Top Five Quick-Service Restaurants in the Walt Disney World Parks

Are You Hungry Yet?

Top Five Quick-Service Restaurants in the Walt Disney World Parks

By Jennifer Henry

If pre-planning where you are going to eat is not a priority when it comes to mapping out your Disney vacation, you are missing out on a huge, and delicious, side of Disney! You will never be hungry or in search of food when at Disney, that’s for sure. Just follow the smells!

I thought it would be fun for me, and hopefully helpful for you, to break down the top 5 Quick Service Restaurants in the parks. I am a former Cast Member who worked in Food and Beverage at the Magic Kingdom, so you could say Disney food is sort of my forte.

Over the past few years, Disney has done a really good job of reinventing their Quick Service menus throughout the whole property. While you can still find your typical park food, like chicken nuggets and cheeseburgers, you will also find meals geared towards a more gourmet palate, as well as an offering of healthier menu options and items for those with special dietary requirements. I really love the variety they have started incorporating in their menus because if you are going on a weeklong vacation, you are not going find yourself having to eat the same thing every day.

Top 5 Quick Service Restaurants Inside the Parks

5. Flame Tree Barbecue, Animal Kingdom

This is one of those restaurants you walk away feeling full, and possibly even grateful that there is a long walk between you and Expedition Everest. They have an amazing menu ranging from the sampler, which offers ribs, chicken, and pulled pork, to a Smokehouse Salad that has cornbread croutons (I mean, come on!), to my personal favorite, BAKED MACARONI & CHEESE WITH PULLED PORK! Overall, the food here is so good, and they have a really nice outdoor seating area. There are covered pavilions tucked away along the water, which can make for a nice break in the afternoon. Definitely a Quick-Service Restaurant to check out when at Animal Kingdom!

Their full menu is here.

4. Pecos Bill, Magic Kingdom

Pecos is one of those restaurants that went through a few different menu changes before they found their current groove. They offer a Mexican inspired menu with a fajitas, nachos, tacos, and rice bowls, and I am a fan. The nachos are big enough to share, so if you are on the Dining Plan, you could get away with saving a few credits by ordering a few meals to share with the whole family! The same could be said for the wallet. Save a little money and share! They have a taco of the month, which I think is awesome, because there will always be something new to try! One my favorite things about this restaurant is the dimly lit room towards the back of the dining area. It’s a nice oasis to escape to during the brutal summer heat. You can get re-energized, refreshed and ready to go for the rest of the day in the park!

Their full menu is here.

3. Casey’s Corner, Magic Kingdom

Ok, so this one is me being totally biased. When I worked at the Magic Kingdom, Casey’s was a huge part of that journey. Is it tiny bit cramped? Yes. Does it always seem extremely busy? Yes. Could seating be improved? Yes. But is it worth it to check out this place during a slower part of the day? Absolutely yes! Unless of course, you can’t stand hot dogs. Their corn dog nuggets are iconic and something I (and many many other Cast Members) ate far too often. They are perfect as a snack, or you can add fries and make it a full meal. You also can’t go wrong with their classic chili cheese dog, or if you are feeling a little more adventurous, you can opt for the Bacon Macaroni & Cheese Hot Dog. They change the menu every so often to incorporate new specialty hot dogs, but you can always bet this place will deliver. The best time of day to visit is right before (or during) the afternoon parade, as well as during the fireworks. While you’re there, be sure to catch the pianist outside!

Their full menu is here.

2. Tangierine Café, Epcot

I know this cuisine may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but this place is amazing. Tangierine Café is located in the Moroccan Pavilion in World Showcase and offers Mediterranean fare that won’t leave you feeling extremely full or sluggish, but still satisfied. It’s the perfect afternoon stop. They have Chicken and/or Lamb Shawarma Platters, a Veggie Platter, olives, couscous salad, lentil salad and more. It’s all so good. I get the clean plate award whenever I visit Tangierine Café.  In the same area, there is a coffee bar with pastries, and since you’re there, you might as well indulge! I remember on one particularly cold day, which doesn’t happen very often in Florida, I got the Tangierine Coffee, which has orange liquor, and it hit the spot. If you are into Mediterranean cuisine, this is a must stop for you!

Their full menu is here.

1. Sunshine Seasons, Epcot

I know this is not a surprise at all. Sunshine Seasons is hands down the best quick service restaurant inside the parks, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner! It is located inside The Land Pavilion near Soarin’ and has something satisfy everyone in the family! Sunshine Seasons is a cafeteria style quick service restaurant with a wide variety of options, offering Asian noodles, salmon, rotisserie chicken, soups, salads and sandwiches. There is also an impressive bakery that will be sure to satisfy! Overall, their menu incorporates fresh ingredients and is a nice healthier option, but still delicious! My favorite is the Mongolian Beef, which has been a constant on their menu for years. My only gripe with this Quick Service Restaurant is that all I want to do at Epcot is eat. There are so many delicious food items that you cannot possibly fit them all into one day, or one trip for that matter!

You can check out their full menu here, however they have more items at the location than what is always listed.

I hope you all enjoyed my breakdown of the top 5 Quick Service Restaurants found inside the parks! I would love to hear if you agree with my list or what your personal favorite Quick-Service Restaurants are. Keep a lookout for my top 5 Quick-Service Restaurants outside of the parks, and until then, keep dreaming of those Casey’s Corndog Nuggets!


Jennifer Henry.jpg

Hey fellow Disney fans! My name is Jennifer Henry and I can’t remember a time when I was not obsessed with Disney. I grew up 3 hours from Orlando, so we visited Walt Disney World multiple times a year and it became a happy place to forget about the outside world for my whole family. I did the Disney College Program in the Spring of 2011 and it was absolutely the best time of my life! I got to work in the Magic Kingdom in Tomorrowland and on Main Street, so it was truly a dream come true. After college I moved to Orlando and went full time with the company. I spent 5 wonderful years working for the mouse and is a time of my life I look back on fondly. Now residing in Atlanta, Georgia, I try to visit Disney World as often as possible. When not at Disney, you will more than likely find me listening to Disney Park background music and dreaming my next trip home!  

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