Already have the time off request in, flights booked, and room reserved? Now is the time to focus on saving as much money as possible on Walt Disney World theme park tickets. Whether you’re taking the kids to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, or Disney’s Hollywood Studios, we’ll explore a few of the options to save on 2022 ticket options.
Weekday Visits Theme Park Visits
Walt Disney World moved to a variable ticket pricing system years ago that moves the price based on expected Park Visits. Choose a more popular day and the price goes up. What are some of the most popular times to go? You guessed it, the weekend! Its a time that a lot of locals will go to the park as well as people trying to extend their vacation. So be sure to look at the calendar for the week you are going. It’s never a bad idea to use a resort day during a busy park day.
The calendar for August 2022 shows a great example of how this works. All of the Saturdays are $139 but the lowest weekday price is $109.
By Day Pricing for Theme Park Tickets
Disney Discount Gift Cards
Another great way, and possibly the easiest, is to buy discount gift cards through a retailer or card reseller site.
Sam’s Club Gift Cards
Sam’s Club sells lots of discount cards in store and online. The $50 gift card is only $47.98, which is a 4% discount. It may not sound like a lot but it adds up quickly on larger trips.
Sam’s Club Discount Disney Gift Cards
Target
At target, you can use the Redcard and receive a 5% discount.
Raise
Raise is an online reseller of gift cards. They not only have Disney cards but many other travel cards such as Southwest, Hotels.com, Airbnb, etc. Can be a great way to save on multiple parts of your trip. Follow the link to Raise and start saving money today on all gift cards!
Military Discount for Disney World Theme Park Tickets
Walt Disney world has several promotions going on for Military families. This offer could also be stacked with one of the discount gift card strategies above for even more savings.
5-Day Disney Military Salute Tickets Purchase now through December 16, 2022.
With the Park Hopper Option: $349 plus tax
With the Park Hopper Plus Option: $379 plus tax
With the Park Hopper Option and Disney Genie+ service: $424 plus tax
With the Park Hopper Plus Option and Disney Genie+ service: $454 plus tax
4-Day Disney Military Salute Tickets Purchase now through December 16, 2022.
With the Park Hopper Option: $329 plus tax
With the Park Hopper Plus Option: $359 plus tax
With the Park Hopper Option and Disney Genie+ service: $389 plus tax
With the Park Hopper Plus Option and Disney Genie+ service: $419 plus tax
Walt Disney World Florida Resident Discount
If you are a Florida resident, don’t book any tickets with Disney without checking out all the Florida resident discounts. There are lots going on throughout the year and can change as well as park demand fluctuates. Below is just one of the great deals right now for a 4 day ticket.
Florida Residents can experience the magic of the Walt Disney World Resort theme parks and save big on tickets!
Enjoy an action packed visit to Walt Disney World Resort! Florida Residents can save 40% on 4-Day Tickets and 30% on 3-Day Tickets compared to the non-Florida Resident price of a 3-Day or 4-Day Ticket.
Have you found any other great deals on Walt Disney World Tickets for 2022? We would love to hear about it!
Save Even More at a Great Disney Springs Hotel
We’ve stayed at the Holiday Inn right next to Disney Springs and it was a great experience. The rooms, amenities, and pool are comparable to a moderate resort at Disney World without the extra price. Go check out our Holiday Inn Disney Springs Review.
There is so much to choose from when taking a trip to Disney Springs. It’s a great way to use a non park day by going to Disney Springs and finding a great place to eat, shop, and capture memories from the trip. World of Disney, the Coca-Cola Store, and the PhotoPass Studio are 3 of our favorites.
World of Disney
This is the largest Walt Disney World gift shop on property. More than likely, if you’ve seen it in a park, it will be here. The only exception is some of the very country specific merchandise that is available in World Showcase.
A great tip is to save any souvenir or gift shopping until you go to World of Disney. We went in March and were able to get all the souvenirs in one trip instead of constantly being on the lookout during park visits. It can save a lot of time and energy doing it this way.
World of Disney also has the greatest selection of Minnie Ears you’ve ever seen. This is the perfect spot to find the set of ears you wanted that may have been sold out on Shop Disney.
Molly from All Ears visiting Disney Springs and World of Disney
Coca-Cola Store
The Coca-Cola store is absolutely massive. It covers 3 stories and has a rampway that goes up to the top. There’s also an elevator but how basic is that? The first 2 floors are filled with Coke merchandise that ranges from Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Sprite, Fanta, etc. If Coca-Cola owns the brand, you will find it here.
The best part of the Coke Store is saved for the top of the building. Not only do you get a wonderful view of Disney Springs, but they have a full service bar and snacks. You can get a flight of drinks to sample coke flavors from all over the world. Heads Up, watch out for the Beverly!
Drinking Cokes at the top of the Coca Cola Store
Disney Springs PhotoPass Studio
If you’ve bought Memory maker for your Walt Disney vacation, this is a must do for Disney Springs. It was a great experience and there are several different backgrounds to choose from. It’s a great way to get families photos taken and the best part is its already included in the package. There isn’t a need to make any reservations, juts stop by and get your place in line. We went during June, in a busy time of the year, and we might have had a 5 minute wait for pictures.
Family Photo from Disney Springs PhotoPass Location
Disney Springs Overall Thought
Disney Springs is a great place to spend a non-park day at Walt Disney World. There are a lot of different restaurants to choose from, places to shop, and activities to choose from. If you’ve never been there before I would add these to the must do list. We also have an article that has some can’t miss restaurants in Disney Springs.
Whether you’re spending the day at Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Epcot, or Animal Kingdom, nothing beats a Walt Disney World vacation experience!
With 100+ attractions and experiences to choose there is a veritable cornucopia of options to consider when selecting a Top 10 Listat Disney. Therefore, we’ve structured this list to meet the needs of different families.
You’ll see parts of our list that share toddler-friendly Disney experiences and the best Disney experiences for tweens, teens, and children of all ages.
So whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned Disney World pro at building wonderful vacation experiences, you will find something on the list that meets your needs.
Our Top 10 List of Disney Experiences for the Whole Family in 2022
The most magical thing about Disney is its ability to incorporate family fun for all ages. With that goal in mind, we have created a top 10 list of things to do for the whole family.
Whether you’re waiting for your chance at the big rides; or have your pick of any ride — we’ve got you covered. Here is our list of the top 10 rides at Disney World for young and old.
10. Frozen Ever After (Toddlers and kids of any age)
Did you know that Epcot is home to the second-most rides with no height restrictions on the Disney World campus? It’s true! That makes it the perfect place to get some toddler ride action in.
One of our very favorite rides for children of all ages at Epcot is Frozen Ever After ride.
Climb aboard this slow-moving boat ride and experience the wonder and magic of Arendale. Your toddler will love singing along to their favorite songs from the movie as the characters bring to life the beauty of the Frozen world.
Entrance to Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom
9. Kilimanjaro Safaris (Toddlers and kids of any age)
Does your toddler love animals? If so, you can’t beat the excitement and adventure that comes with the Kilimanjaro Safari ride.
Hop over to Animal Kingdom for this 18-minute thrill ride that takes you through the African plains. You’ll dip and dodge poachers. All the while, your experienced guide will point out safari animals living up close. Experience giraffes, hippos, elephants, and so much more on this amazing wildlife adventure.
8. Toy Story Mania (Toddlers and kids of any age)
Step into the world of Pixar at Hollywood Studios Toy Story Mania ride. Your toddler will love the interactive 3-D experience where they can shoot at targets in Andy’s room to earn points.
The slow-moving tram will guide you through five interactive games:
Hamm & Eggs
Rex & Trixie’s Dino Parts
Green Army Shoot Camp
Buzz Lightyear’s Flying Tossers
Woody’s Rootin’ Tootin’ Shootin’ Gallery
Each game provides interactive shooting fun for your pint-sized hero.
7. Peter Pan’s Flight (Toddlers and kids of any age)
Raise your hand if you ever dreamed of flying through the air and fighting pirates in Never Land
You don’t have to be a little kid to enjoy the age-old experience of hopping aboard the pirate galleon and dueling with Captain Hook’s cronies. Steal away into the night as Peter Pan takes you on high-top adventures over London. Swoop down into Pirate’s Cove as you descend into danger. You’ll get back in just enough time for your parents to never suspect a thing.
6. Soarin’ Around the World (Kids, Tweens, Teens, and Adults)
Still want the high-flying action without all the childlike drama? No problem! You can explore the wonders of the world as you take flight high above the world to destinations across the globe. Fly high above the Egyptian pyramids. Glide atop the Great Wall of China and fly past the Taj Mahal.
You’ll experience flight like never before in this 180-degree thrill ride.
5. Space Mountain (Kids, Tweens, Teens, and Adults)
Have you ever dreamed of flying out into space where it’s just you and the ever-expanding galaxy? Now you can experience it in true Disney fashion.
On this high-flying coaster, you’ll dart past satellites, weave through shooting stars, and spiral through galactic wormholes as you experience the weight of gravity and all its cylindrical force. Throw in a dark atmosphere, and you’ll feel like you’ve just glided into space at warped speed. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
4. Rock “n” Roller Coaster (Tweens, Teens, and Adults)
Because nothing is more rock “n” roll than Hollywood, experience the rock “n” roll lifestyle at 60 miles per hour on this 48-inch required exhilarating coaster at Hollywood Studios.
You’ll listen to legendary Aerosmith hits as you zoom past famous Hollywood landmarks. You’ll drive at top speed as you hold on through two corkscrews and one loop to make it to the show on time.
Winnie The Pooh and Piglet 50th Statue in Magic Kingdom
3. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (Tweens, Teens, and Adults)
This 360-degree roller coaster experience is like no other. Not only is it one of the largest indoor roller coasters in the world, but it also interweaves stunning visuals with death-defying galactic battles.
You’ll start off exploring Galaxarium, where you’ll experience the worlds of Xandar and planet Earth. As soon as your tour is about to end, you’ll be thrust into a galactic battle of epic proportions only to be brought back safely by the Guardians of the Galaxy themselves.
With the help of Rocket, Groot, Gamora, and Star-Lord, you experience space in an entirely new and bold way.
2. Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run (Kids, Tweens, Teens, and Adults)
Experience the moment of hyperspace as you man the pilot, gunner, or engineer positions aboard the Millennium Falcon on the Smuggler’s Run ride. Can you outrun The Empire’s fierce fleet of TIE Fighters before it’s too late?
Along your journey, you’ll gather important canisters needed for the rebel army. It’s up to you and your crew to bring back the goods and keep up the pressure against The Empire. Do you have what it takes?
1. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (Kids, Tweens, Teens, and Adults)
Hop aboard the most high-tech ride Disney has to offer with the Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance ride! With a height requirement of 40 inches, kids young and old can enjoy their chance to play a role in the mission of The Rebellion.
As a member of The Rebellion, you must be ready for many twists of fate and adventure that awaits you and your fellow passengers. When a First Order Star Destroyer boards your transport, you stand alone against a large army of stormtroopers and Kylo Ren himself.
Will you have the courage to face The Empire and keep the hope of The Rebellion alive? Can Rey and BB-8 save the day? Only time will tell.
Book Your Dream Disney Vacation Today!
We hope you’ve enjoyed our list of the top 10 things to do at Disney World for the whole family. With many popular options for rides and attractions for kids of any age, Disney World is truly a magical vacation getaway spot.
If you’re looking for more Disney magic, please be sure to check out the rest of our blog. We’ll be sharing tips and tricks to create the best Disney experiences ever. For resorts, we have personal reviews on off property Disney Hotels, Pop Century, and Disney’s Beach Club Resort.
One of the hardest parts of planning a Walt Disney World Resort vacation is deciding what activities to do while you’re there. With the 4 Theme Parks, Resorts, and restaurants to choose from it can be very hard to narrow it down. We recently decided to spend our entire trip at Magic Kingdom and wanted to share the highlights. It was even nice to slow down and not try to do everything in one trip. We ended up spending a lot more time at the resort enjoying those amenities but these are the highlights for us at Magic Kingdom.
Which Character Dining not to miss at Magic Kingdom
There are traditionally 2 character dining options at Magic Kingdom; Cinderella’s Royal Table and Crystal Palace. Character dining has been modified at a lot of the restaurants and its changing on a regular basis. So be sure to check the WDW website for the most up to date changes. Crystal Palace has announced that it will be opening back up in September 2022.
Cinderella’s Royal Table
So our choice was to dine at Cinderella’s Royal Table in the Castle. Dining in the Castle would be enough to sell me on its own, but you also get greeted by Cinderella and get a photo. The menu is a set price and there are 3 times offered; Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. All the menu prices listed do not include tax and gratuity so be sure to plan for that. Each person dining will have an appetizer, entrée, and dessert to order.
Breakfast
Child – $27
Adult – $42
Lunch
Child – $39
Adult – $62
Dinner
Child – $37
Adult – $62
Also, Cinderella’s Royal table is one of the few places you can buy beer, wine, or cocktails.
This is definitely a place to check out if you can get a reservation. It’s an amazing experience to dine in the castle. It’s a very intimate experience and you’ll feel like your part of the royal party.
Kyle Pallo visiting Cinderella’s Royal Table 2022
Favorite Attractions to ride with the Kids at Magic Kingdom
There are so many attractions options for kids at Magic Kingdom that is hard to narrow down. These were really our favorites and we recommend everyone to try at least once. These were the 2 that the kids could agree on as their favorites.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
The family-friendly thrill ride Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is located in Magic Kingdom. This roller coaster, which is found in Fantasyland, leads you through the mine of the Seven Dwarfs in a winding trip. As you navigate tight banks and hairpin turns, your cart will sway back and forth thanks to modern technology.
Duration of Ride: 3 minutes
Required Height: 37 inches
Scare Factor: There are some steep turns on the roller coaster.
Queue: Visitors can arrange gemstones and spin buckets of jewels in the interactive queue to make ceiling-mounted amazing crafts.
The song “Music In My Soup” will start playing while you wait. This song, which was redacted from the first Snow White film, was re-recorded specifically for this attraction.
Throughout the ride, the mining cart will sway back and forth. By moving your torso from side to side, you can make it sway more.
The Snow White’s Scary Adventure rollercoaster, which was demolished to make room for the Princess Fairy tale Hall, left behind figures of Happy, Bashful, Doc, Grumpy, and Sleepy in the cabin. From Snow White’s Scary Adventure, there are also vultures around the mine entrance.
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
A trip to Walt Disney World is not complete without visiting this attraction. Everyone should have this experience, regardless of age.
One of the most well-known Disney attractions is Dumbo the Flying Elephant, located in Walt Disney World. In its current location at Storybook Circus, it has been reimagined and now has two pairs of circling Dumbos, one of which flies counter clockwise and the other clockwise. Additionally, guests no longer need to scramble to Dumbo because it now offers Fast pass as well as an interactive kids’ line to keep them occupied until it’s your turn to fly. The guest-friendliness of this attraction is excellent thanks to Disney!
Duration of Ride: 1 minutes 30 seconds
Required Height: None
Scare Factor: Consider your child’s fear of heights if that exists.
Queue: At Walt Disney World, the line for Dumbo is now the best. When your party is ready to queue up to ride Dumbo, you will receive a pager, which will beep as you go through the line. Your kids can play on the indoor water park while you take a much-needed break as parents and sit in the air conditioning. Inform the Cast Member if the children are still playing whenever the pager beeps; they will typically allow you to continue playing or give you a fresh pager.
The Skyliner at Walt Disney World Resort connects select resorts to EPCOT and Hollywood studios through a system of gondolas and stations. Think fancy ski resort gondolas but in central Florida. Each Gondola can hold up to 10 people but the best benefit for parents is the ability to roll your stroller right on without folding it up.
Where are the hubs located?
There are 5 Skyliner hubs throughout Walt Disney World.
Just like any other form of Disney Transportation, it’s not just for Disney Resort Guests. If you parked at Hollywood Studios, but have a lunch reservation at Topolino’s Terrace, you can ride the skyliner over to Riviera Resort. It’s really that easy and one of the biggest benefits of the gondola system, plus you get an amazing view of Walt Disney World Resort on the ride over.
What are the operating times of the Skyliner?
The operating hours for the gondolas tend to vary depending on what time the parks are opening and closing, but you can typically find them starting from around 7:30 am to 11 pm. The normal run time is about an hour before the parks open till an hour after they close. If in doubt, be sure to check the My Disney Experience App the day you choose to ride.
Skyliner Q&A
Here are some general questions that come up when talking about the Skyliner. Let’s dig in and answer these directly.
Is there any cost to ride the Skyliner?
No, its absolutely free. And it really feels like an attraction on its own before you ever get to the park.
Does the Skyliner ever shut down?
Great question and its good to be prepared! The Skyliner does stop running in inclement weather so be prepared to take a bus or other form of Disney transportation if needed. There are also occasional maintenance down times just like any other ride system.
Are the Gondola cars Handicap Accessible?
Yes, the Cast Member at the hub will help get you in the correct ride vehicle depending on the need.
Lots of great questions this week! Submit your questions in the comments section and we’ll address those on the next show.
Don’t listen to what you may have heard in the past, you can plan a great vacation at Disney World for Picky eaters. Disney has made quality improvements over the last few years in all of their park restaurants, making their dining experience safer than ever. So whether you are a picky eater or a try-everything-Once-er, Disney world awaits you with great food to appease your palate.
The term “picky eater” ironically is an umbrella term for a variety of food-selective people, including but not limited to toddlers, people with food allergies, ingredient-choosy foodies and just fussy eaters in general. Luckily, Disney World caters to everyone in each of these categories.
This article has categorized restaurants for picky eaters in Disney World park-wise. These are for the parks but also be sure to check out some of the options at the Deluxe Resorts close by.
The recommendations are made keeping in mind the following –
Menu options for both kids and adults
Existing rating
Popularly safe options
Allergen safe
Restaurants that accept special requests
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Hollywood Studios, a.k.a, a ‘Hollywood that never was – and always will be’ provides equally stunning experience in terms of food. While this place does have all the regular theme park foods like burgers, pop, ice creams, pizza, hot dogs, etc, there are also some very unique choices that you will not find anywhere else.
Rosie’s All American Café at Sunset Boulevard
This area is always hoppin’ with finger lickin’ food.
You would love this place if
You are looking for safe, tried and tested American food options like Hot dogs, cheeseburger, chicken nuggets etc
If you are looking for veg and non-veg options
If you are in need of alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages
If you’re looking for allergen-free food
Avoid this place if
You are looking for a burst of flavors in your food
If you’re not a fan of fried and finger food
Handpicked recommendation for the picky eater
The plant based lobster is highly rated in several online reviews. The foot-long all beef hot dog that comes with fried makes for an individual meal at just 11.99$.
50’s Prime time Cafe
This table style restaurant is has fun Cast Members serving you food. So, if you’re a picky eater and leave out your veggies, you might actually get teased for it; all in good fun though.
You would love this place if
You’re craving some comfort food. Meatloaf, fried chicken, desserts and the ginormous shakes are going to satisfy your gluttony to no end
If you’re looking for a thematic experience that both kids and adults would enjoy
Avoid this place if
You want a quieter meal
You’re looking for something fancy or fine dining.
Handpicked recommendation for the picky eater
The Peanut Butter and Jelly Milkshake and the Fried Chicken should be enjoyed on a table with a TV set at it to make the most of this place
Paging Mr Morrow at 50’s Prime Time Cafe
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
With a wide selection of Quick Service Restaurants, Table Service restaurants and over 30 food stalls strewn around the park, there’s certainly no scarcity of eateries and dining options at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Harambe market
You would love this place if
You want to pick and choose between a wide variety of food all the same spot
You want to quickly pick up a to-go meal and eat it on the go while exploring the park
You are looking for safe options like fried/ roasted chicken, mac n cheese, hot dogs or even if you are looking for some flavorful options like spicy ribs, a delicious rice bowl topped with chicken, veggies or some Mediterranean style salads
Avoid this place if
You are looking for table style service
You are looking for fine dining
Handpicked recommendation for the picky eater
Tamu Tamu Refreshments – The best ice cream sundaes and refreshments to beat the Florida heat!
Yak and Yeti restaurant
Yak & Yeti is one of the best themed and quaint restaurants at Walt Disney World. The interiors are eclectic and very inviting to just be explored.
You would love this place if
You are looking for table style service
You love Asian flavors and are in mood for some pan-Asian cuisine
Your have an appetite for a large portion
Avoid this place if
You’re not a big fan of Asian and flavorful cuisine
You are looking for safer and bland food options
You need quick service
Handpicked recommendation for the picky eater
Kobe Beef Burger – If you’re thinking “Why would anyone order a burger at an Asian joint,” the Kobe Beef Burger will pleasantly surprise you. It is filled with the tender patty that will melt in your mouth and some shitake mushrooms that just belong in there! With a side of fries, this burger is sure to please even the pickiest eater that bites into it.
Pizzafari
There are very few picky eater who’d say no to a tasty slice of Pizza, unless, you’re watching your diet. If you’re really in the mood for Italian, be sure to check out Terralina at Disney Springs.
You would love this place if
You love pizza
You love thematic restaurants. This place has the Home Room, Nocturnal Room, Upside Down Room, Camouflage Room, Four Seasons Room, and Bug Room.
You love hand made pizzas with unconventional toppings
You are looking for gluten free and dairy free pizza
You can avoid this place if
You don’t like pizza
You’re in a rush and want quicker service
Handpicked recommendation for the picky eater
Cheese Pizza from the Kids menu for picky kids and Pepperoni pizza
Magic Kingdom
Liberty tree Tavern
You would love this place if
You are looking for safe, tried and tested eating options like roasted turkey, mashed potatoes and vegetables
You are looking for allergen free options in both main course and desserts
You are looking for a wide selection of wine
Avoid this place if
You are looking for more flavorful options in food
You are looking for quick service style eateries
Handpicked recommendation for the picky eater
Revolutionary Meatloaf. If you are really hungry, get the all-you-can-eat Patriot’s Platter
Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe (has a separate kids menu, wide variety of dishes)
With flavors bursting out of the kitchen of this café, Pecos Bill has an impressive spread of nachos, burgers, rice bowls, tacos and salads. This is personally one of our favorites.
You would love this place if
You are in a group of picky and adventurous eaters
You are looking for plant-based options
You are looking for a healthy spread in the kid’s menu
You need table style service
Avoid this place if
You are looking for a quick take away that you can walk-and-eat
Handpicked recommendation for the picky eater
Mac and cheese for the kids and the rice bowl for adults. Picky eaters can add and remove ingredients from the rice bowl as per their taste preferences.
EPCOT
Epcot can be called as the World’s showcase wall. In one location under the Disney roof, it lets you visit different countries, learn about their food, culture, clothing and artifacts.
Via Napoli
Popularly known as Disney World’s best pizza place, this is a haven for pizza lovers.
You would love this place if
You are a fan of Neapolitan, wood-burning oven style pizza
You’d rather skip pizza and have some pasta
Avoid this place if
You are not a pizza fan
You’d rather pick something from a quick service eatery and continue gallivanting
Handpicked recommendation for the picky eater
If you want to try more than one option, go for the half and half Mezzo Metro. It’s a good way of sampling more of this incredible pizzeria menu while providing a really good value. Definitely try the Quattro Formaggi Pizza.
Sunshine Seasons
Sunshine seasons is the best counter service restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Epcot. It’s got an impressive spread of food options that will send even the pickiest eater into gluttony.
You would love this place if
You’re looking for quick service style eatery options
You are looking for more options in the kids meals. Not only does this place have a Kid’s menu, but also a “Disney check” menu which meets Disney’s Nutritional Guidelines for Complete Meals without substitutions
You are looking for tried and tested options like sandwich, rolls, grilled meat and salads
You are looking for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage options
You need allergen-safe food
Avoid this place if
You are looking for on-table service or fine dining options
You’re looking for flavorful cuisine of a particular country (Eg – Asian, Neapolitan, Mediterranean etc)
Handpicked recommendation for the picky eater
Power salad for a power packed meal to get through the day. Try the oak-grilled salmon or chicken if you prefer a heavy meat based meal.
EPCOT Family Photo In Front of Spaceship Earth
More tips for Picky Eaters at Disney World
Plan food and check menus ahead of time
Look out for allergens
Make reservations and communicate allergies clearly
Look for a place that takes special request
Go for safer options if you don’t like experimenting with food. Disney World can be a little expensive for food experiments
Disney Springs Restaurants offers abundant options that friends and families can enjoy. From the unique ambiance to the delicious food, the restaurants in Disney Springs have it all. Even better, if you are staying at a hotel close to Disney Springs, you may be able to hit all these recommendations. Here are my top 3 favorite places to eat at Disney Springs, so far!
Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant
The first restaurant that is one of my favorite places to eat at Disney Springs is Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant. Raglan Road is an Irish pub unlike any other. Both the interior and exterior designs of Raglan Road are inspired by Irish pubs in Dublin. From the Irish furniture to the antiques and art scattered inside, the ambiance of Raglan Road makes this one of my favorite restaurants because it feels like I am taken to Ireland and enjoying delicious authentic Irish food.
Another reason why Raglan Road is one of my favorite restaurants is because of their delicious food and drinks that are inspired by popular Irish dishes. A couple of their popular appetizers that I recommend getting are the Nom Nom Wings and the Chicken Lollipops. Both were delicious and cooked to perfection. They also bring out Irish Soda Bread as a starter. The idea of Soda Bread was different to me but tasted good, especially when you dip it into the Guinness sauce.
I have tried a few of their entrees and would recommend that you try the bangers and mash, their classic fish and chips, or the Raglan Risotto. Each dish is well put together with its unique flavors. They truly embody what an Irish dish should taste like making Raglan Road more of an authentic Irish Pub. Raglan Road also has live entertainment where performers will play Irish music and dance that you can enjoy with their Irish-inspired cocktails. However, this only occurs on select dates inside their main dining room and at the outdoor bar.
Molly from All Ears Visits the Boathouse at Disney Springs
Frontera Cocina
Another one of my favorite restaurants at Disney Springs is Frontera Cocina. Frontera Cocina is a unique, Mexican-style restaurant found between “The Landing” and “Town Center”.
One reason why this is one of my favorite restaurants at Disney Springs is because of the interior ambiance. When you step inside, you are greeted with a colorful ambiance with unique artwork, an open kitchen, and plenty of decorations that are inspired by Mexican heritage. There is even a tequila “Wall of Fame”. The atmosphere also gives you a welcoming vibe just like the Hispanic culture.
The food and drinks were inspired by Mexican dishes and are just as amazing as the ambiance. For appetizers, I ordered the Chipotle Chicken Flautas. The flautas were delicious and savory and tasted even better when it was dipped into the crema. I also had to order a basket of tortilla chips with salsa. The tortilla chips were crispy and salted perfectly and the salsa tasted very fresh and light.
For the entrees, I ordered the Shrimp Mojo de Ajo. This was recommended to me by my server, and it was delicious. Everything in the dish was seasoned to perfection and the mojo de ajo was not overpowering and complimented the dish very well. I was able to taste the carne asada tacos which were very good as well. For those that are 21 and over, Frontera Cocina has a full drink menu and a bar as well. To really get into the Mexican theming, I recommend getting one of their specialty margaritas. If you’re not much of a margarita fan, they do have other beers or cocktails that you can order as well.
The BOATHOUSE at Disney Springs
Finally, one of my all-time favorites and a popular must-dine at restaurants at Disney Springs is the BOATHOUSE. The BOATHOUSE is a waterside dining restaurant so you can enjoy the view of the water while eating delicious food and drinks. The ambiance of this restaurant is also unique. Stepping into this restaurant, you are greeted with a nautical theme with one-of-a-kind decorations and designs along the walls and furniture.
Some tables were designed to resemble boats, but they also have a boat booth that families can request to dine in. If you love oysters, the BOATHOUSE even has a raw bar for you to enjoy.
The ambiance of the BOATHOUSE is also complemented by the amazing food and drinks that they serve. They first brought out free bread rolls with butter. The warm rolls were fluffy inside and tasted so good. I also ordered the Firecracker Shrimp for my appetizer which was so yummy. The shrimp was cooked perfectly, and the sauce added the right amount of sweetness and spice. I ordered filet mignon for my entree with roasted garlic and a baked potato on the side. The steak was cooked at a perfect medium-rare and seasoned beautifully. The roasted garlic enhanced the flavor of the filet mignon as well.
Also, since you’re already close, be sure to check out the Amphicar that launches right next to the Boathouse. The Amphicar is a one of a kind experience that takes you around Disney Springs in a car that transforms in to a boat.
These are just a few Disney Springs Restaurants to consider. We would love to hear your feedback and recommendations!
Don’t miss this one of a kind experience of riding in an Amphicar at Disney Springs. Your family will get a 20 minute cruise around the sights at Disney Springs. The boat launch is located at The Landing and reservations can be inside at the The BOATHOUSE® BOATIQUE.
What is an Amphicar?
These amphicars are amphibious cabriolet-style vehicles that can function as automobiles on land and boats in water. It will heighten your experience as it transitions from a car to a boat in no time.
Cabriolets don’t have any roof in place which heightens the experience when the driver propels the car from to the water. Amphicars are vintage cars that were manufactured in 1961. They are quite rare as there are only over 300 of them that exist in the world today.
Paging Mr. Morrow Riding in the Amphicar with Family
Where are the Amphicars located in Disney Springs?
Once you get to Disney Springs, you can then proceed to The Landing where The Boathouse restaurant is located. You don’t have to dine at The Boathouse restaurant in order to avail of their amphicar ride but they do offer discounts to diners. The Amphicar Launch ride costs $125 for non-diners and a discounted rate of $100 for dining customers at the restaurant.
How to get to Disney Springs
Disney Springs is a magical location and you can get there by riding a bus, water taxi, or even by simply walking your way along the water. Many resorts offer a water taxi service to their guests who wants to visit Disney Springs which is very convenient. However, if you’re staying in a resort close to Disney Springs or just simply want to enjoy the view at your own pace, then consider taking a walk to the location instead.
Hollywood Studios may be the most unique of all the parks to take preschoolers. There has been a ton of stuff added to Hollywood Studios over the last few years and if you haven’t been in a while, you’ll be surprised with all the changes. There are a lot of big thrill rides including Rise of the Resistance, Slinky Dog Dash, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway that everyone rushes to each day.
Now for the interesting part if you go with a preschooler, they may not like or want to go on any of those rides. So, I would suggest watching some ride throughs and determine if those rides stay on the to do list as a family. Some can be pretty intense for a 3, 4, or 5 year old even if they are tall enough to ride.
That brings us to the next topic: Rider Switch
Be Prepared to Rider Switch
Rider Switch is a great way for parents to take turns waiting with the child and not have to stay in line twice. It works really well, just go to the Cast Member station in front of the attraction to check in for Rider Switch. The first adult will get in line, while the other adults waits. After the first adult rides, they’ll switch off and the next adult can go through the lightning lane.
Rider Switch is a great way to still ride the attractions and not have your preschooler wait twice for the same ride. In addition, if your child’s napping you don’t have to wake them up. Big Win for everyone!
Rider Switch at Disney World explained for 2022
Rider Switch Available at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Hollywood Studios has some really great shows so take the time and build those in to your plans. It’s also a great opportunity to get out of the heat and in to some air conditioning. I just recently saw Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular and would highly recommend everyone of all ages see it. Some others to be sure to check out at Hollywood Studios with preschoolers:
Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage
For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
Muppet*Vision 3D
DHS Restaurants for Picky Eaters
Our Favorite Disney Restaurant, Sci-Fi Dine-In Theatre, is located in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. An added bonus is that it’s great for Picky Eaters and preschoolers. The old school B-Movie sci fi films are great to watch.
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theatre
This is a sit down restaurant with a 50’s Drive In Theatre theme. It’s very popular and we’ve been lucky enough to get reservations but it took up to the day before. It also has an American theme so think burger, chicken strips, fries, etc.
Menu Highlights
Sci-Fi Smoked Wings
Chicken Salad Sandwich
Classic American Burger
Pan-Seared Chicken Pasta
Chicken Strips
Cheeseburger
Macaroni & Cheese
Molly From All Ears Reviews Hollywood Studios Restaurants
Woody’s Lunch Box
This is another great spot located in Toy Story Land. It’s set up to look like you are shrunk down to the size of a toy and eating from an actual Lunch Box. It may seem like really simple items but it’s great even for adults.
Menu Highlights
Kids’ Breakfast Bowl
BBQ Brisket Melt
Grilled Three-Cheese Sandwich
Totchos
Banana-Peanut Butter Fudge Lunch Box Tart
Chocolate-Hazelnut Lunch Box Tart
Raspberry Lunch Box Tart
Disney’s Hollywood Studios with Preschoolers – Overall Tips
Hollywood Studios may be the trickiest from an attractions stand point compared to the other parks. My 5 year old loves Toy Story Mania and Aliens Swirling Saucers and we ride those multiple times a visit. But he would never get on Slinky Dog Dash, even if he meets the height requirement. It really depends how adventurous your preschooler is and if they want to ride the larger rides.
Don’t miss the shows and restaurants here. Sci-Fi Dine In Theatre is one of the few table service restaurants that I would recommend because the scenery is so immersive. It’ll keep the kids busy for the entire meal. Also, if your kids have ever watched Frozen, don’t miss the Sing Along.
This is the 4th in the series of the Theme Parks with Preschoolers. So be sure to check out the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom guides.
Affiliate Disclosure
Sometimes I use affiliate links. That just means that I may earn a commission when you use one of the products or services that I write reviews for. My goal is to write blog posts about my experience and share that with you. If you end up purchasing based on a review on the site, I might get back a few dollars to plan the next Disney World Trip. I’m trying to find a good balance where I take more trips and provide more reviews!
A lot of how well the trip goes depends on preparation, which I go in to in more detail in the Magic Kingdom with Preschoolers article. In regard to Animal Kingdom with Preschoolers. you have to have a different mindset than any of the other parks. At first glance you may think there isn’t much do based on the number of rides, but let’s dig in to getting the most out of your Animal Kingdom visit.
Don’t Rush Through the Park
Animal Kingdom isn’t a half day park. You’ve probably heard differently from people that only focus on attractions, but that isn’t what Animal Kingdom is about. If you take the time to explore the park and take advantage of all the attractions, shows, unique restaurants, and animal encounters you’ll have a very fun and fulfilling day. So one recommendation would be to skip park hopping for the day.
A lot of the touring plans you’ll see from locals, experts, or frequent visitors for Animal Kingdom are targeted for Adults and Teens. So be sure to cater the trip to your preschooler and everyone will have a great time. It will probably include more time at Rafiki’s Planet Watch than trying to snag Lightning Lanes for Avatar Flight of Passage.
Just an FYI, Dinosaur only has a 40 inch height requirement but I would recommend watching a YouTube Ride Through. Its a dark and sometime scary ride so just take that in to account before getting on with a 4 or 5 year old that may be tall enough.
DINOSAUR – Animal Kingdom
Restaurants for Picky Eaters
Do you have a preschooler that only eats chicken strips, fries, pizza, or mac& cheese? Me too! So these are 2 restaurants that I’ve found in Animal Kingdom that will cater to everyone.
Rainforest Café at Animal Kingdom
Rainforest Cafe is located at the entrance of the park and I highly recommend making a dining reservation ahead of time. They will have some walk up available day of but those go quickly and may not be close to the time you want to dine.
If you’ve never been to a Rainforest Cafe, they can be a lot of fun. It’s a jungle theme with animal animatronics that come to life at regular intervals.
Menu Highlights
Cheese Sticks
Chicken Quesadillas
Paradise House Salad
Fish Tacos
Rainforest Burger
Mini Hot Dogs
Python Pasta – Butter Noodles Available
Restaurantosaurus
This is one of our go to restaurants at Animal Kingdom. I think we ate here twice in one day on our last trip. It has a great menu for the whole family and a very well themed, and air conditioned dining room.
Menu Highlights
Walt’s Chili on Foot-long Cheese Dog
1/3 lb Angus Bacon Cheeseburger
Chicken Breast Nuggets (8 pieces)
Impossible™ Spicy Southwestern Burger
French Fries
Macaroni & Cheese
Cheeseburger
Disney Food Blog – Every Animal Kingdom Restaurant Review
Don’t Forget about the Animals and Shows
I know it may be obvious at a theme park name Animal Kingdom, not to skip the animal part. But it can be easy to do if you view this just like Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, or Hollywood Studios.
There are a few walk throughs in the lands that you will get to see a lot of animals. There is Maharajah Jungle Trek in Asia, Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail in Africa, and Discovery Island Trails around the Tree of Life. These are great places to slow down, take in the landscape, and see the beautiful animals located in the park. Also a great spot in Animal Kingdom for your preschoolers to take a nap in the stroller while you take in the scenery.
Don’t forget the shows and be sure to check the app for the showtimes throughout the day. A few not to miss are Celebration of the Festival of the Lion King, Feathered Friends In Flight!, and Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!
Animal Kingdom with Preschoolers – Overall Tips
If your preschooler loves animals, this could easily be their favorite park. So fight the urge to make this a half day park and really take in all it has to offer. Yes, the other parks may have more rides and more characters that they would recognize from Disney+. But they don’t have the immersion that this park does. Once you really take the time to get to know the park, you’ll understand why a lot of people consider this the best themed park.
Be sure to check out the other preschooler park guides for Magic Kingdom and EPCOT.
Affiliate Disclosure
Sometimes I use affiliate links. That just means that I may earn a commission when you use one of the products or services that I write reviews for. My goal is to write blog posts about my experience and share that with you. If you end up purchasing based on a review on the site, I might get back a few dollars to plan the next Disney World Trip. I’m trying to find a good balance where I take more trips and provide more reviews!
