Walt Disney World has a great selection of restaurants, both in the parks and at the resorts. However, whether you are with kids or not, you just can’t do three sit down meals each day. There is too much to do and too little time. Disney World offers a wide choice of quick service restaurants, here are our top 10:
#10: Lotus Blossom Cafe – Located in the China Pavilion in Epcot, the Lotus Blossom Cafe offers decent Chinese food in a fast food setting. Usually uncrowded, even on busy days, as it is hidden from the main traffic of the World Showcase. Don’t miss the Rou Jia Mo (Chinese beef sandwich) for a different take on your everyday Chinese fare.
#9: Kringla Bakeri – Located in Norway Pavilion in Epcot, the Kringla Bakeri offers fantastic open face sandwiches and soups. Better known for their pastries, stop by Kringla for something different. Great seating area with a fun playground nearby.
#8: ABC Commissary – Located in Disney Studios, the ABC Commissary tries to replicate a sound stage restaurants, but in reality, just has good food. The Cuban Sandwich is the reason to stop by for lunch of dinner.
#7: Yakitori House – Located in the Japan Pavilion in Epcot, the Yakitori House has decent food, but a fantastic location. Perched high above the Japanese Pavilion, the Yakitori House has a nice quiet, dare I say zen like, garden area that will fool you into believing you are anywhere but Epcot.
#6: Casey’s Corner – Located in the Magic Kingdom, Casey’s Corner features hot dogs and more hot dogs. While it normally wouldn’t be in my top 10, Casey’s is a staple for many long time Disney guests. It gets very crowded at lunch, as it is very small, so come early or late to avoid long line.
#5: Columbia Harour House – Located in the Magic Kingdom, the Columbia Harbour House is the hidden gem of Disney World counter service restaurants. Across from the Haunted Mansion in Liberty Square, most people don’t even know there is a restaurant there. The Starboard Deck Sandwich is by far the best counter service entree available despite not sounding exactly appetizing (ham on olive bread with munster cheese and broccoli slaw). You will just have to trust me on this one.
#4: Toy Story Pizza Planet – Located in Disney Studios, the Toy Story Pizza Planet offers middle of the road pizza, but the atmosphere, especially for Toy Story fans, should not be missed. Kids of all ages love eating here, so make sure you arrive early.
#3: Yorkshire County Fish Shop – Located in the United Kingdom Pavilion in Epcot, the Yorkshire County Fish Shop has only a few items on their menu (Fish and Chips to be exact), but they quality is top notch. Everything is hand made inside the little shop, right in front of you. Great place to stop for dinner while you are waiting for Illuminations.
#2: Cantina de San Angel – Located in the Mexico Pavilion in Epcot, Cantina de San Angel features decent Mexican food with a great seating area overlooking the World Showcase. Just watch out for the birds, they are overly aggressive, you can’t leave your food along for even a second.
#1: Tangierine Cafe – Located in the Morocco Pavilion in Epcot, the Tangierine Cafe is our top choice for counter service restaurants at Walt Disney World. Featuring high quality food, huge portions and great seating areas, the Tangierine Cafe should not be missed on your trip. The portions are so large, you can easily share an entree. Don’t bother even looking at the menu, head straight for the chicken and lamb Shawarma Platters. I prefer the lamb, very moist, huge amounts of meat and as fresh as can be.
You may have noticed, we excluded a few counter service restaurants that probably should be included (Cosmic Rays, for example), but a hamburger is a hamburger, and there are a half dozen places that serve the same hamburger, and personally, I would rather try something else from time to time.