Why does it always seem that we’re talking about food on this blog? Whether we are park-going at Walt Disney World or exploring amazing cities in the U.S. or abroad, food is an integral part of any vacation experience. We previously covered our favorite table-service restaurants at Walt Disney World, and today we’re going to tackle our favorite quick-service restaurants. What are some of the criteria to make it on our list? Portion size related to price, ambience, a diverse menu from which to order and tasty food, of course!
Be Our Guest
In the Magic Kingdom, there are two opportunities to dine amongst royalty. Cinderella’s Royal Table allows you to eat inside the majestic Cinderella Castle and meet classic Disney princesses. As a signature dining experience, the price per adult can total a whopping $66 for breakfast alone. If you are on the Disney Dining Plan, you’ll use two table-service credits.
For breakfast and lunch, Be Our Guest is the quick-service alternative to Cinderella’s Royal Table. It’s more affordable at $28 per adult for the morning meal with nice-sized portions and plates of pastries that accompany most meals. Although you don’t get the opportunity to meet and take photos with Cinderella and her friends, this restaurant is a must for fans of the original animated or modern Beauty and the Beast film. The decor is amazing, and you can actually dine in two iconic rooms from the story.
The Enchanted Rose in the West Wing at Be Our Guest
The dark, ominous West Wing features the enchanted rose with regular occurrences of “thunder,” while the Rose Gallery is brighter and more cheerful with a seven-foot-tall music box as its centerpiece. If your kids aren’t big breakfast eaters, they can always indulge in “The Master’s Cupcake” topped with the infamous “Grey Stuff.”
Try the Grey Stuff, it’s delicious!
Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe
Moving from Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland to Frontierland, Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe is another Beyond Imagination Vacations quick-service favorite for the tasty food, of course, and ample, indoor seating. Named after the fictional cowboy in stories set during American westward expansion, the eatery features Tex-Mex items like tacos, nachos and fajitas, as well as healthier items - salads and rice bowls - with a Southwestern flair. You can customize your meal at the plentiful toppings bar, although we miss the unlimited guacamole which is now an upcharge. If anyone in your travel party has dietary restrictions, Pecos Bill offers gluten, wheat, egg and shellfish friendly menu items, as well as vegetarian options.
Columbia Harbour House
Staying in Magic Kingdom, Columbia Harbour House is tucked away in Liberty Square. It’s chock full of New England charm with an extensive menu of seafood specialties like clam chowder, lobster roll and salmon. Surprisingly, the seafood is done well. The fried shrimp has a flaky crust and is tender on the inside. The grilled salmon is flavorful and a terrific option if you want to eat healthy. Whatever we order, an order of crispy, chewy hush puppies is a must!
Tangierine Café
Home to the World Showcase, Epcot is known for its dynamic and diverse cuisine. While exploring the 11 pavilions, you can sample signature dishes from Japan, the U.K., Germany and France. Of all the pavilions, Morocco may be our favorite with the vibrant colors found in the bazaar, the architectural details throughout the area, and the sounds of traditional North African music.
A hidden treasure, Tangierine Café is one of the best restaurants in Epcot- quick-service or otherwise. Don’t worry if you or your kids are not adventurous eaters. There is nothing too exotic from which to choose. Rather, you’ll find familiar flavors highlighted in classic Mediterranean dishes like lemony tabbouleh, smooth, creamy hummus - perfect for dipping that hot Moroccan bread that comes with your entrée, and slow-roasted, moist chicken. There is limited seating inside, so we recommend grabbing a table outside to enjoy the gorgeous ambience of the pavilion.
The gorgeous architecture found throughout the Morocco pavilion
Satu’li Canteen
From the World Showcase in Epcot to a fictional world in Animal Kingdom, we conclude our list with Satu’li Canteen. The eatery continues the immersive storytelling of the relatively new Pandora area which includes the high-profile Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey attractions.
Satu’li Canteen diners are transported to a former mess hall where Pandora quasi-government officials would gather. The space now features art of the Na’vi (the humanoids who inhabit Pandora) and one of the most interesting menus in all of Walt Disney World. How about some Boba Balls in your grilled beef bowl? You can have it at Satu’li Canteen! In all seriousness, the food is straight-up flavorful. We love the contrast of the crunch from the vegetable slaw served with olive oil and garlic marinated chicken.
Boba balls with your beef bowl - only at Satu’li Canteen
The real Satu’li Canteen stars are the zany beverages and colorful desserts. They truly look out of this world.
Blueberry Cream Cheese Mousse at Satu’li Canteen
Do you agree with the selections featured on our list? Which is your favorite quick-service restaurant?