WDW Dining Suggestions with Pre-Schoolers

A friend just asked a GREAT question on my facebook page, and I thought the information was worth sharing!  They are taking their 4 year old son to Walt Disney World soon, and she wants dining recommendations.  As you probably already know, Disney knows food!  The parks, and resorts are packed full of dining options!  

These are just a few of my dining suggestions for a trip to Walt Disney World with pre-schoolers.

(By the way, this list is not at all comprehensive, but just a few highlights of good, fun dining in WDW.)

Character Dining:  Chef Mickey’s (Breakfast Buffet) in the Contemporary Resort.  Make reservations ASAP, they book up fast.  I suggest enjoying Chef Mickey’s for breakfast before your day in Magic Kingdom or Epcot (as you can just ride the monorail to your destination after you eat).  This dining experience is great for young children, because you get to enjoy time with Mickey and his pals (great photo opportunity), and it’s a buffet with lots to choose from (for those picky, pre-school pallets).  

Of course there are many character dining options throughout the parks and resorts.  Consider your child’s favorite movies/characters, and that will be a great guide to helping you choose your character dining experience.

Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary Resort

Magic Kingdom:  Throughout the parks you can find Mickey Mouse Ice Cream bars being sold.  This is an absolute must!  Make sure you get a pic of that sweet moment!  A great place for a hot dog is Casey’s Corner in the Main Street USA area of the park.  There will also be a signature drink in the New Fantasyland at Gaston’s Tavern, LeFew’s Brew.  It is frozen apple juice with a hint of toasted marshmallow topped off with passion fruit – mango foam.  It’s supposed to be excellent!  It has been a big hit in Disneyland’s Cars Land.   In Adventureland the Tortuga Tavern is a fun, pirate themed quick-service food spot.  They have an excellent build-your-own taco salad bar.  Also in Adventureland you can find the famed Dole Whip at Aloha Isle.  This little cup of frozen pineapple heaven can only be found in two locations at Walt Disney World, Aloha Isle in Adventureland (Magic Kingdom) and Capt. Cook’s at Disney’s Polynesian Resort (get there by monorail).

Dole Whip from Aloha Isle

Epcot:  Epcot is a food-lover’s paradise!  This park houses an annual Food & Wine Festival on select dates during the fall.  In Epcot, you can eat your way around the world in the World Showcase.  You can sample authentic fare in the 11 different country pavilions around the lake.  In Future World, at the front of the park, a fun food choice for lunch or dinner is Coral Reef Restaurant in The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilion.  Reservations are recommended for this restaurant which offers a variety of seafood and steak.  I also recommend having a refreshing smoothie from Fountain View Ice Cream as you wait in line to get your picture made with Mickey and the gang at the Epcot Character Spot.

The Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion in Epcot

Hollywood Studios:  Dinosaur Gertie’s Ice Cream is located next to Echo Lake (close to the Indiana Jones stunt show).  Gertie’s is a walk-up, counter-service, snack stop that serves delicious soft serve ice cream.  It also pays homage to Walt Disney’s inspiration and animation’s beginnings.  Check out this blog post about the history behind Gertie the friendly dinosaur.  If your little one is a Toy Story fan, make sure you eat at Pizza Planet!  It’s located in the Streets of America area, just across from the Muppet Theater.  The Sunset Ranch Market is another good choice, they have a little bit of everything!  There are five counter-service restaurants in this open-air spot across from the Beauty and the Beast stage show.

Dinosaur Gertie's Ice Cream in Hollywood Studios

Animal Kingdom:  Animal Kingdom has a variety of quick-service dining options inside the park.  I definitely recommend making a reservation for Rainforest Café for the end of your day in this park.  There is an entrance to Rainforest Café at the exit of the park.  Since Animal Kingdom closes earlier than the other parks, and it doesn’t have a fireworks display at the end of the day, it’s a great way to end a fun day at Animal Kingdom.  I would not recommend this restaurant for children with sensory sensitivities.

Rainforest Cafe in Animal Kingdom (Yes, I was pregnant in this photo...don't judge.)

Downtown Disney:  Downtown Disney has a plethora of dining options!  There is a second Rainforest Café location here as well as a T-Rex restaurant.  T-Rex would be great if your child is into dinosaurs, but if that kind of thing might scare them, then I would skip it.  I would only recommend it on a case by case basis.  Both of these restaurants are not good choices for children with sensory sensitivities.  While in Downtown Disney, you must visit Goofy’s Candy Company!  There are sweets of every kind available at this exciting spot!  I definitely recommend taking home one of Goofy’s famous caramel/candy apples.  The variety of caramel apples is simply amazing, and they are beautifully delicious too!

Goofy's Candy Company in Downtown Disney

Every kid enjoys a swirly lollipop!  Especially when it's from Goofy's Candy Company.

*Don’t forget that you can take your own food & drinks into the parks with you.  You are allowed to bring in a small, soft-sided cooler with everything you need (just no glass bottles or alcohol).  Plus, you can get a cup of ice water for FREE at any counter-service restaurant within the parks!

***FOOD ALLERGIES:  Disney does a fantastic job catering to their guests with food allergies.  Just let them know when you order your food about your special food needs, and they will take care of it for you!***

Where would you take a 4 year old?

HAVE A MAGICAL DISNEY DAY!

Candice