14 Restaurants You Can't Afford to Miss in Disney World

[@wdwexploreandchill]

I thought it said “can’t afford” and I still clicked! 😂🎉🎩🥂

[@aracelihernandez1219]

Same here! 😂

[@dfbbreea]

🤣🤣🤣

[@blakebowman5098]

“Challenge accepted”

[@thetripleas5582]

For me thats all the Disney restaurants 😂😢🤷‍♀️

[@aimeeryan]

Haha😂

[@bleakds]

Thank you for making these videos! I'm autistic and I've recently started hyperfixating on Disney World, and so I've been binging all your videos - thank you everyone at DFB for making these at such a great quality!

[@danielvandersall6756]

Welcome to the wonderful world of Disney Fixation! Been that way ever since planning for the trip my wife and I took in Sept. 2020.

[@loracaro4427]

Welcome to dfb family

[@sonnybear5029]

Me too! If you are looking for more cool disney world content, jenny nicholson is another youtuber on here with very LONG, well researched and funny disney theme park videos in addition to her other content. Check her out!

[@helpingkind]

I'm in this boat, but have zero interest in going. I just want all the info 😂

[@hopeanderson4789]

Same 😂except it’s been 6 going on 7 years

[@sandraminuth6344]

The two restaurants that have NEVER disappointed us are....Boma at the Animal Kingdom Lodge and the Polite Pig at Disney Springs!

[@paigeywaigey96]

Yes to both of these!!! Polite pig is a favorite everytime 😍

[@bgaviator]

Love Boma

[@KMBblessings]

Love Boma

[@aeryn6275]

I'm just here to say that I bought the DFB Guide bundle while it was on sale and it was genuinely such a steal! Each guide is long, has photos of everything, and puts all the information in one convenient place. I'm really impressed; I honestly recommend buying the bundle, it's like having the important parts of each video written down.

[@DFBGuide]

Thanks for the kind words! I’m so glad you enjoyed them!

[@aeryn6275]

@@DFBGuide Of course!!

[@TristaCoop]

We ate at Columbia Harbour House on DFB's recommendation, and it really lived up to the hype. I'd also agree that Satu'li Canteen is fantastic. It was my favorite quick service of our trip.

[@dfbbreea]

Both locations are SO TASTY!!

[@birbluv9595]

Problem is that Satuli Canteen doesn’t open till 11 (at least in 2023).

[@katiez460]

Yes! Satu'li Canteen

[@WDWMax]

I love what they did with 1900 Park Fare. The whole "wishes" theme is so cute and I might have gotteb teary eyed during the wish ceremony lol Do you guys perhaps have any videos or posts about healthy options in Disney. As a track runner, I would love to hear about healthier dining options. Thanks DFB for the amazing videos!

[@BoBTehMaN1]

Timestamps: *Hollywood Studios* 0:44 For Signature Dining: Hollywood Brown Derby 2:38 For The Best Plastic Cheese: Backlot Express 3:59 DFB Guide for Best Snacks At Disney World *EPCOT* 4:20 For Family-Style Dining: Garden Grill 5:49 For High-Quality Barbecue: Regal Eagle Smokehouse *Animal Kingdom* 7:42 For Lounge Dining And Drinks: Nomad Lounge 10:44 For Eclectic Fast Food: Satu’li Canteen *Magic Kingdom* 12:41 For Park Attraction-Themed Dining: Skipper Canteen 14:57 For Surf And Turf: Columbia Harbour House *Disney Springs* 16:03 For Southern Cuisine: Homecomin’ 16:59 For The Best NON-Plastic Cheese: Cookies of Dublin *In The Resorts* 18:24 For Best Prix Fixe Meal: Story Book Dining At Artist Point 20:24 For Date Night: Jiko OR Sanaa 22:15 For The Best Mac And Cheese: Gaspirilla Island Grill

[@jessicagauwitz9374]

Love this! We also would add Boma to this list!

[@dfbbreea]

FOR SURE!! Have you tried Boma’s breakfast before??

[@kimberleyomalley7211]

LOVE your videos!!!! Thanks for the recommendations

[@PJ-bb3gp]

I love watching all your restaurant videos! Would you be able to make an updated video on the gluten free options?

[@denisesfancifulfunction]

We tried the Skipper Canteen for the first time in May. It was really good and even more fun to wander around a little before leaving.

[@dfbbreea]

💯!!

[@dee_mcgee11]

We ate at Garden Grill for the first time on our most recent trip back in January and loved it.

[@DominicPetrocco]

Thank you for this. We always go to rain forest and never try other places. Will definitely put some of these on our lists

[@dfbbreea]

I get it - Rainforest Cafe is a blast!

[@laylapasdernick2857]

we went to Jiko for our first Disney date night (the first time he has come with the family) and it was SO good! Romantic, and the wild boar appetizer left us absolutely amazed, plus delicious wines and lovely staff (as always).

[@kristinavalcarce2404]

I'm so glad you always point out Backlot Express. It's actually one of my favorites and I'm always surprised when people turn up their noses at it!

[@dfbbreea]

It’s fine - more Backlot for us! 😂

[@rc24caldwell19]

A excellent list, to be sure! Special shout out for me and my family for Chef Art Smith's Homecomin', and Garden Grill!

[@MightyBiffer]

I don’t think you got it correct. Hollywood Studios: I would avoid The Brown Derby at all costs. Back Lot Express is more of an honorable mention for me. I will eat there at least once per trip but not every day. For me my must dos are: 1) Catalina Eddie’s/Rosie’s Café/Fairfax Fare - grabbing something from one or all of them not for their food but to eat on sunset boulevard and watch the Christmas lights. 2) Docking Bay 7 - good food and cool concept for dining area. 3) Hollywood & Vine - great buffet and Donald and his friends are there at Christmas time. 4) Neighborhood bakery - the Yum Yum Cookie is part of every day and most days twice or thrice. Epcot: I would never eat at Garden Grille or the Regale Eagle again as I think they are a waste of time and money. Instead, I would eat at every Christmas Kitchen. I also have to do the Biergarten. And I will start most mornings at the Kinga Bakeri. 3 must dos and the following are up there but just honorable mentions: Katsura Grill, Tangerine Café, Les Halle’s Boulangerie-Patisserie and Spice Road Table. Animal Kingdom: I don’t know about the Nomad Lounge as I have never tried it. But The Satu’li Canteen it my number one must do! I would also add the Hambre Market to the must do list - decent food and a great atmosphere. I also must get food from Kusafiri Bakery and watch the Tam Tam Drummers or acrobats. I also must try Tusker House. Yak & Yeti is also a must do. My family has to eat at Flame Tree BBQ but I get the mac and cheese from 8 spoon café and join them to watch Viva Guya (sp). Magic Kingdom: I do not know about Skipper Canteen, but Harbor House is one of the fab three that we will eat at on a trip but not a super must do. I want to love this place but have never been thrilled with my food and even disappointed with the lobster roll. Pecos Bill’s and Cosmic Ray’s are the other two that we will always eat at but are not really must dos. The most important must do is Gaston’s Tavern. It is a great place to hook up with the family after spending the afternoon and early evening doing solo stuff. It has great snacks and a comfy atmosphere to tell our stories of the day. I also feel that Friar’s Nook / Storybook treats are a must do and are done together. Sleepy Hollow is another must-do snack place for the afternoons. And finally, The Crystal Palace is a must do for me and the family. The buffet is great, and it has unique characters. We even prefer Pooh and friends to Mickey/Minnie/Daisy. (Donald is the best).

[@kyofushibibi9851]

Can't wait to try these in August!!

[@christopherboydandmartinsc9322]

When in august are you going? I’m going august 9th-14th.

[@cydoniemiles1535]

Me too! August high five 😂

[@rb5078]

Hey August besties!

[@christopherboydandmartinsc9322]

@@kyofushibibi9851 anyone going to mickeys not so scary in august? August 13th for me.

[@AlexandraRocchetti]

yess me too!!

[@rb5078]

I’m a ride enthusiast so I don’t ever eat anything more than a grab and go snack at any park, but I will be stopping (and actually sitting down) at Nomad Lounge specifically because of how much AJ has talked about it. 😂

[@dfbbreea]

Report back here when you do!! I wanna know what you think! 🍹

[@birbluv9595]

Regarding Nomad Lounge - i have eaten twice at Tiffin’s. The first time, in 2017, i think, i loved it. The second time i was seated in a huge, virtually empty room - but the table next to me was full of screaming kids. I asked to be moved and they just moved me across the aisle (I’m sure in the same waiter section) where my eardrums were still blasted by shrieks. For the money i put out for that meal, which i could not enjoy at all (all i remember about the experience was the screaming kids), i have never gone back. But Nomad Lounge sounds like such an adult experience this might not be such a problem. I don’t drink, but I’ll go where the drinkers are to avoid the kids. Do you think Nomad Lounge might be suitable? Thanks!

[@barbdreams]

@@birbluv9595 Nomad is very very chill. I've never heard it loud in there, personally. they have great small bites, and they have the best churros in WDW as they make them fresh to order. sounds like it would be worth trying for you!

[@queenac2288]

I LOVE Nomad Lounge. It’s a great adult experience.

[@birbluv9595]

@@queenac2288 thank you so much!

[@mariaweaver7252]

Please do a video on kids menus at the parks and Disney Springs! Especially Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom.

[@lirr408]

Another great video . Thank you for the recommendations. I always visit Raglan Road and the House of Blues on my trips. I was a little disappointed with the Turf Club on my last visit. I am going to visit City Works on my next visit. I liked City Works the last time I visited.

[@dfbbreea]

City Works ain’t bad! It’s not my fave, but they have a great beer selection!

[@SSobotkaJr]

I always tout the menu at The Plaza on Main Street, because it always hits my "itch" for Americana/Home cooked meals. Can't say enough about the Meatloaf platter, nor about the hand-made Milkshakes! Always a MUST when you go to the Magic Kingdom. As far as for outside the parks, Disney Springs has some great places, though if it's still in operation, I always mention the Rainforest Cafe (Smokey Bones!), and the Ghiradeli's Ice Cream Shoppe!

[@MononokeLynn]

The Brown Derby was one of my favourite restuarants my husband and I went to on our covid-postponed honeymoon. The fillet steak my husband got was sooo good and my vegetarian option was so yummy!

[@dfbbreea]

Aw man, now you’ve gone and made me hungry 🤤

[@nickallain]

I can't agree more about Skipper Canteen. That's a great pick. My wife and I happened into a reservation there on our last trip and it was great.

[@amandaoakley9299]

I'm still new to the chanel and am absolutely loving the content. Although I haven't come across one talking about the Disney camping option.

[@vincent412l7]

We need one of these videos for each park, Disney Springs, and resort areas. One for table service, one for quick service, one for snacks. And one for add-ons. And maybe we can get a top-ten list from each of your writers?

[@emilyfrumker9527]

The churros at nomad lounge 😊and the bread service at AKL

[@dfbbreea]

💖💖💖

[@Jenae_Heffington]

Sounds like we need a part two!

[@dfbbreea]

🫣

[@irishgirl4977]

AJ doing ASMR is cute!

[@leighlong5447]

I know that you may not agree but one of my very favorite restaurants is Sebastian's Bistro. Every time we go the food is flavorful and fabulous. We also love the bright/cheery fun vacation vibes. It's a real winner for us and we like to eat there the first night after checking into the resort. Take care!

[@dfbbreea]

We’ve been having better experiences here each time we go! ❤

[@lisaberryman428]

That Cookes of Dublin cheese dip -- yessss!!

[@jennifermccannon8005]

Hi! This is a great video! Do you have any guides or videos for food recommendations for people with food allergies, specifically gluten? I’ve been to Disney many times and they are usually very accommodating but I would love to hear your advice!

[@suzettehopkins5734]

Plan on doing Sanna for the flat bread and view (can't afford that hotel) We love le cellier Canadian Cheese soup but we have the recipe so we make it during the winter. Thanks for the tip about Irish restaraunt as we haven't been to Disney World since it was Downtown Disney and of course this irish cheese lover will have to try that.

[@dfbbreea]

Oooh - let us know what you think after you try it!!

[@steveparrish6288]

Our visit to the Brown Derby was horrible, the Crab Louie was way too salty. Our cobb salad didn't have tomatoes or eggs. We will not be there again. The food wasn't worth the price. We did Victoria and Alberts for our engagement weekend and that was worth every penny. All our other restaurants visits have been awesome

[@zeferage2430]

We did brown derby back in 2014, while it wasn't horrible, the food was not that good and for the price?? We have not been there since.

[@DebbieKavanaugh]

At Nomad Lounge, for instance, can you order a kids menue item for an adult when paying out of pocket?

[@zeferage2430]

On your garden grill section...we were going to try it but the only meat options on menu, at least on line, was sausage and pulled pork, chicken was not listed, no idea if the on line menu is complete?

[@rissyroooh4315]

Breakfast at Topolino’s Terrace at the Rivera Resort is sooooo good! I always eat here

[@amydoran9987]

I just got back from Disney 3 days ago. I still can’t miss a dfb video. We ate at chef Art smiths again and it was the best.

[@dfbbreea]

I LOVE THAT PLACE SO MUCH

[@wdwnutjm]

great list- a few we haven't been to in a while (like Brown Derby once when MGM first opened in 1989 haha)- making our list for next summer!

[@danielledecuir7735]

If you like coconut cream pie go to gasparilla island grill and get the coconut pot de creme. It is soo good.

[@lauriefuller3777]

Teppan Edo hibachi is great!

[@chrissievillanueva5384]

I literally just laughed out loud when you said "700 hours long"!!! 🤣☠🥴

[@LauraWright-x1p]

This video but breakfast pleassssssse 😊

[@mspiggy2488]

I love how much of the American pavilion is based off the south. 7:27

[@clarethom3]

Do you have a list of the best plant-based eats in each of the parks?

[@billybob-ro6qf]

all plants? LOL EAT SOME MEAT!!!!!!!!!

[@Jbobthe1st]

Perfect timing, my 60 day reservations starts today for our honey moon!

[@dfbbreea]

Woohoo!!! 🎉

[@wdwexploreandchill]

@@Jbobthe1st congratulations! 🎩🥂💞

[@baileebrown6154]

Also honeymooning at Disney this year! There is a $100 capture your moment pass and it’s like a personal 30ish minute photo shoot anywhere you want in the park!

[@billybob-ro6qf]

You're staying at the park for 60 days? You must be very rich. If not, you will be VERY poor after you leave LOL. How will you live afterwards? Going to be street bums? LOL

[@dwelco2]

I used to love Hollywood Derby, but the last two times we went the food was absolutely terrible. It’s gonna be awhile before we decide to go back there.

[@mdf3530]

13:34 "Snakes. Why'd it have to be snakes?"

[@kcrykerrider7471]

If you ever need to cool off, Gasparilla Grill is the place to go. They keep it so cold, that it can be uncomfortable if you don't need to get chilled!

[@benny1495]

Yes but for some reason they took th Cuban sandwich off the menu, it was amazing.

[@withlovebosslady9820]

I came across your channel recently and it's so helpful I love all your videos! We reserved a trip in February for 5 nights for my 40th Birthday. Any recommendations for a couple (childless) celebrating a Birthday? We will also be there the last day of the princess run which is my actual birthday. I'm a little worried about it being very crowded. TIA 🙂

[@robynmoxham4255]

I love Sanna ❤ amazing date night restaurant! I would love it if you guys would do a vegetarian vegan video for those of us that are trying to be more plant-based. 💛Thank you and I appreciate your videos.

[@samantharae4756]

Ohanas at the Polynesian!!

[@HaleyFlood-fo1ll]

Love the Disney springs restaurants at d luxe burger joint is really good I enjoy a good burger 🍔 here and there so this place really hits the spot for me I also love the restaurant right across from gran destino tower so good one of my favorite restaurants ever 😊it’s really good and if anyone hasn’t gone they should it’s amazing

[@dfbbreea]

Ooh - which sauces do you choose when you go to DLuxe??

[@HaleyFlood-fo1ll]

@@dfbbreea I really enjoyed the chipotle sauce and my favorite the bbq sauce

[@ShannonGrieshaber]

Where was that French onion soup from???

[@vincent412l7]

Don't know, but Le Cellier in Canada has an excellent one.

[@michelleclauberg8458]

Stop telling people about Nomad Lounge. Favorite spot!!!! ❤❤

[@jamm1422]

Th Brown Derby is the one restaurant I always avoid. I was there once and never liked it.

[@glenpreece]

AJ I love DFB and what you do, but I'm sorry the Mac n Cheese at Gasparilla is nothing to write home about. I had it last trip it was nothing special. I didn't like the atmosphere or the CM'S either.

[@katiez460]

Honestly, I think the Hollywood Brown Derby is overrated. Maybe I just had a bad one-off experience, but it was very expensive and everything was overcooked (rubbery squid in the seafood pasta and overcooked steak). I haven't been able to bring myself to go back. However, I love Garden Grill, Le Cellier, and Roundup Rodeo BBQ (among many others!) Going to Storybook Dining at Artist Point for the first time on the next trip and I can't wait!

[@SubmissionMusic96]

We ate at Olivia’s Cafe at the Old Key West Resort. Yummy!

[@barbdreams]

I thought they removed the Hunter's Gift from the Queen at Storybook Dining a couple weeks ago?

[@mgseggerman]

If you want healthy (sorry AJ no chicken tenders or mac n cheese for me) and affordable - Landscape of Flavors - 2 of us ate - and my beverage was alcoholic - for under $50 last November.

[@why_melli]

help i love how everyone misread the title too 😂

[@ravenwolf64]

AJ, we love Garden Grill, and are bummed that barbecue chicken has been removed from the menu (at least online). In this video, you show and mention the barbecue chicken, and it makes me sad all over again 😔 just fyi 😄

[@elizabethvanvliet2380]

We went to SBD at Artist Point in June, the food was super meh. Definitely a one and done.

[@shamudogsmith1751]

My daughter is incredibly picky. She is also in her mid-30s. There is not a single item on the Skipper menu she would eat. If she saw a fish with it's head still on, she would run out of the restaurant and not stop until she was on the monorail.

[@kate_omega2657]

I’m going next year from my honeymoon so I’m researching like crazy especially since my family is paying for it so less stress

[@casafabulosa-abc]

Hi I love your videos I tried to subscribe to your news letter but it didn’t let me 😢

[@robross8681]

Brown Derby has NOTHING for 'tweens'. Look at the menu....They used to have the Brown Derby Burger which was terrific. They got rid of it.

[@robwest5457]

I have been going to Disney since I was an 80’s kid and I have yet to have a mind blowing Disney meal. Imo, it’s all redundant, tasteless, bland, overpriced basic boring meals that I wouldn’t remember if I ordered it monthly. I guess the reason people rave about their food is because they’re at Disney pretending it’s something it’s not, or they’re paid to do so. Only reason to eat at Disney is because the person/people you’re eating with enjoy eating at Disney for the ambiance (if you’re local) or because you’re trapped on vacation, but I have had better meals at most chain restaurants than I ever have at a Disney restaurant.

[@sharilynbradley3085]

Wine bar George

[@paigeywaigey96]

We tried the cheeseburger pods once and they were awful. Incredibly dry and flavorless. That said, I’d go back for the bowls! They were very good.

[@aillyia]

The current Wookiee cookie sucks. Crisco flavored frosting sandwiched between two pieces of chalk.

[@user-lordelrond]

Cooke's of Dublin is the only one I agree with. Hollywood Brown Derby is overrated & overprices. It used to be a wonderful place to go. I have been coming to WDW from Wisconsin since 1979 & I have found most of their eateries less than appetizing. This video was not helpful. I have found other of your videos most helpful, but this one I cannot agree with.

[@annlavine3576]

You cant pay me to eat escargo no/ nada/ never Love Skippers, Harbor House, add katsura grill, woodys lunch box, Connections cafe, the coffee place in Germany and Rose and crown and Yorkshire fish and anyplace you can get dole Whip and ice cream and Auntie Gravity

[@annlavine3576]

amd Les Halles

[@jamesiscoolbeans]

Yet another harbour house video where you don't mention the lighthouse sandwich. For the love of Goofy can you get this conversation going so we can possibly get it back someday?

[@HarrimanLennon-o1c]

Anderson Charles Martinez Paul Gonzalez Nancy

[@foodandlipstick]

Sauce goblin 😂

[@dfbbreea]

Mmmmmm…… sauce…….

[@Margaret-g7w]

Jackson Nancy Wilson Barbara Lopez Brian

[@leoniemarks4594]

Sorry? You think Gasparilla's mac cheese is the BEST??? I feel sorry for your palate in that case. The best on site is from Chef Art Smith. All the rest are pale imitations. I had the mac cheese at Gasparilla's (albeit it was in 2022) - and it was vile! Not cheesy, dry and claggy - and not even hot. Have you even tried Chef Art Smith's? A good alternative is the one from Polite Pig.

[@benny1495]

Ok so my girlfriend and I have a debate because I always correct her when she says "Sam The Eagle". I always correct her and say it's Sam Eagle. She has gone back and played it over and over saying if AJ said it, it's official.

[@dfbbreea]

😂😂 I think the Muppets tend to refer to him as “Sam Eagle,” but a lot of us out there also refer to him as “Sam THE Eagle.” (Probably a Mandela Effect? Maybe!? 🦅)

[@Sachistar7591]

All this time I thought the Middletons were aristocrats HA!

[@TheTfroggy912]

Skipping Shiki feels illegal.

[@dfbbreea]

Hmm….. if only there was a part 2 for this video……………🤫

[@JulianTheOwl]

wookie cookie sucks now they need to bring back the old recipe

[@ChasePierre-tk3lc]

POV: my dream

[@JacobEricsen]

Did yall hear about the strike happening at the parks?

[@lcflngn]

Just in Anaheim, and not yet. Probably not happening. They voted to strike in case DL couldn’t meet their needs, but looks like DL offer may turn out good enough. I dunno, cast members will never be properly & fairly paid seems to me.

[@jenlhee1723]

The Wookiee cookie is 🤮 Sorry unpopular opinion!

[@markaindy]

Most food in Disney World is highly overpriced and could be skipped without problem. If you want character dining then pay up but other than that, most food highly overrated.

[@thebutlerfamilyadventures]

Would highly recommend not eating at Columbia Harbor House, at least not the trio platter. Just ate there last week (7-18-24) and they are serving just 1 chicken finger, 1 fish finger, and 3 shrimp with the meal. I inquired if that was correct and two different cast members confirmed that was the correct portion size. That’s pretty pathetic if you ask me.

[@billybob-ro6qf]

Everyone of these places WAY TOO EXPENSIVE & not that big of portions or all that great looking to me. I'm a FL. resident & get the cheapest annual pass & try to always eat BEFORE I enter the park, take a few snacks to eat & then buy one meal while there & on occasion a few snacks like the Dole Whip. Best to wait to eat outside the park either after they close or leave & come back later after you eat much cheaper in town.

[@dyrussdiscord7349]

51 days till my trip and counting

[@dfbbreea]

Yessss!!

[@kcrykerrider7471]

Wondering if anyone else has had the experience of the "fancy" restaurants at Disney World having mediocre food at best?

[@Minnieme740]

We thought the brown derby was just ok. The grapefruit cake was horrible none of us even ate it. The bread they serve wasn’t good either but we did like the salad. One and done for us

[@lauramcdill5452]

Did not care for Garden Grill at all. Very bland.. Even the pastry used for the apple dessert was yuck.. And I wanted to love it so so much!