A Couple of Thoughts About Fast Lunch Time Dining at the Theme Parks

When Is Early Not Too Early and Late Not Too Late?
Plan any counter service lunches in the theme parks before 11:00am or after 1:00pm.

Lunch time crowds at the counter service restaurants at the theme parks can be very crowded affairs. Literally thousands of folks will feel that rumble in their stomachs about the same time you do. So, unless you want to arm wrestle a family from Ohio for a table you may want to head there a little earlier or just hold off a little bit.

I Hate Homework
Choose the restaurant where you will have lunch at before you leave home.

There are some things in life that are absolute and eating while vacationing at Walt Disney World will be one of them. You know the likes and dislikes of those in your group so go ahead and do a little homework. Whether you use a printed guide book or an internet Disney information site there is a wealth of information available that will allow you to plan out this obvious and necessary part of you vacation.

Now you may be thinking that we have crossed a line with this one and entered a world where only Type A personalities dare to tread. But planning a trip and allowing for the anticipation and excitement to build can be half the fun. And you won't have to search out fast food by sticking your head inside every crowded restaurant you come across hoping that they offer something appealing.

You may even want to pre-select what you will order, so that … ok, ok that may be a little over the top. But knowing where and when will go a long way in silencing your troops when the inevitable strikes.

Counter Service Restaurants
 

Theme Parks & Water Parks

Magic Kingdom | Epcot | Hollywood Studios | Animal Kingdom

Blizzard Beach | Typhoon Lagoon

Resort Hotels

All Star Movies | All Star Music | All Star Sports | Animal Kingdom Lodge | Beach Club Resort

 BoardWalk Resort | Caribbean Beach Resort | Contemportary Resort | Coronado Springs Resort

 Dolphin Resort | Grand Floridian Resort | Old Key West Resort | Polynesian Resort | Pop Century

  Port Orleans - French Quarter | Port Orleans - Riverside | Saratoga Springs Resort | Swan Resort

 Villas at Wilderness Lodge | Yacht Club Resort

Magic Kingdom

Aloha Isle

Refresh with soft-serve ice cream with a tropical twist. Refresh with soft-serve ice cream with a tropical twist.

Auntie Gravitys Galactic Goodies

Cool off with some ice cream or a smoothie.

Casey's Corner

Stroll down Main Street, U.S.A. and swing by for hot dogs, French fries and beverages.

Columbia Harbour House

Dive into hearty sandwiches, salads, clam chowder and chicken baskets at this river's edge eatery in Liberty Square.

Cool Ship

Cool Ship dispenses cold beverages.

Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café

The Blast-off Burger, Cosmic Chicken and Starlight Soups and Salads are all "stellar."

The Diamond Horseshoe

Open seasonally, this Western-themed restaurant serves sandwiches and salads for lunch and an all-you-care-to-eat dinner with pork loin and carved beef.

El Pirata y el Perico Restaurant

Come to this Mexican restaurant for fast taco salads and burritos.

Enchanted Grove

Order a satisfying snack and refreshing drink at this outdoor eatery.

Friars Nook

Nosh on hot dogs and sandwiches.

Golden Oak Outpost

Find fried chicken sandwiches, chicken breast nuggets and flatbreads at this frontier outpost.

Main Street Bakery

The specialty coffees, cookies, cakes and confections served here can make your sweet dreams come true.

Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café

Rustle up some grub - like cheeseburgers, wrapped sandwiches and salads.

The Pinocchio Village Haus

Chicken nuggets, pizza and saladas are tasty treats—no lie.

Plaza Ice Cream Parlor

Follow the enticing smells, come inside and step back in time to the early 1900s when life was sweet.

Sleepy Hollow

Wake up with treats like freshly-made funnel cakes and Mickey-shaped waffles made in this restaurant decorated like an early colonial kitchen.

Sunshine Tree Terrace

From soft-serve ice cream to tropical fruit slushies, find refreshment.

The Lunching Pad

Take a break for smoked turkey legs, cold beverages, chips and ice cream novelties.

Westward Ho

Hot and cold beverages are available to those traveling through Frontierland.

Epcot

Boulangerie Patisserie

Delectable assortments of sandwiches, quiches, French pastries and a variety of beverages are available for a quick meal.

La Cantina De San Angel

This lagoon-front cantina serves nachos, tacos and burritos - plus churros, flan and frozen margaritas.

Electric Umbrella Restaurant

Grab a tray and try some chicken dishes, veggie wraps and salads. Take a seat in the air-conditioned indoors.

Fountain View Ice Cream

Hand-dipped Edy's ice cream, thick milkshakes and ice cream cookie sandwiches are the reasons

Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe

The all-day dining menu features fast food with Norwegian influences, like smoked salmon sandwiches and beer.

Liberty Inn

All-American dishes, such as hot dogs, burgers and salads, are served in this restaurant located in the heart of the colonial American Adventure pavilion.

Lotus Blossom Café

Make a quick meal of classic Chinese take-out favorites like egg rolls, orange chicken and fried rice.

Sommerfest

Cozy up in this corner of the Germany pavilion for a sensational snack of sausage and suds—in other words, bratwurst and beer!

Sunshine Season Food Fair

From Asian noodle bowls to made-to-order sandwiches served on artisan breads, choices are plentiful at this collection of restaurants that offer quick service.

Tangierine Café

The menu at this Mediterranean-inspired restaurant includes North African and American favorites like lamb, couscous, salads and burgers.

The Refreshment Port

Cool off with a cold drink.

Yakitori House

This replica of a 16th-century Japanese tea house specializes in quick meals such as beef sukiyaki, sushi rolls, teriyaki chicken and udon noodles.

Hollywood Studios

ABC Commissary

Take a break "back stage" for favorite fast-food dishes with international twists like chicken curry, chicken bleu and fish & chips, as well as American fare like Angus cheeseburgers and chicken nuggets.

Backlot Express

Pretend you're a member of the art department at this movie studio-prop shop café that serves vegetarian and turkey sandwiches, Angus cheese burgers, chicken strips, Southwest salad with Chicken, or hot dog.

Fairfax Fare

Satisfy your hunger with salads, sodas, beer and smoked barbeque specialties.

Hollywood Scoops

Here's a tip: for a sweet treat have a hand-dipped ice cream cone or sundae.

Oasis Canteen

Satisfy your sweet tooth with a freshly made funnel cake! Dress it up with your choice of soft serve, strawberry or whipped cream topping, powdered or cinnamon sugar, and wash it all down with an ice-cold beverage.

Starring Rolls Cafe

Stellar baked goods, Sushi and focaccia sandwiches are the stars. Fresh coffee, cappuccino and espresso are part of the supporting cast.

Studios Catering Co.

Seats in the shade and an eclectic menu featuring Greek salads and chicken Caesar wraps are here when you need to take a break from the action. The range of sandwich choices include pressed Tuscan deli, buffalo chicken, turkey club and grilled vegetable.

Pizza Planet

Get your fill of fun and food with individual pizzas, meatball subs, salads, cookies – and arcade games.

Animal Kingdom

Flame Tree Barbeque

Make a meal of smoked barbecue ribs, chicken or pork sandwiches. Dine in one of the tropical outdoor pavilions overlooking Discovery River.

Kusafiri Coffee Shop

A quick bite of muffins, pastries, cakes, with freshly brewed coffee is a simple way to start your day.

Pizzafari

Pick up individual pizzas fresh from the oven and scrumptious sandwiches. Beer is also served here.

Restaurantosaurus

McDonald's fast-food favorites are served in this dinosaur-centric restaurant.

Tamu Tamu Refreshments - Harambe

On the corner of a bustling street in the Harambe Africa area, this stand offers burgers and shakes.

Blizzard Beach

Avalunch

Turkey legs, hot dogs and desserts will stop that mountain of hunger.

Blizzard Beach Mini Donuts

These small, sweet bites are served with powdered sugar or cinnamon.

Cooling Hut

Stop here for soft drinks and light snacks, like popcorn, pretzels and nachos.

Lottawatta Lodge

Pick up pizzas, salads, hot dogs and veggie burgers at this restaurant designed like a ski lodge.

Polar Pub

Cool off with tropical drinks at this pool bar.

Sled Dog Expeditions

Join the pack for snacks, ice cream, soft drinks and sweet treats.

Warming Hut

Warming Hut dishes up hot dogs, chicken wraps, salads and desserts.

Typhoon Lagoon

Crush Hot Dog Cart

This cart also has turkey legs, pretzels, ice cream bars, chips and refreshing drinks.

Happy Landings Ice Cream

Satisfy sweet and cold cravings. Feeling adventurous? Dive into the signature Garbage Pail Sundae.

Leaning Palms

Breeze in for burgers and American fare. Special Kids meals are served in a souvenir sand pail.

Let's Go Slurpin'

Frozen drinks are available in a souvenir cup.

Lowtide Lou's (seasonal)

Wraps, tuna sandwiches, snacks and sodas, along with sunscreen, towels and sundries are sold here.

Snack Shack Stand

Need snacks? Come to this shack.

Surf Doggie Hot Dog Cart

Need to nibble? Fetch some hot dogs, turkey legs and ice cream bars.

Typhoon Tilly's

Pair fried fish, BBQ pork, hot dog, chicken nuggets or salad with assorted beverages.

All-Star Movies Resort

World Premiere Food Court

These 5 movie "marquees" feature fresh and quick food, from omelets to pasta, served in a setting that resembles a grand movie theater lobby.

All-Star Music Resort

Intermission Food Court

From French toast to pizza, sandwiches to quesadillas—find fast meals in a food court decorated with murals of iconic musicians.

All-Star Sports Resort

End Zone Food Court

Surround yourself with sports paraphernalia and score big when you order quick meals like breakfast pancakes or dinner burgers.

Animal Kingdom Lodge & Villas

The Mara

Open morning to night, The Mara offers a sweeping selection of soups, sandwiches, salads, pizza and burgers. Dine indoors or poolside.

Beach Club Resort & Villas

Beaches & Cream Soda Shop

Listen to favorites on the classic jukebox while savoring sandwiches, burgers and irresistible ice cream desserts.

BoardWalk Inn & Villas

BoardWalk Bakery

Satisfy sweet cravings throughout the day with assorted cakes, pies and pastries fresh from the bakery's oven.

Pizza Window

Step up for a piece of pizza pie.

Seashore Sweets

The specialties at this old-fashioned shop are saltwater taffy, fudge and other "Confections Served with Affection."

Caribbean Beach Resort

Grab N Go market

Rise early for freshly baked pastries. Later in the day, stop by for fresh fruit and ice cream novelties.

Montegos Deli

Daily specialties range from pancakes and French toast to soups, deli-style sandwiches and Philly cheese steaks. For a treat, try the New York-style cheesecake.

Old Port Royale Food Court

Choose from a variety of fast-served favorites, such as hamburgers, pizza, pasta and broiled specialties, at one of the 5 food outlets.

Contemporary Resort

Contemporary Grounds

This coffee bar serves gourmet coffee drinks, smoothies, beer, wine and specialty liquors.

Coronado Springs Resort

Pepper Market

Find rotisserie chicken, pasta and burgers in this food court themed as a charming open-air market.

Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort

Picabu's

At Picabu ("Peek-A-Boo"), America's favorite foods are quick and readily available 24 hours a day in a self-service buffet surrounded by a gallery of evocative art.

Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

Gasparilla Grill & Games

At this 24-hour arcade and restaurant, food meets fun. Put your gaming skills to the test and fuel yourself with sandwiches, salads, pizza and burgers.

Old Key West Resort

Good's Food To Go

Order some quick food—burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, salads and ice cream—to eat at the outdoor seating area or to take back to your room.

Turtle Shack Snack Bar

Hot and cold meals, snacks, specialty beverages and ice-cold beers are offered.

Polynesian Resort

Captain Cook's

Discover specialties such as pastries, burgers, salads, pizzas, fresh fruit, and ice cream treats.

Kona Island

Located just steps away from the monorail at Disney's Polynesian Resort, enjoy coffee, tea, pastries, and fruit in the morning and for dinner, the menu morphs to sushi each evening—Volcano Roll, Shrimp Tempura Roll, Sashimi, Tuna Poke, and Nigiri. Cocktails, wine, and sake also available.

Pop Century Resort

Everything Pop Shopping and Dining

Shop for Disney merchandise before or after you dine. Find favorite foods like waffles, pasta, flatbread and salads in any of the 7 food outlets.

Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter

Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory Food Court

New Orleans favorites like Muffaletta sandwiches, gumbo and jambalaya join the usual food court fare of pizza and burgers.

Port Orleans Resort - Riverside

Riverside Mill Food Court

Soak up Cajun-style scenery: a 32-foot water wheel that powers a cotton press. Find family favorites like pizza, roast beef and fish.

Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa

The Artist's Palette

Eat-in, take-out and shop in this eatery and market inspired by an artist's loft. Select from freshly made salads, flatbreads and sandwiches.

Walt Disney World Swan Resort

Splash Grill

This poolside retreat offers sweet treats and American fare such as pizzas, burgers and sandwiches.

Wilderness Lodge Resort & Villas

Roaring Fork

Breakfasts, daily Chef's creations and snacks are served near the Silver Creek Springs pool.

Yacht Club Resort

Ale & Compass Lounge

Continental style, a la carte breakfasts are served in this classy setting. The evening brings a selection of premium liquors, beer and wine.