Disney dining is known for its wealth of decadent options, but it also has a reputation for thwarting excited guests who are looking for a specific meal in a limited window of time. If you’re having trouble getting into one of the park’s more famous restaurants on your terms, consider branching out and opting for one of these lesser-known alternatives instead. Broadening your options will make it much easier to stick to the rest of your schedule. Some of these picks can even save you money over their pricey counterparts as well!
1. Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
When You Wanted: Cinderella’s Royal Table
Cinderella’s Royal Table is considered the peak of character dining if you’re looking for Disney princesses. However, these tables are notoriously difficult to get. If you’re looking for delicious dining with royal guests stopping by the table, consider booking a seat at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall instead. The lineup here includes several beloved princesses like Cinderella, Belle, Ariel, Snow White, and Aurora.
Dining in this medieval castle lends a royal air to the experience. The diverse lineup of dishes includes both Norwegian specialties like Tradisjonell Kjottkake (meatballs, mashed potatoes, and vegetables with lingonberry sauce) and more familiar favorites for the kids, such as macaroni and cheese or pizza. Though the decadent dishes are plenty elegant, this dining experience is less expensive than Cinderella’s Royal Table.
You will need to make a reservation, but tables are typically a bit easier to book at this World Showcase restaurant than at Magic Kingdom’s alternative.
2. Cape May Café
Cape May Cafe
Image: Jack Miller, Flickr (license)
When You Wanted: Coral Reef Restaurant
Many people instinctively think of Epcot’s Coral Reef restaurant for seafood. Granted, its breathtaking views of the surrounding coral reef are a big draw. However, you can’t always find a time that fits with your theme park schedule, and you’ll pay top price for dishes that don’t always get rave ratings. An often-overlooked alternative is Cape May Café. Located at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, this is an option you can add to your day no matter what park you’re planning to visit.
Both restaurants fall into the same price range, but Cape May is a buffet, so you can go back again and again, sampling dozens of options if your first few bites aren’t to your liking. Cape May’s dinner buffet features a full calm bake, snow crab legs, seasonal vegetables, freshly baked bread, and a carving station. Kids will find a selection of recognizable favorites, and the dessert table is sure to delight.
3. Artist Point
Artist Point
Image: tcwmatt, Flickr (license)
When You Wanted: Victoria and Albert’s
For fine dining and an elegant atmosphere, Victoria and Albert’s at The Grand Floridian is the best-known option on Disney property. Not only is this restaurant difficult to get into, it’s exorbitantly expensive. There are six courses, some of which features options that are upwards of $100.
For a multi-course meal that’s only a fraction of the price, head to Artist Point at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. The menu features plenty of gourmet options with appetizers like an artisanal cheese plate or handcrafted charcuterie, and entrees including an 8-oz filet mignon, braised buffalo hind shank, and 14-oz veal tomahawk chop. For a little of everything, order the Taste of the Pacific five-course meal including a Champagne toast.
4. Whispering Canyon Cafe
Whispering Canyon
Image: Jeff Christiansen, Flickr (license)
When You Wanted: ‘Ohana
‘Ohana at the Polynesian is outrageously popular thanks to its hearty Hawaiian fare and exuberant and playful setting. During dinner, you’ll enjoy activities like coconut races, hula hooping, and Hawaiian music. If you’re after rowdy family fun but you can’t score one of the coveted tables at ‘Ohana, head to the Whispering Canyon Café at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. This restaurant is another choice that visitors often overlook, but it offers an energetic atmosphere that’s perfect for silly families who want a hearty helping of fun with their food.
Servers here are famous for their sassy attitudes, and there’s nearly always some game or activity you can participate in. From sing-alongs to hobby horse racing, there’s plenty to enjoy. The menu includes a delicious lineup of American favorites like St. Louis-style pork ribs, citrus-glazed rainbow trout, and Right Neighborly’s meatloaf. If you have room for dessert, don’t miss the 10 Gallon Challenge. This massive ice cream sundae serves four, and includes piles of decadent toppings including chocolate-covered bacon.
5. Tusker House
When You Wanted: Chef Mickey’s
Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is one of the most popular character dining destinations on property. As such, it’s not easy to get into. Part of the massive appeal at this restaurant is the character line-up, which includes Mickey and all his pals. Often overlooked, however, is Tusker House at Animal Kingdom, which also features the beloved gang.
Like Chef Mickey’s, Tusker House is a buffet open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There are some distinctive options on the menu that add African flair to the meal, such as the beef bobotie and coconut-sweet potato casserole with breakfast, and Cape Malay curry chicken and mojo pork for lunch and dinner. However, you don’t have to enjoy African cuisine to fill up here. Mickey Waffles, bacon, and scrambled eggs fill out the breakfast offering while you’ll find versatile picks like spit-roasted chicken, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, and green beans available with lunch and dinner.
Whether your first dining pick isn’t fitting your time table or you’re simply looking for a fresh alternative that will let you try something new, consider adding these delicious options to your list for your next Disney visit.
