Our family has been to Disney World four times since January 2007. In that time, we have dined in many of the restaurants on the resort property. So, for those of you who haven’t eaten at any of the table service establishments, I wanted to help you out in the event you pull the trigger and make a reservation and spend a little extra dough at one of the “finer” Disney eateries. Here are four to start off with. I’ll post additional Disney restaurant reviews in the days to come.
1900 Park Fare – Located in the Grand Floridian Resort near Magic Kingdom, this is a character buffet. We went for dinner on my wife’s birthday, and it is Cinderella and friends (wicked stepmother, step-sisters, and Prince Charming were also there). Food was marginal at best, and they seated us in an area tucked back off the main dining room, so we weren’t too happy about that. Seeing the grounds of the Grand Floridian and surrounding courtyards was worth the visit, but I wouldn’t eat there again. I’ve heard that breakfast is better, so maybe try that instead. I only give it a C.
Boma – This is a huge buffet located in the Animal Kingdom Lodge (AKL). The trip to the AKL alone is worth it, so you can walk around and see some of the animals that are featured on the Safari ride in the Animal Kingdom Park. The restaurant itself was pretty good, but not exceptional. Lots of variety – both meats and vegetable dishes, and desserts were plentiful. Everyone will find something they like. They even serve some traditional African dishes, for those who are more daring. Go before it gets dark, so you can see the animals outside before or after dinner. I give it a B. 
Chef Mickey’s – This restaurant is located within the Contemporary Resort, one of the original resorts near the Magic Kingdom. This is a buffet with several of the big-time Disney characters: Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, and Donald. This is one of the most difficult reservations to land because of it’s popularity. It’s also cool to watch the monorail fly through the restaurant while you are eating. Food is pretty decent, but since it’s a buffet, you don’t spend a whole lot of time in conversation. Plus, you are constantly on the look-out for the characters coming by your table for photos and autographs. We did the breakfast, and I’d probably do it again. But, it’s rather expensive, so be prepared to shell out some moolah. I give it a B+.
‘Ohana – Located on the second floor of the Polynesian Resort near Magic Kingdom, this restaurant has gained a massive following over the past couple years. Breakfast includes characters (Lilo, Stitch, Mickey, Pluto), and is served family-style. That is great, considering you never have to get up from your seat! The food is oustanding – Friendship Bread, fresh fruit, Mickey Waffles, pastries, eggs, sausage, bacon – and they’ll keep bringing you more food until you explode! Lunch and dinner are not character experiences, but the meal is still exceptional and worth the trip. We ate there for dinner, and they brought out homemade coconut bread, salad, grilled jumbo shrimp, honey BBQ wings, noodles, sauteed broccoli, grilled chicken, grilled pork chops, and steak tips. If that wasn’t enough, they served Bananas Foster Bread Pudding with caramel sauce for dessert. Both meals earn an A+!
You can always make Advanced Dining Reservations online HERE beginning 180 days prior to your visit. Disney is offering a “Free Dining Promotion” for select dates through September 2011, so you may want to check into that. If you have kids over the age of 9, the Free Dining Plan promotion is well worth it (out of pocket price for the dining plan is $42+ per day)!
