You’d think with the price tag of a Disney World vacation, the food would always be magical, but that’s not always the case.
Disney World
We’ve eaten a lot of meals across Disney World — the good, the bad, and the “please don’t ever make us go back there again.” And today, we’re sharing some of the most disappointing, frustrating, or just plain awkward dining experiences we’ve had in the parks and resorts. The good news? We’ve got better alternatives for every single one, so you don’t have to learn these lessons the hard way. Let’s get into it.
Oga’s Cantina
This place LOOKS amazing. You’re stepping into a Star Wars scene, DJ-R3X is spinning tracks, and it feels like an intergalactic party.
DJ-R3X
But the reality is that it’s cramped, loud, and wildly overpriced for a charcuterie board that barely feeds a Womp Rat. You’ll probably be standing elbow-to-elbow with strangers, chugging a $17 pre-made cocktail with numb-lip foam before your 45-minute time limit runs out. Don’t get us wrong, this place can be really fun and we think it’s good to do at least once but there are more chill spots to snag a drink in the parks.
Time to Grab a Drink
What to do instead: Head to BaseLine Tap House (also in Hollywood Studios) for a laid-back vibe, better snacks, and actual seating. Or, if you’re up for table service, hit up Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge for quality bites and classic cocktails — no space helmets required.
Tony’s Town Square
Tony’s should be charming. It’s Lady and the Tramp-themed, it’s on Main Street, and it’s one of the few table-service spots in Magic Kingdom.
Tony’s Town Square Restaurant
But sadly, it’s more like “Olive Garden: Salt Edition.” Most of the entrees are forgettable, and the prices don’t match the quality. Yes, we love the Mozzarella Sticks for the Table (order that and you might be okay), but this spot doesn’t blow us away.
They’re a foot long!
What to do instead: If you want Italian-style comfort food, make the monorail trip over to Trattoria al Forno at the BoardWalk. It’s a better experience all around. Or stay in the park and mobile order from Columbia Harbour House — lighter, fresher, and cheaper.
Coral Reef Restaurant
This one’s a heartbreaker. Coral Reef Restaurant at EPCOT has stunning aquarium views, but the food just doesn’t live up to the ambiance.
Coral Reef
It’s hit or miss (emphasis on the miss), and with EPCOT offering so many better options, this one’s tough to justify unless you’ve got kids who are mesmerized by sea turtles.
What to do instead: Want seafood? Go to The Boathouse in Disney Springs. Want something that’ll still entertain the kiddos? Try Teppan Edo in the Japan Pavilion — dinner and a show, with hibachi chefs that’ll win over any picky eater.
Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe
Pecos Bill used to be a reliable, fun, quick-service spot with a LEGENDARY toppings bar.
Pecos Bill
But those glory days are gone. Now? The toppings bar is a sad memory, the menu feels more like a theme park Taco Bell, and the food just doesn’t wow. If you’re desperate and on a budget, it’ll fill you up. But otherwise, you’ll want to move right along.
Double Barbecue Bacon Cheeseburger
What to do instead: Go to Skipper Canteen if you want something adventurous and different. Or, for better quick service, Columbia Harbour House once again comes in clutch. Bonus: It’s usually easier to find a quiet table upstairs away from the crowds.
BoardWalk Pizza Window
This one’s a late-night trap. You’re tired, you’re hungry, you’re walking back from EPCOT, and hey, look — pizza! But don’t let the hunger goggles fool you.
Pizza Window
This is some of the most basic, cafeteria-style pizza you’ll find on Disney property. It’s not offensive. But it’s not a standout, either.
What to do instead: If you’re craving pizza, walk over to Via Napoli in EPCOT. Yes, it’ll require a little more effort, but you’ll actually enjoy your slice instead of regretting it halfway through.
Turf Club Lounge
This one bums us out because it could be great. It’s got a pool table, drinks, and a few appetizers. But it just feels like a half-hearted sports bar at your uncle’s country club.
Turf Club Lounge
There’s zero Disney magic here, and unless you’re staying at Saratoga Springs and really want to avoid transportation, you can skip it.
What to do instead: Pretty much any other lounge on property. Seriously. Try Geyser Point at Wilderness Lodge for lakeside views, great drinks, and legit food. Or Three Bridges Bar and Grill at Coronado Springs for tapas and cocktails with major ambiance.
Maya Grill
This one’s not a total disaster, but it’s the definition of forgettable. Maya Grill at Coronado Springs serves up decent fajitas and empanadas, but you’ll probably leave thinking, “I’ve had better at home.” If you’re staying at the resort and need something convenient, it’ll do. Otherwise? Not worth the detour.
Maya Grill
What to do instead: Want margaritas and Mexican food that’ll blow you away? Head to La Cava del Tequila in EPCOT or Frontera Cocina in Disney Springs. More flavor, more fun, and better memories.
Moral of the story? Not all Disney dining is created equal. Some places look amazing or carry that nostalgic charm, but once you sit down and get the bill, the magic can disappear real quick. Stick with the hidden gems, do a little research, and don’t be afraid to mobile order or switch up plans last minute if your gut’s telling you to walk away.
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Don’t go to Tony’s please, listen to DFB . Then I’ll be able to get in. The food is so good and plenty to fill you up. The bread sticks are over the top. And if you plan it right and say “Pretty Please you may be a take in the front and you can see the floats. But don’t take my word for it. I’ll be there in July and hope to get a seat.
On our trip to Disney over Spring Break, we went to the Coral Reef. Even though I would have preferred to go somewhere else, my mom insisted.
The restaurant can be hit or miss so I was a little worried but when I say the Palm Cakes were one of the best things I had that trip, I’m not kidding. If I could afford it, I’d want to have it at least once a month it’s so good.
The worst meals we’ve had? Invariably it was due to bad service (which is rare). But I so wanted to love Storybook Dining at Artist Point, but we had the worst server we ever had in WDW.
Also had a bad server at 50s Prime Time. But we have had a wonderful experience on a previous occasion
You are 110% wrong on the Turf Club Lounge. That is easily one of the most underrated lounges at WDW and the Turf Club Burger is amazing.
Well we have never had a bad meal at Coral Reef. Maybe we just hit it at the right time, but we have never been disappointed when we go there. One person mentioned 50’s Prime Time. We have had great meals there, but the person was right, we had one bad experience with a server, and another, we were across from a very large family with kids out of control screaming at the top of their lungs. We couldn’t get out of there soon enough.
I have never had a bad meal. Some weren’t exactly what I thought they would taste like but, my bad. Really the only time I didn’t enjoy my meal was when some young kids were acting belligerent because their parents were not at the same table or at a different restaurant. Otherwise, I have enjoyed all of my meals. Even at a late night food court!
Love you guys, but we LOOOOVED Maya Grill at Coronado Springs! We’ve intentionally gone back time and again because we loved it so much!
Both on the Boardwalk: thought I’d be getting a full, delicious gourmet pb&j but it was a smuckers like small round crimped item in a plastic bag. Expensive and garbage. Pizza was the other from the window….awful sauce, barely any cheese on dough that tasted like cardboard…also expensive with a long wait. Completely shocked that Disney would allow this to be served and sold, calling it food. I’ve never been back to the Boardwalk.
The worst overall meals we’ve had were probably a couple of the prix fixe meals we’ve had. Our meal at Storybook Dining at Artist Point was fantastic. But we had a definitely blah and lacking one at Be Our Guest (although we’ve had other meals there that were good – it depends on the menu – check it as close as you can to when you’ll dine), and a downright bad one at Space 220 (which was a few years ago now, and the lounge is great). And while the food was okay and definitely special at Cinderella’s Table, we have always felt rushed there and underwhelmed by the food in every way. But we’ve been fortunate with Coral Reef and generally lucky with Tony’s. Definitely can second the others, except that we’ve never been to Maya Grill.