As fun as it can be to travel to Disney World with a group, there are so many moving parts that make things complicated. And one of those moving parts is dining. You don’t want to be stranded with a large group of people and nowhere to eat, so here are some tips for navigating dining.
Magic Kingdom
Liberty Tavern
The restaurant is themed after Colonial Williamsburg and the food is Thanksgiving fare! Turkey, pot roast, roast pork and all the sides. But the best part is the Ooey Gooey toffee cake with Chocolate Sauce and vanilla ice cream, which is one of my favorite desserts- ever!
This meal is for lunch and dinner.
Crystal Palace
This character meal is a great option if you have a Winnie the Pooh loving group. The restaurant is bright, with a Victorian-style setting with a glass atrium. It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner but breakfast is by far my favorite.
Be Our Guests
If your group is looking for something a little nicer and a little more magical, Be Our Guests is a great choice. While there isn’t a character meal, you are eating in the Beast’s castle. This restaurant serves lunch and dinner.
Chef Mickey’s
This is probably one of the most popular restaurants in Disney World and for good reason- it’s a lot of fun! You get to hang out with Chef Mickey and friends while enjoying an all you care to eat buffet. Restaurant serves breakfast (but it goes to more of a brunch time) and dinner. Chef Mickey is located in the Contemporary, which is a short monorail ride or walk from Magic Kingdom.
Whispering Canyon Cafe
If you are looking for something unique and want to laugh, this is a great option for you. This is more than a restaurant- it is an Old Western eatery for games and a good time. Located in Wilderness Lodge, this a quick boat ride from Magic Kingdom, perfect for a break. They serve breakfast,lunch (more of a brunch) and dinner. On top of that it is fun, the all you care to eat skillets can be a great value.
And remember to ask for the ketchup.
Grand Floridian Cafe
Sort of the opposite of Whispering Canyon, is the Grand Floridian Cafe, located in, the Grand Floridian of course. This restaurant is simple and classic with great food. It’s a great option if you need a break and really want to relax. The Grand Flordian is a quick walk, monorail ride or boat ride from Magic Kingdom. This also serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Epcot
Biergarten
This is easily my number 1 recommendation for group dining in Epcot. This German restaurant has a fun show with live, traditional German music. It’s a lot of fun and perfect for large groups. This meal is for lunch and dinner
Teppan Edo
In theJapan Pavilion, this hibachi restaurant can be a lot of fun for a large group and they serve lunch and dinner. Yes it’s hibachi but of course, there is some Disney flair.
Chefs de France
If you are looking for a nicer meal, Chefs de France is a good option. I have to be honest, this is not my favorite, but a lot of people do love it so I added it. The setting is lovely and it’s a nice, quiet restaurant in a very busy park, so its perfect for a group.
Akershus
If your group is looking to hang out with some princesses, Akershus is the perfect option. This family style restaurant is open for breakfast lunch and dinner and you can typically see Belle, Ariel, Tiana, Aurora and Snow White (but they can vary).
Hollywood Studios
50’s Primetime Cafe
This is another really fun one! The theme is your family’s kitchen in the 50’s and all the servers are your cousins. They will tease you for not finishing your veggies and other silly antics. But if you just want the home cooked style food without the antics, you can talk to a cast member and enjoy your fried chicken in peace. This meal is also for lunch or dinner.
Mama Melrose’s
Confession- I have never eaten here because I am very picky about Italian food, but this is a good option for a group in Hollywood Studios. They also serve lunch or dinner.
Hollywood and Vine
This character buffet is another great choice for groups. Breakfast is Disney Junior characters and lunch and dinner is Minnie and friends.
Animal Kingdom
I only have one recommendation for Animal Kingdom and it’s my favorite character meal in all of Disney World- Tusker House. What I love about this is the food has something for everyone. There is interesting food for adventure eaters and standard food for less adventurous eaters. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Boma
Boma is easily one of my favorite buffets in Disney World. Similar to Tusker House, it has something for everyone. It is located in Animal Kingdom Lodge, which is a bus ride from Animal Kingdom. I would recommend this one for breakfast if you want a late start to Animal Kingdom day, or for dinner after the parks.
Other Resorts
Ale and Compass
Located in the Yacht Club, this is just a simple but solid restaurant. It’s typically easy to get reservations and is very spread out, making it great for groups. Ale and Compass serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Olivia’s Cafe
This is a true hidden gem. Located at Disney’s Old Key West Resort, Olivia’s Cafe is a charming restaurant with themed after, well- the old Key West. It serves both dinner and brunch. Some say this is the best brunch on property.
Cape May Cafe
I am a huge fan of New England so I love the style of atmosphere of this restaurant, which is located in the Beach Club. It is a buffet, which includes peel-n-eat shrimp, Cape May clams, oven-roasted lemon chicken, and slow-roasted strip loin. You can upgrade your meal to include snow crab legs for an extra per-pound fee.
This meal is only for dinner. There is a character breakfast but that can be a challenge for a group so I don’t really recommend it.
Disney Springs
Boathouse
This is one of my favorites for a nicer meal without going fancy. While it is a seafood restaurant, there is something for everyone.
Raglan Road
This is one of my family’s favorites. We love food and the Irish Step Dancers that perform during dinner. It is so much fun. Especially for a group looking for entertainment.
House of Blues
Alright this one is not for everyone. While the food is delicious and there is a great beer selection, dinner often has a band playing so it can be very loud. Some groups may love this while others may be looking for something a little more quiet.
Tips to getting group reservations:
- Book right at the 60 day mark- Reservations go quickly and it can be trickier with a group. Make sure you set an alarm to do it right 6:00am.
- Divide and conquer- Ask one or two others to help get the reservation.
- You may need to split up the reservations- You may need to do 6 and 6. But don’t worry you can tell a cast member and they will seat you together.
- Do a practice run- Open up the app and look at what is available in your party size. This will make you feel better on your dining day.
- Don’t be afraid to breakup if everyone wants different things! There is nothing wrong with eating a few meals seperately.