The Top 10 Disney World Breakfast Meals You Gotta Try

Photographed by Michael of Countdown to Magic

Some of the best dining at Disney World can be found at breakfast time! Why is breakfast a great time to eat at Disney World? You’ll get to the park faster, your party will have tons of energy to burn right off the bat, crowds will be thinner in the morning, and–let’s face it–breakfast food is the best food of the day.

The options listed below will suit the needs of every Disney-bound traveler: your little one can dine in style with their favorite characters, or you can start the day with a mimosa at brunch. What will you choose? Here is a sampling of some of Disney World’s best breakfast options.

Bon Voyage Breakfast at Trattoria al Forno at Disney BoardWalk

If you, like me, are a fan of brunch eats, you won’t be disappointed by this breakfast offering. This is a bit of a hidden gem for breakfast at Disney World. Choices include Tangled inspired pastries, omelettes, calzones, scrambled eggs, pancakes, steak, and salmon. Sweet, delicious peach bellinis and mimosas are available for the members of your party that want to start the party early.

This is a character experience that involves the main players from Tangled, but even adults will enjoy themselves at this exclusive breakfast experience, because the menu options are great!

The venue is a warmly lit, comfortable Italian style eatery with brick walls, wooden beamed ceilings, and soft chairs. This is not a buffet; this is a more traditional table service experience.

Reservations are required for this dining experience and can be made by calling (407) 939-5277.

Cinderella’s Royal Table Character Dining Experience at The Royal Kingdom

This is the one of the best character dining experiences at The Royal Kingdom! You’re paying for incredible ambience at The Royal Table, because it’s actually inside the Royal Castle. The decor is inspired by a medieval castle complete with colorful penants hanging from the ceiling, intricate stained glass windows, and soaring stone arches. Not only do you get the majesty of Europe without having to travel overseas, your little ones will get a one-on-one meet and greet experience with many of the classic Disney Princesses.

The food is extremely kid friendly and not too adventurous; the eggs are always delicious and fluffy, and waffles and pancakes can be found in abundance. Cinderella’s Royal Table is ideal for picky or sensitive eaters! This is a table service option that will get you into the park ahead of the crowds if you book a reservation for the restaurant’s earliest hours.

Reservations do fill quickly, so make sure to book your table well in advance. Reserve your space online.

  • Table Service Restaurants

Breakfast Buffet at Crystal Palace

Inspired by the Crystal Palace in England, this is a gorgeous, bright restaurant complete with domed ceilings and indoor hanging plants. This is a meticulously decorated space where no detail has been overlooked; even the tables and chairs are white and curlicued. This may be one of the prettiest locations to enjoy breakfast at Disney World. Waiters and waitresses are dressed up in traditional turn of the century costumes, and the service is always incredibly warm and friendly.

Character dining is available at Crystal Palace in the mornings. This is a fantastic choice for character dining if your little ones love Pooh Bear, Tigger, and Piglet. Every day is Friendship Day at the Crystal Palace, and you’ll be invited to celebrate with the beloved inhabitants of the 100 Acre Wood.

Breakfast offerings at this buffet are numerous and include traditional, kid-friendly favorites like waffles, scrambled egg, sausages, and fresh fruit.

Ohana Best Friends Breakfast at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Meet Lilo and Stitch while sipping on sweet passionfruit juice, sampling sweet breakfast breads, and noshing on the amazing super stacked Breakfast Platter with all the traditional American breakfast fixings. This is a table service restaurant, so no rush or lines for the buffet table. The signature breakfast dish at any Disney park is the Mickey Head Waffle, a delicious, dense Belgian waffle that is perfect for your little Disney fans. 

The service is always super friendly and the ambience is generally more relaxed given that the restaurant is located at the resort rather than the park. Join in on a processional with your favorite Disney characters complete with your own set of maracas.

The Polynesian Village Resort is one of the nicest at Disney World. Featuring spas, a Hawaiin-inspired ambience, and some of the absolute best in Disney hospitality, you know that if you’re doing anything here you’re in good hands. Ohana is no exception to this rule. Tiki statues and bamboo adorn the interior of this restaurant, and the dining room is spacious, airy, and lined with huge windows.

Reservations have to be made well in advance, as this is one of the most popular character dining experiences.

Kona Cafe at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Liliko’i juice, signature tonga toast, kona eggs benedict, and macadamia pineapple pancakes are just some of the best offerings at Kona! Kona serves similar fare to Ohana, but if you’re not into character interactions with a better breakfast selection, this is a great alternative. Try a liliko’i mimosa, Kona coffee, or wasabi Bloody Mary!

The restaurant is surf themed with a warm ambience. This isn’t a buffet, so if you prefer table service, this is another great choice for you. Ask for a seat at the edge of the balcony at the time of your reservation for prime people watching.

Prices are mid-range for a Disney World table service restaurant, but the food is definitely worth (more than!) the cost. 

Find more information on this fabulous location and book your reservations here.

  • Buffets

Boma’s Breakfast Buffet at the Animal Kingdom Lodge

This is a buffet that is not a character meal, so it’s much more appropriate for older eaters. Try their exotic menu with adventurous flavors without having to pay table service prices! If you’re on a budget but still want luxurious dining options, Boma is the buffet you need. Choose from options like African spiced hash, quinoa, bacon and sausage, various potato dishes, eggs with chives and goat’s cheese, sweet pancakes in varying flavors, fresh fruit, smoked salmon, and all the pastries your heart could ever desire! There are all sorts of healthy options here, including an extensive yogurt bar. Plus, this location is gorgeous: the interiors are inspired by the art and aesthetics of Africa.

Rich browns and romantic lamp light dominate the dining room, and although this buffet is usually crowded, the tables have lots of space between them. This is a FANTASTIC choice for guests that are traveling as a couple; this is definitely one of the more romantic options. If you’re looking for a lot of great food in a great location that is grown-up friendly, Boma is one of your best options. It is definitely one of the best Disney restaurants, for any meal!

Breakfast or Brunch at Trail’s End at the Fort Wilderness Resort

Good old fashioned massive American breakfast is available here, buffet style! You MUST try the hand-carved applewood smoked bacon and roast turkey. You can find ubiquitous Mickey head waffles, country eggs benedict, frittata, scrambled eggs with and without cheese, bacon, yogurt, and cocktail shrimp…even breakfast pizza is on the menu if you so desire! Drinks are bottomless at Trail’s End so be sure to get your fourth or fifth refill. You will not leave hungry, guaranteed.

The restaurant is styled to resemble a camping lodge, complete with log walls and wooden interiors. On the walls you can find hunting trophies and other wilderness trappings. Make your breakfast extra adventurous by catching a boat to the restaurant! Get your chill on by taking advantage of the rocking chairs lining the restaurant’s outside deck.

Reservations are necessary and can be made online. Brunch takes place on the weekends, and during the weekdays, breakfast options are served. Get here early in the day for thinner crowds and better seating options!

Breakfast Buffet and Character Dining at 1900 Park Fare at Disney’s Grand Floridian

If you want to begin your day with a brunch buffet that will only set you back about $35, 1900 Park Fare is a great choice. This is an especially advantageous breakfast opportunity if you have the good fortune of staying at The Grand Floridian.

Welcome the morning with fantastic Floridian Strawberry Soup topped with whipped cream. Try the red velvet pancakes and cheese blintzes smothered in bright, fresh berry compote.

If you or your kids are fan of some of the old school Disney characters, this is a great character dining choice. Say hello to characters like Alice, Mary Poppins, and other classics at 1900 Park Fare without the hassle of trying to hunt them down in the park.

The buffet takes place in a brightly lit dining hall with lots of seating for you and your family. This is a no-frills dining location and a great choice for any guests who have sensory sensitivities that might make rowdier or more dynamic locations a little overwhelming so early in the morning.

Reservations are required and can be made online.

  • Brunch

Brunch at California Grill

California Grill is widely regarded as one of the top restaurants at Disney World. If you want great views of the park and a deliciously alcoholic brunch, you can’t go wrong with California Grill. Bottomless mimosas at Disney World? Yes please! This is a perfect low-key option for couples vacationing or honeymooning at Disney World who want a relaxing, upscale breakfast experience that doesn’t involve a lot of character fuss or over-the-top Disney dazzle.

Check out the immense build-it-yourself Bloody Mary bar complete with shrimp. The charcuterie is well-stocked with a vast selection of cured meats and delicious cheeses. Fill up on delicious sushi rolls and sample the numerous pastries and dessert items available. For heavier fare, give the chicken and Mickey waffles or deliciously seasoned steak a try!

The ambience is exactly what you’d expect of a place that fashions itself after the Sunshine State: huge, clear windows line the walls, there is a lot of space in the booths and between tables, and light, airy live piano rounds out the breezy vibe. You’ll leave California Grill super full and totally relaxed. If you can snag a table by the windows, enjoy soaring top floor views that will not disappoint. There is no better way to start your Disney World day!

  • Quick Service

Les Halles Boulangerie at Epcot’s World Pavilion

Not in the mood for a massive buffet, or dining on a budget? If you’re looking for a quick counter service restaurant that will still delight your taste buds without breaking your bank, the BEST bargain at Disney World has to be Les Halles Boulangerie at Epcot’s World Pavilion.

The food here is absolutely gorgeous. Inspired by the beautiful presentation and simple deliciousness of French cuisine, Les Halles has something for everyone: sweet, airy pastry (the croissants are obviously amazing here), baked goods like macarons, sweetbreads, and eclairs, quiches, breakfast sandwiches, or tarts. The coffee is fantastic here, especially if you have the good fortune of arriving very early in the morning.

The atmosphere is pretty nice for a quick service restaurant; reproductions of famous turn of the century French advertisements deck the walls, and the vaulted ceiling makes the noise of the crowd seem floaty and a bit ethereal instead of cacophonous and overwhelming. Les Halles opens earlier than other restaurants at Epcot and does not require reservations.

Breakfast at Disney World: A Great Choice

There are so many great options for breakfast at Disney World, and there are choices to suit the needs of every Disney visitor. Whether you need a lot of food fast, a Princess to visit you over Mickey waffles, or a nice, romantic morning’s brunch with your partner, you won’t be disappointed.

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Michael has been visiting Disney World since he was a kid. He's also been to Disneyland and sailed on the Disney Dream. Michael is the owner and editor of Countdown to Magic.

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