At Castle Coaches Travel we are big fans of quick-service dining at both Disney World and Disneyland! While we appreciate a character or fine dining experience on our vacations, there is something to be said for the flexibility and ease of grabbing food without a reservation requirement. We recommend a combination of both advanced dining reservations AND quick-service meals for the very best Disney days. In fact, many of our favorite menu items are ONLY found at Disney quick-service locales. Read on to discover our Disney quick-service must haves-
When at Magic Kingdom....
Castle Coach Danielle is taking advantage of all the seating at Pinocchio Village Haus and enjoying a tasty flatbread. You can find Pinocchio Village Haus in Fantasyland by 'It's a Small World'. The restaurant actually has tables overlooking the iconic ride.
Castle Coaches Mahra and Meghan are heading straight to Sleepy Hollow in Liberty Square for delectable treats and tasty eats.
"I love Sleepy Hollow, which is often overlooked by first timers (and even repeat visitors!) The chicken and waffles portion is huge with a spicy kick. Sleepy Hollow is a great option when you’ve had enough of burgers, nuggets and the other typical offerings." -Mahra Pailet
You will find Castle Coach Roxanne picking up her mobile order from Columbia Harbor House. If Castle Coach Meghan is not full from her mickey waffle at Sleepy Hollow then she will probably be joining her. Also located in Liberty Square, Columbia Harbor House serves New England-inspired cuisine in a seafaring setting.
"Columbia Harbor House, I feel like it is the best food at that price point. Being from a coastal state that relies heavily on aquaculture, seafood is our favorite. Our go to picks are the New England Shrimp Boil (reminiscent of a crawfish boil) and the Trio Platter (a little bit of everything). For me, a lobster roll or a crabcake sandwich beats a burger or a hot dog any day!" -Roxanne Autin
Over in Fantasyland is Gaston's Tavern where you can likely find Castle Coach Jen enjoying a sweet treat with her daughter. A great choice for Beauty and the Beast fans!
"We love Gaston's Tavern. Not exactly a meal per se - but the gooey cinnamon roll the size of a dinner plate was a huge hit with my daughter and the frozen Lefou's Brew was a welcome (although slightly sweet) treat on a hot July afternoon! I love Beauty and the Beast, so stopping here was a must for me and you truly feel like you've stepped into the movie." -Jen Baden
Another quick-service winner is Pecos Bill's Tall Tale Inn and Cafe back in Frontierland (although we're still waiting for the infamous toppings bar to return). Castle Coach Emily loves the generous portions and recommends Pecos Bill's as a delicious value choice. While Castle Coach Mahra is a fan of the taco salad.
"Pecos Bill’s is my favorite for the value. The loaded nachos are so good, and perfect for sharing! My husband and I split an order every time!" -Emily Branson
At Epcot...
Epcot is foodie heaven! During the festivals (especially Food and Wine and Festival of the Arts) we are visiting each and every food booth stretched out across the theme park. The beauty of the small plates are they allow you to sample from many different booths. But outside of the festival booths, there are several good and reliable quick-service spots in Epcot we often frequent.
Castle Coach Colette is sure to stop by Katsura Grill in the Japan Pavilion for sake and sushi. The quick-service spot is open for lunch and dinner, and offers a variety of Asian specialty menu items.
Another favorite is La Cantina de San Angel in the Mexico Pavilion. We recommend making your way here for a late night dinner or snack because the outdoor seating overlooks The World Showcase Lagoon. Enjoy you tacos or nachos while taking in Harmonious from a covered, seated location.
If you were unable to snag an advanced dining reservation for Rose and Crown then head to Yorkshire County Fish Shop for fish and chips (we think they taste better here than at Rose and Crown!). Located in the UK Pavilion, we love to stop here before exiting the park when staying in The Boardwalk resort area or at a Skyliner resort.
At Hollywood Studios...
You might find Castle Coach Natalie and Christine eating a burger or chowing down on some chicken fingers at Backlot Express. Located near Echo Lake at Hollywood Studios, Backlot Express is a great choice for classic American faire with plenty of seating.
"At Disney World I do love a burger and Backlot Express has a good quick one!" -Natalie Graham
You do not have to be a Star Wars fan to enjoy Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo, although if you are then we highly recommend you experience a meal here. Castle Coach Rob gives this Star Wars eatery his stamp of approval. Indulge in exotic menu items from across the galaxy as you grab a table inside the working hangar bay.
At Animal Kingdom...
For Castle Coaches Nadia, Colette, Emily, and Annie it doesn't get any better than Satu'li Canteen! Whether you are a fan of Avatar or not, this spot is definitely worth checking out. From the kid's hot dog to the cheeseburger pods, be sure to stop by Satu'li Canteen while exploring Pandora- The World of Avatar.
" I love their customizable bowls you select a base, protein and sauce. Plus they have air conditioning." -Nadia Denson
"Satu’li Canteen had the most delicious noodle bowl I’ve ever tasted!" -Emily Branson
A popular choice among many Animal Kingdom visitors is Flame Tree Barbeque located in Discovery Island. Castle Coach Morgan and her family are fans! Mobile order for faster service and choose from menu items like smokehouse chicken and pork mac and cheese.
"We love it! It’s something different, and my husband will always eat some mac and cheese." -Morgan Adkins
When outside the parks...
Castle Coaches Cody and Meghan prefer Capt Cook's at Disney's Polynesian Resort. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Capt Cook's serves classic menu items with an adventurous twist. Over in the Epcot resort area, Castle Coach Christine enjoys taking advantage of the quick-service window at Beaches & Cream Soda Shop at Disney's Beach Club resort. While you must have an advanced dining reservation to eat inside the restaurant, anyone can order through their quick-service window. Hopping on the Skyliner, Castle Coaches Natalie and Colette always save at least one meal for Primo Piatto at Disney's Riviera resort. Here you can find European inspired snacks, sandwiches, and salads.
At Disneyland Park...
On Mainstreet U.S.A. you may find Castle Coaches Jamie and Stephanie enjoying a meal or sweet treat from Jolly Holiday.
"The grilled cheese and tomato basil soup is awesome and the Cranberry-Pecan Salad is great for a healthier option as well. You can mobile order however if you want sweets they don’t always have all their sweet treats on the menu so it might be worth waiting in line for some people." -Jamie Galanti
Castle Coach Colette prefers a sourdough bowl of chowder or gumbo while taking in the ambiance at the Royal Street Veranda. Located in the heart of New Orleans Square, this is a great spot to sit out on the patio and enjoy a delicious meal surrounded by beautiful scenery.
Over in Critter Country, Castle Coach Kristina loves the lobster rolls and seafood specialties at Harbour Galley. With the classic look of a seafood shanty, you can just tell this quick-service spot is going to deliver on the delicious. From clam chowder to tuna sandwiches, if you enjoy seafood this is the place for you!
Run, don't walk to the Mint Julep Bar in New Orleans Square! You can race Castle Coach Emily to a non-alcoholic mint julep.
"My favorite spot is the Mint Julep Bar for those yummy beignets and a coffee (it was unseasonably cool in July the morning we went so it made for a delicious breakfast!)- Emily Branson
At California Adventure Park...
Do not pass on Flo's V8 Cafe in Carsland! This quick-service restaurant comes highly recommended by Castle Coaches Jamie and Stephanie.
"We love Flo’s V8 Cafe in Cars Land. Their French fries are thick cut steak fries and are delicious. The club sandwich is awesome and so are the chicken strips. Great milkshakes as well. Their mobile ordering is always the best way to go since they ALWAYS have a long line." -Jamie Galanti
You can enjoy a fun foodie twist by Ant Man and the Wasp at Pym Test Kitchen. Will your food be oversized? Or teeny tiny? Castle Coach Kristina recommends you head to Avengers Campus to find out for yourself!
In Downtown Disney...
Castle Coach Jamie would be remiss if she did not mention Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs! This is a must stop for her and her family, and she thinks it should be for you, too.
"The pickle corn dog at Blue Ribbon corn dog stand in Downtown Disney! It's right across from the Lego Store and it’s DELICIOUS!! -Jamie Galanti
At Castle Coaches Travel, we care and plan for every detail of your vacation and this includes the food! We get to know YOU, so we can design the most magical vacation from start to finish. What are you waiting for? Contact a Castle Coach today!
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