Since its initial opening 45 years ago, the Magic Kingdom theme park in Orlando has expanded to be too huge to see everything in one day. In addition to growing its entertainment and ride offerings, there are dining options seemingly everywhere. These food options run from quicker, cheaper snack choices to elegant restaurants. Although this isn’t a complete list, here are a few key food choices to consider on your next trip through the kingdom.
Snack at Aloha Island – Adventureland
Although they serve serval items at this snack stand, chances are you’re showing up here for the infamous Dole Whip. For the uninitiated, this is a pineapple soft serve that really hits the spot on a hot day. Although you can pick one up for about five bucks, chances are everyone else is going to want one.
If you can swing by when the stand it less crowded, you’ll probably enjoy it. If you can’t seem to beat the crowds or the heat, you can take a monorail over to the Polynesian hotel where they sell Dole Whips as well at the Pineapple Lanai.
Quick Service Lunch at Columbia Harbor House – Liberty Square
This quick service spot is one of my personal favorites. Conveniently located just outside of the Haunted Mansion attraction, you can pick up piping hot fried fish, chicken, and more. Entrée items typically run about $10 – $15, making it a great lunch stop between rides. Despite the building’s slender outside appearance, the restaurant maximizes its space with two levels of tables.
Picky eaters can enjoy a chicken finger basket while visiting New Englanders can enjoy a lobster roll combo. Either way, there’s something for everyone here, and it’s an affordable place for lunch. The pictures of ships are a nice touch as well and helps you hide from the throngs of guests out on the walking areas.
Table Service Lunch at Be Our Guest Restaurant – Fantasyland
Since it first opened at the end of 2012, Be Our Guest has been a favorite for many diners. This Fantasyland hot spot serves quick service breakfast and lunch items as Gaston’s Tavern; however, for an extra magical experience, try the dining rooms for dinner.
The seating areas are based on the original animated Beauty and the Beast, although it would make sense that, when it’s time to refurbish the place, they’ll probably include some nods to the live action remake. The cuisine is French-inspired, but if you’re looking for the real thing, you’ll probably need to hop a monorail over to the France pavilion in Epcot.
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Surprisingly, the lunch menu is the cheapest of the group, averaging about $12-$17 per plate. Breakfast and dinner, however, will run about $20-$30 per entrée. You’re paying for ambiance here, with three distinct dining rooms taking cues from big scenes from the movie. Also, a character meet-and-greet with Princess Belle is right around the corner at Enchanted Tales with Belle. Even still, this newer addition is popular for a reason, and if you are looking for something different to try, this should be on your list.
Dinner at Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen – Adventureland
If the food puns on Bob’s Burgers aren’t terrible enough for you, then they certainly will be at Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen. In fact, the wait staff is dressed like the ride attendants of the Jungle Cruise and even have the same penchant for bad jokes. Luckily the name of the place isn’t the only thing that’s a mouthful.
This is one of the Magic Kingdom’s newest additions to their in-park dining experiences, and if you actually enjoy the Jungle Cruise ride, you’ll enjoy eating here. Rather than the same bland park fare you can find elsewhere, this newest restaurant has a broad range of influences.
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This large dining area (over 220 seats) features flavors based on Asian, Africa, and South America. There are dishes for every taste and preference, and entrees run from about $20 to $32. It certainly isn’t the priciest place for dining, and you might just have fun while you order.
Special Occasions at Cinderella’s Royal Table – Fantasyland, Cinderella’s Castle
If none of these choices are lavish enough for your tastes, then Cinderella’s Royal Table is for you. This is among the most expensive restaurants in the park, and one with a long waiting list. You absolutely need reservations for dining here, and they also require payment in full beforehand.
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The restaurant is an intimate dining room within the park’s centerpiece castle, which is an amazing experience. They now serve all three meals, and they truly create an elegant experience. If nothing else, the menu offers upscale items such as gnocchi, slow roasted pork, and more specialty dishes not found anywhere else in the park.
Entrees here can run as high as $85 for adult plates, but they do participate in their Tables in Wonderland (for Florida resident and annual pass holders) and the Signature Restaurant Credit of their park’s dining plan.
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