When it comes to dining at Walt Disney World, most of the glory goes to table service restaurants. There are immersive themed restaurants, character experiences, fine dining, buffets – Sometimes all of the above! Finding the best quick service restaurants is a much easier task than trying for your favorite dining reservation.
Quick service is less often discussed in vacation planning. This is probably due to the convenience and accessibility, which make them less necessary to plan out ahead of time. However, there are vast differences in counter service restaurants. Both in type of food offerings and in overall value. Plus, while some quick service restaurants are themed to the hilt, others are a bit less magical.
Best Quick Service Restaurants
The best quick service restaurants at Walt Disney World stand out because they offer stunning themed experiences, good food, reasonable prices, and the convenience and flexibility you just can’t get at a table service restaurant.
While excellent counter service options exist across most of the Walt Disney World resorts and Disney Springs, the theme parks are where counter service can really save you or alternatively ruin your day! With that in mind, here is a look at the best counter service restaurants at Walt Disney World in each of the four main theme parks.
Magic Kingdom
Cosmic Rays for the win!
I used to love Pecos Bill’s Tall Tale Inn and Cafe and Columbia Harbor House respectively. I still think they descent for their thematic atmospheres. However, recent menu changes have taken a lot of the spirit of both of these locations. They used to be a must because of the food and the environment. But the food is the most important thing.
Over at Cosmic Rays, they continue to have a fun atmosphere with animatronic entertainment provided by Sonny Eclipse. This location is a particularly good choice in the evening since that is when the rest of Tomorrowland lights up. This is an especially good tactic if you want to do one table service and one counter service since taking a longer break at a restaurant that takes reservations can give you a much-needed reprieve in the late afternoon.
The variety of food options can’t be beat!
EPCOT
EPCOT is tricky. I almost prefer many of the counter service options to their table service counterparts. How do you pick the best from this wealth of desirable food locations?
Obviously, there are usually plenty of festival booths, you have to try. And some of the World Showcase quick service locations are an absolute must as far as I’m concerned. But as much as I love the fish and chips at Yorkshire County Fish Market and the outdoor seating among trees and the koi ponds at Katsura Grill, these aren’t necessarily ideal if you need to please a crowd.
That’s why, rather than focus on one world cuisine, I suggest stopping by Sunshine Seasons at the Land Pavilion. This is an excellent alternative to booking a table at the family-style restaurant located on the second floor of the pavilion. The food court offers a good menu variety including stir fry, tacos, pizza, oak grilled salmon/rotisserie chicken, and more!
There are even grab-and-go snack items and beverages. You won’t have a problem finding something for everyone in the family.
Disney Hollywood Studios
Disney Hollywood Studios is small, which means that you can afford to lose some time in a highly themed table service experience. The Hollywood Brown Derby is among the best theme park dining options out there. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t have an excellent dining experience at one of the best counter service restaurants at Disney World also.
Disney Hollywood Studios has counter service planted everywhere, from the Fairfax Farmers Market to the Black Spire Outpost. While Disney absolutely nails the thematic essence of all of their restaurants in the park, I feel like the ABC Commissary does the best job of speaking to the park’s original theme while also delivering the best range of quick-service food options within the Disney Hollywood Studios.
Animal Kingdom
I’ll admit it. I am a huge fan of Dinoland USA. It’s sad that it is smaller now and the gift shop isn’t as fun as it used to be, but I love the theming and the backstory in this area of Animal Kingdom. Even if you hate this land, I urge you to “dig” a little bit into the exposition behind the Dino Institute and Chester and Hester’s Dino Rama.
The ultimate expression of the geekiness of this area of the park is Restaurantosaurus. You are part of a story that is evident in every detail and clue left behind there. Plus, there is lots of seating and it is a really good place if you have a picky eater. The food options are not exotic like at other Animal Kingdom locations. You will find plenty of standard fare including burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches and salads.
Recap
These are definitely my “go to” quick service spots in the Walt Disney World Parks. I don’t really have a favorite at Disney Springs but I do tend to visit Cookes of Dublin and Earl of Sandwich most often. Cookes of Dublin makes a great gluten free fish and chips that my daughter loves! Earl of Sandwich offers both hot and cold sandwiches and the wraps are delicious!
Disney Springs has so many quick service to choose from, most of which are very good. It all just depends on what you’re in the mood for when it’s time to eat. I have also been know to enjoy a sundae from Ghirardelli for lunch!
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