The Best Disney Restaurants For Every Occasion Slideshow

Best Chance to "Eat in a Movie:" Be Our Guest Restaurant, Walt Disney World

Beast's Castle from Beauty and the Beast houses Walt Disney World's Be Our Guest Restaurant, a new dining addition to the Magic Kingdom. Diners are enchanted by three dining rooms — Belle's book-filled library, the West Wing featuring an enchanted rose and a painting of the Beast that hides a surprise, and the elegant Ballroom with views of falling snow taken directly from the film — it's a wonder of "imagineering!" This location is also notable as it's the only spot to order an alcoholic beverage in the Magic Kingdom.

Best Disney-Shaped Food: Crystal Lotus, Hong Kong Disneyland

Disney visitors quickly become accustomed to having their food served in familiar character shapes, such as a smiling Mickey face. But at the Crystal Lotus in the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, even the dim sum is presented in the form of beloved Disney characters. As an award-winning Chinese restaurant, the atmosphere is elegant and the cuisine is outstanding.

Best Bar/Lounge: Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar, Disneyland Resort

Believe it or not, Disney Parks and Resorts offer hundreds of themed bars and lounges that are kid-friendly and offer menus of food in addition to drinks. But tucked into the Disneyland Hotel, Trader Sam's is undoubtedly our favorite. Named after the shrunken-head-peddling "Trader Sam" from the beloved Jungle Cruise attraction, this spot offers more than meets the eye. Look for Disney references in Trader Sam's "artifacts" while enjoying the hilarious antics of the bartenders. This spot welcomes kids until the evening, when it becomes 21-and-over.

Best for Meeting Princesses: Cinderella's Royal Table, Walt Disney World

Dining inside the iconic Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom is a royal experience. Guests enter into the two-story stone foyer to meet Cinderella, then proceed to the red-carpeted, winding staircase to the dining room of Cinderella's Royal Table. You're surrounded by finery, including royal flags, huge chandeliers, and stained-glass windows that look out onto your "royal subjects" who are playing their day away in the Kingdom. As you dine, Disney princesses (and sometimes a prince or two!) hobnob with each visiting family. Book dinner in the castle during the fireworks to get a unique view.

Best "Fast Food": Plaza Inn, Disneyland Resort

Disneyland's historic Plaza Inn is set on Main Street, U.S.A. within view of Sleeping Beauty's Castle. Featuring Victorian décor and a gorgeous outdoor patio, this is a spot Walt Disney himself liked to frequent during his days in Disneyland. Whether you dine indoors or outside, your quick-service meal should absolutely include the cult favorite fried chicken with all the trimmings — it's among the best we've had. And the desserts are well worth trying. The food and ambiance here are on par with many casual, sit-down restaurant offerings.

Best Immersive Theming: Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant, Walt Disney World

For a truly unique experience, head to the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Guests are often amazed as they walk inside a massive dining room imagineered to resemble a vintage drive-in movie at twilight — twinkling stars and all. But it gets better: guests are seated at "tables" that look and feel like 1950s convertible cars (two guests get the front seat, and two guests get the back in most of these cars). After the car hop takes your order, watch the clips on the screen featuring old news reels, silly horror flicks, and classic cartoons.

Best Family Experience: Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, Walt Disney World

Families looking for comfort food and an unforgettable experience for all generations will feel right at home at Pioneer Hall at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort. Inside, the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue — an historic musical showcase that's been going strong since Disney World first opened its gates — plays to sold-out crowds every night of the year. Fasten your kerchiefs and get ready to dig into all-you-can-eat buckets of fried chicken, barbecue ribs, cornbread, and decadent strawberry shortcake. Mom and Dad also get to indulge in endless beer, wine, and sangria. This is a tradition for many families who keep coming back year after year.

Oceano, Tokyo Disneyland Resort: Best Waterside Show

Oceano at Tokyo DisneySea in the Hotel MiraCosta offers a Mediterranean menu with a choice of a buffet or table-service experience in separate dining rooms. It provides a gorgeous atmosphere and a great view of the Mediterranean Harbor, but the main draw for us here is the epic water show "Legend of Mythica," which can be thoroughly enjoyed from the restaurant's exclusive viewing platform!

Best for Special Occasions: Napa Rose, Disneyland Resort

Napa Rose inside the Grand Californian Hotel and Spa offers a seasonal, market-inspired menu. There are tables tucked away in nooks and crannies for those hoping for a more private, romantic experience; but we also love to book the Chef's Counter, where guests have a close-up view of the open kitchen and may get to sample a few of the dishes-in-progress. Either way, your experience will be capped with impeccable service, a top-notch wine list, and unforgettable food.

Most Interesting Atmosphere: Magellan's, Tokyo Disneyland Resort

Magellan's at Tokyo DisneySea is known for its stunning theme dedicated to explorer and navigator Ferdinand Magellan. "Props" themed to astronomy and exploration are featured throughout the fortress-like venue, which is centered on an Old World globe in a two-story dining room with balcony seating. While the elegant atmosphere is exceptional, the multi-course meals are also noteworthy.

Best Steakhouse: Steakhouse 55, Disneyland Resort

This place is a classic. Located in the Disneyland Hotel, Steakhouse 55 exudes Hollywood glamor in a refined and memorable setting. Perfectly cooked steaks are the specialty of the house — there are no frills here! — and if you're a meat and potatoes fan, you won't leave disappointed. Ask the expert sommelier to pair a wine with your signature entrée, and don't forget to save room for the towering 24-layer chocolate cake for dessert.

Best Beach and Ocean View: 'AMA'AMA, Disney's Aulani Resort

What's better than sitting on a Hawaiian beach feeling the ocean breeze? Eating there, that's what! Known for Hawaiian cuisine and sweeping ocean views, 'AMA'AMA is located at Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawaii. From the open-air tables, the view of the beach and Pacific Ocean are breathtaking. We recommend a dinner reservation at sunset.

Most Exclusive: Club 33, Disneyland Resort

Club 33 is a members-only club with a years-long waiting list. Located in New Orleans Square of Disneyland, this hidden gem was designed by Walt Disney himself as a tranquil location to hold important meetings and entertain friends. If you want to dine here, you'll need a reservation made by a member. But once inside, it's a treasure trove of authentic Disney history. Walt and Lillian Disney shopped for much of the décor themselves, and some of the original "Imagineering" still remains. Be sure to ask for a tour when you're there.

Best Seafood: Flying Fish Café, Walt Disney World

This is a tough one to rank, as seafood can be great in so many Disney restaurants. But our pick for most consistently excellent seafood goes to Flying Fish. But what we love most is that the mouthwatering menu includes several incredible options for land lovers as well, so your group will find something for everyone here. Located at Disney's BoardWalk Resort, this restaurant is situated along Crescent Lake and boasts whimsical décor, an open kitchen, and fresh seafood specialties.

Best Way to Eat in a Ride Attraction: Blue Lagoon, Disneyland Resort Paris

Swashbucklers (and hungry guests) should make reservations to dine at the "waterside" Blue Lagoon inside Disneyland Paris — the restaurant overlooks the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. Serving exotic fish and Creole dishes, the moonlit atmosphere, twinkling fireflies, and boats floating by create an enchanting environment. You can get a similar experience at Blue Bayou in Disneyland stateside as well!

Best Character Dining Experience: Chef Mickey's, Walt Disney World

While it's not necessarily the best food in any theme park, the opportunity to get autographs from all of the "Fab Five" characters is not to be missed for any new Disney character-hunter. Chef Mickey's is in the middle of the main concourse in Disney's Contemporary Resort, which means you'll get to watch Monorails whooshing overhead as you sing and dance with your favorite pals — Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto. The buffet food and copious desserts will please any young guest, and the grown-ups seem to enjoy it, too. Once you've done this one, you may prefer several of the other character meals for food and atmosphere, but snagging all five autographs in one meal will save you priceless hours waiting in line in the parks.

Best Floating Restaurant: Remy, Disney Cruise Line

Remy is an exclusive, adults-only restaurant aboard the Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream. It costs an extra $75 on top of your cruise fees to dine here, but it's worth it. Multi-course, seasonally inspired meals created by award-winning and Michelin-starred chefs, along with an epic wine list, mean this is about as upscale as you can get on the Seven Seas. But Disney's in the details — the restaurant features subtle touches of the Disney character, Remy, in its décor.

Best African Food: Jiko — The Cooking Place, Walt Disney World

The exotic Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is known for inspired restaurants, including Jiko, a signature restaurant with a seasonal menu. Dishes feature an emphasis on African cuisine, and the award-winning South African wine list is worth perusing.

 

Best Chef's Table: Victoria & Albert's, Walt Disney World

This award-winning restaurant truly is the pinnacle of fine Disney dining. Under the eye of chef de Cuisine Scott Hunnel, Victoria & Albert's at the Grand Floridian Resort creates masterpieces well worth (a lot of) your hard-earned cash. But the best seat in the house is undoubtedly the Chef's Table. Located inside the kitchen itself, the Chef's Table is dedicated to one seating each evening and offers a 10-course meal that can be customized to your distinct likes and dislikes. Watch the action of the kitchen, ask questions and interact with the chefs, and indulge in a once-in-a-lifetime meal that you'll never forget.