Picking the best restaurants at Disney World with kids is one of the toughest task when planning a Disney vacation. Primarily because Disney World dining reservations are competitive and booked 60 days before your trip begins.
I don’t know what I want to eat today, so I definitely don’t know what I want 60 days from now.
The pressure goes up when you consider the prices and the memories you want to make.
In this article, I’m ranking the top 6 restaurants at Walt Disney World for kids, starting with number six and working our way up to the very best. These picks are based on my own experiences as a dad and Disney travel agent with each of these restaurants.
#6: Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (EPCOT)
If your kids dream of meeting Disney princesses, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in EPCOT’s Norway Pavilion is one of the best spots on property. Akershus is all about efficiency. You get to meet multiple princesses in a one hour period, without waiting in massive lines.
Why Kids Love It
Kids are treated like royalty from the start. During the meal, princesses such as Belle, Ariel, Snow White, Jasmine, and Cinderella make their way around the dining room, stopping for photos, hugs, and conversations. Kids don’t just meet one princess, they get to meet several in a single sitting, which makes this an incredible time-saver compared to waiting in long park lines.
The Food
Akershus is ranked lower on the list because the menu is tough for kids. It’s Disney, so there are kid friendly options. But the main menu is a mix of Norwegian-inspired dishes and classic American options. Adults might enjoy items like smoked salmon or meatballs, while kids can stick to safer choices such as macaroni and cheese or chicken. Meals are served family-style, so there’s plenty to share, and kids can try something new without committing to a full plate.
Insider Tip
Reservations here are competitive, especially for breakfast. Booking early gives you the chance to start your EPCOT day with princesses before exploring Frozen Ever After right next door, which is a perfect combo for little ones.
#5: 1900 Park Fare (Disney's Grand Floridian Resort)
Inside Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, 1900 Park Fare is a character dining experience with a top tier menu and unique characters. The restaurant recently reopened with updated menus and refreshed character lineups, and it’s quickly become a favorite again for families with kids.
Why Kids Love It
This isn’t your average character meal because the characters here are unique, including Mirabel, Cinderella, Tiana, and Aladdin.
The Food
1900 Park Fare offers a buffet style meals. Breakfast is the top choice here, but you really can’t go wrong. There are plenty of options for picky eaters as well.
Insider Tip
Because it’s located outside the parks, 1900 Park Fare is a great option for a rest day or on your arrival night. You get an incredible Disney character dining experience without using a park ticket.
Always remember to plan your transportation, as there are no direct transportation options to Grand Floridian from other Disney Resorts (unless you are on the Monorail line).
#4 Roundup Rodeo BBQ (Disney's Hollywood Studios)
If your kids love Toy Story, they’ll feel right at home at Roundup Rodeo BBQ in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This family-style restaurant is set in Andy’s backyard, where guests are “shrunk down” to toy size and seated among giant crayons, board game pieces, and Toy Story characters.
It’s one of our favorite dining experiences at Disney, but bear in mind Roundup Rodeo BBQ does NOT include characters.
Why Kids Love It
Roundup Rodeo BBQ is more than just a meal, it’s part show, part dining. Throughout your visit, playful announcements fill the restaurant, and when Andy comes back to the room, everyone “freezes” just like the toys do in the movies. The theming keeps kids engaged, and the Toy Story details make it a really unique experience.
The Food
Meals here are served family-style barbecue, so everyone gets platters of smoked meats, plant-based options, and plenty of sides. For kids, the standouts are mac and cheese, baked beans, and buttery biscuits that arrive right at the table. Dessert is included too, with kid-approved treats like Cupcake à la Forky.
The biscuits in particular are one my favorite things to eat on property. The food sometimes gets a bad wrap, as there are a lot of “influencers” that had bad experiences when it first opened. We’ve been multiple times as a family and it remains a favorite for all.
Insider Tip
Because this restaurant is located in Toy Story Land, it’s the perfect spot to plan around rides like Slinky Dog Dash and Toy Story Mania.
#3 Cinderella's Royal Table (Magic Kingdom)
There’s nothing more iconic for kids at Disney World than dining inside Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom. Cinderella’s Royal Table is one of Disney’s most sought-after reservations because it combines a fairy tale setting, character interactions, and a meal in one of the most iconic spots at Disney World. For many families, it’s a bucket-list experience.
Why Kids Love It
Kids don’t just get to meet Cinderella, they’re welcomed like honored guests in her castle. Throughout the meal, several Disney princesses, including Cinderella, make appearances (they vary), stopping at each table for photos and conversations.
The Food
Unlike many character meals, Cinderella’s Royal Table serves a plated menu with options for both kids and adults. Breakfast includes favorites like Mickey waffles and pastries, while lunch and dinner feature items such as roasted chicken, beef tenderloin, and macaroni and cheese for picky eaters. The menu may be more upscale (and pricey), but there are still safe options for children.
Insider Tip
If you’re planning to book Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, this is the perfect option for you. After the princess transformation experience, you’ll have a royal meal and you can complete some great character meets, perfect for photos.
If you can, aim for a reservation during fireworks! Dining inside the castle while fireworks light up the park outside is something your kids (and you) will never forget.
#2 Tusker House (Disney's Animal Kingdom)
Tusker House at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is one of the best character meals at Walt Disney World and it’s one of our favorite places to meet Mickey and Friends.
Why Kids Love It
Tusker House features Mickey, Donald Duck and friends dressed in safari outfits. It’s a prime opportunity to meet several characters and start your day off at Animal Kingdom with fun interactions and a solid meal.
The Food
Tusker House is an all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet with a mix of adventurous options and classic favorites. While adults can try items like peri-peri salmon or roasted meats, there are plenty of kid-friendly choices like corn dog nuggets, macaroni and cheese, and mashed potatoes.
Breakfast is our family favorite at Tusker House because the options are classic for the kids. Mickey Waffles, cooked to order omeletes and breakfast meets are always available.
Insider Tip
Breakfast is especially popular here. It’s one of the best ways to fuel up before heading deeper into Animal Kingdom. If you book a reservation early in the morning, you can enjoy your meal and then head straight to attractions like Kilimanjaro Safaris nearby before the crowds pick up.
#1 Topolino's Terrace - Flavors of the Riviera (Disney's Riviera Resort)
#1: Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera (Disney’s Riviera Resort, Breakfast à la Art)
When it comes to the perfect mix of food quality, atmosphere, and character fun, Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort takes the crown. The Breakfast à la Art with Mickey & Friends is widely considered one of the best character meals at Walt Disney World, and for good reason. It has the best food with a fun experience meeting the best characters at Walt Disney World.
Why Kids Love It
The characters here are dressed in unique artistic-themed costumes you won’t find anywhere else. Mickey is a painter, Minnie is a poet, Donald is a sculptor, and Daisy is a dancer. Kids get to interact with each character as they make their way around the dining room, posing for photos.
The Food
Unlike most character meals, Topolino’s is not a buffet. Instead, it offers plated breakfast entrées that are both kid-friendly and high quality. Options include classic Mickey waffles, scrambled eggs, and fruit for children, while adults can enjoy more refined dishes like steak and eggs, quiche Gruyère or smoked salmon.
The kids Mickey Waffles include a “paint” set up so they can use the syrups to paint their plate with the waffles!
Insider Tip
Because Topolino’s is located at the Riviera Resort, it’s easy to access via the Disney Skyliner, making it a fun start to an EPCOT or Hollywood Studios day. Reservations for this breakfast go quickly, so I always recommend booking as soon as your 60-day dining window opens.
If you’re planning a trip, remember that reservations can be tough to get for these restaurants. I recommend logging in right when your 60-day booking window opens to grab your top choices.
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