Five Special Dining Experiences At Disney World

Disney has a way of adding a touch of magic to everything it does. From a big hug from Mickey Mouse during a meet and greet to a unique detail in a favorite attraction, there are plenty of special additions that Disney adds throughout its parks.

Another way that Disney spices up things (pun intended) is in dining experiences. Yes, nearly all locations in the parks – including food and beverage – include some types of theme and story. But a few take your eating experience to an entirely new level – allowing you to experience something just a bit extraordinary during your meal.

Let’s take a look at five very special and unique dining experiences at Disney World:

1 – Dine Inside A Movie

Have you ever dreamed of stepping inside a movie so that you can experience what it was like for the characters to live and breathe in a most extraordinary place? What would it be like to be Belle or The Beast from the Disney animated classic Beauty and the Beast as they stepped into the regal ballroom for their dance? That is something you can experience in Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom. Order French-inspired food and enjoy it in the majestic setting of the ballroom, or one of several other areas inspired by the movie, in the Be Our Guest Restaurant. It is a magical experience.

Step right into the ballroom and enjoy.
Step right into the ballroom and enjoy.

2 – Dine With A Princess

Most girls, of all ages, at some point have dreamed about being a princess, and perhaps meeting their Prince Charming along the way. Almost as good as being a princess is meeting a princess (well, you know). And you can do just that at Cinderella’s Royal Table, located inside Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom. Eat like a king and rub elbows with royalty in a meal that may be the highlight of your Disney vacation. Be sure to get Advanced Dining Reservations as early as possible since this experience often sells out.

3 – Dine In A Time Warp

Wouldn’t it be fun to travel to a different time and place to enjoy a meal? There are two restaurants in Disney’s Hollywood Studios that allow you to do just that, and enjoy a great meal at the same time.

At the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant, located on Commissary Lane, you can jump back to the classic drive in movies of the 1950s. Sit in your replica car, order from your waiter or waitress on roller skates, and take in the hilarious movies on the big screens.

The Sci-Fi Dine In Theater is a fun place to eat and enjoy some hokey movie entertainment.
The Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater is a fun place to eat and enjoy some hokey movie entertainment.

Another amazing option is the 50’s Prime Time Café. It’s another chance travel back to the 1950s in the Echo Lake section of the park, but this time you get to sit in mom’s kitchen, complete with funky Formica countertops and tube TVs that play clips from classic 1950’s sitcoms. It’s a fun blast from the past, with tasty but unique takes on traditional comfort food like pot roast, fried chicken, and everyone’s favorite – meatloaf. Be sure to mind your manners and finish your vegetables or you might just get a scolding.

4 – Dine With A Fun Show

If you are looking for a heaping helping of wholesome down-home style entertainment with your barbecue chicken and ribs, look no further than the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort And Campground. You will get two hours packed with family-friendly entertainment that ranges from singing and dancing to comedy. That comes with all you can eat chicken and ribs, salad, beans, and the favorite desert – strawberry shortcake.

5 – Dine At A World Class Restaurant

If you are celebrating a special event – like a wedding anniversary that ends in a “0” or recently becoming filthy rich – then you will want to make a reservation for Victoria & Albert’s. Located in a quiet corner of the Victorian-styled Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, each year this dining place wins award after award for its highest-quality food and service. Gentlemen need a jacket and ladies need to get dressed up to enjoy the $135 prix fixe meal. Wine pairings are available for an extra $65. From the first bite of your Amuse-Bouche to the final taste of dessert, it is a world class dining experience.

What is your favorite unique dining option at Disney World?