I seriously contemplated what to write as my next post. On the one hand, I thought to write about special activities, events and parties , as it’s been a bit of an overload of dining in my last few posts. But on the other hand I feel that I have a to finish up on our dining choices. Bottom line, today I’m writing about our favourite quick service (counter service) restaurants. For special activities, events and parties, well, you’ll just have to keep following 😉 .
In the past, when visiting Disney World, we always went with the dining plan. It was the most convenient solution for us. Food prepaid, two meals plus snack plus mug, what else can you wish for?
The only problem was, ten days on we were at least five Kgs heavier – it was actually too much food. And at the end of the day, it was a bit limiting too, having to choose a same number of table service and counter service meals. This time we’re going freestyle, no strings attached, and for us this probably means less counter service meals.
With saying that, there are some counter service restaurants that I personally won’t miss out on, even if it’s just to stop over for a snack.
There are so many options for counter service in the Disney World parks and resorts. In this post I’ll only be writing about our favourites and where we plan to visit on our next trip. The Disney food blog is a good site to find out more information, menus and reviews, AllEars and Touring Plans too.
So, let’s get started:
In Magic Kingdom, we have a few favourites:
Columbia Harbour House – In Liberty Square, this is undoubtedly one of the best counter service restaurants in Magic Kingdom. The food is good, with healthy options, and not what you would call the standard fast food. Shrimps, Lobster Roll, Salmon, good enough quality food at counter service prices. I love the Lobster roll.
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café – in Tomorrowland, one of my favourites. I love this one for the atmosphere, and I won’t miss out on Cosmic Ray’s musical entertainment. And if we’re already stopping over, then we might as well sit down for a snack😇 . Now, I know that the reviews are mixed, but I personally do love the chocolate and carrot cakes served at the café.
Be Our Guest – Last trip we had dinner at Be Our Guest. This time, we decided to try the lunch, counter service. Even though it’s a counter service lunch, ADR’s are required. The food options are quite interesting, and definitely not the classic quick service regulars. I haven’t tried it yet, but reviews are great and i can’t wait.
Gaston’s Tavern– in the new Fantasyland, a great place to meet Gaston. For me, on our upcoming trip, it’s a must to stop over and try the LeFou’s brew and the Cinnamon Roll, maybe for a late Breaky or afternoon snack.
Epcot:
Karamell Kuche – Germany’s Candy kitchen – this is the place to find everything Caramel. Caramel popcorn, Caramel apples, assortment of caramel cookies, caramel pecan cluster, chocolate (dark or milk) caramel and sea salt and sooooo much more. When at Epcot, this is a compulsory stopover for a family snack break.
Sunshine Seasons – this one is a Disney Food Blog recommended, and rightfully so. With no problem to find seating, and such a wide variety of foods to choose for, it’s our Future World counter service choice. Sandwiches, salads, bakery goods, soups, rotisserie chicken, and so so much more.
Animal Kingdom :
Yak&Yetti Local Food Cafes– This is a great quick service option. The cuisine is pan-Asian. Open for lunch and dinner, seating is outdoors (can be problematic when raining). They have great snack options, like fried rice and egg rolls. Also served are beef and chicken dishes. The food is great, a really good value for your money.
Satu’li Canteen – This one is new to us. It’s part of the new Pandora the world of Avatar at Animal Kingdom. Although we haven’t had the pleasure yet, it is a counter service option we definitely intend to try. Reading the reviews, I am allowing myself to recommend it, even if only for the atmosphere and unique experience. The dishes offered are very interesting, not your usual quick service style food. You can build your own bowl by picking your protein (chicken, beef, fish or tofu), adding a base (from Quinoa and Vegetable Salad, Red & Sweet Potato Hash, Mixed Whole Grain & Rice, and Romaine & Kale Salad), and to that you finally add a sauce (Charred Onion Chimichurri, Black Bean Vinaigrette, and Creamy Herb Dressing). Don’t get me started on the desserts offered. They look amazing. The great food options and the unique atmosphere make this one a must for us on our upcoming trip. For a great review see DFB’s full review.
Starring Rolls Café – So, this café is open for breakfast and lunch only, and seating is limited. Serves mainly sandwiches and baked goods. We love the cake and cupcake options, and don’t miss out on it every time we’re there. If you do get to go, try the butterfinger cupcake – it’s the best.
Sweet Spells – Carrot cake cookie – no more words needed.
Disney Springs:
Cook’s of Dublin – This is a small gem. We found it on our last visit, and intend to return there on our next. The food is good, fresh made, fish & chips, great scallop dish, great hamburgers, and the best pink lemonade.
Resorts:
Art of Animation – Landscape of Flavours – Recommended by DFB and myself. This food court gives many unique food options, including slow cooked tandoori meats, great burgers, including a ‘surf and surf’, build your own pasta, salads, many baked goods, create your own Gelato, and so much more. Lots of seating, and even when full service is usually fast.
Polynesian – Captain Cook’s – this is a good quick service option at The Polynesian Resort. You can find Polynesian style quick service options, baked goods, including unique cupcakes, and you can also find there a cheaper, counter service option the famous Tonga Toast.
There are many many more counter service eateries available all over the parks, Disney springs and the resorts. I chose to mention only the ones that we tried, really liked and intend to return to.
Now that we are set with lists of table service and quick service restaurants, next step will be to do some research, find out if there are any special events or special experiences we should make time for when we visit. All about that in my next post. See y’all soon. ☺️