Tempting Your Taste Buds with Table Service Dining!
One of my favorite parts of planning a Walt Disney World vacation is deciding where to eat during the trip! Even though I’m not much of an adventurous eater, I love spending hours reading over menus and looking at Disney food photos.
With hundreds of dining locations to choose from, there is bound to be something that will tickle the taste buds of everyone in your travel party!
Over the years, there have been certain restaurants that have become my tried and true favorites, and I would love to share some of them with you! In no particular order, these are five of my favorite Walt Disney World table service locations:
50’s Prime Time Café
A menu full of American comfort food and nostalgia for the good old days are served up in heaping proportions at this Hollywood Studios restaurant!
As soon as you walk in the door, you’re met with a blast from the past, as retro furniture, knick-knacks, and oodles of vintage charm blend perfectly together with the sassy yet sweet servers who are making sure you mind your manners. My personal piece of advice – be sure to keep your elbows off the table! The experience here is that much more memorable when you immerse yourself in all the fun and games the Cast Members can offer!
Fan-favorite menu items such as Mom’s Old-fashioned Pot Roast, Aunt Liz’s Golden Fried Chicken, and Cousin Megan’s Traditional Meat Loaf offer up a taste of home, and it’s always fun to check out the old prime-time clips from 50’s TV favorites that play on the tableside televisions too.
If you’re looking for a heaping serving of fun with your meal, this is the spot for you!
Beaches & Cream Soda Shop
The nostalgia factor continues into this charming dining location at Disney’s Beach Club Villas!
With bright and airy décor reminiscent of soda counters in days past, Beaches & Cream Soda Shop serves up delicious American diner classics and delectable ice cream delights. Personally, I love to order the classic grilled cheese sandwich with a chocolate ice cream soda to wash it down!
A recent renovation has refreshed the interior and opened up the seating area, but those looking for a quick ice cream treat to cool off with by the pool can also check out the To-Go counter’s menu without needing to be seated. Either way, you’re in for a scrumptious and satisfying experience!
Chefs de France
Located in Epcot’s World Showcase, this charming restaurant truly makes you feel as if you’ve been whisked away to a sophisticated Parisian bistro.
As you dine on sumptuous dishes such as Boeuf Bourguignon, Filet de Saumon, and my personal favorite, Gratin de Macaroni with Gruyere cheese, you’ll realize that Lumiere was spot on as he sang, “This is France! And a dinner here is never second best!”
Along with a menu full of classic French dishes, Chefs de France offers a wonderful ambiance, especially in the evenings, as the soft light sparkles against the windows that look out on the pavilion’s fountain and promenade areas. It’s a great choice for a cozy culinary experience!
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater
With its darkened sky full of twinkling stars, rows of vintage cars-turned-tables, and a big screen playing endless B-movie clips from days gone by, the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater is unlike any other restaurant I’ve ever been to! “Car Hops” make their way between the vehicles at the “drive-in,” delivering tasty entrees and desserts while surrounded by kitschy memorabilia from Hollywood-inspired history.
The menu is filled with timeless American classics; however, the delicious burgers are definitely the star of the show at this soundstage-style eatery. The Oreo Cookie Milkshake is also a fan-favorite, pairing perfectly with crispy, salty fries or onion rings! No matter your order, I think this restaurant is a perfect addition for any day spent visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios!
Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria
Pizza is my favorite food and is definitely loved by many people around the world. When it’s made in a wood-burning oven, at Walt Disney World, with authentic Italian culinary methods, you have sheer perfection!
The dining rooms are bright and cheerful and feature some beautiful mural artwork. Diners can also check out the three large wood-burning ovens where their pizza is being prepared, each named after active Italian volcanoes!
I could easily eat at this restaurant in Epcot’s World Showcase every day of a trip! The pizza crust is light and thin, yet full of flavor, and there are tons of toppings to choose from. My personal favorite is the Quattro Fromaggi Pizza, which is absolutely swimming in different delicious cheeses! If you’re not craving pizza during your visit, not to worry, there are also several other classic dishes on offer here, such as Spaghetti and Meatballs, Lasagna, and Chicken Parmigiana. It’s no wonder that this spot has been named “Best Theme Park Restaurant” by the Orlando Sentinel!
While there are certain table service restaurants that consistently make my “must-do” list, I do like to try and choose at least one new dining location to experience on each trip. Trattoria al Forno, Rose & Crown, The Edison, Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante, and Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ are just a few of the restaurants across the property that I have added to my “must-try” list!
Overall, I think it’s safe to say that Walt Disney World is one of my favorite places to indulge in a culinary cabaret of sweets, treats, and very good eats! No matter which restaurants you choose, you’re sure to please your palate and add a dash of deliciousness to your vacation!
~Stacy
