Do Walt Disney World quick service restaurants get an unfair amount of hate? It seems as if everywhere you look online, there is someone complaining about the quality or available options when it comes to these counter-service eating establishments. We disagree!
Sure, there are locations that serve up “normal” park food that is what you can find at any amusement park or fair, like burgers, funnel cakes, fries, etc. Yes, these can look and taste mediocre, but if you dig a little deeper (and maybe get a bit adventurous) you will find a whole new world of delicious quick eats at these parks.
During our recent visit to the Florida resort, we were blown away with not only the quality of our quick service meals, but the variety as well. You just need to know where to go!
Animal Kingdom
Our pick: Satu’li Canteen
Located in the newest area of the park, Pandora, this location serves up an interesting Asian-Latin fusion type menu. The meats offered are being cooked right in front of you in the open air kitchen and seating area. The build-your-own bowl approach is clever and allows guests to have more of a customizable experience when it comes to choosing their entrée.
Bowl bases include noodles, rice & beans, salad, and a red & sweet potato hash. After that you have the protein options of chimichurri beef, grilled chicken, chili-garlic shrimp, and tuna. Sauce choices include two vinaigrettes and a house made ranch dressing. You can top off your bowl with fruity boba balls and a vegetable slaw.
At first glance it may seem like an odd assortment of ingredients but this was an incredible lunch! The meat was tender and the bold flavors and textures of the rest of the bowl were a huge hit with my whole family. Bowls range from $13-18.
Other menu items include cheeseburger bao buns, pig-in-a-blanket, cheese quesadilla, and two mousse desserts. If you are looking for something very different during your visit to Animal Kingdom, this is a must!
Honorable mention: Pongu Pongu
Literally right next to the Satu’li Canteen, sits Pongu Pongu, it’s more of a concession stand rather than a counter service restaurant. However, here they have an amazing breakfast option: the stuffed pancake breakfast sandwich. At $8.99, these are a little pricey for their size, but they are worth it! The sandwich indeed fills you up because it is layered with sausage, egg, cheese, and wait for it… guava jelly. It’s like a next-level McGriddle.
Here they also have snack options, like the very appropriately priced Pongu Lumpia, a pineapple cream cheese spring roll. It will only set you back $3.79. There is also a cinnamon roll with bright icing, but be warned it is not nearly as good (or large) as the cinnamon rolls you can get at Gaston’s Tavern in Magic Kingdom (more on that later).
EPCOT
Yorkshire County Fish Shop
Just a quick walk into World Showcase and you will find yourself in the United Kingdom pavilion. Here is a hidden gem eatery, the Yorkshire County Fish Shop. Is all they serve fish and chips? Yes. Is it some of the best fish and chips you’ll find? Also yes.
They do what they do well. Cast members can be seen inside hand-battering large filets of fish and frying them fresh in front of you. Not only do you get a decent portion of both fish and fries here, it’s a very reasonable $13.49. If you are with someone, it would make a great midday snack if you decide to split a basket. Sit down under an umbrella and look out over the lagoon while you enjoy some local grub!
Magic Kingdom
Our pick: Gaston’s Tavern
Of all the parks, Magic Kingdom seems to struggle the most in the quick service department. Most of the portions are smaller and overall more generic. Our favorite spot, one that we found ourselves at multiple times during our vacation, was Gaston’s Tavern. The atmosphere is quaint and cozy, decorated by Gaston for Gaston (you know he uses antlers in all of his decorating?).
The food here was always fresh and delicious. They are known for their massive cinnamon rolls and “grey stuff” cupcake, but also have seasonal specialties. During our visit they had a ham & gruyere tart and a crème brulee stuffed pastry. Prices are between $5 and $10.
And don’t forget to grab a LaFou’s Brew-a frozen apple juice drink with marshmallow flavor, topped with a passion fruit-mango foam. It’s a tart, refreshing drink on a hot day and great after those super sweet snacks!
Hollywood Studios
Our pick: Docking Bay 7 Food & Cargo
In my opinion, we’ve saved the best for last. It may be my love of Star Wars, but getting to eat great food inside of a highly themed hanger was a highlight of my visit. Similar to Satu’li Canteen, Docking Bay 7 serves up a creative international fusion of dishes (who knows what restaurants in the Star Wars universe actually would serve, right?).
The entrées we got here we so good we made sure to go back on our last day to get them again. We ordered the Batuuan Beef and Crispy Topato, which included fried yucca, vegetables, and a tamarind sauce. The beef was juicy and had no gristle. The vegetables were cooked fresh and everything went very well together.
The other dish, my favorite, was the Pirjanad Hot Chicken Tip Yip. This was two pieces of chicken breast, fried, and covered with a spicy and mouthwatering chipotle sauce. These sat on top of a bed of rice, sweet corn relish, shishito peppers, jicama, plantains, and cilantro. Talk about a whirlwind of flavor! I’m definitely going to try to make this one at home.
Prices range from $14 to $19 here, but as far as quality and uniqueness goes, it is no-brainer on your visit to Galaxy’s Edge.
Honorable mention: Ronto Roasters
I believe Disney is putting a little more thought into the restaurants they’re adding to their new lands because it seems like the best eateries are located inside of them. Just around the corner from Docking Bay 7, is Ronto Roasters.
Ronto is only open for breakfast and lunch, closing early at 3:00 pm. We really enjoyed the Ronto Wraps that they served, both for breakfast and lunch. In the morning you can get a pita filled with egg, cheese, sausage, and a creamy peppercorn sauce. For lunch, they trade out the eggs for pork and the cheese for a slaw. These are around $13 and great for an on-the-go snack as you explore the land.
Learn more about Disney’s dining plans here.
Let us know if you try any of these meals at Disney’s quick service restaurants or if you have a favorite go-to meal when you’re at the parks!
nice food
We couldn’t agree more! Disney World offers some fantastic quick-service options. Satu’li Canteen in Animal Kingdom is a standout, with its unique flavors and customizable bowls. It’s a reminder that exploring beyond the typical burger joints can lead to some truly delicious discoveries.