid puppets are sure to get your family talking over their meal.  If you dine on the second floor, you will have an awesome view of Asia down below.

Do you enjoy alternatives to character dining while at Walt Disney World? Which of these locations is your FAVORITE?  I’d love to hear about it!