David and I love ambiance – in fact, many times, we’ll pick ambiance and theming, over good food. What’s great about Disney though, is that you can often find restaurants that have both incredible theming, AND great food. It’s like finding a needle in a haystack in the outside world, but at Disney World, wonderfully themed restaurants are a dime a dozen. Today, we’re compiling a list of our favorite themed restaurants at WDW (if you’ve spent any amount of time at all on our blog, you’ve realized how much we love lists). Hopefully, our list can help you decide which restaurants are right for your trip to see the mouse. Our list is in NO SPECIFIC order – we don’t play favorites with Disney restaurants – that’s a sophies choice we don’t want to make.
5. The Coral Reef
I have great memories (maybe even rose colored memories), of this restaurant from when I was a kid – and I still love it today. You have the chance to eat in an aquarium, bringing to life all my Little Mermaid dreams. You can read our full review of the restaurant here – but in short, The Coral Reef is amazingly themed, and perfect for a romantic date night under the sea.
4. The Sci-Fi Dine In
The Sci-Fi Dine In used to be known for being plagued by bad food – but as of the past couple of years, we’ve heard nothing but good things, and our own experiences have all been great. It’s not gourmet, but if you’re looking for a solid, moderately priced burger, that you can eat in a 1950’s drive in theater, under the stars – this is your place. You can read our full review here.
3. The Tune In Lounge
The Tune In Lounge is the bar next to the 50s Prime Time Cafe. David and I are in the minority opinion, of being very anti-50s Prime Time Cafe. We aren’t fans of the food AT ALL, and think it’s a waste of money. However, the restaurant is themed so well, that to completely leave it off the list, would be remiss. Since we love the theming so much, we normally pop into the Tune In Lounge, the equally well themed bar, for a drink, and a milkshake, instead of wasting our money on a meal at 50s Prime Time.
2. Be Our Guest
The newest restaurant on our list, Be Our Guest is perfectly themed after The West Wing, and the Ballroom, from Beauty and The Beast. Disney does best, when it’s providing immersive experiences, and Be Our Guest, genuinely allows guests to feel like they’re stepping into a scene from a movie.
1. Biergarten
Ever wanted to go to Oktoberfest in Germany? Biergarten, in Epcot, is a great way to experience that feeling, complete with German band, communal seating, full buffet, and a small German village recreated indoors. We love this restaurant, and think you will too.