Magic Kingdom Lunch – 12 Best Places to Eat!
If you’re planning on spending a good amount of time at the Magic Kingdom, then it’s pretty much inevitable that you’re going to get hungry. And if so, you’re in luck, as as the Magic Kingdom has no shortage of tasty snacks and hearty meals.
In fact, the Magic Kingdom has a variety of options to choose from, ranging from snack carts strategically placed throughout the park, to quick service and grab-and-go cafes, to several sit down table service restaurants. So let’s explore all of these great options by ranking the best places to grab a yummy Magic Kingdom lunch.
Magic Kingdom Lunch – Best Places to Eat
Let’s first discuss Casey’s Corner.
#1: Casey’s Corner
Type: Quick Service
Cost: $15 and Under
Cuisine: American
Located: Main Street
If you have picky eaters or you’re looking for something quick, Casey’s Corner is conveniently located and serves up traditional favorites. This baseball themed cafe serves up hot dogs, corn dogs, and french fries. It’s a casual favorite with limited seating, so keep in mind you may be grabbing your hot dogs to go. Consider hopping on the mobile app to order ahead. If you have kids, the corn dog nuggets are always a home run.
#2: Columbia Harbour House
Type: Quick Service
Cost: $15 and Under
Cuisine: American & Seafood
Located: Liberty Square
Columbia Harbour House is a staple when I’m visiting the Magic Kingdom. Tucked into Liberty Square overlooking the Haunted Mansion, this is a counter service restaurant that delivers an authentic, New England theme. The restaurant has two levels with adequate seating and a wide variety of food.
While they serve up traditional favorites like hamburgers and chicken nuggets for the little ones, they have a decent selection of seafood. The fried seafood basket is a must try, and a good break from traditional theme park food. They’re also known for their lobster rolls, which may set you back a pretty penny but I promise – they’re worth it.
#3: Liberty Tree Tavern
Type: Family Style
Cost: $20 – $40
Cuisine: American
Located: Liberty Square
Similar to Columbia Harbour House, this colonial style restaurant serves up authentic New England style cuisine. This restaurant goes above and beyond to celebrate historical figures in US history, with each of the 6 rooms decorated to commemorate public figures such as Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and Betsy Ross.
This is a table service restaurant serving up family style cuisine. The menu typically consists of “all you care to enjoy” turkey, pot roast, mashed potatoes and of course, a family favorite, sticky toffee pudding. Reservations are highly recommended.
#4: Sleepy Hollow
Type: Quick Service
Cost: $15 and Under
Cuisine: American
Located: Liberty Square
Sleepy Hollow is a cute little quick service restaurant located at the edge of Liberty Square. Make your way to the Christmas Shop and you’ll find Sleepy Hollow tucked in view of the castle. This restaurant serves up the perfect combination of sweet and savory, known for their chicken and waffle sandwiches. Sweeten the deal with a fresh fruit waffle or freshly made funnel cake. This is a great casual spot for lunch, or a quick after lunch dessert.
#5: Jungle Navigation Company Ltd. Skipper Canteen
Type: Table Service
Cost: $15 – $40
Cuisine: Adventureland
Located: Asian, African, Latin
This is one of the newer offerings at the Magic Kingdom, and if you’ve ever been fortunate enough to take a tour on the world famous Jungle Cruise, you may already know what’s in store. The service is very much aligned with the Jungle Cruise experience, and the cuisine is not ideal for picky eaters. The menu itself is fairly adventurous, with a wide variety of menu options. The falafel is a must try, and Skipper Dan’s Dan Dan Noodles are a personal favorite, but you’ll also find fish, steak, and a variety of tropical desserts on the menu.
This is a table service restaurant, and you’ll likely need reservations to guarantee seating. If you’re wanting to take a break from your day and enjoy a heartier lunch, this is a great place to kick back for a late lunch, especially if you’re planning on enjoying the rides and shows in the evening, or perhaps have a lighter dinner scheduled. Lunch isn’t quite as busy as dinner – but you’ll still need to plan ahead.
#6: Tony’s Town Square
Type: Table Service
Cost: $15 – $40
Cuisine: Italian
Located: Main Street
Tony’s is one of the first restaurants you’ll come across when entering the park. Located on Main Street, it obviously draws larger crowds and is a well known Italian staple across all of the Disney properties. Reservations are highly recommended. While the outside blends seamlessly into the landscape of Main Street USA, the inside is cleverly designed to be reminiscent of the Italian restaurant in Lady and the Tramp.
This is a classic Italian restaurant serving classic Italian fare, so expect to find pastas, pizzas, seafood, etc. The dessert list is quite impressive as well. The orecchiette with spicy Italian sausage is a treat, and you can’t leave without trying the tiramisu. For any vegetarians in your group, they also offer a decent plant-based spaghetti and meatballs dish. This is a great lunch option as portions are big and prices are reasonable.
#7: The Lunching Pad
Type: Quick Service
Cost: $15 and under
Cuisine: American
Located: Tomorrowland
The Lunching Pad is a large outdoor dining area in Tomorrowland. It’s hard to miss, and while I can’t say it’s one of my favorites, it’s easily one of the most convenient and a hit with the kids. You won’t find many surprises on this menu, with offerings like hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken fingers, and pretzels. However, it’s a great place to grab a quick lunch in between rides, and it’s perfect for those picky eaters.
#8: Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe
Type: Quick Service
Cost: $15 and under
Cuisine: American
Located: Tomorrowland
This is another great quick service option located in the heart of the hustle and bustle of Tomorrowland. I find they usually have a few more options than The Lunching Pad, and a good variety for the whole family. You’ll find hot dogs, hamburgers, and chicken sandwiches. They also have a decent variety of salads and vegetarian options, which I appreciate as someone who isn’t a huge fan of the usual theme park menu items. The Bayou Burger packs a punch and is a delicious lunch item, and the Greek salad is decent for the price.
This is a fun place to hit if you have kids in your party. Sonny Eclipse is an animatronic lounge singer, and the star of the show here at Cosmic Ray’s. The jokes are funny and the tunes are right on theme. If you’re staying for dessert, I highly recommend the smores – truly a satisfying treat for those of us with a sweet tooth.
#9: The Diamond Horseshoe
Type: Table Service
Cost: $30 – $60
Cuisine: BBQ
Located: Fronteirland
The Diamond Horseshoe is a fun sit down restaurant serving up authentic BBQ cuisine. The restaurant is located in an old saloon style music hall. This is another family style menu, similar to that of Liberty Tree Tavern. Keep an eye on the menu as it is seasonal and changes on occasion. If you happen to catch Johnny Appleseed’s Warm Apple Cake on the menu, you’re in for a treat. Reservations are highly recommended.
#10: The Friar’s Nook
Type: Quick Service
Cost: $15 and under
Cuisine: American
Located: Fantasyland
This makes the list simply because so many people don’t know that this hidden gem exists. Themed after Robin Hood, The Friar’s Nook serves us hearty comfort food, and is a hit with the kids (and my boyfriend, who lets be honest is a kid at heart). The loaded tots are the name of the game here, and the bacon mac and cheese tots are a must have.
Remember this place is small, tables are hard to come by, and it gets crowded quickly. So plan on an early or late lunch to avoid the rush, or plan on taking your food to go.
#11: The Crystal Palace
Type: Table Service, Character Dining
Cost: $30 – $60
Cuisine: American
Located: Main Street
When you visit the Magic Kingdom, especially if you have kids, character dining likely makes the top of your list. Breakfast is one of the busiest times for character dining, so if you’d like to enjoy the experience and perhaps miss the busiest crowds of the day, the Crystal Palace is a great place to enjoy lunch. Don’t get me wrong, it will likely always be booked and reservations are a must.
This whimsically themed restaurant takes you to the Hundred Acre Woods with Pooh and his friends. This buffet style restaurant offers up one of the biggest selections of food in the park – you won’t leave hungry. Plan on this being your biggest meal of the day. Lunch consists of fresh salads, carving stations and desserts.
#12: Cinderella’s Royal Table
Type: Table Service
Cost: $60 and up
Cuisine: American
Located: Fantasyland
If this is your first trip to Disney World, or you’re celebrating a special occasion, or you simply want to splurge on a unique dining experience, Cinderella’s Royal Table is a treat. Located in the iconic Cinderella’s Castle in the middle of the park, this restaurant truly delivers on the Beauty and the Beast theme – prepare to feel like royalty.
This is a wildly popular dining location and reservations are a must. This is a treat for all ages, with kid friendly menu items for the pickier eaters, to fine dining selections for adults. The beef tenderloin is to die for, and a must try on the lunch menu. You can’t miss their specialty dessert – The Clock Strikes 12, a decadent dark chocolate mousse. Be prepared for this to be one of your most expensive meals in the Disney parks, but the experience is worth it.
Wrapping It Up
When it comes to choosing the perfect place for a Magic Kingdom lunch, the good news is that the park caters to guests of all ages, and offers a wide variety of options to choose from so that you can fit the perfect lunch into your busy day. No matter your budget or taste, the Magic Kingdom has you covered no matter what part of the park you find yourself when the lunchtime hour rolls around!
This article was written by Jessica and edited by Michael.
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