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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. ☺️ 

I feel that I ow you all a bit of an explanation.  In my last post I, matter of factly, listed the restaurants we wish to ADR (advance dining reservation).  No explanation was given to the choices made.  Well, today I want to give you the low down on our choices.

These choices were made after much deliberation, and many changes.  Sadly, not only is time limited, but there is also just so much you can eat.  😕 

My initial list was much much longer.  It was a combination of restaurants we’ve been to in the past, and obviously loved, and new restaurants we’d like to try out.  The restaurants we chose to return to, well obviously we enjoyed either the food or the experience or both.  And the rest of the rest were chosen after much research on the sites, Blogs and forums I’ve shared with you last week.  The list was narrowed down and finalised  (as of now 😇 ).

So, now to the list.  Decisions decisions, how were they made?

Restaurants we choose to return to:

Crystal Palace –    Situated in Magic Kingdom, this restaurant is a fave of ours.  We make it a point to visit it every time we’re in Disney.  We’ve been there for dinner and breakfast (Pooh French toast to die for).  It’s a buffet style restaurant.  The food is quite good, but what makes it a must for us are the characters.  Meeting Pooh, Eeyore, Tiger and Piglet.-  Just thinking about it brings a smile to my face.  So, no way we’re giving up on this one, and this time back to dinner.  There is nothing better than finishing dinner at The Crystal Palace just in time for the fireworks, and this time, for Happily Ever After.

 Be Our Guest –   One of the most popular restaurants in Disney World, also in Magic Kingdom.  To get ADR’s for this one, you have to make the reservation as soon as it is possible, at the six month mark. This one is for the experience.  Set in the Beast’s Palace, there are several dining areas, and it’s absolutely gorgeous.  We also got to meet the Beast.  On our last visit we were there for dinner, didn’t enjoy the food much, but truth be told, we were in a bit of a mood, after a miserable non stop raining day at the park.  For this visit we decided to try out the lunch option.  The unique thing about this is that although you need to make an ADR, it’s actually a quick service lunch. Food options look interesting, and we don’t want to miss out on this one.

Liberty tree tavern –    Ooey Gooey Toffee cake.  Nothing else needed to be said. 😄 

This is another restaurant at Magic Kingdom we enjoyed in the past, set in a stately- colonial style inn. Food is mainly American style, while dinner is served like a traditional family style Thanksgiving meal.  We even got to enjoy dinner there when they still had their character experience (we got to meet Minnie mouse, Goofy, Chip and Dale).  Sadly, not an option anymore.  But this time we will book it for lunch.  The menu has been changed lately, but as long as the Ooey Gooey cake is on the menu, count us in.  😉 

Beirgarten –    Enjoyed this one on our last trip.  It was our first time, but had such a good time, we want to repeat the experience.  It’s situated in the World Pavilion at Epcot, in Germany, of course.  Now, if you are a fan of Oktoberfest festival, you’ll love this one.  The food is classic German, buffet style.  Tasty, interesting.  We really enjoyed the entertainment during the meal, and so did the kids.  All in all, a great experience, one we would like to repeat.

50’s Prime Cafe –    This one is at Hollywood Studios. As of it’s name, you come here for a 50’s experience.  The restaurant is designed like a 50’s home, the tables are mostly set like old kitchen tables, with T.V.s screening old classics.  The waitresses are pretty full on.  If you’re naughty and don’t finish off your plate, well get ready for a good old tell off (been there, and trust me it is pretty scary😱  ).  The food is good old classic American (fried chicken, meat loaf etc.).  But I personally return for the milk shakes.  OMG, the PB & J mild shake is to die for.

1900 Park –    This restaurant is at The Grand Floridian Resort.  We didn’t get to go on our last visit, but we have fond memories, and would like to do it again this time.  The meal is a buffet style, lots of choice, and all in all, as far as we remember, quite enjoyable.  You should read the reviews before deciding, they’re split.  But again, the main reason we want to return is actually the character experience.  This is the place to meet Mary Poppins, The Mad Hatter and Alice.  The characters are wonderful, they made our day.    The reason we’d rather do breakfast here is that we don’t really like to split up our days.  We feel it’s a bit of a waste of time.  Others might not feel the same.  Basically, it’s a personal decision, and depends on how long you’re staying, where you’re staying and also you’re food and cost preference.

Raglan Road –     Another favourite of ours.  We go there every single time we visit (last trip we even went twice).  It’s an Irish style pub.  Great atmosphere, love the service and the food.  Our favourite dessert is the Lemon Meringue pie. Last time my little one even got an Irish dancing lesson while there.  We still have her certificate.  

Kona Cafe –    One of two restaurants at The Polynesian that we want to eat at.  We tried it out first on our last trip and really had a good time.  The food is really good, Polynesian style.  We liked it so much, that this time we want to book it for dinner and for breakfast (I feel that this time I have to try the famous Tonga Toast). 

Oh boy, writing this post, I suddenly realise just how many restaurants we actually chose to return to. 

Restaurants  we want to try out:

Yak & Yeti –    This one is at Animal Kingdom.  Pan Asian restaurant. Food looks good.  Reviews are great.  I did have ADR’s for our last trip, but we had to cancel and eventually didn’t get to go.  Totally want to try it out this time.                                          

Tusker House –   Another Animal Kingdom restaurant.  A character dining experience.  This is an African flavoured Buffet, placed in a colourful Harambe marketplace.  Beyond the favourable food reviews, you get to meet Safari Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and friends.  Doing lots of character meals this time, and loving it.

Ohana  –     Ohana at The Polynesian.  A Hawaiian style meal.  Both dinner and  breakfast seem promising.  Breakfast is a character meal, meeting Lilo and Stitch (looove them).  Food is served to the tables, and as far as I can see (lots and lots of reading), it looks delicious.

The Garden Grill –    Situated at Epcot, this restaurant is not only a character meal, but also a one in a kind experience.  We get to meat Chip and Dale, enjoy a family style meal (food served to the tables), all while the dining room revolves around views from Living with the Land.  On this one I preferred the breakfast option (food wise and time wise).

OK, so that’s our finalised list (I think).  But there are so many more dining options around.  It all depends on the type of food you like and the experience you are looking for.  There are a few we had to scratch, even though we enjoyed them in the past,  like Akershush (a princess experience), Coral Reef, and The Maya Grill, for example.   

OMG, so much food talk – it’s making me hungry…  Can’t wait.

Next time I was thinking of talking about our favourite fast service restaurants in Disney.  Where we’ve eaten in the past and would like to return to, new ones we’d like to try and where we’d like to grab a snack from.  See you soon. 😄