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Table service meals can really add to your Disney World experience. Not only do they provide delicious food, but they give you a much-need break from the hustle and bustle of the parks in a fun themed atmosphere. But, having a character meal every night is a bit much. So, to help you pick the perfect restaurants for your trip, here is my list of the best Disney World restaurants for kids with no characters!
‘Ohana
The first restaurant on my list is ‘Ohana, which is a great family-friendly restaurant. While ‘Ohana features some characters at breakfast, it is a character-free zone during dinner.
The word “ohana” means family, and this restaurant is the definition of family-friendly. During dinner, your kids will have a blast doing the limbo, having coconut races, and dancing the hula while you sit back and enjoy some delicious food and views.
It is my family’s favorite restaurant at Disney World. We eat here every trip. And we have never had a bad meal here.
The all-you-can-eat meals are served family-style, with the exception of the meats, which are brought around on large skewers. There are several varieties of meat served, including steak, pork, shrimp, and chicken.
The food here is so delicious! But, be sure to leave room for dessert because it is the best part of the meal: bread pudding with a bananas foster caramel sauce and ice cream! I start drooling just thinking about it!
‘Ohana will also make a separate kid-friendly meal for your children if they don’t like the food typically served. Just ask your waiter.
You will find ‘Ohana in the Polynesian Resort. You can get there by monorail, boat, or bus.
The atmosphere in ‘Ohana is somewhat loud, which is great when you have children who tend to be loud themselves. And don’t worry if your child can’t stay in his seat. Here, kids are encouraged to get up and participate in the entertainment.
‘Ohana has the added benefit of location. It is on the second floor of the Polynesian’s Grand Ceremonial House with large picture windows overlooking the Seven Seas Lagoon. If you are seated by the windows, you can enjoy views of the lagoon, Cinderella Castle, and Space Mountain.
During one trip, my son spent the entire meal at ‘Ohana looking at the castle and talking about going to see Mickey Mouse.
Teppan Edo
Teppan Edo is next on my list of the best Disney World restaurants for kids with no characters. You will find it in the Japan pavilion of Epcot’s World Showcase. It is a hibachi-style restaurant where you are seated around a grill.
Your chef prepares your meal at the table grill right in front of your eyes. Kids love watching the fun tricks the chefs perform while cooking. Because the tables only seat 8 and each has its own chef, your children will have constant entertainment during the meal, which will keep them engaged even if the meal runs long.
And while this is a Japanese restaurant, the food here is basic enough that even picky eaters are sure to find something they will eat here.
My son, who is super picky, loved eating here and quickly added it to his list of favorite restaurants.
Coral Reef
You will find Coral Reef, the next restaurant on my list, in The Seas pavilion in Epcot.
While this restaurant serves primarily seafood, they do have a steak on the menu. If you have some people in your party that love seafood and some that hate it, this is a good compromise. For kids, they also have mac and cheese and chicken on the menu.
We really enjoy the food here as well. We eat here on many of our Disney World vacations.
Coral Reef is quiet and relaxing, with dim lighting, which allows you to really relax while eating. The biggest draw of Coral Reef, and the main reason it is on this list, is the aquarium. One entire wall of the restaurant is made up of windows into the large tank. All of the tables are arranged with a view into the tank.
There are fish guides on each table so your family can identify each of the fish they spot. You will also, at times, see divers inside the tank. Sometimes, they will come over and wave to diners.
Children of all ages love the aquarium. It should keep your kids’ attention long enough for you to finish your meal at a leisurely pace.
Conclusion
Enjoying a nice sit down meal can sometimes be difficult when you have small children, even at Disney World. This is especially true when they know that there are rides and other attractions waiting for them right outside. But parents sometimes need a nice dinner without the interruption of characters every few minutes.
These three restaurants are great compromises for families. They have enough entertainment to keep your kids happy while you enjoy a much needed break. I hope you enjoy each of these best Disney World restaurants for kids with no characters on your next trip.
To see menus for these and other Disney World restaurants, visit allears.net.
For more on Disney dining, read Disney Dining Plan, tips on using it, how to save money on food at Disney, best character meals for boys, frequently asked dining plan questions, and a list of all character meals.
If you need help planning your Disney World trip, see my step by step guide to planning your trip, my best resources for planning a Disney trip, and my quick tips for Disney trips.
Happy travels!
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