I've dined at 75 Disney World restaurants. These 5 are actually worth the money. (2024)

Advertisem*nt

Story Book Dining is my favorite character meal.

Story Book Dining at Artist Point gets my vote for the best princess character meal at Disney World.

Diners can meet Snow White, Grumpy, Dopey, and the Evil Queen in a beautiful setting with twinkly leaves in the ceiling and apple-red napkins on the tables.

The interactions with the characters were so fun. I had a blast dancing with Dopey — even if the Evil Queen didn't approve.

The three-course meal is $65 for adults and $40 for children and includes fun dishes like Hunter's pie and Bashful's sustainable fish. The appetizer and dessert courses are shared, so everyone can try the "poison" apple treat.

Special co*cktails like Transformation Potion and Enchanted Apple are also available for adults 21 and older.

Advertisem*nt

Space 220 is one of the best themed dining options.

Looking for memorable dining without characters? Space 220 is an incredible in-park restaurant at Epcot.

After "blasting off" from the lobby via elevator, guests enter the breathtaking dining room with screens depicting outer space.

While munching on fun dishes like Blue Moon cauliflower and Space Pad Thai, I like to spot hidden Mickeys, astronauts, and even space dogs floating by.

Space 220 has lunch, dinner, and a lounge. The two-course lunch is $55 for adults and $30 for kids, and the three-course dinner is $80 for adults and $35 for kids.

Advertisem*nt

There's something special about Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant.

For those who prefer aliens over Disney characters, there's Sci-Fi Dine-In at Hollywood Studios.

Diners relax in booths shaped like vintage cars, surrounded by a dark-sky ceiling and a giant drive-in screen.

The retro 1950s-themed menu offers classic choices like burgers, fries, shakes, and onion rings. Appetizers start at $11, burgers at $25, and desserts at $8.

There are a lot of places you can get a burger at Disney World for less, but this is the only place you can devour that burger while watching clips of classic sci-fi movies.

Advertisem*nt

If you're looking for a fine-dining experience, head to Cítricos.

The elegance of Cítricos at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort is enhanced by subtle details inspired by "Mary Poppins Returns."

There are chandeliers that look like umbrellas, little birds on light fixtures, and ruffles on the furniture. The waitstaff even wears bowties and fancy vests to mimic the penguins from the original "Mary Poppins."

The fine-dining location offers a menu of delectable dishes, such as braised pork belly, truffle mac and cheese, and a macchiato dessert featuring an espresso veil.

First courses start at $17, entrees at $36, and desserts at $12.

In addition to fun co*cktails and an award-winning wine list, there are multiple nonalcoholic drinks — the Purple Penguin mocktail ($7.50) with pineapple, mango-guava, lemon, lavender, grenadine, and seltzer is one of my favorites.

The restaurant also has a walk-up lounge if you can't get a reservation.

Advertisem*nt

There's nothing like dining with giraffes at Sanaa.

Sanaa in Kidani Village at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is home to one of my favorite dishes at Disney World: butter chicken ($32). The delicious combo of saucy, boldly flavored chicken with warm naan has drawn me back five times.

I also highly recommend ordering the famous bread service ($22) as an appetizer. For dessert, go with the Wilde-best Wildebeest or the Ankole cake ($11 each).

The dining room features intricate lamps and colorfully patterned seating, but the most eye-catching "decoration" is the animals outside.

Sanaa is located along the resort's Sunset Savanna, so zebras, ostriches, and giraffes may wander by while you're munching on samosas. For a really special experience, request a table by the windows.

Pro tip: Kidani Village is a separate building at Animal Kingdom Lodge that has its own bus stop, so make sure to get off at the right one.