Dining at Walt Disney World

The Disney press corp gave us two new things to talk about this past week. Unfortunately for me neither of which were food related. Fortunately for you I can make anything food related. Disney parks will once again test the cast members’ mettle by leaving three of their parks open 24 straight hours on May 24th. I started to daydream about being able to enjoy a whole day of magic. Then of course my mind went straight to food. If I were lucky enough to be stuck in the Magic Kingdom for that long, what would I eat?

To start your day imagine standing in front of the Main Street Train Station for the welcome show. Here is a video to help set the scene.

My first stop would normally be the Main Street Bakery for their famous cinnamon roll. However, it is currently undergoing some updating. Don’t worry you can still go to Gaston’s Tavern to get the cinnamon roll (only $3.99). Minnie and I usually share this because it is huge.I always ask the server to put extra sauce on top and they always oblige.  

After wandering around New Fantasyland for a while you look down and check where Mikey’s hands are on your watch and realize it’s time for lunch. Well since you are probably still in New Fantasyland you should head over to the beautiful Be Our Guest Restaurant.

They offer counter service at lunch, in a high tech fun way. You order your meals at a kiosk and receive a rose that will act as a locator for the staff. Just place the rose on your table and the staff will bring your food to you. I would suggest the grilled steak sandwich and pomme frites ($11.99).

As many of you know I have a special connection to the dole whip. So after walking around in the hot May Florida sun. I would have to cool down with the signature Disney treat.  Head over to Aloha Isle in Adventureland.

I always get the Dole Whip Float ($4.99). Pineapple soft serve with Dole pineapple juice is a perfect way to take a break and chill. Check my earlier blog to make this delicious treat at home.

At this point it will probably be around 2:00 in the afternoon. Minnie and I would go and do some attractions and shows before heading to dinner. I would suggest making an ADR for dinner. There aren’t many sit down restaurants in the park and it will get crowded very quick. One of my favorite scenes in a Disney movie is the Bella Note dinner in Lady and the Tramp. You can recreate this at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant on Main Street.

Start with the mixed green salad ($5.49). Although Tony’s has many delicious entree options. How can you resist their spaghetti and meatballs ($17.99)? I am sure you won’t be the only one sharing a strand of pasta with your loved one.

At this point in the night you can relax watch the fireworks, take in the parades, and digest. After most of the crowd goes home after the fireworks, go back and ride the attractions that look the best at night. Such as Splash Mountain, Dumbo, and the Haunted Mansion. While Minne finds a nice place to take a nap (love ya but, you know it’s true), I would turn into a carnivorous beast until I had a turkey leg ($10.25) in my hand. The Turkey Leg Cart in Frontierland is the only place you can find them in the Magic Kingdom.

So by now it’s around 3:00 in the morning. Back when I actually stayed up that late there was one thing I needed….. junk food. You remember the filling, greasy, goodness needed to wind down a long night. I would head back to Main Street and go to Casey’s Corner.

They serve the All-American ballpark food that we love but with a twist. It’s usually a “counter time decision” on which hot dog I order. I either go for the chili cheese dog ($9.59) or the BBQ slaw dog ($9.19) with pulled pork and cole slaw on top.

Now it’s around 5:00 in the morning and Minnie is “dragging” me to do some shopping. She suggests always do your shopping when you are leaving so I don’t end up carrying a lot of bags. 

As the 24 hours draws to a close you stand in front of the castle for the “Goodnight Kiss”. You can see the video here.

As you leave the park to board the bus back to the resort, thank the cast members on your way out for making your unique day in the Magic Kingdom so special.

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Keith was born and raised in Northeast Ohio.He now lives with his wife a few miles from his childhood home. His first trip to the Magic Kingdom was at the age of two and while the only memories are in pictures, the magic laid dormant within him. Until he saw the animated movie Robin Hood, and his love began to grow. He has always had an interest in food and the togetherness it brings. He became a classically trained chef and all around foodie. His last trip to Disney World was in 2011 and he has been learning, researching, and keeping up on all things Disney since. He hopes to bring you all of the food news from the parks, tips on how to save money on food, and all the tastes and smells from the House of Mouse (especially when smell o vision is invented). You can follow Keith on Twitter @DarthChef79.