A lot of things go into making a Walt Disney World vacation truly a one of a kind experience. There are the unique attractions, which transport you into a story and place far more magical that what you might encounter in your daily life. There’s the stunning architecture and the incredible service, which make you feel like you’re at the center of a beautifully designed universe. There are the resorts, which are both impeccably designed and magnificently luxurious — all to create a feeling of comfort and homeiness.
But while all of those elements are important, over time, Disney has come to accept that there is one piece without which the Disney Parks experience just wouldn’t be the same. That is, of course, food.
It’s been a long journey for Disney in this area, going from a resort known mostly for greasy burgers and chicken fingers to a culinary Mecca for millions of vacationers. But the food, alone, isn’t the only selling point for Disney cuisine. In fact, the experience of eating that food is, for many, just as important.
So, yes, there is some amazing food to be had on the Walt Disney World property, but there are a handful of dining experiences that everyone should try once in their life — as much for the ambiance as the flavors.
Here are the bucket list meals every Disney fan should try.
California Grill, during the Magic Kingdom’s nightly spectacular
Image: frankfranc, Flickr (license)
The California Grill has long been one of the premier dining locations at the Walt Disney World Resort. Located high atop the Contemporary Resort alongside the Seven Seas Lagoon, this exquisitely-designed modern American spot has a tastefully simple menu with bold flavors and an impressive wine list.
But, more than any other feature of the restaurant, its view of the Magic Kingdom and its neighboring resorts is the show-stopping amenity.
While it’s true that any guest coming to California Grill for dinner may return to its stunning rooftop deck during the Magic Kingdom fireworks show, all reservations are not created equal. If you are fortunate enough to have a window seat, and if you time your meal just right, you can enjoy your dessert while the lights in the restaurant dim and one of the most amazing nighttime shows on Earth unfolds right next to you.
A dinner at California Grill is special enough, but timing it perfectly alongside the fireworks is enough to make it truly extraordinary.
San Angel Inn, alongside Gran Fiesta Tour
Image: Andres Alvarado, Flickr (license)
Unlike California Grill, the food at San Angel Inn is — by all accounts — merely average. But, what it lacks in culinary bite, it more than makes up for with a locale that is as uniquely Disney as it gets.
You can find San Angel Inn inside the Mexico Pavilion at Epcot’s World Showcase — a masterful presentation of Mexican culture inside an Aztec pyramid. It is perpetually just after sunset inside this pavilion, and the festive atmosphere of a street party helps create one of the most transporting spaces in all of Walt Disney World.
At the back of the pavilion, you’ll find a boat ride called Gran Fiesta Tour — a lighthearted look at Mexican culture through the eyes of Los Tres Caballeros. And, at the shores of the ride, San Angel Inn sits with a view of the serene waters guiding the boats on their journey.
The food is acceptable, but if you score a table next to the water and watch guests embark on their voyage while you dine, you’ll find the food is almost secondary to the experience. You’ll feel like you’re in a different time and place altogether — and that’s what Disney is best at.
Narcoossee’s, during the Electrical Water Pageant
Image: christiantlambert, Flickr (license)
Still somewhat underrated, Narcoossee’s has one of the simplest menus at Walt Disney World while also boasting one of its most beautiful views. The restaurant sits right on the shore of the Seven Seas Lagoon, with the Magic Kingdom glimmering just on the opposite side of the water.
While the restaurant does prove to be a wonderful location from which to take in the evening fireworks, there’s a different nighttime spectacular that Narcoossee’s is uniquely suited to: the Electrical Water Pageant.
Older than the Main Street Electrical Parade, and one of Walt Disney World’s last remaining pieces of classic Disneyana, the Electrical Water Pageant spends its evenings floating between each of the Monorail Resorts, as well as the Magic Kingdom itself. For many guests, the Pageant is something of a surprise — appearing in the dark outside their hotel rooms with a cheery song and a charming light show.
If you plan your Narcoossee’s dinner just right, you can pause your meal to walk out onto the restaurant’s gorgeous wraparound porch — and, with a beautifully unobstructed view, enjoy the classic water parade.
For Disney fans, it’s an experience worth having at least once — not only because of Narcoossee’s delicious food, but because it pairs perfectly with synthesized Disney songs.
Rose and Crown, during Illuminations (Or whatever comes next)
Image: harshlight, Flickr (license)
While there is some debate about the best spot to watch the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom, most people agree that the quintessential experience involves looking directly at Cinderella’s Castle from somewhere in the vicinity of Main Street USA. At Epcot, the answers are much less clear cut.
As it nears the end of its run, Illuminations is unique at Walt Disney World in that it is designed to be viewed from all sides. It is staged entirely in the round, so that each spot around the World Showcase Lagoon has, more or less, an equivalent view.
This has, naturally, led to much debate about what the quintessential spot is to watch Illuminations. But, if you were conducting a straw poll, the most popular answer would likely be the porch at the Rose and Crown Pub in the United Kingdom pavilion.
This reservation is nigh impossible to get, which is really all you need to know about why it deserves a place on the bucket list of Disney dining experiences. When you combine the delicious food at the Rose and Crown with an unparalleled view of one of the best fireworks shows ever devised, you get an experience you must try at least once.
As Illuminations is scheduled to be replaced in 2019, this bucket list meal is about to get even harder to come by — enjoy it while you still can.
Victoria and Albert’s, at the Chef’s Table
Image: svelasco, Flickr (license)
Most of the meals on this list have involved Disney’s remarkable nighttime spectaculars — towering fireworks shows that would add theatricality and spectacle to even the most mundane cuisine. One restaurant on Disney property, however, doesn’t need flashy lights or roaring music to leave your jaw on the floor.
Victoria and Albert’s, at the Grand Floridian Resort, is the premier dining location on Disney property. Not just good for a theme park, this restaurant is considered one of the very best in the entire state of Florida — and, by some, even in the country. But, a trip to Victoria and Albert’s isn’t, itself, on the Disney fan bucket list. Oh, no — there’s something even more special.
Designed for a seating of only a handful of people, the Chef’s Table is located right alongside the kitchen, providing guests with a specially-prepared tasting menu and optional wine pairings. With over a dozen courses, the entire meal can take upwards of three or four hours — with each course showcasing the chef’s originality and passion for seasonal ingredients.
It is exorbitantly expensive and nearly impossible to book (the restaurant only offers the experience once per day), but the memories and flavors are potent enough to last a lifetime.
The Chef’s Table at Victoria and Albert’s isn’t just a bucket list meal for Disney fans — it’s a bucket list meal for anyone who loves food.
