Walt Disney World?  On The Jet List?  You bet!  As a mother of three, I’ve had my share of luxury trips to Walt Disney World.  In fact, I’ve been there so many times that I can navigate the entire area blindfolded.

With so many visits under my belt, I’ve definitely developed not only a great routine, but a list of our favorite places to dine.  These Jet List-worthy restaurants range from  luxurious to very casual.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t start with this most important Disney dining tip:  ALWAYS PLAN & SCHEDULE YOUR MEALS BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME.  Yes, I know it takes effort and planning.  However, your family will thank you when they walk right past all the other starving, hot, stressed people who are stuck waiting an hour for their table because they didn’t make advanced reservations – you reserved yours 180 days in advance and were treated like a VIP when taken straight to your table.

For table service restaurants, Walt Disney World offers Advance Reservations. Just check-in at the restaurant’s podium at least 5-10 minutes prior to your seating time and you’ll receive the next available table for your party size.  Call 407-WDW-DINE (939-3463) 180 days in advance.

Jiko menu.

Jiko

Located in Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Don’t miss:  Oak-Grilled Filet Mignon – with two potato gratin, gruyere, broccolini and red wine sauce.

Don’t miss:  Seared Barbarie Duck Breast – potato and spinach masala, chanterelles, bruleed fig and port emulsion.

Cinderella’s Royal Table

Located in Magic Kingdom, this is a wonderful experience for your children!  Heck – even I enjoyed it.  And the look on my kids’ faces was priceless – even my teenagers.  This restaurant tends to book very quickly, so be sure to reserve your space as soon as you can.

Don’t miss:  Pork Tenderloin – with Vegetable Couscous and Cabernet Sauce (lunch menu).

Don’t miss:  Vegetarian “Cassoulet” – baked French-style casserole of cannelini and Garbanzo beans topped with wild mushrooms, zucchini, shallots, tomatoes, and herbs (dinner menu).

Liberty Tree Tavern

Located in Magic Kingdom | Liberty Square.

Don’t miss dinner.  Comfort food served family style.

• Declaration Salad – Tossed Mixed Greens, served with our special Tavern Strawberry Vinaigrette Dressing.
• Patriot’s Platter – Roasted turkey breast, carved beef, and smoked pork loin, with mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, herb bread stuffing, and Macaroni and Cheese.
• Rolls and gravy also included.  Mmmmm, gravy.

Todd English’s bluezoo

Todd English's bluezoo

Located at Walt Disney World Dolphin.

Though I do not suggest a stay at the Dolphin, I do suggest dining at blue zoo.  Last time I was there, it was one of the most memorable meals I’d ever had at WDW – so delicious and a such a great atmosphere.

Dont miss:  Low Country Jumbo Shrimp – white cheddar hominy, okra, smoked bacon butter…mmmmm, bacon.

Don’t miss:  Chef’s Tasting – 5 course tasting menu created daily; add Sommelier’s wine pairing $30.

Don’t miss:  Miso Glazed Black Cod – warm sesame spinach, pea tendril salad.

ABC Commissary

Located at Disney’s Hollywood Studios; counter service.  I’m always surprised at how decent the food is here; prices are decent, too.

Don’t miss:  Asian Salad.

Don’t miss:  Fried Fish – battered fried fish served with choice of apple slices or fries.

Bonus:

Les Vins des Chefs de France

Located in Epcot’s World Showcase, this little kiosk is one of my favorite places to frequent, er, visit in France. They serve wines by the glass. Can I just tell you how wonderful it is to stroll around World Showcase with a glass of French champagne!!!

Don’t miss:  Champagne Pommery.

Don’t miss: Specialty drinks:

• Grand Mariner Orange Slush
• Grey Goose Citron Lemonade Slush
• Nuvo, Sparkling Vodka

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