The Best Places to Eat in Hollywood Studios with Kids
Compared to the other Walt Disney World Parks, the food served at Hollywood Studios is decidedly more reminiscent of traditional theme park food. For families that have kids with picky eaters, some of the best restaurants in Disney World can be found here.
There are not many culturally influenced dishes served at this park, as most restaurants feature classic American meals. Which, of course, is perfectly ideal for children.
While the food may be traditional, the atmosphere of some of the restaurants certainly is not. The immerse theming produced by Disney in Hollywood Studios restaurants is truly captivating, especially for younger children. And therefore, in this article, I’m going to provide you with a list of restaurants that I think are more ideal for the kids in your group.
Note that these restaurants are either Buffet Style, Price Fixed, or All-You-Care-To-Enjoy “Family” style.
- Hollywood & Vine
Location: Echo Lake Area
Type: Buffet Character Meals
Price: $$$ ($35.99-$59.99 per adult)
Best For: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Named after the iconic intersection in Los Angeles, Hollywood & Vine is the only character dining experience offered in Hollywood Studios. Stop by for a wide variety of food and great character interactions!
If there are younger children in the family, Disney Junior Characters including Sofia The First, Doc McStuffins, Handy Manny, and Jake & The Never Land Pirates will visit with guests during Breakfast, and up until September 2017, lunch.
For dinner, and beginning in September 2017, lunch, families will love Minnie’s Seasonal Dining. During this fun filled meal, Minnie, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and Goofy interact and take photos with guests dressed in outfits that change seasonally.
The food at Hollywood & Vine has received mixed reviews in the past, but recently has improved in quality and grown in popularity. All meals feature American food buffet style. The food will definitely please the picky eaters of the family. There will always be one or two more adventurous options added in for those looking to try something new.
For Breakfast, adults have a wide variety of choices, from a savory Breakfast Frittata, to sweet pastries, to classic Biscuits & Gravy served alongside fresh fruits, delicious breakfast meats, and assorted cereals. Try out the delicious potato casserole! Kids will love exploring their very own Children’s Buffet, featuring classics like pancakes, scrambled eggs, and of course everyone’s favorite Mickey Waffles!
Lunches at Hollywood & Vine include classics like roasted pork and chicken, delicious lobster macaroni and cheese, and seasonal pasta dishes served alongside some more unique options like Maple & Grain Mustard Salmon. There is also a special Children’s Buffet during lunch featuring kid approved favorites like Chicken Nuggets and Macaroni & Cheese.
If the children in your family are very picky eaters, note that as of right now there is no Children’s Buffet available during Minnie’s Seasonal Dine for dinner. The menu changes seasonally and usually include classic roast meat dishes like Port Cherry Roasted Ham, Honey Glazed Turkey, and Marinated Flank Steak served with delicious sides like Cornbread Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, and Lobster Macaroni and Cheese.
As the only Character Dining experience offered in Hollywood Studios, Hollywood & Vine is an excellent option for families with children looking for classic meals that will please the entire family.
- Cape May Cafe
Location: Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Type: Buffet Character Meals
Price: $$ ($15.99-$35.99 per adult)
Best For: Breakfast
Located just a boat ride or short walk away from Hollywood Studios, Cape May Cafe hosts Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast everyday at the beautiful Beach Club Resort. Stop by before heading over to Hollywood Studios for some of the best buffet food in Walt Disney World.
Decorated to resemble a New England style Cottage, complete with croquet clubs lining the walls, the atmosphere at Cape May Cafe is light and cheery. Minnie and friends meet and greet with guests dressed in their best beach clothes. Children be delighted as their favorite characters entertain the whole family.
There is something for everyone in the family at this breakfast buffet, and as DisneyFanatic.com notes, they even feature some options for health conscious guests, a rarity in breakfast dishes in Walt Disney World! Fresh fruits, salads, cheeses, yogurt, and meats are served alongside delicious entrees like a Cheese & Arugula Frittata, Biscuits & Gravy, French Toast with Caramelized Bananas, and of course, Mickey Waffles! Adults can also enjoy a freshly made Mimosa or Bloody Mary with their breakfast.
Cape May Cafe has one of the widest variety of options in their Breakfast Buffet. This combined with the excellent character interactions make it a wonderful choice for dining around Hollywood Studios.
If everyone in your family enjoys seafood, be sure to check out Cape May Cafe for dinner as well! As their seafood buffet may not please picky eaters, I am only recommending Breakfast here for families.
Table Service Options
These EPCOT restaurants are the typical style where guests order their meals with a server who will bring the food to the table.
- 50s Prime Time Cafe
Location: Echo Lake Area
Price: $$ ($15.99-$34.99 per adult)-$$$ ($35.99-$59.99 per adult)
Best For: Lunch, Dinner
Step into 50s Prime Time Cafe and be transported back in time to the 1950s, right into Mom’s living room! The theming at this 50s themed restaurant is truly spectacular. Complete with black and white televisions, formica tables, wood paneling, and vintage decorations from the time period, your family will be immersed in classic 1950s culture.
The servers at 50s Prime Time Cafe love to poke fun at and play jokes on guests. They will be sure to remind children to always say “please and thank you,” and will scold anyone who doesn’t finish their vegetables! If your family does not want to partake in the fun, let the servers know you would not like to “play” today.
Meals feature classic 1950’s comfort food. Some of my favorites include Grandma’s Chicken Pot Pie, Aunt Liz’s Golden Fried Chicken, and Mom’s Old-Fashioned Pot Roast. For Vegetarians and Seafood lovers, also served here is Vegetable Lasagna and a Sustainable Fish of the Day served with Lemon-Garlic Butter.
Also available for adults is a large Alcoholic Beverage Menu. Dad’s Electric Lemonade, a tart blue colored drink served with glowing ice cubes has attained a cult status in Disney World.
The Children’s menu is extensive, with something for everyone to choose from. Children will love classic options like Grandma’s Macaroni & Cheese and Aunt Betty’s Chicken Nuggets. More adventurous children may want to try the Pot Roast Sandwich for their very own taste of classic 1950s American cuisine.
With a large menu that will please even the pickiest of eaters, and the excellent immersive theming Disney World is famous for, 50s Prime Time Cafe is a great choice for families visiting Hollywood Studios.
- Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater
Location: Comissary Lane Area
Price: $$ ($15.99-$34.99 per adult)
Best For: Lunch, Dinner
Step into this unsuspecting restaurant and be transported to a 1950s Drive In Movie Theater, where it is always a cool, star-lit night no matter what the Florida weather is doing outside.
Guests dine inside vintage 1950s cars while enjoying clips from black and white Sci-Fi classics on the gigantic movie screen in the front of the restaurant.
As you enjoy the unique entertainment, your family will love the large menu here, featuring fresh sandwiches, pasta, salad, and meat options. A fan favorite here is the Sci-Fi Angus Burger, topped with Pulled Pork, Sriracha BBQ Sauce, Swiss Cheese, and Apple Slaw. Some other favorites of mine include the Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie, The Reuben, and the Chicken Pasta served with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce.
For dessert, try out one of their delicious milkshakes for the classic drive-in experience. Also available is the delicious homemade Candy Bar, it is truly decadent and delicious!
Children who dine here can choose from a variety of options including a Cheeseburger, Grilled Salmon, a Cheeseburger, and Whole Wheat Penne Pasta. Kids will also love the Kid’s Ice Cream Sundae, sized just for them!
Disney once again masters immersive theming in this unique dining option, perfect for escaping the Florida heat for a delicious and relaxing meal.
- Yachtsman Steakhouse
Location: Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Price: $$$ ($35.99-$59.99 per adult)
Best For: Dinner
For families looking to enjoy a Signature meal in the Hollywood Studios area, I recommend skipping the signature dining available in the park. Head over to Disney’s Yacht Club Resort for a delicious meal at Yachtsman Steakhouse.
Cited by many as the best, most consistently great steakhouse on Walt Disney World property, I cannot recommend this restaurant enough for families looking to splurge. Modeled after a classic New England style restaurant with nautical theming, this gorgeous eatery features a huge variety of meal options.
Start your meal with a Charcuterie Plate filled with unique, always changing cheeses and meats. From soft sheep’s milk cheeses to sharper, more fully flavored options, your family will love sampling the different flavors brought forward in these cheeses.
For the main event, choose from 21 Day Dry Aged Steaks, 100% Japanese Wagyu Beef, or classic Butcher’s Cuts like a Black Angus Filet Mignon, New York Strip Steak, and Prime Rib-Eye Steak. All steaks are cooked to your liking and served with unique sauces that compliment the flavors of each cut perfectly.
For non-steak lovers, Yachtsman Steakhouse also serves delicious poultry, seafood, and pasta dishes. Try out the Okinawan Purple Sweet Potato Filled Pasta served with Parmigiano Reggiano Foam for a truly unique dining experience.
To complement your meal, choose from a variety of delicious sides served family style. Fan favorites here include the Truffle Macaroni & Cheese and the Yachtsman Twice Baked Potato served with Aged Gouda, Bacon, Chives, and Sour Cream.
The Kid’s Menu serves classic meals for picky eaters such as Macaroni & Cheese and Pasta & Meatballs as well as some more unique dishes for more adventurous children. Children looking to try the steak at Yachtsman will enjoy the Oak Grilled Steak Skewer served with Mashed Potatoes and Fresh Vegetables.
Save room for dessert! The Creme Brulee and Chocolate Peanut Cake served here are some of my favorites in Disney World.
While enjoying a dinner at Yachtsman Steakhouse definitely comes at a high price, I can safely say your family will not be disappointed, the food is amazing!
Quick Service Options
The following Hollywood Studios restaurants feature counters where guests order food to take to their chosen tables themselves. There are no servers at these restaurants.
- Backlot Express
Location: Echo Lake Area
Price: $ (14.99 and under per adult)
Best For: Lunch, Dinner
With a classic menu and a solid theme, Backlot Express remains an excellent option for families looking to enjoy a Quick Service meal at Hollywood Studios. Modeled after a Hollywood Studio backlot, there are all kinds of unique, quirky props scattered around the restaurant.
Food here is classic American style featuring Cheeseburgers, Hot Dogs, Chicken Nuggets, Sandwiches and Salads. Some items here have a Star Wars theme, including the famous Royal Guard Burger, topped with BBQ Brisket, Pepperjack Cheese, and served on a Black Sesame Bun. Vegetarians can enjoy the Caprese Sandwich, Fresh Mozzarella and delicious Pesto Spread served on a Ciabatta Roll.
Children here can choose something from the main menu, or one of the smaller Kid’s Menu Options which include a Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich and a smaller portion of the adult “Dark Side” Chicken & Waffles, fried chicken nuggets served with mini Darth Vader waffles.
The lines at Backlot Express can get pretty long, your family may want to try dining off-peak times to avoid long waits.
- Rosie’s All-American Cafe
Location: Echo Lake Area
Price: $ (14.99 and under per adult)
Best For: Lunch, Dinner
Stop by Rosie’s All-American Cafe to enjoy a quick, satisfying meal before heading back into Hollywood Studios. Named in honor of “Rosie The Riveter”, this patriotic eatery features decor reminiscent of the World War II Era.
The menu here is small, and classic, but has something that will satisfy everyone. Enjoy American style entrees like a ⅓ Pound Cheeseburger topped with Onion straws, a Fried Green Tomato Sandwich, and Chicken Nuggets served with French Fries.
Children here can choose from a Turkey Sandwich served with a Danimals Smoothie, Chicken Nuggets, and a “Power Pack” featuring a Danimals Smoothie served with fresh fruit and snacks.
Also available are classic American desserts like Strawberry Shortcake and for adults, an ice-cold beer selection.
- PizzeRizzo
Location: Muppet Courtyard
Price: $ (14.99 and under per adult)
Best For: Lunch, Dinner
PizzeRizzo is a new restaurant at Hollywood Studios themed after the Muppets. I would only recommend this option to families with extremely picky eaters who do not like anything on the menus of the two restaurants above.
While this restaurant features interesting theming, with tributes to the Muppets found everywhere, the pizza served here, while not terrible, is the standard pizza that can be found everywhere on Walt Disney World menus. Due to the shortage of quick service options available at Hollywood Studios, this may be the option that works best for your family.
Entrees here include a variety of personal pizzas served with a side caesar salad, including cheese, meat lovers, and vegetable options. Also available is a Meatball Sub topped with Marinara Sauce and melted Mozzarella cheese, and an entree sized Antipasto Salad. My favorite options here are the Antipasto Salad and the Meat Lovers pizza.
For the Children, the Kids Menu includes a cheese pizza and a mini chicken sandwich, both served with a Danimals smoothie and fresh fruit.
The desserts here are actually quite good, try out the Tiramisu or a Cannoli for a sweet, refreshing end to your meal.
Conclusion
With the wide variety of unique dining experiences available in the Hollywood Studios area, your family is sure to enjoy a delicious, relaxing meal at any time of the day. The immersive restaurants located in Hollywood Studios are truly amazing, and I highly recommend finding the time to stop by one of these great eateries.
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