Top 10 Spots to Stop on an Empty Stomach

This morning I was looking through a friend’s Facebook photos from their recent trip to WDW, when my stomach started to growl. I had just eaten breakfast, but my tummy still screamed out for attention. Taking a second look at my computer screen, I realized why. There, in brilliant Technicolor, was the adorable image of my friend’s two kids sharing a cup of pineapple ice cream, freshly scooped from Adventureland in Magic Kingdom. Man, what I wouldn’t give for just one lick of that spoon….

Anyway, thinking about that ice cream got me to thinking about all the other great food you can get at the Walt Disney World Resort. I honestly haven’t eaten anything there that I didn’t like (and that includes the muscles I tried in Epcot). Just like the attractions, there’s something for everyone. Here are my top 10 favorite places to eat on Disney property:

Brandon and I eating at Cinderella's Royal Table on our honeymoon. That cake was AMAZING!!

10. Electric Umbrella, Epcot — This place is a burgers-and-fries (or chicken fingers!) kind of joint. The menu is simple and the food tastes great. I’ve been eating here since my earliest visits as a kid and love it. Most everyone else does too, so it tends to be really crowded during lunchtime.
Price range and type: Quick-service meal (think something like gourmet fast food), about $6 per person.

9. Earl of Sandwich, Downtown Disney — We discovered this little gem on our last trip in December. It has great Panini sandwiches and gourmet coffees and teas. It reminds me of my favorite little café that went out of business a few years ago. If you love that quaint coffee shop atmosphere, you’ll love this place.

Price range and type: Quick-service meal, about $6-$10 per person.

8. Tony’s Town Square, Magic Kingdom — You know that adorable scene in Lady and the Tramp with the spaghetti? Yeah, this is that Tony and that spaghetti tastes pretty darn awesome. I love the elegant, yet casual décor that pays tribute to a classic piece of Disney animation. Everything I’ve tasted of the Italian cuisine was outstanding. And yes, I ordered the spaghetti :).

Price range and type: Sit-down meal, about $15-$30 per person.

7. Sunshine Season Food Fair, Epcot — This place is like five restaurants in one. It will remind of a college cafeteria the way it is set up. Choose from several different types of cuisine, then grab a drink and pay the cashier on your way to the dining area. This is another spot we always seem to stop by if we’re in Epcot around lunchtime. Like the Electric Umbrella, it’s very popular, but very tasty.

Price range and type: Quick-service meal, about $6 per person.

6. Boulangerie Patisserie, Epcot — Whenever we get hungry for an afternoon snack at Epcot, we always seem to be in the France area of World Showcase. Coincidence? Probably not. This pastry shop has plenty of fabulous ways to satisfy your sweet tooth, or even your not-so-sweet tooth. I recommend the ham and cheese croissant or anything with “chocolate” in the name.

Price range and type: Quick-service meal, about $3-$6 per person.

5. ABC Commissary, Disney’s Hollywood Studios — Looking for a great place for breakfast? This is it! They’ve got everyone’s favorite morning starters. Dad gets his sausage and eggs; Mom gets her bacon and biscuits; I get my pancakes, and Brandon gets a big sampler of everything. It’s also a great place to relax and enjoy your meal. I haven’t found any big crowds here in the morning so far.

Price range and type: Quick-service meal, about $6 per person.

4. Aloha Isle, Magic Kingdom — Remember that pineapple ice cream I told you about earlier? That stuff is Heaven in a cup, and this is where you’ll find it. They also have other fruit flavors like orange (also yummy!). But beware, the line is almost always ridiculously long, even in cold December.

Price range and type: Quick-service, about $3-$6 per person.

3. Cinderella’s Royal Table, Magic Kingdom — Eating dinner at Cinderella’s castle is something every little girl in Disney World longs to do, and I have to say, it definitely doesn’t disappoint! You are treated like royalty the moment you walk in the door. After a chat with Cinderella herself for a bit, you ascend a red carpet spiral staircase into the gorgeous dining room overlooking Fantasyland. The attention to detail here is exquisite! The Fairy Godmother and Cinderella’s mice make appearances and talk with you as you enjoy a three-course gourmet menu. The food is excellent, but the price is much more than I would normally ever pay for a meal. That’s why I’ve only eaten here once, on my honeymoon, because it was a very special occasion. The price for dinner is a little over $100 for two people, which includes drink, an appetizer, main course and dessert. Breakfast and lunch are a little less expensive.

Price range and type: Sit-down meal, about $40-$50 per person.

2. Le Cellier Steakhouse, Epcot — On our 2007 trip, I chose this restaurant for my dad (he loves anything with “steakhouse” in the title), but we all ended up falling in love with it. It’s French-Canadian cuisine in a wine cellar/castle setting. It’s absolutely beautiful! The main courses and desserts here are to die for (I recommend the whiskey cake!)

Price range and type: Sit-down meal, $15-$30 per person.

1. Flame Tree BBQ, Animal Kingdom — This is without a doubt the BEST barbeque I have ever tasted! The classic pork sandwich is my favorite on the menu. It comes with baked beans and a drink and literally melts in your mouth. My dad loves the ribs, my mom loves the turkey, and Brandon just loves anything from this place. A definite “must taste” for your next trip!

Price range and type: Quick-service meal, about $6 per person.

You can check out Disney's entire list of eateries under the Where to Eat menu tab on the Walt Disney World Resort website.

Now, if anybody's going to WDW soon and would like to bring me back a bbq sandwich and a pineapple ice cream, it would be much appreciated :).

Bon appetit!

Miranda