Top V Table- Service Restaurants!

MY TOP V… RESTAURANTS!

Table Service edition! J

 

Hi guys! It’s been a few weeks, I know, but I’ve been busy schooling and whatnot- it’s nearly the end of my school year, which means that, although I have finished my exams, I’m back at school, which has it’s pros and cons as does everything else: on the one hand, it’s really nice to see everybody again, without the whole “OH GOLLY GOSH EXAMS AAAAAAH”  pressure hanging over our heads, but at the same time, I have Further Maths homework. Which is okay now, but it’s going to get ridonkulous within a matter of weeks… Lol!

ANYWAY. DISNEY. Stop rambling Beth, Geez!

So, I thought, in order to get away from the whole school thing, I’d do another couple of Top Vs, on my favourite places to eat whilst in The World. So without further ado (as I am sure that the internet does not need my trials and tribulations to add to it’s troubles), let’s get into it!

(NB: These aren’t in any particular order, and is a collaboration of favourites with the rest of my family, as we tend to all enjoy the same types of places!)

1. Cinderella’s Royal Table, The Magic Kingdom.
   This is basically THE Disney meal to end all Disney meals. Situated in the dining hall of Cinderella’s Castle, and offering very scenic views of Fantasyland, gorgeous gothic architecture, and the prettiest princesses that I have ever seen, it’s wonderful for girl’s a women alike. The food is just… wow. It’s proper, actual food, which I know sounds rather daft, but when you’ve just spent a week only eating burgers and other assorted fast foods, to be able to sit down in such a gorgeous setting and eat delicious pasta and soup and simply heavenly desserts is somewhat of a godsend.
   Funny fact: the first time that I ate here was when I was sixteen, and celebrating my GCSE exam results (we were in Disney on the day that they were released, so I got to open them and celebrate in the happiest place on Earth!), and it was my “end of exams” treat so to speak. I am aware that to some people that sounds rather childish, but it is one of the best memories that I have of that trip! I went with my mum, and we had a princess dinner, just the two of us, and although we did feel kind of like the odd ones out (we had a reservation for 4pm, the start of the dinner service, and so the place was full of families with little children) we still had an absolutely AMAZING time, giggling like schoolgirls. I was also very impressed with the fact that the princesses still treated me like a little girl, which was just magical, and just MADE. MY. DAY.
   It is a character meal, and so is on the pricier side with a prix fixe menu, and is two dining credits on the regular Disney Dining Plan. There is a photo package included- details of which can be found on the official Disney website, or on allears.net –and I personally think that it is worth it, simply due to the Princesses. They are polite, magical, and very regal… Ariel was my favourite, simply due to how LOUD she was! Also, it is a sit-down meal, and so you do not have to worry about getting up to go to a buffet, and then missing your time with the characters.
   RESERVATIONS: For Cindy’s, the policy used to be 180 days in advance, at 9am EST, and that you had to shout down the phone at some poor cast member in order to obtain a reservation (a rather amusing step-by-step account of this can be found in the Unofficial Guide by Len Testa), but due to the new cancellation policies that have been implemented, reservations are easier to get hold of, although, as with anywhere, the sooner the better tends to be the policy.
2. Boma, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
   Boma is the more relaxed table service option available at Animal Kingdom Lodge, and has become one of our favourites, which we have to visit every trip, even if we’re not staying at that hotel! It is a buffet style restaurant, which is set up like an African marketplace, and has options ranging from authentic African dishes to mac and cheese and fries. They serve breakfast and dinner, and we tend to be drawn more towards breakfast, simply because of their sheer variety of food available, the “build your own” omelette bar, and the amazing speciality mixed fruits juice which they serve! (This is either called Jambo juice, or Jungle juice, we can’t remember which! If you know, comment below!)
   It can get quite busy at times, but the staff are always very friendly, and you can’t really go wrong with a restaurant that offers zebra domes and paw print brownies now though, can you‽
   Boma can be a little on the pricier side, but it is AMAZING, and is only one credit on the standard Disney Dining Plan!
   RESERVATIONS: Boma is quite easy to get reservations for- when staying there we’ve strolled down and secured one for the next day- although, as always, if it’s something that you cannot not do, then be sure to book in advance!
3. Chef Mickey’s, The Contemporary Resort
   Often seen as one of THE character meals to do in Disney, Chef Mickey’s does not disappoint! Situated in a room which feels airy even when packed full, and underneath a monorail (which is exceptionally cool in itself!), it is a buffet style meal, with characters circulating for interactions. The problem with this is that you have to time your food fetching to fit around the characters, but if you pile your plate high, then I’m sure that you’ll be just fine! ;) We went for breakfast, and the food is very good- usual Disney fare, only, y’know, somehow better…- and is one of the only places which we are very excited about returning to on our next trip! The characters interact the same with people big or small, which is nice, and just adds to the overall Disney magic.
   This is also an excellent meal if you want to go to the Magic Kingdom, as you’ve already met Mickey and the gang- so you don’t have to queue later!- and it is one of the few places on property where you can actually walk to the Magic Kingdom, or take the bus, boat or monorail! Quick tip though- if you’re going to do this, don’t eat too many Mickey waffles first, otherwise that trip on Space Mountain will NOT feel like a very good idea.
   RESERVATIONS: Highly recommended, as it does get very busy in a morning, due to the whole “meet-Mickey-here-so-we-don’t-have-to-queue-later” mentality. It is two credits on the standard DDP, and there is a photo opportunity as you walk in, with a small Mickey statue, although this is not included in the price, however it IS included in the PhotoPass+ package.
4. Olivia’s, Disney’s Old Key West Resort.
   Aah, Olivias. How I love thee. On our last visit, we stayed at Old Key West for the very first time, and one of the things that made us want to go back was the experiences we had the twice that we ate at Olivia’s! It is a very quaint restaurant, quite small in size, with pictures of DVC members and their families absolutely EVERYEWHERE, making it feel like a local restaurant, with a real family feel. The food is just SUBLIME, especially the pineapple and coconut bread that you are given to start which is warm and sweet and just the best bread in the entire of Disney (yes, it is even better that the pretzel bread of Le Cellier). They have “Catch of the Day” specials, which was Florida Grouper whilst we were there, and not only was it cooked to perfection, but it was also very simple, very good food, which made a very pleasant change again from all of the burgers and pizza that we had been eating.
   Also, Olivia’s is home to the best desserts in the entire of Disney. If I could just eat their Key Lime tart for the rest of my life, I would be a very, very happy girl. VERY HAPPY. I hear that the bread and butter pudding is also just as good and, oh dear, now I’m drooling as I type. THE MEMORY IS JUST THAT GOOD.
   RESERVATIONS: Meh, if you can, do, but we walked up one day, and it was next to empty, as it only tends to be very popular with the “locals” (people staying at OKW), due to the fact that it is a pain to get to and from this resort! Oh, and it’s just one credit on the standard DDP!
5. Plaza Restaurant, The Magic Kingdom
   The Plaza has almost become our go to last night place of eating and enjoyment, simply because it is something light (it mainly serves sandwiches… although mind blowingly good sandwiches), and something a little bit different to eat! My favourite is the steak sandwich, as the steak is just beautiful, and not at all chewy or grisly, which is quite the achievement! It’s very ideally located in the hub of Magic Kingdom, and is ideal for Extra Magic Hours, as the food is not too heavy, so you don’t feel like sleeping after the meal, which is nice! J
   Also, as it is an extension to the Plaza Ice Cream Parlour (or maybe the Parlour is an extension of the restaurant… I don’t know…), their desserts are sublime, especially the banana split. Which is almost as good as the Key Lime Tart. But not quite.
   It’s only one standard DDP credit, and is one of the lesser expensive table service options, and for something a little different, it is really quite nice… and the service is always wonderful!
   RESERVATIONS: If you want to do it, then book, book, book 180 days out, as it is quite a small restaurant. Otherwise, try looking a little later J

 

So, there we go! My top V restaurants!! Any questions, comments, suggestions, comment down belooowwwww!!!!

See you real soon, and have a magical day!

Beth J xx