There are hundreds of dining locations across Walt Disney World Resort which gives you lots of fantastic choices. But not all meals are created equal. Some dishes fall flat or the experience doesn't match the price you pay.
So how to avoid this?
Here are the restaurants that are the worst value for money at Disney World!
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
This EPCOT character dining meal, where you can meet the Disney Princesses, was often on people's lists as a cheaper alternative to Cinderella's Royal Table. Because of this it has become a much sought after dining reservation. But is it worth the hype?
Akershus makes the list for the bad food and rushed character experiences. I love Scandinavian food so was excited to dine here but it was by far the worst food I have ever had at Disney World. The food was often cold and unappetising and certainly doesn't showcase the amazing flavours from Scandinavia! The princesses also only stop briefly at each table for a quick photo and chat.
At $53 for breakfast or $63 for lunch and dinner per person for the price you pay there are much better character dining choices for both food and experience, such as 1900 Park Fare.
If meeting the Disney Princesses was one of the key factors in choosing where you would like to dine I would recommend Cinderella's Royal Table. Unfortunately at the moment there are no character dining locations where you can meet the Disney Princesses. Akershus is currently closed for dining and is being used as a relaxation station. Cinderella Royal Table is open but does not have character dining. The best character dining experience currently available is at Topolino's Terrace for breakfast with Mickey and his pals.
Chef Mickey's
This iconic dining location is often a must-visit for people wanting to dine with Mickey and his friends. It is also conveniently located at the Contemporary Resort which is just a 5-minute walk, or one monorail stop, from Magic Kingdom.
In December 2020 character dining resumed at this restaurant and a new menu was introduced. That being said this famous dining location makes the list because you don't get enough bang for your buck. This is the most popular and well-known character dining experience at Disney World and because of this comes with a big price tag! Breakfast here costs $42 for adults and $27 for children, so the cost for a family meal can soon add up!
Sometimes it can feel like the focus is on getting as many people dining in the restaurant, rather than giving guests a great experience with amazing food. Because of this I would recommend a much better option for meeting Mickey and his pals whilst eating fantastic food is at Topolino's Terrace at the Riveria Resort.
T-REX
This prehistoric themed restaurant is a talked about dining location due to its animatronic dinosaurs! The fun atmosphere makes it popular with families. T-REX makes the list for its lackluster food and service. This restaurant is definitely a case of style over substance.
D-Luxe Burger
If you are a fan of burgers this quick service location at Disney Springs is often on the list to dine in. Choose from a large range of burgers, often with unique and original toppings. This location makes it onto the list because no sides are included in the price. If you add fries and a drink this quickly becomes a quite expensive meal for a quick service location. In fact it can work out cheaper to order a burger meal in a table service restaurant, such as House of Blues Restaurant and Bar, than at D-Luxe Burger.
Be Our Guest Restaurant
This restaurant has become iconic and a must visit for many people when visiting Magic Kingdom! The theming and decor is stunning! To be able to eat in the infamous Beauty and the Beast ballroom is a magical experience.
The reason Be Our Guest Restaurant makes the list is because of its high price. The portions are on the small side and the French menu isn't to everyone's taste, which can mean for $62 per person you may not feel you get your money's worth.
Pinocchio Village Haus
This quick service restaurant in Magic Kingdom has a handy location as it is right in the heart of Fantasyland. Pinocchio Village Haus makes the list as the food is one of the worst at Magic Kingdom. The meals on offer here are uninspiring, typical theme park fare, such a basic pizza and pasta dishes.
Because there are much better quick service locations for food at Magic Kingdom, such as Peco Bills Tall Tale Inn and Cafe, this restaurant is one to skip over.
PizzeRizzo
PizzeRizzo in Hollywood Studios is very similar to Pinocchio Village Haus in that here you will find basic, typical theme park fare. It is not terrible but it is not exciting.
Luckily Hollywood Studios has a lot of much better quick service locations such as Docking Bay No 7 Food and Cargo in Galaxy's Edge or Woody's Lunchbox in Toy Story Land. Head to these locations to get much better food for the same price.
Cinderella's Royal Table
Cinderella's Royal Table is one of the most expensive restaurants at Disney World because it offers you a totally unique experience: the chance to dine inside Cinderella Castle! The decor is simply stunning and the menu has been much improved in recent years.
This restaurant makes the list purely because of the high price. A three-course set meal here will set you back $62 for adults and $37 for children. Take into account this is a reduced price as there are currently no princess meet and greets at the moment.
If you are wanting a super special experience and the chance to dine inside the castle then this restaurant is a perfect choice. But the high price can make it hard to justify the cost if looking just for somewhere to eat.
Rainforest Cafe
Just like T-REX this restaurant is famous for its amazing rainforest theming and animatronics. There are two locations for Rainforest Cafe at Disney World, one at Animal Kingdom and the other at Disney Springs.
This restaurant makes the list because of the basic food choices. There are definitely better food options available at both these locations that will cost you the same price but will give you much better food. This is a restaurant people visit for the experience and not the food.
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant
This Hollywood Studios restaurant has amazing theming! You get to dine in a booth that looks like a vintage car whilst movies play on a big screen.
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant makes the list because the menu options are a bit basic and consist mainly of burgers and pasta. (Although this can be a plus if this is exactly what you are looking for!) The theming is fantastic but the drive-in movie theater atmosphere creates quite a dark setting.
Planet Hollywood
Another themed chain restaurant makes the list! Planet Hollywood in Disney Springs has a large menu with lots of options and can see lots of cool memorabilia. But the food is not the best and you can certainly get better food for the price you are paying at many other restaurants at Disney Springs.
Gideon's Bakehouse
One of the newest locations at Disney Springs is Gideon's Bakehouse, which is famous for their half-pound cookies! Although not technically a restaurant this location makes the list because of its popularity where there can often be hours-long waits in the virtual queue to purchase their signature bakes. So is it worth the wait?
These Insta worthy cookies have a pretty hefty price tag at $6 each or $9 for a slice of cake! This bakery makes the list as they do not cater well to people with allergies or intolerances and do not offer any vegan or gluten-free options. For a new dining location to not have any options to cater for different dietary requirements in this day and age is pretty unacceptable.
Luckily Disney Springs has a range of amazing locations for sweet treats, including Erin McKenna's NYC Bakery, where everything is vegan and gluten-free so everyone can get to enjoy their delicious goodies no matter what their dietary requirements!
Disney World has hundreds of restaurants to dine in, a whole plethora of different cuisines and something for every budget. Dining is such a big part of any trip so be sure to get the most bang out of your buck but choosing the restaurants best suited for you!
If you have an upcoming trip to Disney World and want the low down on everything to do with dining whilst there be sure to check out the following guides by clicking below!
What do you make of this list? Do you agree or disagree? Let me know in the comments below, over on Instagram @most.magical.guides or on Facebook!
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