Updated: June 19, 2024

You’ve booked your flights and hotel room, and know which Disney World park you’re visiting first.

But — have you decided just where you’re going to EAT?! This is quite possibly the most important decision you can make, and we’re here to help. If it’s your first time going to Disney World in 2024, make sure you consider these restaurants!

Cinderella’s Royal Table

Cinderella’s Royal Table is the ultimate restaurant for first-timers — it’s hard to beat dining inside Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom! Fans of Disney princesses will get to meet Cinderella herself, along with other princesses. Fair warning, though — this is one of the most difficult restaurants to snag reservations for in the parks.

It’s popular due to the experience, and because of that, you’ll be required to pre-pay for your meals here. Cinderella’s Royal Table is available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and you’ll find prix fixe menus with items like steamed mussels, beef tenderloin, and pasta.

Why it’s Great for First-Timers

This restaurant is perfect for Disney Princess fans and those who want to dine like royalty. Plus, we cannot stress enough how dope it is that you get to eat inside Cinderella’s Castle! The incredible theming and immersion are bonuses that make this restaurant a really unique experience.

Be Our Guest

Few restaurants in Disney World can compare with Be Our Guest in Magic Kingdom. The atmosphere is incredible, and the Beauty and the Beast theming carries through all the way down to the desserts (try the Grey Stuff — it’s delicious!). If you want to feel like you’re literally in this classic Disney film — this is where you want to go.

A word of warning, though — this is one of the toughest dining reservations to get in Disney World, so keep trying if you don’t immediately snag one. We have seen this one available with a walk-up waitlist on occasion, so there’s always a chance you can get a last-minute reservation.

Why it’s Great for First-Timers

The theming is truly unbeatable at Be Our Guest. Being able to walk around the ballroom inside Beast’s Castle probably isn’t something most people ever think they’ll get the chance to do, so if you can — take it! It’s also a unique theme park dining experience in that you’ll find some really great fine-dining dishes on the menu.

Steakhouse 71

Steakhouse 71 opened at the Contemporary right as Disney World’s 50th Anniversary kicked off in 2021, and it has quickly become a favorite for many — including us! The name comes from the year Walt Disney World opened, 1971, and the theming reflects Walt’s heyday with photos and memorabilia adorning the walls.

 

As far as the eats go, this is a steakhouse as the name implies, so you’ll find plenty of different cuts of beef — but it’s also where you can find one of the BEST burgers on Disney World property. We also can’t get enough of the French Onion Soup. Finding a decent sit-down meal in Magic Kingdom can be tough, and having this option just steps away from the front gate can come in handy when you’re looking for a much-needed break from the parks.

Why it’s Great for First-Timers

This is one of the newer restaurants in Disney World, so if you’re looking to try the latest dining locations on your first trip, Steakhouse 71 is a great option. You’ll find lots of picky-eater-friendly items on the menu and a steakhouse vibe without it being too stuffy. Plus, it’s got one of our favorite burgers in all of Disney World — so how can you beat that?

Garden Grill

You’ll find Garden Grill inside the Land Pavilion at EPCOT, and here you can meet Mickey, Pluto, plus Chip ‘n’ Dale during breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Lunch and dinner are served up family-style with dishes like barbecue roasted chicken, grilled beef with chimichurri, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and more. This is one of those rare Disney World restaurants that offers great character interaction AND great food.

This is a super fun and unique dining experience because not only do you get to hang out with some iconic characters, but you’re doing so in a rotating restaurant. Not only that, but it looks down on Living with the Land!

Why it’s Great for First-Timers

Garden Grill is a pretty small restaurant, meaning that you get A LOT of character interaction here — we’ve been able to meet each of the characters multiple times in past trips. Plus, how cool is dining in a rotating restaurant? It’s like a meal and a ride all at once!

Regal Eagle

You’ll find Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue at The American Adventure pavilion in EPCOT! This fast-casual restaurant celebrates the regions of American BBQ and serves up craft brews on tap. This is one of our favorite spots to stop for a quick bite to eat in Disney World.

It’s hard to beat four house-recipe sauces while they enjoy their Memphis Dry-Rub Pork Ribs, Sliced Texas Beef Brisket Sandwich, or Kansas City Half-Smoked Chicken — to name just a few. There are lots of tables outside and plenty of seating inside as well!

Why it’s Great for First-Timers

Barbecue, mac and cheese, beer, and desserts — what more can you ask for? Many other EPCOT casual eateries don’t have menus that appeal to a wide variety of eaters, but there are some stellar dishes on the menu here. It’s quick, it’s delicious, and you’ll be back to see what the rest of EPCOT has to offer in no time!

Roundup Rodeo BBQ

Roundup Rodeo BBQ is a new Table Service restaurant in Toy Story Land (also known as Andy’s backyard) at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Andy has taken some of his favorite games and play sets to create the scene with both western toys and other items (like blocks, lights, cardboard cut-outs, and more) coming together to make a bright and colorful mash-up atmosphere.

You’ll dine among “play sets” of a western town and train station while “rodeo festivities” take place during the meal of All-You-Care-to-Enjoy BBQ fare served family-style! Platters feature house-smoked meats, classic sides, and miniature “sweet surprises,” and you’re gonna want to try it all!

Why it’s Great for First-Timers

This spot is a must-do for any Toy Story fans. Not only do you become part of the story, but there are lots of delicious foods to try with the all-you-care-to-enjoy menu. And, you can spot representations of Disney and Pixar characters as toys and game pieces set the playful scene in what is sure to be a lively and memorable dining experience (though it is not a Toy Story character meal).

Homecomin’

Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ is headed by Oprah’s former private chef, and trust us when we say this place is worth all the hype. You’ll want to head over to Disney Springs to check out some of the BEST comfort food you’ll find in Disney World. Thigh-high High Chicken Biscuits, fried green tomatoes, shrimp & grits, and more are just some of the southern favorites you’ll find on the menu.

It can be tough to find reservations at Homecomin’, but we always suggest seeing if there’s any available seating at the bar — it’s first come, first served. Oh, and while you’re there — grab one of those deliciously dangerous moonshine cocktails.

Why it’s Great for First-Timers

This menu is just stellar — chances are there’s going to be something for everyone in your party here. Not only that, but Disney Springs is a great location for when you’re looking for something outside of the parks. You’ll find plenty of shopping and entertainment. But, really you should just go for those chicken biscuits.

At the end of the day, the choice is up to you and the first-timers in your party, but we happen to think these would make great options for a first visit whether it’s because of the over-the-top Disney theming, well-rounded menus, or because they’re new kids on the block.

With DOZENS of places to eat at Disney World, we know it can be tough to plan your meals. That’s why we wrote the DFB Guide to Dining at Walt Disney World.

We’ll be bringing you all sorts of tips to help you prepare for your 2024 trip to Disney World — so stay tuned to DFB for more!

The 14 BEST Restaurants in Disney World in 2024

Which Disney World restaurant are you most excited to try on your trip? Tell us in the comments.