Why Disney Adults Keep Eating at the WRONG Restaurants

After decades of eating my way around Disney World, one thing is clear: many Disney adults keep booking restaurants for the wrong reasons.

Want to dine at Cinderella’s Royal Table? Make a reservation as early as you can.

Disney World is home to some truly fantastic restaurants, from immersive themed dining to fantastic meals you won’t find anywhere else. But with hundreds of options across the parks, resorts, and Disney Springs, it’s easy to assume that popular, iconic, or highly recommended automatically means “right for everyone.” The truth is, many Disney dining disappointments don’t come from bad restaurants. Instead, they come from choosing places that don’t match your priorities, tastes, or touring style. Understanding why we book certain restaurants can make all the difference between a meal you endure and one you truly enjoy.

1. Pressure to Eat at Character Dining with Kids

Many families feel pressure to book character dining simply because they’re traveling with kids, and Chef Mickey’s is often the default choice. It is a fantastic way to see several of the classic characters in one meal without waiting in long lines, which can be a huge win for younger kids. That said, Chef Mickey’s is loud, high-energy, and buffet-style, with food that’s generally considered average for the price. For families whose kids aren’t especially interested in characters or who prefer a calmer dining experience, this can end up feeling overwhelming and not worth the cost. The “wrong” choice isn’t character dining itself, but booking it out of obligation rather than excitement.

Chef Mickey!

2. Eating There Because You Think You Should

Cinderella’s Royal Table is one of the most iconic dining experiences in Disney World, and many guests feel it’s a rite of passage. Dining inside Cinderella Castle is undeniably magical, and for first-time visitors or princess fans, the experience can be unforgettable. However, the prix fixe menu, high price point, and limited food options don’t work for everyone. Guests who aren’t invested in the castle setting or character interactions may leave feeling they paid more for the location than the meal itself. This restaurant is “wrong” when it’s booked to check a box rather than because it truly fits your interests.

Cinderella’s Royal Table

3. Going to Restaurants That Had a Great Reputation but Have Changed

’Ohana has long been one of Disney World’s most beloved restaurants, and for so long was known for its delicious food. While it still offers great vibes and a convenient location at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, many longtime fans feel the food and overall value aren’t quite what they used to be. Menu changes, guests feeling rushed, and shifting expectations can lead to disappointment. This is especially true for guests returning based on glowing memories from years past. ’Ohana isn’t a bad restaurant, but it can be the wrong choice if nostalgia is doing all the decision-making. The best way to check where your favorite restaurant stands now is to be sure to look at our DFB dining reviews!

‘Ohana

4. Traveling to a Resort You Aren’t Staying At

Boma – Flavors of Africa is widely praised for its bold flavors, variety, and unique buffet offerings, making it a favorite among Disney food fans. The challenge? It’s located at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, which can be time-consuming to reach if you’re not staying there. Between buses, potential transfers, and travel time, the journey alone can eat up a large portion of your day. If there is a Disney resort restaurant you are hoping to try, just think through how you will get there and if it’s something you really want to spend time doing.

Boma

5. Choosing Atmosphere Over Actual Food Preferences

Coral Reef Restaurant offers one of the most unique dining settings in EPCOT, with large aquarium windows and views of marine life swimming by your table. For atmosphere, it’s hard to beat. However, the menu leans heavily toward seafood, and the food itself tends to get mixed reviews. Guests who aren’t big seafood fans or who prioritize flavor over ambiance may find the experience underwhelming. This is a great example of why, even though a Disney restaurant might have a great atmosphere, the food might be disappointing.

Coral Reef

6. Eating at a Table-Service Restaurant When You Really Wanted Quick Service

Table-service dining can feel like the “better” way to do Disney, but it isn’t always the best fit for every day or every group. Sitting down for a full meal means committing time, energy, and often more money, which can be frustrating if what you really wanted was a quick bite and more time in the parks. Many guests end up rushed, tired, or disengaged during these meals. Table-service restaurants aren’t bad, but they can be the wrong choice when your touring style, energy level, or schedule would be better served by quick service. It’s not always the best value for your money or time!

La Cantina de San Angel

7. Booking a Restaurant Just Because It’s “Hard to Get.”

Story Book Dining at Artist Point is one of the most competitive reservations at Disney World, and it offers a beautifully themed experience with Snow White characters in a more dramatic setting. For fans of the story, it can be a great choice. However, the prix fixe menu, darker ambiance, and higher cost don’t appeal to everyone, especially guests booking it simply because it’s difficult to snag. A hard-to-get reservation doesn’t automatically mean it’s the right fit for you. Don’t fall for the trap that everyone else is talking about it and loves it, which means that you should too!

Desserts

8. Eating Only at Your Hotel Out of Convenience

Value resort food courts are convenient, familiar, and often budget-friendly, which makes them an easy default. They’re reliable for quick meals and can be especially helpful at the end of a long day. However, sticking exclusively to your resort’s food court means missing out on some of the most creative and diverse dining Disney World has to offer. While these locations serve a purpose, they can be the wrong choice if convenience is the only factor guiding your dining plans.

Everything Pop!

The DFB team sets out to try Disney World restaurants and report to you our review so you can decide if a restaurant is right for you! For more tips, be sure to follow us at DFB!

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