Orlando A

Part III: Settling into Orlando

turkey, shrimp, steak, and pork with veggies, stir-fried rice, and more.

You’ll also find lots of trimmings and a full bar with limited wine selections

(tropical alcoholic drinks are available for an added fee).

Ask for a seat in the main dining room or you won’t get a good view of the

entertainment.

See map p. 130. 1600 Seven Seas Dr. at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. % 407-939-3463

or 407-824-2000. www.disneyworld.com. Advanced Dining Reservations strongly

recommended. Main courses: $25 adults; $11 kids 3–11. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Open:

Daily 5–10 p.m.

Pacino’s Italian Ristorante

$$ Kissimmee ITALIAN

The ceiling of this restaurant contains fiber optics that create an aura of

dining under the stars, but try the patio if you want the real thing. Some

servers can be a little aloof, but the price and taste make up for it. Pacino’s

serves thick, juicy veal chops that are usually fork tender, a challenging

32-ounce porterhouse steak, and fruitti di mare (shrimp, calamari, clams,

and scallops sautéed with white wine and herbs and heaped onto a mound

of linguine).

See map p. 147. 5795 W. Hwy. 192/Irlo Bronson Memorial Pkwy. (2 miles east of I-4).

% 407-396-8022. www.pacinos.com. Reservations accepted. Main courses:

$14–$27 (most are less than $20); pizza $9–$11. AE, MC, V. Open: Daily 4–10 p.m.

The Palm

$$–$$$ Universal Orlando AMERICAN

This location is the 23rd member of a chain started more than 75 years

ago in New York, and the food is good, if overpriced. The décor leans

toward the upscale supper clubs of the ’30s and ’40s, and the walls are

lined with caricatures of celebrities. Beef and seafood headline a menu

that features a 36-ounce New York strip steak for two and a 3-pound Nova

Scotia lobster. Smaller appetites and budgets can feast on salmon or veal

chops. Validated parking is available.

See map p. 139. 5800 Universal Blvd. (in the Hard Rock Hotel). % 407-503-7256. www.

thepalm.com. Reservations recommended. Main courses: lunch $9–$31; dinner

$17–$38 (many less than $25). AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Open: Mon–Fri 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m.;

Sat 5–11 p.m.; Sun 5–10 p.m.

Pastamore Ristorante

$$ Universal Orlando ITALIAN

This family-style restaurant greets you with display cases brimming with

fresh mozzarella and other goodies lurking on the menu. Italian artifacts

are scattered about, and the kitchen is open, allowing you a view of the

cooks at work. The antipasto primo is a meal in itself. The mound includes

bruschetta, eggplant Caponata, melon con prosciutto, grilled portobello

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Chapter 10: Dining and Snacking in Orlando

mushrooms, olives, plum tomatoes with fresh mozzarella, a medley of

Italian cold cuts, and more. The menu also has traditional features such

as veal Marsala, chicken parmigiana, shrimp scampi, fettuccine Alfredo,

lasagna, and pizza. The restaurant has a basic beer and wine selection.

1000 Universal Studios Plaza. In CityWalk. % 407-363-8000. www.universal

orlando.com. Reservations accepted. Main courses: $7–$18. AE, DISC, MC, V.

Open: Daily 5 p.m. to midnight.

Pebbles

$$ Lake Buena Vista AMERICAN

Pebbles is a local chain that has earned a reputation for great food, a

provocative, though small, wine list, and creative appetizers. The laid-back

Key West atmosphere is casual and comfortable. The Pebbles twin filets

are seared, then bathed in the namesake lager, and delivered with

caramelized onions and three-cheese potatoes. A sautéed double breast

of chicken has a jacket of sour-orange sauce and sliced avocados. There’s

also a small selection of sandwiches ($7–$10).

See map p. 130. 12551 Hwy. 535 (in the Crossroads shopping center at the intersec-

tion of 535 and Hotel Plaza Boulevard). % 407-827-1111. www.pebbles

worldwide.com. Reservations not accepted. Main courses: $10–$28. AE, DC, DISC,

MC, V. Open: Sun–Thurs noon to 11 p.m.; Fri–Sat 11 a.m.–11 p.m.; sometimes closed

Sun.

Plaza Restaurant

$ Magic Kingdom AMERICAN

This 19th-century–inspired restaurant, located at the end of Main Street,

offers a respite from the Magic Kingdom crowds — and the World’s best hot-

fudge sundae. If you insist on a meal before dessert, the menu offers tasty,

but pricey, burgers, hot and cold sandwiches (try the Reuben or the double-

decker hot roast beef), salads, and milkshakes. You can eat inside in an Art

Nouveau dining room or on a veranda overlooking Cinderella Castle.

See map p. 130. On Main Street. % 407-939-3463. www.disneyworld.com.

Advanced Dining Reservations recommended. Main courses: $8–$11; ice cream:

$4–$10. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Open: Daily 11 a.m. until park closing.

Portobello Yacht Club

$$–$$$ Downtown Disney ITALIAN

The pizzas here go beyond the routine to quattro formaggio (with four

cheeses) and margherita (Italian sausage, plum tomatoes, and mozzarella).

But it’s the less casual entrees that pack people into this place. On the

menu, you may find a wood-roasted Atlantic salmon or pasta with Alaskan

king crab, scallops, shrimp, and clams in light wine sauce. Situated in a

gabled Bermuda-style house, the Portobello’s awning-covered patio over-

looks Lake Buena Vista. Its cellar is small, but there’s a nice selection of

wines to match the meals.

150 Part III: Settling into Orlando

See map p. 130. 1650 Buena Vista Drive. In Pleasure Island. % 407-934-8888. www.

levyrestaurants.com. Advanced Dining Reservations recommended. Main

courses: $12–$50 (pizzas $9). AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Open: Daily 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m.

Rainforest Café

$$–$$$ Downtown Disney & Animal Kingdom AMERICAN

Set amid a jungle with tropical sounds of birds and waterfalls, this place is

one that most kids love! The food’s pretty respectable (with an extensive

menu), but it’s really the décor that makes this restaurant. As its name sug-

gests, entering the Rainforest Café is like walking into a jungle — lifelike

silk plants, chattering Animatronic monkeys and elephants, the occasional

rain and thunder rumblings are all over. Fun dishes include Caribbean

Coconut Shrimp (with a sweet mango sauce), and Maya’s Mixed Grill (ribs,

chicken breast, and shrimp) but there’s just too many to list. The barstools

resemble zebras, giraffes, and other wild-and-crazy critters.

Don’t even think of showing up here without an Advanced Dining

Reservation, or you could end up waiting hours to get in.

Also be aware you have to walk right by the souvenir shop to dine so keep

little heads turned to the left if you can.

See map p. 130. 1800 E. Buena Vista Drive (in Downtown Disney Marketplace).

% 407-827-8500. Second location outside the entrance to Animal Kingdom. % 407-

938-9100. www.rainforestcafe.com. Advanced Dining Reservations strongly

recommended. Main courses: $11–$40 (most less than $25). AE, DISC, MC, V. Open:

(at Downtown Disney) Sun–Thurs 10:30 a.m.–11 p.m., Fri–Sat 10:30 a.m. to midnight;

(at Animal Kingdom) Daily 8:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.

Restaurant Akershus

$$ Epcot NORWEGIAN

This dining room, set inside a Disneyfied 14th-century castle, offers a 40-

item smorgasbord of hot and cold dishes, making it a bargain for big

eaters. Choices include venison stew, roast pork, cured salmon, smoked

mackerel, mustard herring, an array of Norwegian breads and cheeses,

smashed rutabaga, and more. Trimmings include red cabbage, potato

salad, breads, and cheeses. The food is reasonably good, and the staff is

friendly. Sweets and sandwiches are available across the courtyard at the

Kringla Bakeri Og Kafé.

See map p. 136. In Norway Pavilion. % 407-939-3463. www.disneyworld.com.

Advanced Dining reservations recommended. Main courses: lunch buffet $14 adults,

$9 kids 3–9; dinner buffet $20 adults, $9 kids 3–9. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Open: Daily

noon to park closing.

Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room

$$ Epcot BRITISH

Visitors from the U.K. flock to this spot for a taste of home. The Rose &

Crown has dark-oak wainscoting, a beamed Tudor ceiling, English folk

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Chapter 10: Dining and Snacking in Orlando

music, and some spirited servers. Dine on such traditional dishes as fish-

and-chips wrapped in newspaper, prime rib with Yorkshire pudding, and

an English pie sampler (pork and cottage, and chicken and leek). On the

lighter side, bar food includes sausage rolls, Cornish pasties (meat pies),

and a Stilton cheese and fruit plate. You can order ale, lagers, and stouts

by the pint or (designated-driver alert!) half-yard. The pub has an ale

warmer to make sure Guinness is served at 55 degrees, just like its British

guests prefer. If you only want to grab a pint or a snack at the bar, you don’t

need Advanced Dining Reservations.

The restaurant’s outdoor seating (weather permitting) offers a fantastic

view of IllumiNations (see Chapter 13 for more information), making this

an excellent spot for a late dinner. These seats are first-come, first served,

so ask the hostess when you arrive if a patio table is available.

See map p. 136. In United Kingdom Pavilion, World Showcase. % 407-939-3463. www.

disneyworld.com. Advanced Dining Reservations recommended for dining room.

Main courses: lunch $11–$15; dinner $14–$20. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Open: Daily 11 a.m.

until 1 hour before park closes.

Roy’s Restaurant

$$–$$$ Dr. Phillips Area PACIFIC RIM

Part of a small Hawaiian restaurant chain, this restaurant has an island

theme and an atmosphere that allows for intimate conversation. Menus

change often, but entrees may include wood-roasted lemon-grass shrimp

with black-rice risotto, or a wood-grilled pork chop with ginger-pear sauce.

Roy’s also has a reasonably deep wine list.

See map p. 139. 7760 W. Sand Lake Rd. (1 mile west of I-4). % 407-352-4844. www.

roysrestaurant.com. Reservations suggested. Main courses: $16–$30. AE, DC,

DISC, MC, V. Open: Daily 5:30–10 p.m.

The Samba Room

$$ Dr. Phillips Area CUBAN

Given the almost ear-splitting decibel level, this place isn’t one where you

can whisper sweet nothings and expect to be heard. But if you like loud

salsa sounds and an enterprising menu, the Samba Room may be the place

for you. The kitchen turns out rum-raisin, plantain-crusted mahimahi on

coconut rice with mango mojo; paella (chicken, mussels, fish, and sausage

over rice); and sugarcane beef tenderloin with chipotle mashed potatoes

and mushroom sofrito. A patio offers al fresco dining.

See map p. 139. 7468 W. Sand Lake Rd. (1 mile west of I-4). % 407-226-0550.

Reservations recommended. Main courses: $16–$30. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Open:

Sun–Thurs 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m.; Fri–Sat 11:30 a.m. to midnight.

152 Part III: Settling into Orlando

San Angel Inn

$–$$ Epcot MEXICAN

It’s always night at the San Angel, where you’ll eat at one of several roman-

tic candlelit tables located in a hacienda courtyard surrounded by dense

jungle foliage. The shadow of a crumbling Yucatán pyramid looms in the

distance, and you hear the sound of faraway birds and faint rumblings of

the volcano while you dine. The ambience of this restaurant, located inside

the Mexico Pavilion, is exotic, and the fare is traditional — that’s why you

won’t find nachos or Mexican pizza on the menu. Entrees include mole

poblano (chicken simmered with more than 20 spices and a hint of choco-

late) and filete motuleño (grilled tenderloin of beef served over black

beans, melted cheese, pepper strips, and plantains). Your drinking options

include Dos Equis beer and margaritas.

See map p. 136. In Mexico Pavilion, World Showcase. % 407-939-3463. www.

disneyworld.com. Advanced Dining Reservations recommended. Main courses:

lunch $9–$18; dinner $18–$24. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Open: Daily 11:30 a.m. until park

closing.

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant

$$ Disney–MGM Studios AMERICAN

Horror flicks too hokey to be scary play on the screen while you dine in a

replica of a 1950s Los Angeles drive-in movie emporium, complete with

tables ensconced in flashy, chrome-trimmed convertible cars. Fun-loving

carhops deliver free popcorn and your meal. Menu items have funny

names but are basics like sandwiches, burgers, ribs, seafood, pasta, and

steaks. The unique atmosphere definitely keeps the crowds and the kids

coming.

Near Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular. % 407-939-3463. www.disneyworld.

com. Advanced Dining Reservations recommended. Main courses: lunch $12–$17;

dinner $14–$17. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Open: Daily 10:30 a.m. until park closing.

Spoodles

$$ Walt Disney World Resorts MEDITERRANEAN

Tapas, pizza, and pasta are the main items on the menu at this

Mediterranean-style restaurant, which features an open exhibition kitchen

and a lively atmosphere. The treats include sautéed chili-garlic shrimp,

fried calamari, and a sampler platter. You can also choose from several

conventional entrees, including Moroccan-spiced tuna and grilled pork

porterhouse with goat cheese polenta. Table-side sangria presentations

add something special to the evening. Although popular, the quality here

doesn’t rival Café Tu Tu Tango (reviewed earlier).

During the height of the summer, Spoodles gets crowded, and the wait can

be long, even with Advanced Dining Reservations, so this restaurant isn’t

a good choice for famished families coming straight from the parks, and

really not a great choice for families with young kids along either.

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Chapter 10: Dining and Snacking in Orlando

See map p. 130. 2101 N. Epcot Resorts Blvd. at BoardWalk Inn Resort & Villas. % 407-

939-3463 or 407-939-2380. www.disneyworld.com. Advanced Dining Reservations

recommended. Main courses: tapas $6–$9; entrees $18–$28. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V.

Open: Daily 7–11 a.m.; noon–2 p.m.; 5–10 p.m.

Tchoup Chop

$$–$$$ Universal Orlando PACIFIC RIM

Pronounced “chop chop,” Emeril Lagasse’s second restaurant in Orlando

opened in January 2003. The name comes from the location of Emeril’s

original restaurant — Tchoupitoulous Street in New Orleans. For its décor,

the interior blends flowers, sculpted gardens, and mini waterfalls with

Batik fabrics, carved-wood grilles, and glass chandeliers. The exhibition

kitchen offers a look at the chefs making your meal in woks or on wood-

burning grills. The Polynesian- and Asian-influenced menu offers tempta-

tions such as macadamia crusted Atlantic salmon with steamed rice and

stir-fried vegetables and wok-fried filet mignon with vegetable chow mein

and crispy oysters.

See map p. 139. 6300 Hollywood Way (in Universal’s Royal Pacific Hotel). % 407-

503-2467. www.emerils.com. Reservations strongly recommended. Main courses:

$13–$34. AE, DISC, MC, V. Daily 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m.; Sun–Thurs 5:30–10 p.m.; Fri–Sat

5:30–11 p.m.

Teppanyaki Dining Room

$$–$$$ Epcot JAPANESE

If you’ve ever been to a Japanese steakhouse, then you know the drill:

Diners sit around the large grill-tables while the chefs expertly and quickly

dice, slice, stir-fry, and serve up your food to your plate with amazing dex-

terity. Kids especially enjoy watching the chef wield a cleaver and other

utensils. Several parties are seated at teppanyaki tables, which makes for

sociable dining, especially for single travelers looking for conversation.

Expect the entrees to have chicken, steak, scallops, lobsters, or a combi-

nation. Kirin beer, plum wine, and sake are served.

The adjoining Tempura Kiku counter-restaurant offers sushi, sashimi, and

tempura-battered shrimp and chicken.

See map p. 136. In Japan Pavilion, World Showcase. % 407-939-3463. www.disney

world.com. Advanced Dining Reservations recommended for Teppanyaki; reser-

vations not accepted at Tempura Kiku. Teppanyaki main courses: lunch $12–$22,

dinner $16–$35; Tempura Kiku: lunch $9–$14, dinner $13–$25. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V.

Open: Daily 11 a.m. until 1 hour before park closing.

Todd English’s BlueZoo

$$–$$$$ Walt Disney World Resorts SEAFOOD

Celebrity chef Todd English put down roots, in 2004, at the Walt Disney

World Dolphin with this restaurant, which serves innovative seafood in an

unusually vibrant upscale setting. The food is served with an artistic flair

154 Part III: Settling into Orlando

almost as impressive as the décor. On the entree front, try the mizo-glazed

Chilean sea bass or the catch of the day roasted on a rotisserie grill. There

are a few non-marine items on the menu, but the emphasis here is on all

dishes aquatic. Shellfish lovers will enjoy the raw bar (just be sure to bring

your wallets!).

See map p. 130. 1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd., in the Walt Disney World Dolphin. % 407-

93934-1609. www.thebluezoo.com. Advanced Dining Reservations recommended.

Main courses: $18–$54. AE, DISC, MC, V. Open: Daily 3:30–11 p.m.

Victoria & Albert

$$$$ Walt Disney World Resorts INTERNATIONAL

The setting is Victorian and a nostalgic reminder that dining out was once

a treat to be savored in an evening-filling, relaxed, and stylish manner. The

chef works wizardry with food from a diverse marketplace. This restaurant

is the most memorable (and memorably expensive) in WDW. But if money’s

no object and you’re serious about food and romance going hand in hand,

head here. The intimate dining room has exquisitely appointed tables. The

food is impeccable and presented with a flourish by an attentive and pro-

fessional staff. (Each table has servers named Victoria and Albert.) The

seven-course menu changes nightly. You may begin with roasted duck with

candy-striped and golden beets, followed by Monterey abalone with lemon

and baby spinach. Then, shrimp bisque may precede an entree such as

Australian Kobe-beef tenderloin. English Stilton served with a poached pear

sets up desserts such as vanilla-bean crème brûlée and Kona chocolate

soufflé. Dinners are 21⁄2- to 3-hour affairs, though the later sitting can run

longer. If you want to try the chef’s table experience (you actually dine in

the kitchen and watch them prepare your meal), be sure to reserve it excru-

ciatingly early (they begin taking Advanced Dining Reservations 180 days

in advance). Note: I don’t recommend this restaurant for children.

See map p. 130. 4401 Floridian Way, in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. % 407-

939-3463. www.disneyworld.com. Advanced Dining Reservations required well

in advance, especially for the Chef’s Table. Main courses: fixed-price menu $95 per

person, $145 with wine pairing; chef’s table $125, $185 with wine. AE, DC, DISC, MC,

V. Open: 2 dinner seatings daily Sept–June, 5:45–6:30 p.m. and 9–9:45 p.m.; 1 seating

daily July–Aug, 6:45–8 p.m. Chef’s Table 6 p.m. only. Jackets required for men.

Wolfgang Puck Grand Café

$$–$$$ Downtown Disney AMERICAN

This restaurant’s sushi bar, an artistic copper-and-terrazzo masterpiece,

delivers some of the best sushi in Orlando. You can eat gourmet pizza, with

a thin crust and exotic toppings, on an outdoor patio or inside. Upstairs,

the main dining room presents a seasonally changing menu that may fea-

ture Szechuan beef and crimini satay with a spicy vegetable stir fry or

pumpkin ravioli with sage, hazelnut butter, and parmesan. The lower level

can be noisy, making conversation difficult, and the downstairs wait for a

table is excruciatingly long. Puck’s also has a grab-and-go express restau-

rant that sells sandwiches, pizzas, desserts, and more.

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Chapter 10: Dining and Snacking in Orlando

See map p. 130. 1482 Buena Vista Drive. In Disney’s West Side. % 407-938-9653.

www.wolfgangpuck.com/myrestaurants. Advanced Dining Reservations

recommended for lower-level dining room. Main courses (upstairs): $19–$38; $8–$40

pizza and sushi. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Daily 11 a.m.–1 a.m.

Yachtsman Steakhouse

$$–$$$$ Walt Disney World Resorts STEAKS

Regarded as one of Orlando’s top steak-and-chop houses, Yachtsman

Steakhouse is a good place to come if you love red meat. You can see the

cuts age in a glass-enclosed room, and the exhibition kitchen provides a

tantalizing glimpse of steaks, chops, and seafood being grilled over oak

and hickory. The décor includes knotty-pine beams, plank floors, and

leather-and-oak chairs. Steak options range from a 6-ounce filet to a 12-

ounce bourbon-marinated strip to a belly-busting 24-ounce T-bone. The

menu also includes salmon, chicken, and rack of lamb. The Steakhouse is

prone to crowds, but most folks say that it’s worth the wait.

See map p. 130. 1700 Epcot Resorts Blvd., in Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. % 407-939-

3463. www.disneyworld.com. Advanced Dining Reservations recommended.

Main courses: $21–$80. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Open: Daily 5:30–10 p.m.

Dining with Disney Characters

The opportunity to chow down with Mickey, Donald, Cinderella, and many

of the other major characters is the major dining experience in Orlando.

The 8-and-under crowd usually gets starry-eyed when characters show

up to say howdy, sign autographs, pose for photos, and encourage them

to eat their broccoli. Character mealtime appearances at Disney parks,

attractions, and resorts are incredibly popular. As a result, one-on-one

interaction is somewhat brief, so be ready for that Kodak moment or hope

a WDW photographer captures it for you (at a premium price).

You may not find a seat when you show up to a character appearance

unannounced, so call % 407-939-3463 to make Advanced Dinning

Reservations as far in advance as possible (these reservations don’t lock

down a table, but they give you the next available table after you arrive at

your appointed time). To take the guesswork out of figuring out how far in

advance (60 days? 90? 180?) you need to make an Advanced Dining reser-

vation, head online to the PS Planning Guide (www.pscalculator.net).

This unofficial site does a very good job of keeping up-to-date on all the

rules and reservation windows for every restaurant at Disney. But its best

feature is a calculator that allows you to punch in your desired reserva-

tion date, and then tells you when the Advanced Dining Reservation

window for your chosen restaurant will be open. Best of all, this service

is free.

156 Part III: Settling into Orlando

Character dining at Universal

Orlando & SeaWorld

Though it’s the recognized leader in the category, Disney doesn’t have a lock on char-

acter dining in Orlando. At Islands of Adventure, you can have breakfast with Spider-

Man, the Cat in the Hat, and other Marvel and Dr. Seuss characters Thursday through

Sunday from park opening to 10:30 a.m. at the Confisco Grille. The cost is $16 for adults

and $10 for children ages 3 to 9, plus tax and tip. Call % 407-224-4012 for the manda-

tory reservations.

Shamu and a group of his marine friends (Penny Penguin and Seamore the Sea Lion,

among others) welcome you at the Shamu & Crew Character Breakfast served from

8:45 to 10:15 a.m. at the park’s Seafire Inn. The cost is $15 for adults and $10 for chil-

dren ages 3 to 9 (children younger than 3 enter free, but must have a reservation). For

the mandatory reservations, call % 800-327-2420 or go to the park’s Web site at www.

seaworld.com.

The cost of catching characters

Prices for Disney character meals are pretty much the same no matter

where you dine. Breakfast (most serve it) averages $17 to $20 for adults

and $9 to $11 for children 3 to 11. Dinner, which is only available in some

places, runs $22 to $27 for adults and $10 to $13 for children. In general,

presentation at all the character meal listings here is high on the fun

front but middle-of-the-road when it comes to the food.

Character meals accept American Express, Diners Club, Discover,

MasterCard, Visa, and the Disney card. For more information on these

meals, check Disney’s Web site at www.disneyworld.com.

The most characters money can buy

Although I mention specific characters here, be advised that WDW

frequently changes its lineups, so don’t promise the kids a specific

character or you may get burned. Also, keep in mind that you’ll have

to add the price of admission (and, if you aren’t a Disney resort guest, the

$8 parking fee) to meals that are served inside the theme parks. When

bringing children to these meals, remember that some of the very young

ones may actually end up scared of — and not delighted with — the

larger-than-life characters.

Cape May Café

This delightful, New England-themed dining room offers buffet breakfasts

(eggs, pancakes, bacon, pastries, and more) that are hosted by Admiral

Goofy and his crew — Chip ’n’ Dale and Pluto. Again, the characters that

show up may vary.

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Chapter 10: Dining and Snacking in Orlando

See map p. 130. 1800 Epcot Resorts Blvd., in Disney’s Beach Club Resort. Character

breakfast: $18 adults, $10 children. Open: Daily 7:30–11:30 a.m.

Chef Mickey’s

The whimsical Chef Mickey’s welcomes your favorite cartoon characters

twice a day: at buffet breakfasts (eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, fruit, and

other items) and dinners. (Entrees change daily and are joined by a salad

bar, soups, vegetables, and ice cream with toppings.) Mickey and various

pals are there to meet and mingle.

See map p. 130. 4600 N. World Dr., in Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Character break-

fast: $18 adults, $10 children; character dinner: $27 adults, $12 children. Open: Daily

7:30–11:30 a.m.; 5–9:30 p.m.

Cinderella’s Royal Table

This castle — the focal point of the park — is the setting for daily charac-

ter breakfasts. The menu has standard fare: eggs, bacon, Danish, and fresh

breads. Hosts vary, but Cinderella always makes an appearance. This meal

is a great way to start your day in the Magic Kingdom.

Advanced Dining Reservations are a must here, and thanks to the crowds,

the most difficult character breakfast to get. If this is a must-do breakfast,

I suggest you begin trying as soon as the reservation window opens up

90 days in advance (call exactly at 7 a.m. and if — lucky you — you get

through on your first try, don’t get picky about your seating arrangements

and dining times). Note: Advanced Dining Reservations for this breakfast

must be made with a guaranteed credit-card payment that will cost you $10

for adults and $5 for kids if you don’t cancel them at least 24 hours in

advance.

See map p. 130. In Cinderella Castle, Magic Kingdom. Character breakfast: $22 adults,

$12 children. Open: Daily 8–10:30 a.m.

Crystal Palace

The real treats here are the characters, Pooh and his pals, who are on

location throughout the day. The restaurant serves breakfast (eggs, French

toast, pancakes, bacon), lunch, and dinner (a variety of beef, chicken, veg-

gies, kids’ favorites, a sundae bar, and more).

See map p. 130. On Main St., Magic Kingdom. Character breakfast: $18 adults, $10

children; character lunch: $20 adults, $12 children; character dinner $23 adults, $12

children. Open: Daily 8–10:30 a.m.; 11:30 a.m.–2:45 p.m.; 4 p.m. until park closing.

Donald’s Prehistoric Breakfastosaurus

Here’s another all-you-can-eat buffet of eggs, bacon, French toast and other

favorites. Donald Duck, Goofy, and Pluto are on hand to entertain the

little ones while they almost eat. Note: This is the only place in Animal

Kingdom that offers a character breakfast.

158 Part III: Settling into Orlando

See map p. 130. In Animal Kingdom, Restaurantosaurus, Dinoland U.S.A. Character

breakfast: $17 adults, $9 children. Open: Daily from park opening until 10:30 a.m.

Garden Grill

There’s a Mom’s-in-the-kitchen theme at this revolving restaurant with

comfortable, semicircular booths. Mickey and Chip ’n’ Dale play host to

family-style meals with a country theme. (Boy, that Mickey sure gets around.)

Lunch and dinner (chicken, fish, steak, vegetables, and potatoes) are served.

See map p. 136. In The Land Pavilion, Epcot. Character lunch: $20 adults, $11 chil-

dren; character dinner: $22 adults, $11 children. Open: Daily 11 a.m.–8 p.m.

Garden View Lounge

Every Thursday through Monday, Princess Aurora (aka Sleeping Beauty)

hosts the My Disney Girl’s Perfectly Princess Tea Party for all the little

princesses. In addition to enjoying tea and cake with Aurora, guests age 3

to 11 will also receive a “My Disney Girl” collectible doll dressed in a

matching Princess Aurora gown.

See map p. 130. 4401 Floridian Way, in Disney’s Grand Floridian Beach Resort. $200

for one adult and one child age 3–11; $65 each additional adult, $135 for each addi-

tional child. Open: Thurs–Mon 10:30 a.m. to noon.

Liberty Tree Tavern

This colonial-style, 18th-century pub offers character dinners with hosts

Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, and Chip ’n’ Dale. The family-style meals include

salad, roast turkey, pork, flank steak, cornbread, and apple crisp with

vanilla ice cream.

See map p. 130. In Liberty Square, Magic Kingdom. Character dinner: $22 adults, $10

children. Open: Daily 4 p.m. until park closing.

1900 Park Fare

The exquisitely elegant Grand Floridian Resort hosts character breakfasts

(eggs, French toast, bacon, and pancakes) and dinners (prime rib, pork

loin, fish, and more) in the festive, exposition-themed 1900 Park Fare. Big

Bertha — a 100-year-old French band organ that plays pipes, drums, bells,

cymbals, castanets, and the xylophone — provides music. Mary Poppins,

Alice in Wonderland, and friends appear at breakfast; Cinderella and

friends show up for Cinderella’s Gala Feast at dinner.

See map p. 130. 4401 Floridian Way, in Disney’s Grand Floridian Beach Resort & Spa.

Character breakfast: $17 adults, $10 children; character dinner: $26 adults, $11 chil-

dren. Open: Daily 7:30–11 a.m.; 5–9 p.m.

’Ohana Character Breakfast

Traditional breakfast foods (eggs, pancakes, bacon, and more) are prepared

on an 18-foot fire pit and served family style at this Polynesian-themed

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Chapter 10: Dining and Snacking in Orlando

restaurant. Mickey and some of his pals appear, and children can partici-

pate with musical instruments in a special parade.

See map p. 130. 1600 Seven Seas Dr., in Disney’s Polynesian Resort Character break-

fast: $17 adults, $9 children. Open: Daily 7:30–11 a.m.

Princess Storybook Breakfast

Snow White, Mary Poppins, Princess Aurora, Pocahontas, or Belle might

show up at this character meal (scrambled eggs, French toast, sausage,

bacon, and potatoes). Because of its popularity the restaurant began offer-

ing a lunch (lamb, chicken, salmon, veggies, salads, kids’ favorites, and

dessert) and dinner (lamb, salmon, venison stew, pasta, veggies, salads,

and dessert) in addition to the breakfast.

Advanced Dining Reservations are a must here, and the second most dif-

ficult to get — every little girl at Disney has to meet her favorite princess.

If this is a must-do breakfast, I suggest you begin trying as soon as the

reservation window opens up 90 days in advance. Note: Advanced Dining

Reservations for this breakfast must be made with a guaranteed credit-

card payment that will cost you $10 for adults and $5 for kids if you don’t

cancel them at least 48 hours in advance.

See map p. 136. At Akershus Castle in Epcot’s Norway Pavilion. Character breakfast:

$22 adults, $12 children; character lunch: $24 adults, $13 children; character dinner:

$28 adults, $13 children. Open: Daily 8:30–10:20 a.m., 11:40 a.m.–2:50 p.m., and

4:20–8:40 p.m.