While the exciting rides, spectacular shows and Mickey and Minnie are the main draws for most people planning Disney World vacations, the food to be found here is some of the best in the country. So instead of grabbing a quick burger or everyday ice cream cone, why not plan to have some gourmet experiences that you’ll also remember for a lifetime? There are websites dedicated to the best food in the park; some aren’t for everyone, but here are what foodies include in their best-of lists.
1. Escargot
Yes, you can find gourmet French food at Disney World! Food & Wine likes the Burgundian snails at Epcot’s Chef’s de France, and are served without the shells to make things easier. The accompanying garlic butter really ups the ante, and these escargot are worth making a reservation for.
2. Conch Fritters
These can be found in Olivia’s Café in Disney’s Old Key West Resort. These crunchy delights are perfectly fried Bahamian-style, and come with Key lime mustard and remoulade.
3. Peking Duck
Served at Morimoto Asia’s restaurant in the Disney Springs district, this gourmet dish is served with tortillas and hoisin miso so you can make your own wraps. The crispy skin melts in your mouth, but it must be ordered for two people to share.
4. French Onion Soup
Eater puts the Magic Kingdom’s Be Our Guest restaurant’s French onion soup at the top of their list, and you can enjoy this while taking in the Beauty and the Beast theme of this eatery; it is a prix-fix menu.
5. Turkey Leg
It’s been around forever; the oversized turkey leg found at Liberty Square Market is big, smoky and salty, and while it’s not the healthiest thing to eat, this hulking hunk is enough for a meal.
6. Skipper Canteen
Located by Cinderella’s Castle, Skipper Canteen’s Jungle Cruise menu of whole fried fish, tofu curry stew and braised pork cachapas is exotic, delicious and filling.
7. Kitchen Sink
Spoon University recommends the Kitchen Sink ice cream extravaganza at Disney’s Beach Club Resort’s Beaches and Cream eatery. It has eight scoops of ice cream and every topping that they have; you’ll want to share this, but avoid going on a roller coaster afterwards!
8. Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich
Called a “perfect piece of heaven” by Spoon University, these small and sweet treats can be found in Epcot, in the French pavilion at L’Artisan des Glaces.
What are the Best Disney World Restaurants?
Disney World has more restaurants than you can count, with menus for all ages, food from around the world and different themes and price points. Travel + Leisure lists Topolino’s Terrace as one of their favorites because of its character breakfast and refined French and Italian menu. They have a prix-fixe menu, and upscale offerings like slow-roasted octopus and a French veal chop.
Sanaa at the Animal Kingdom Lodge has Indian- and African-inspired food entrees for lunch and dinner, and quick-service, casual breakfast foods. The best part, though, is that you can enjoy your food while watching giraffes and zebras roaming on the hotel’s savanna.
Chef Mickey’s is a must-eat-at-Disney World restaurant, and serves breakfast and dinner. You can take the gang for an all-you-can-eat breakfast of banana bread French toast, Mickey waffles and pancakes, eggs and bacon while meeting the Disney characters. Also try to find time to eat at Docking Bay 7 in Disney’s Hollywood Studios − it has a Star Wars setting, with eclectic offerings like the plant-based Felucian Kefta and Hummus Garden Spread, Smoked Kaadu Pork Ribs and Chicken Tip Yip (love that name!).