Le Cellier Filet Mignon served with risotto at Le Cellier Steakhouse in Canada Pavilion in Epcot

Best restaurants for first time Disney World guests

There are so many restaurant choices at Disney World, it can be overwhelming for the first time visitor. To make it easier, we’ve put together a list of the best restaurants for first time Disney World guests.

A Sampling of Mom's Favorite Recipes (Golden-fried Chicken, Fork Tender Pot Roast, and Traditional Meatloaf with all the fixings) at 50's Prime Time Cafe and Tune-In Lounge
A Sampling of Mom’s Favorite Recipes

50’s Prime Time Cafe

This restaurant is located at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. 50’s Prime Time Cafe is a fun, interactive restaurant. Your “mom” (server) will taking care of you and she’ll make sure that you mind your manners and eat all your vegetables. Sometimes she’ll even get your “cousins” (guests at the tables nearby) involved in your tables experience. Just remember don’t tattle on your siblings… she doesn’t like that.

Chef Mickey's breakfast
Breakfast at Chef Mickey’s in Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Chef Mickey’s

Wanting to meet the fab five, we’ll this is the only restaurant at Disney World that it’s possible. At Chef Mickey’s you’ll see your favorites dressed in the restaurant attire. Of course, Mickey is the chef! The buffet is located in Disney’s Contemporary Resort and is just a monorail ride away from Magic Kingdom. Guests enjoy the ability to interact, get pictures and autographs with their favorite characters.

Be Our Guest main dining room
Be Our Guest dining room

Be Our Guest Restaurant

The newest restaurant in Magic Kingdom and the most difficult to get an Advanced Dining Reservation, Be Our Guest Restaurant has received an award from National Restaurant Association (NRA) because of its state-of-the-art kiosks and behind-the-scenes technology.

The restaurant is beautiful and offers delicious food. It’s become of popular that they added breakfast and reservations can be made for all meals. No matter which room you’re seating in you’ll enjoy the decor, but make sure to walk around the other two. Grown-ups, this is the only restaurant in all of Magic Kingdom that you’ll be able to order an alcoholic beverage – wine or beer.

Whispering Canyon Cafe - skillet
All-you-care-to-eat family skillet at Whispering Canyon Cafe

Whispering Canyon Cafe

Off the lobby of Wilderness Lodge is Whispering Canyon Cafe. The rustic, country-western themed restaurant features tasty American food in a lively environment. Families can join in the fun – napkin twirling, hobby horse racing and other shenanigans. Ask for ketchup and you’ll see what we’re talking about. The food is good and the dining experience is a blast.

Biergarten Restaurant buffet in the Germany Pavilion at Epcot
Biergarten Restaurant buffet

Biergarten Restaurant

One of our favorite restaurants is Biergarten Restaurant in the German Pavilion at Epcot. At this restaurant, it’s Oktoberfest all year long. It’s an all-you-care-to-eat buffet features Germany and American food. The food here is really good and there are items for some of the pickiest eaters.

While enjoying your meal, you’ll be entertained by Oktoberfest Musikanten, a traditional German band. You can sing along, especially to Ein Prosit, or get out on the dance floor. It’s a ton of fun for the entire family.

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater

The food here is okay, but the experience is out of this world. You’ll take a seat in 50s convertibles with vinyl seats and while dining, you’ll get to watch old sci-fi movie clips. It will have you feeling like you’ve taken a step back in time. From the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater menu we recommend their fried pickles, onion rings, The Reuben and milkshakes. It’s fun to watch and see how many of these old movies you and your family know.

Hoop Dee-Doo Musical Revue Pioneer Hall players
The Pioneer Hall Players at Hoop Dee-Doo Musical Revue

Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue

In the back of Fort Wilderness Campgrounds is Pioneer Hall, the home of the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue. If you’re looking for hilarious comedy and great American favorites, such as smoked barbecue ribs, cowboy beans, fried chicken and strawberry shortcake, Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is for you. The show is funny and you’ll leave stuffed with fantastic food.

If you’re seated in the category 1 section, right in front of the stage, there’s a possibility you may be part of the show. The Pioneer Players do get some of the guests involved their stage antics.

A side view of Cod Cornucopia served with a warm mustard potato salad and a chorizo vinaigrette from Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant in Downtown Disney
Cod Cornucopia side view

Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant

We love Raglan Road! The restaurant is located in what’s soon-to-be called The Landing at Disney Springs. It’s an authentic modern Irish restaurant, the owner/chef, Master Chef Kevin Dundon, resides in Dunbrody, County Wexford in Ireland. He makes appears a few times a year to the restaurant to make sure everything is perfect. The food is amazing! In addition to fantastic food, there is great music and Irish dancing that takes place daily.

If you’re traveling without leanaí (Irish for kids), then this should be at the top of your list. The nightly entertainment, cold draft beers and mouth-watering food make this a great date night at Disney World.

'Ohana - honey chicken wings and pork dumplings
Honey-coriander chicken wings and pork dumplings at ‘Ohana

‘Ohana

‘Ohana means family and at this Polynesian Village Resort restaurant, that’s how you’ll feel. Everything here is served family-style and it’s all-you-care-to-eat. It has an amazing view of Magic Kingdom and is a fun place to watch Wishes!, Magic Kingdom’s nighttime fireworks.

At breakfast, ‘Ohana is a character meal and guests can meet Lilo and Stitch. During dinner, kids can take part in hula dancing and coconut races. You’ll enjoy delicious food and family fun.

Le Cellier Filet Mignon served with risotto at Le Cellier Steakhouse in Canada Pavilion in Epcot
Le Cellier Filet Mignon

Le Cellier Steakhouse

Steak lovers will find this to be one of their favorite restaurants. The steaks are fantastic, as well as the rest of the menu. Le Cellier Steakhouse has been one of the most popular restaurants at Disney World for years because the food is so good. Whether you eat steak or not, you’ll still find something delicious on the menu. Just make sure you try the Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup (it’s one of our 100 must-try foods) and Maple Crème Brûlée.

If you’ve been to Disney World, what do you think are must do restaurants for first guests? We want to know if yours are on our list!

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