The Magic Kingdom has been the most popular theme parks in the world pretty much since the day it opened — along with the rest of Walt Disney World — in October 1971. Iconic landmarks like Cinderella Castle have made visiting the park a rite of passage for millions each year, which makes it slightly surprising that dining at the park is a bit divisive.
Steak Frites
Due to the large crowds that often descend on the park, the Magic Kingdom’s eateries — both quick service and table service — are often swamped, which in turn means that any meal is a time and financial commitment for guests. Unfortunately, sometimes that leads to regret.
Plant-Based “Cheese” Pizza at Pinocchio’s Village Haus
Let’s begin with one of our least favorite food items at the park: The Plant-based “Cheese” Pizza at this Fantasyland quick service establishment. To be blunt, this $12.79 pizza topped with tomato sauce and faux “mozzarella” leaves a lot to be desired.
Not great
Don’t fret if you’re searching for quick service plant-based options however, as the park offers numerous other options including the Plant-Based Hot Dog (which is also available Chicago-style) at Casey’s Corner, the Heart of Palm and Artichoke Roll at Columbia Harbour House, the Patty Melt at Cosmic Ray’s, and the Plant-Based Rice Bowl at Pecos Bill to name a few.
Plant-Based Chicago Dog
Be Our Guest
Moving from a single item to a full meal, let’s focus on Be Our Guest. Now, there’s no denying that from an interior theming standpoint, this Beauty and the Beast-themed eatery is a triumph. The recreations of the film’s environments – including the massive ballroom (complete with snowy weather outside) and the West Wing in the middle of a perpetual lightning storm) – are brilliantly executed. However, the lack of character experiences (outside of very sporadic appearances from The Beast) can make the environment feel a bit hollow despite how well executed it is.
The Grand Ballroom in Be Our Guest Restaurant
Then there’s the question of the food itself. The restaurant’s menu has gone through many changes over its decade+ of operation, and currently only offers a prix fix menu that costs $72 per adult (ages 10 and up), plus tax and gratuity, and $43 per child (ages 3-9), plus tax and gratuity. While the food itself is solid — and the menu offers some highlights, including the Steak Frites entree and several desserts featuring the iconic Grey Stuff (we agree with the dishes, it is delicious) — it’s a steep price for a restaurant experience that feels like it’s missing something major without characters.
The Grey Stuff inside the Blooming Rose
Cinderella’s Royal Table offers an equally steep prix fix menu price, but that restaurant does offer an arguably equally iconic environment (INSIDE Cinderella Castle) and a veritable army of Disney Princesses.
Ariel
Next time you’re considering dining options at the Magic Kingdom, be sure to keep in mind that a few of the more popular options on paper may leave you feeling regretful in the end. Stay tuned to DFB for more on Disney dining!
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Plant-based is always lacking, and you knew Pinnochio’s would be a regret.