All sizzle and no steak! Sometimes things look great on paper and then, once we purchase it, we realize it’s not as great as we thought. Same goes literally for restaurants. We might hear friends say we must try a certain establishment only to realize it is severely overrated or worse, overpriced. Disney has some pricey restaurants to dine at and for some, the price is worth it. But which ones? That’s why we’re here!
Welcome to Believe Vacation’s quest to find DISNEY’S BEST RESTAURANT. Today, we look at which restaurants our agents thought had the best “Bang for your Buck.” For this list, we took the average meal ticket for a family into consideration and thought in terms of both quality of food and plate portions, all while giving a slight glance at the overall atmosphere. With that in mind, our results are as follows:
That’s all?
Cinderella’s Royal Table (Table Service, 2 credits) – Buffets and princesses are a nice mix but you’ll be lucky getting out of there spending less than $200 out of pocket.
The Crystal Palace (Table Service, 1 credit) – If you’re going to spend a lot out of pocket, you’ll want more than just a buffet and Winnie-the-Pooh characters.
The Garden Grill (Table Service, 1 credit) – Noticing a trend with buffets and character meals? This time you’ll spend a lot on Chip & Dale.
50’s Prime Time Cafe (Table Service, 1 credit) – While the menu and theming may be there, you best be ready to listen to Mom and mind your manners or else you are going to hate this experience!
ABC Commissary (Quick Service, 1 credit) – Even with a nice menu selection and elegant theming, it often gets overlooked after you consider some of the more popular Hollywood Studios restaurants.
1900 Park Fare (Table Service, 1 credit) – Not just a princess character meal, there are a few “add-ons” for your special princess that’ll make you wish you had the wealth of a king to afford it.
House of Blues Restaurant and Bar (Table Service, 1 credit) – If you’ve been to one themed restaurant, you’ve been to them all. Music and selection is fine, just doesn’t have enough Disney going for it.
T-REX (Table Service, 1 credit) – The wait is reasonable and theming is good. Food can be a little pricey for the same stuff you may get at Applebees.
Backlot Express (Quick Service, 1 credit) – Tucked back in the corner, this oft-forgotten location has not been as popular since it’s attraction namesake closed a few years ago.
That’s Good.
Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano (Table Service, 1 credit) – Italian food that is pretty authentic makes for decent enough portions. What carries this restaurant to category 2 is the fact you can get Fantasmic VIP seating which is a tremendous value!
Photo Courtesy of Walt Disney World
Chef Mickey’s (Table Service, 1 credit) – One of the only places where the Classic Characters are all together for your dining enjoyment. Buffet is decent, entertainment is what it is but being at the Contemporary Resort can mean less time in the parks or a wonderful change of scenery.
Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue (Table Service, 2 credits) – If it’s worth 2 dining credits, it better be worth it. Most times, it is. We are huge fans of the interactive “dinner and a show” aspect of this establishment and the menu selection.
Photo Courtesy of Walt Disney World
Be Our Guest Restaurant (Table Service, 1 credit) – For some of us, meeting the Beast is all you need to say you get your money’s worth. For others, you get a totally different experience when you do table service vs. quick service. But the Grey Stuff is delicious!
Photo Courtesy of Walt Disney World
Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe (Quick Service, 1 credit) – Tex Mex, nachos and southwest burgers are a different choice than some of the other locations at the Parks. But what makes this one stand out is the absolutely amazing toppings bar that you can partake it to dress up your already healthy sized portions.
That’s It!
Photo Courtesy of Walt Disney World
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe (Quick Service, 1 credit) – Most families will find themselves over at Tomorrowland during the evening hours to see it all lit up. While there, hunger sets in during the dinner hours and you naturally gravitate (get it?!) towards this establishment. And man, what a tremendous and affordable selection! BBQ, burgers and chicken nuggets are all on the menu and readily available.
Photo Courtesy of Walt Disney World
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant (Table Service, 1 credit) – It’s going to be more expensive than any diner but you knew that. But for Disney purposes, this is right down the middle for pricing. For food, it’s nothing too fancy but again, right down the middle. Now add that he portions are a great size and there’s the fact it won our category for Best Themeing and you now know why it’s a fantastic Bang For Your Buck restaurant at Disney.
Photo Courtesy of Walt Disney World
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (Table Service, 1 credit) – Whereas it’s counterpart Cinderella’s Royal Table is located inside a castle and worth 2 credits, this gem is featured in the Norway section of Epcot and is worth 1 credit on the Disney Dining plan. The food for breakfast is your basic eggs, sausage, bacon, fruit, etc. selections with a mix of Scandinavian selections. But it’s the same princesses, complete with parades and autographs and for us, it’s more bang for your buck!
Did we miss anything? Which dining establishment on Disney properties has the best value? Leave your comments in the section below and remember, there’s a great, big, beautiful tomorrow!
