Cyndal BenulloIn recent years, Disney World dining has shifted from a back-burner planning item to a main focus of your trip. With over 300 dining locations throughout the resort, some tough decisions will have to be made. What you DON’T want to do is waste your time and money on something that doesn’t live up to the hype. Lucky for you, we’re here to help. We asked over 25,000 fellow Disney fans what the most overrated Disney World restaurants were – and their answers are sure to surprise you!
Why We Asked & Why It Matters
Dining can make or break your Walt Disney World experience. And, well, our job is to make sure you have the best trip possible. Guests don’t want to waste their limited time and hard-earned money on something that doesn’t deliver in quality, quantity, or value. Plus, Disney is supposed to be magical.
Whether a Disney World restaurant is worth it or not is, of course, subjective, and no matter how many restaurant reviews are thrown your way, that’s just one person’s opinion. So what better way to get the opinion of the masses than to ask our Facebook community – everyday guests with honest and first-hand answers.
What Makes a Disney Restaurant “Overrated”?
Picture this: You’re scrolling through TikTok and Instagram, Walt Disney World is part of your daily algorithm now, and you’re seeing reel after reel of “must-try” restaurants and start curating your vacation’s itinerary. I’m guilty of getting sucked into this, too. But honestly, the ones that go viral are usually the ones that don’t live up to the hype.
Let’s be clear here: the term “overrated” does not equate to “bad”. You could have perfectly fine meals at these locations. Additionally, multiple factors can (and will) play into what visitors are considering overrated. Whether you’re traveling on the Disney dining plan, trying to do Disney World on a budget, or just looking for some good-quality food, the last thing anyone wants is an underwhelming experience.
Some criteria for overrated Disney World restaurants include:
- Food quality
- Food value
- Atmosphere and theming
- Ability to reserve an Advance Dining Reservation (ADR)
- Social media influence
- Price
- Location
The Most Overrated Disney World Restaurants, According to Our Community
Our community weighed in on the most overrated Disney World restaurants, and it’s time to dive into the results!
Space 220 — EPCOT
Why It Made the List:
Space 220 had more votes than I thought it would, so it seems like everyone was on the same page here. The consensus was that the food is subpar, the prix-fixe menu prices are too high, the atmosphere doesn’t live up to the hype, and it’s way too hard to get a reservation. Social media might have hyped this restaurant up a bit too much when it first debuted.
To Be Fair:
The idea of Space 220 is immersive and fun, so if you have littles (or adults) that are interested in anything space, this could be a fun stop. However, the better option is to try to walk up to the Space 220 lounge or reserve a seat. The lounge offers à la carte menu options while still maintaining the restaurant’s theming.
Our Take:
We agree it’s overrated. $79 for a meal with no characters and a screen as “atmosphere” is way too steep, especially with the amount of great dining options in EPCOT.
Cinderella’s Royal Table — Magic Kingdom
Why It Made the List:
It’s the centerpiece of Magic Kingdom, how could it be bad?! Followers deemed Cinderella’s Royal Table overrated primarily based on the food quality. And of course, with food quality comes the food’s value. $90 per person for lunch and dinner tops the list as one of the most expensive prix-fixe meals at Disney World, just under Michelin-rated Victoria and Albert’s. Complaints consist of the food being overcooked, bland, and underwhelming.
To Be Fair:
Despite the food woes (or pros depending on your food preferences), you are dining in THE Cinderella’s Castle. Honestly, it doesn’t get much better than that on a Magic Kingdom day. Plus, it’s character dining! Cinderella and up to four additional rotating princesses greet guests throughout the dining experience.
Our Take:
We’re 50/50 on this one. On the one hand, the price is astronomical. A family of four could easily spend over $500 on this meal. However, dining in the castle with Cinderella herself is an unforgettable experience that very well may be worth it for your family.
‘Ohana — Disney’s Polynesian Resort
Why It Made the List:
‘Ohana was the second-most overrated restaurant, according to our community. Yet somehow it is still one of the hardest reservations to snag. The consensus is that both breakfast, $53 per person (which is character dining featuring Lilo, Stitch, Mickey, and Pluto), and dinner, $67 per person (no characters), feel extremely rushed – even though it is an all-you-care-to-enjoy restaurant. Character interactions are too quick, and service is well below standard, with reports of courses being brought too quickly and checks being dropped before meals are even finished. Additionally, post-pandemic, food quality has gone way downhill.
To Be Fair:
‘Ohana breakfast is the only place that guests can meet Lilo, so if you have a Lilo and Stitch superfan, the cost is worth the visit. At night, it’s a great spot to catch the Magic Kingdom fireworks if you can snag a reservation around that time. Plus, that ‘Ohana Bread Pudding on the dinner menu is quite possibly one of (if not THE) best desserts at Walt Disney World.
Our Take:
Overrated. Plus, with the addition of some of the ‘Ohana classics like the noodles and peel-n-eat shrimp on the Tambu Lounge menu right outside (and a few similar items at the nearby Kona Cafe), spend your nearly $70 per person elsewhere. Unless you’re seeing Lilo and Stitch at breakfast, of course.
Chef Mickey’s — Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Why It Made the List:
Chef Mickey’s topped the list of the most overrated Disney restaurant by our community. It’s the restaurant you see on all the Disney media graphics, all the commercials, and even shows and documentaries. Plus, it’s in the iconic Contemporary Resort. It’s easy to see why so many people hurry to get reservations here. Except that’s exactly the point. Disney-goers claim that the food is consistently bad (though breakfast is better than dinner), the atmosphere is chaotic and overstimulating for some, and the experience is rushed.
To Be Fair:
If nostalgia is the goal of your trip, you’ll want to head here. I have plenty of home videos and pictures of my family at Chef Mickey’s from when I was a child. If you’re trying to recreate memories, this is probably a stop on your list, and that’s okay. Make a breakfast reservation for a better-tasting and cheaper meal. Plus, this is the only spot outside of the parks that guests can meet the entire Fab Five – Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto. So for those who don’t plan to head to the parks, this may be a must-do.
Our Take:
100% overrated. There are so many better restaurants that the media could highlight, yet somehow Chef Mickey’s still seems to be the icon of Disney food. Buffet-style dining leaves a lot to be desired everywhere, but this is low on the already low list.
Via Napoli — EPCOT
Why It Made the List:
This one actually shocked me. However, guests say the pizza can be soggy, the restaurant is too crowded, tables are too close together, the service is bad, and the prices are too high. It seems like Via Napoli is a place that guests either love or hate. I have experienced pretty lackluster service here. As recently as last month, we never actually received our appetizer before our pizza arrived, and ended up having the manager take it off the bill. So, take that as you will.
To Be Fair:
On the other end, I actually like the pizza. The Neapolitan-style pizza is different from anything else you’re going to get in the parks. Disney World is not known for its pizza, and frankly, the quick-service bubble pizza is not good. And, while yes, the prices are a bit high with the largest pizza they offer being $60, that pizza easily feeds a family of 3 or 4. $60 for a table service experience in the air conditioning versus $60 of sub-par quick service meals at tables outside? I’ll take Via Napoli all day long.
Our Take:
I’m going to have to disagree here. I don’t think it’s an underrated restaurant, but I don’t think it’s overrated either. Via Napoli won’t be the best pizza you’ve ever had, but it is light-years above quick-service pizza.
Be Our Guest — Disney’s Magic Kingdom
Why It Made the List:
When Be Our Guest opened, the space offered a quick-service lunch and a table-service dinner. It was great! Then, they took away the quick-service lunch. Post-pandemic, they took away the meet-and-greet with the Beast. And when you take away things guests loved, ratings plummet. The menu may offer elevated dishes, though the flavors are lackluster.
To Be Fair:
You’re dining in Beast’s Castle, and Beast himself does usually make a quick appearance by walking around, though it’s just a wave, no pictures or autographs. The atmosphere is unmatched, especially for big fans of Beauty and the Beast. And, across the Disney community, Be Our Guest is frequently named as one of the better filet mignons on property.
Our Take:
Overrated. When you take away the character dining aspect of the experience, $72 per adult and $43 for kids (who will probably just eat chicken fingers or mac and cheese) for atmosphere alone is a rip-off. Head to The Enchanted Rose at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort for a Beauty and the Beast experience instead.
Honorable Mentions
Casey’s Corner at Magic Kingdom
Casey’s Corner is a Main Street U.S.A. icon. But, unless you like mediocre hot dogs and no other menu options, skip it. Plus, outside seating only is rough in July and August.
California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
This used to be one of the best date night spots on Disney property. While you can’t beat the firework views, the prix fixe menu now leaves a lot to be desired.
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
While the restaurant delivers what it promises, guests say the atmosphere isn’t family-friendly. You’re usually just staring at someone’s back since all the seats face the big screen, which plays movies that are way too old for the current demographic. Plus, the food doesn’t have great reviews. A milkshake is always a good option, however.
So, Where SHOULD You Eat at Disney World?
Don’t let this list scare you away from Disney dining; there are plenty of hidden gems and great meals to be had. Here are a few places we love.
Columbia Harbour House – Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom doesn’t offer the best food options overall, but at least this restaurant offers some diversity. Seafood, chicken, and even vegetables are offered as side options here. Plus, there’s air conditioning and plenty of seating.
Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera – Disney’s Riviera Resort
Head to Topolino’s Terrace instead of Chef Mickey’s for a character dining breakfast outside of the parks. You’ll find Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy here. Topolino’s Terrace breakfast is made to order, immediately raising the food quality. Plus, the character interactions aren’t as rushed with a much quieter atmosphere. Topolino’s dinner offering isn’t a character meal, but don’t sleep on it either. It’s the perfect spot for a romantic night out.
La Hacienda de San Ángel – EPCOT
For a different EPCOT experience, head to the Mexico pavilion of the World Showcase. La Hacienda de San Angel is open for dinner only, but the views of the World Showcase are worth the wait. Plus, if you can snag a late-night reservation here, the floor-to-ceiling windows offer great views of the EPCOT fireworks, with great food, too!
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, overrated is a subjective term. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure – after all! However, Disney World isn’t cheap, so we want to ensure you’re making informed decisions. If these over hyped Disney World restaurants are on your must-do list, go for it and enjoy! However, if you’re on the fence, hopefully we’ve guided you elsewhere! And, be sure to follow us on Facebook to join in and give us your opinions in the next poll.
Comments
Did your pick for the most overrated restaurant at Disney World make our list? Let us know what you’d add in the comments.
