One of the best experiences vacationers encounter when they travel to Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL, is eating their meals at the unique, themed restaurants scattered around the park. Why eat at a burger or hot dog stand when the entire family can enjoy the unique décor at a wide range of restaurants that cater to all ages? People are generally amazed the moment they step into a Disney themed restaurant, proving that it is, in fact, “The Happiest Place on Earth.” Although there are many themed restaurants to choose from within the various parks, 10 of the best include:
1. Bongos Cuban Café at Downtown Disney
Serving Cuban fare, Bongos Cuban Café is a favorite among Disney World visitors. Hot Latin rhythms can be heard bellowing from the restaurant, giving it a feel of 1950s Havana nightclub. Inside, popular dishes, such as seafood paella and Cuban-styled skirt steaks are served up to the crowd. There is a diverse kids’ menu offered at this restaurant, appeasing the little ones with hamburgers and pizza.
2. Coral Reef Restaurant at Epcot Center’s Future World
Photo: disneyworld.disney.go.com
Seafood lovers flock to Coral Reef Restaurant where they can dine on succulent dishes while watching over 4.000 sea creatures swim in the waters around them. Sharks, rays, turtles, and fish entertain customers as they go about their lives in the living coral reef. The menu at Coral Reef Restaurant is changed up occasionally to offer visitors a wide range of tastes.
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3. Nine Dragons Restaurant at Epcot Center’s World Showcase
Ornate woodcarvings, glass artwork, and traditional Chinese lanterns line the walls of Nine Dragons Restaurant. This Asian restaurant offers Pan-Chinese dishes, pulling in flavors from Cantonese, Szechuan, Mongolian, Kiang-che, and Hunan cuisines. There are many window tables available for visitors to admire the World Showcase promenade while dining.
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4. Restaurant Marrakesh at Epcot Center’s World Showcase
During a meal at Restaurant Marrakesh, there is a good chance visitors can find entertainment from the belly dancers, who perform the traditional Moroccan dance with precision and grace. Restaurant Marrakesh offers their customers a Royal Feast consisting of a variety of sample dishes, in case they are not sure what they should order. Children are able to select from a kid-friendly menu containing such items as chicken tenders and pasta.
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5. T-REX at Downtown Disney
For children enthralled with dinosaurs, T-REX is a dining establishment that will amaze the little ones. Giant, prehistoric creatures can be found around the restaurant, along with occasional meteor showers. Not only are the prehistoric creatures huge, so are their meals. Each section of the restaurant is themed, making it interesting for return customers.
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6. Tokyo Dining at Epcot Center’s World Showcase
Vacationers looking for traditional Japanese fare need to head over to Tokyo Dining for their familiar noodle bowls and tempura dishes. Sushi chefs can be found busily creating art as customers gobble down their bite-sized bits of heaven. The most popular dishes are the Bento Boxes, offered to customers who want a well-rounded meal, including soup, salad, and dessert.
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7. Tutto Italia Ristorante at Epcot Center’s World Showcase
Elegantly decorated, Tutto Italia Ristorante provides visitors with an experience that brings them back to the Old World. Handmade pasta is served with all the traditional sauces crafted by award-winning chef, Joachim Splichal. For one of the best desserts the park has to offer, Tutto Italia’s gelato is not to be missed.
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8. Sanaa At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
At Sanaa, Wald Disney World visitors can enjoy African cooking with strong Indian influences. Slow-cooked meats and curries, coupled with zesty salads, make for a perfect meal. When people enter the restaurant, they are usually hit with a wall of aromas representing the various spices used in this unique cuisine.
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9. ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Resort
For families craving a taste of Polynesian food, ‘Ohana is the perfect place to dine. Lilo and Stitch can often be found in the restaurant, greeting customers and entertaining the children, especially. ‘Ohana offers up a traditional breakfast, but for their lunch and dinner fare, a variety of Hawaiian fare can be seen adorning all the tables.
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10. Boma – Flavors of Africa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
One of the most popular themed restaurants at Walt Disney World is Boma. This buffet-styled restaurant sits under a thatched roof where visitors can enjoy a wide range of flavors from all over Africa. Many people start their days at Boma so they can enjoy a rich cup, or two, of Kenyan AA coffee. Grilled seafood and roasted meats are among their specialties, as well as fresh salads and homemade pastries. Boma offers families a unique dining experience.
