By Shewanda Pugh
Enjoy unexpected elegance at Disney.
Dining options are broad at the Walt Disney World
resort, and they range from McDonald's French fries at varying stalls, to private, reservation-only dinners. Expect stellar service, high prices and an endless array of choices when making dinner reservations.
Fine/Signature Dining
The Bistro de Paris restaurant, in the France pavilion in Epcot, is one of three French restaurants in the park. An upscale destination whose decor works to capture the elegance and romance of Paris, this restaurant has both a la carte and prix-fixe options that include appetizers like mussel soup and Mediterranean tuna tartare, and entrees like double-cut white veal chop, rack of lamb and fillet mignon. It's a popular destination for celebrating special occasions, so reservations are recommended. The dress code is strictly enforced.
For those who prefer a bit of enchantment, Cinderella's Royal Table combines the fine dining experience with a bit of Disney magic. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Cinderella's Royal Table serves American favorites like bacon, eggs and French toast for breakfast, and various chicken, lamb and vegetarian pasta dishes for dinner. Complimentary imaging packages are available to groups of four or more, and with advance notice, the Fairy Godmother herself can assist with on-the-spot wedding proposals.
Finally, consider the award-winning Chef's Table at Victoria & Albert's for any special occasion. Here, a private dinner within the kitchen of Victoria & Albert's allows guests to interact with the restaurant's head chef as they enjoy a three-hour meal catered to the party's preference. Only one party a day is entertained, and reservations are required.
Bistro de Paris
France Pavilion
Epcot Theme Park
Walt Disney World Resort
(407) WDW-DINE
Cinderella's Royal Table
Magic Kingdom Theme Park
Walt Disney World Resort
(407) WDW-DINE
Chef's Table at Victoria & Albert's
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
4401 Floridian Way
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
(407) WDW-DINE
Character Dining Experience
For those seeking the full Disney experience, character dining can deliver just that. With afternoon dining at the Garden View Lounge, guests can experience afternoon tea and British cuisine with Princess Aurora from Sleeping Beauty. Or, dine on grilled steak and roast turkey with Chip N Dale at the rotating restaurant known as The Garden Grill. Finally, consider a hearty African stew at Tusker House Restaurant in the Animal Kingdom. Donald Duck and his safari friends are frequently in for breakfast.
Garden View Tea Lounge
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
4401 Floridian Way
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
(407) WDW-DINE
The Garden Grill Restaurant
The Land Pavilion
Epcot Theme Park
Walt Disney World Resort
(407) WDW-DINE
Tusker House Restaurant
Africa
Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Walt Disney World Resort
Tastes of the World
At the Walt Disney World Resort, a world of exceptional cuisine can be found within the park. Dine on roast lamb, shish kebab and couscous, as belly dancers entertain you at Restaurant Marrakesh in Epcot Theme Park. You can also enjoy a foot-stomping hoedown with live entertainment and an all-you-can-eat barbecue buffet at Mickey's Backyard BBQ-The Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort. Watch hula dancers and fire-knife performers as you enjoy an all-you-can-eat Polynesian buffet at Disney's Spirit of Aloha Show in Disney's Polynesian Resort. Finally, enjoy the spirited Raglan Road Irish Pub with bangers and mash, fish 'n' chips and a live band in the Downtown Disney Area.
Restaurant Marrakesh
Morocco Pavilion
Epcot Theme Park
Walt Disney World Resort
(407) WDW-DINE
Mickey's Backyard BBQ
The Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort
4510 N. Fort Wilderness Trail
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
(407) WDW-DINE
Disney's Spirit of Aloha Show
Disney's Polynesian Resort
1600 Seven Seas Drive
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
(407) WDW-DINE
About the Author:
Shewanda Pugh attended Alabama A&M University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in political science. She also holds a Master of Arts in writing from Nova Southeastern University. Pugh's work has been featured in several print publications, including the "Farquhar Forum," "Go!Riverwalk" and "Foreword Magazine."
Photo Credits:
wine image by Fotocie from
Fotolia.com
