Top 5 Table Service Restaurants For Toddlers At The Walt Disney World Resort

Are you planning to go to Disney World and have teeny, tiny, toddler taste buds to tempt and want to take advantage of your dining plan?

Sometimes, your best bet may be a buffet, but weird things can happen when one parent leaves the other alone with the children to fix plates.  (Example: Emergency potty breaks for one child, while the other is screaming to be fed…trust me, it happens).  I am not suggesting that you skip buffets, because there are some awesome ones at Disney World, I’m suggesting you head to the buffets with caution or an extra set of hands.

Here are a few of my favorite table service restaurants to take the little ones.

#5  –  Hollywood & Vine: Disney Junior’s character meal at Hollywood & Vine at Hollywood Studios is on this list because my husband insists that it should be.  The character interaction is awesome.  Kids get to dance and sing with their favorite Disney Junior characters, like Sofia the First, Doc McStuffins and Jake from Jake and the Neverland Pirates, who also stop by your table as you dine.   This isn’t my favorite spot because I’m not a fan of cold salads, and there seemed to be lots of chilled pasta and veggie salads on this buffet.  I would go, merely for kids’ entertainment value, and then skip over to Fairfax Fare for quick service ribs or the macaroni & cheese hot dog.

It’s Jake & Izzy

#4 – Whispering Canyon Café: With a great menu and someone always making a ruckus, Whispering Canyon at the Wilderness Lodge is one of my favorites for kids because no one cares if your children are overly excited, cranky, or loud here. The kid’s menu isn’t as robust as other restaurants, but they give you enough food to share if you choose to do so.  Just remember not to ask for ketchup!

He asked for ketchup!

#3 – Cinderella’s Royal Table: If you are willing to spend a few extra dollars or double table service credits, then I recommend Cinderella’s Royal Table at the Magic Kingdom, especially if you have a little princess.  Food is pre-plated, but they will happily bring you more if you ask.  While you dine, you get a visit from Cinderella and her royal friends.  Special attention is paid to all; expect a small gift before you leave, in addition to the photos taken with Cinderella before the meal.  Be sure to make reservations as far in advance as you can because this place can be hard to get in.

#2 – 50’s Prime Time Cafe:  I’ve traveled solo to the parks several times with the children and have always eaten at 50’s Prime Time Cafe.  The same cast members that prod you when you don’t eat your vegetables also help you out when you are traveling with small children.  They will bring treats to help soothe their hungry stomachs if your meal hasn’t arrived and sit with children at the table while you leave to change a diaper.

In addition to their fabulous menu of fantastic comfort food that kids will love, they willingly comply with special requests for those with allergies or  picky eaters.  Sit at a table with a television and the kids are occupied for most of the meal; mine thought the TV should come with crayons so they could color the black and white pictures.  Our last few trips to Hollywood Studios have included visitis to 50’s Prime Time Cafe, and we’ve been lucky enough to walk up, wait about 30 minutes and get a table.  With all the upcoming changes to the park, I would suggest advanced reservations; this place may get a little more crowded.

I wouldn’t share my milkshake…

#1 – Chef Mickey’s: Yeah, I know I just talked about strange things happening when one parent is left alone with the children, and this is the second buffet on the list, but Chef Mickey’s is a “must-do” if you have little ones, especially little ones not afraid to get up close and personal with the Fab Five.  The cheesy hash brown potatoes with bacon and Mickey waffles at breakfast ranks high on my most anticipated meals while at Walt Disney World.

Plus, Chef Mickey’s is one of few restaurants that have “sassy seats.” It’s a little blue, car seat style chair for children not old enough for high chairs.  All the dancing and character interaction is sure to keep your little ones entertained.  Be sure to get reservations as early as possible for Chef Mickey’s; it’s one of the most highly sought after meals at the Walt Disney World resort.

What are some of your favorite table service restaurants for toddlers?  Please share some of your experiences!