Walt Disney World restaurants cater to a large spectrum of guests. Whatever you may be craving, or need modified to fit a way of eating, you can find it at Walt Disney World.
In our experience, we have traveled to Orlando with three categories of eaters – picky eaters, toddlers, and those with food allergies.
Finding magical, delicious food options to fit those criteria is easy at Walt Disney World, and I’ve put together my best recommendations for you today.
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Looking at the vast options of menu items and locations, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with locations and menu options. So, I have taken the time to break down some of my favorite and best meal and menu recommendations for you!
Best Dining Options for Picky Eaters
Harambe Market at Animal Kingdom, Anaheim Produce at Hollywood Studios, and The Land Cart at EPCOT all serve fresh fruit. Fresh fruit is a great snack option for the picky eater in your family. Many resort Quick Service locations or markets also have a small selection of fresh fruit.
If you are looking for a nice, sit down meal for picky eaters, this is the one. Liberty Tree Tavern in Magic Kingdom serves lunch and dinner family style. This means, if you have someone who LOVES mashed potatoes, they will bring them as much as they’d like. The menu is a traditional Thanksgiving menu ~ turkey, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and bread.
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The Citrus Swirl found at Sunshine Tree Terrace in Magic Kingdom is a refreshing, sweet ice cream treat that has a mild flavor to it. It’s a popular alternative to a Dole Whip! They also serve your basic chocolate and vanilla soft serve ice cream.
Also found at Magic Kingdom, Cosmic Rays Starlight Cafe has a huge menu. But it has all basics. Chicken nuggets/tenders, burgers, salads….very easy and basic food that will please anyone!
Best Dining Options for Toddlers and Preschoolers
Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort for BREAKFAST is always a win. First, which kiddo doesn’t want to eat with their favorite classic Disney characters in the same room with them? Also, kids love breakfast food. Anytime you can get them to sit down for Mickey Waffles, fruit, and fun….it’s a win!
Pinocchio Village Haus at Magic Kingdom has a great menu for families. Their flatbreads can be shared, and they offer sides that kids love. Macaroni and Cheese, Chicken Strips, breadsticks. You can find something here for sure that your kids will love. Plus, it’s right in the middle of Fantasyland, putting you in a prime location to take a break from your little one’s favorite attractions during the day.
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Flame Tree Barbeque at Animal Kingdom will be a great option for BOTH the kids and adults. As a grown up, we want good theme park food, too! The Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Pulled Pork is a great dish to share with your toddler or preschooler. Or, they also have a baked chicken drumstick or hot dog on the menu to give your little one a break from the typical chicken nuggets and pizza.
Best Dining Options for Guests with Allergies
When visiting Walt Disney World, many guests are concerned about food allergies and safety. This is a valid concern, for sure.
Did you know Walt Disney World is one of the most allergy friendly locations you can visit? They will accommodate nearly any and all food sensitivities so their guests can eat safely and enjoy their food.
The best advice is to ask to speak with a chef directly when you arrive at the dining location – even at the Disney Resorts. Go over your food allergies and safety concerns with them, and you will be magically served a dish that is mouth watering and safe for you. Also, be sure to ask for an allergy friendly menu.
Dole Whip can be found in both Magic Kingdom and at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. The classic Disney treat is actually allergy friendly! The classic pineapple flavor is dairy and peanut free when not being used in the same machine as the vanilla swirl. Refreshing and delicious!
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Kona Cafe at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is one of the best, allergy friendly options on property. Their Kona Chicken Stir Fry is already marked allergy safe for many of the most common food allergies. The Pork Belly Noodle Bowl is also marked safe, and don’t forget to request their Gluten Free Macadamia Nut Pancakes if you are there for breakfast!
The Wave… of American Flavors at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a hidden gem for sure. The Bacon and Eggs appetizer is already allergy friendly, and one of their most popular dishes on the menu. The Pork Tenderloin is divine, but does have dairy in it. If you order it, be sure to ask for it dairy free. This is also a reasonably priced, and easy to access, Disney restaurant.
Blue and Green Milk are both allergy friendly. They are found in Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. They are actually made with coconut and rice milk, so no dairy!
Satu’li Canteen at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is probably your best, go to for allergy friendly meals. You can build your own bowl of fresh foods, including tofu as a base. You can add meats, or not, sauces, etc to customize it entirely. And, the food is AMAZING!
Keep in mind, that really any Disney dining location will work with you for allergy friendly foods. All you have to do is ask! But, the above are my top recommendations if you need some guidance.
Do you travel with picky eaters, toddlers, or allergies to Walt Disney World? I hope you will add some of these to your “must eat” list for your next trip!
