Quick & Casual Dining at Walt Disney World

Counter Service Restaurants

Before you spend your hard earned vacation dollars take some time and familiarize yourself with some of the counter service or fast food dining options you will have during your vacation. In doing so you will have a leg up on one of the most frequently asked questions, “Where do you want to eat?” and also see why we didn’t title this section Quick and Cheap.

A Word About Breakfast
Breakfast at Walt Disney World can be viewed in one of two ways, as a matter of function or as part of the experience. If you are opting for function and mere substance on your way to that day’s activity then check out the food court at the Walt Disney World resort you are staying at.

Here your best bet is to time your arrival for when the restaurant first opens. The earlier the better, as the lines form fast and "the every family for themselves" seating may require that you scramble for a free table, especially at peak times. If you are not an early riser try later in the morning closer to the end of the breakfast service.

These quick and reasonably priced counter service restaurants should provide you and yours a typical offering of pancakes, eggs, breakfast meats, breads and pastries. The selection may vary slightly from resort to resort, but the prices are remarkably similar. Breakfast is generally offered from 6:30 or 7:00am until around 11:00am.

Lunch or Dinner At The Theme Parks
There is any number of counter service restaurants found within all four of the major theme parks. Some will be large nondescript bulk loaders, while others are small and more intimate. With only a few exceptions they will all offer an air conditioned dining area and may also provide dining space within an open air setting. Some will offer just sandwich platters and drinks, while others have raised the culinary bar slightly and may feature salads, sandwich wraps, chicken or specialty food, i.e., tacos.

However, make no mistake about it fast food by any other name is just that fast food. It will remain food that you chose from a limited menu that was prepared in advance and kept warm while it waited for you.

Here is a sampling of just five of the fast food, counter service restaurants located at the major theme parks. The menus will vary but the prices again are remarkably similar.



 

Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café Located at The Magic Kingdom in Tomorrowland Meals served: Lunch, Dinner Recommended: Lunch Cuisine: American Prices: $5.49 - $6.99 Theme park admission required Priority seating not necessary This large counter service restaurant, which is actually several restaurants in one, offers burgers, rotisserie chicken, sandwiches, soups and salads. A combination of tables and booths in a comfortable air-conditioned “space” makes this an excellent choice for a quick bite. Review

Disney Tip: You may want to time your arrival at Cosmic Ray’s either just before or after the 12 o’clock rush to avoid the crowds.

 

Tusker House Restaurant Located at Disney's Animal Kingdom Meals served: Character Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Cuisine: American Prices: Character Safari Breakfast: Adult - $20.99; Child (3-9) - $11.99 Lunch: Adult - $20.99; Child (3-9) - $11.99 Dinner: Adult - $28.99; Child (3-9) - $13.99 (note: Characters make an appearance for Breakfast only) Theme Park admission required Priority seating is necessary Donald’s Safari Breakfast “Awaken the Day” with your favorite Disney Characters at Donald’s Safari Breakfast. All-you-care-to-enjoy Mickey waffles, scrambled eggs, and honey-glazed ham along with unique and flavorful dishes with an African influence. Tusker House Lunch and Dinner (non-character dining) Home of the very best food in Harambe. All-you-care-to-enjoy spit-roasted carved meats, unique salads, creative vegetarian offerings, hearty stews, and delicious desserts – all with an African touch! Plus a special kid’s buffet sized for the little travelers. Specialties include: Marinated Vegetable Sandwich, Grilled Chicken Sandwich served w/ potato wedges, 1/2 Rotisserie Chicken served with garlic mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables.

 

ABC Commissary Located at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Cuisine: American, Chinese, Cuban Meals served: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Theme park admission required Priority seating not necessary Counter service breakfast with scrambled eggs, French toast sticks and pancakes. Lunch and dinner guests will see wraps, grilled chicken and specialty entrees.

The Future World section of Epcot has the usual collection of counter service restaurants including the very large Sunshine Season Food Fair.

In addition to those possibilities guests will find scattered around World Showcase an opportunity to experience at least a taste of the cuisine from the host countries represented. Not all 11 countries offer counter service and among those that due not all live up to their Disney description. But among them there are several standouts including
 

Tangierine Café – Morocco Cuisine: Moroccan Meals served: Lunch, Dinner Theme park admission required Get lost in the maze of intrigue that is the Morocco pavilion and discover this hidden treasure that offers delectable lamb and chicken and other North African favorites such as couscous. Counter Service with both indoor and outdoor courtyard table seating. Tangierine Cafe quick-service restaurant in the Morocco Pavilion in Epcot Theme Park offers lunch, dinner and snack fare with a Mediterranean flare. The menu includes North African favorites like lamb and couscous. Burgers, pizza and salads are also served.