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There have been so many changes to Disney World so it is sometimes comforting to think about the things that haven’t. Today’s blog will cover 5 of the wonderful Table-Service Restaurants that are a Disney World staple. Let’s learn more about some great places to sit down and have a wonderful meal at some Magic Kingdom restaurants.

Important Planning Information for Magic Kingdom Restaurants

  • You must have a Park Reservation and Park Ticket for Magic Kingdom for each person in your party to eat at one of the Magic Kingdom restaurants.
  • Advanced Reservations can be made 60 days ahead online.
  • Use Mobile Check-In on My Disney Experience.when you get to the restaurant.
  • Cashless payment is definitely recommended.
  • The menu might be a bit different so make sure you check it out before reserving.
  • Character dining is unavailable at these restaurants for the time being.
  • Since there is no Disney Dining Plan right now you will have to pay for your meal when you dine.

Health and Safety Measures to Know at Magic Kingdom Restaurants

  • Enhanced Cleaning: We’ve increased cleaning in high-traffic areas such as public elevators and escalators, handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms and more. Additionally, seating areas, dining areas and pagers will be cleaned between Guests.
  • Reduced-Contact Menus: Menus will be shared in ways to minimize contact. At quick-service restaurants, menus will be displayed on signage. And at table-service restaurants, you can scan a code with your mobile device to access the digital menu.
  • Self-Serve Changes: Beverages and other items that were previously self-serve will instead be served by Cast Members.
  • Face coverings for each Guest age 2 and up, which must be worn in all public areas—including while entering and exiting dining locations—and can be removed while eating or drinking

Be Our Guest Restaurant

Be our Guest Restaurant sign small
Be our Guest Restaurant ball room small
Be our Guest Restauran beast room small

As you step out of Fantasyland and into the Be Our Guest Restaurant you will feel transported right into the castle of Belle and the Beast! You have three rooms to choose from:

  • The Grand Ballroom – Go for baroque in this magnificent ballroom with its high, domed ceiling, chandeliers and snow-laced Gothic arches.
  • The West Wing – Dine in the Beast’s mysterious West Wing study—if you dare—and perhaps you’ll even spy his enchanted rose.
  • The Castle Gallery – Get swept up in the romance of Belle’s private library, and inspired by the larger-than-life figures of Belle and Beast dancing.

The Menu at Be Our Guest Restaurant

At the Be Our Guest Restaurant both adults and children have the freedom to choose your own 3-course French-inspired prix-fixe meal. You might choose to start your meal with French Onion Soup or Maine Lobster Bisque. You might follow with Center-cut Filet Mignon or Roasted Corn and Spinach Tortellini. For dessert, treat yourself to a rich Dark Chocolate Truffle or a lighter Lemon Jam Macaron. Whatever you choose you will be delighted by your time at this restaurant!

Liberty Tree Tavern

Liberty Tree tavern--a table-service restaurant to love at Magic Kingdom

The Liberty Tree Tavern dishes up the ultimate comfort foods for lunch and dinner. This family-style restaurant is right in the heart of Liberty Square. At this Colonial-style restaurant, you will dine on delicious New England inspired food as you sit in one of the six dining rooms that reflect American historical figures:

  • Benjamin Franklin
  • Thomas Jefferson
  • John Paul Jones
  • Paul Revere
  • Betsy Ross
  • George Washington

This is a perfect place to celebrate Thanksgiving!

The Menu at the Liberty Tree Tavern

Since this is a family-style restaurant you table will be brought plates full of crispy salad and then the Patriot’s Platter. The Patriot’s Platter includes Roasted Turkey Breast, Pot Roast, and Oven-roasted Pork with Mashed Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables, Herb Stuffing, and House-made Macaroni and Cheese.

If you would like a meatless option they have a Plant-based Impossible™ Meatloaf.

For dessert you can indulge in the Oooey Gooey Toffee Cake or the plant based Johnny Appleseed Warm Apple Cake. YUMMY!

The Plaza Restaurant

Plaza Restaurant sign
Plaza Restaurant outside
Plaza Restaurant inside

The elegant turn-of-the-century atmosphere sets the stage for a delicious meal at the Plaza Restaurant. Take a step back to the early 20th Century as you enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner. You will find this restaurant at the end of Main Street with a beautiful view of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle.

The Menu at the Plaza Restaurant

Bring back yesteryear and get to eat some of your old favorites. Choose from deli-sandwiches, Cheese Steak Sandwiches, burgers or meatloaf. For dessert you will not want to miss out on the chocolate cake or delicious milkshakes. Since there is a ice cream shop close by you may also induldge in a fantastic Banana Split or Brownie Sundae. There is a nice selection of choices on the kids menu also.

Tony’s Town Square Restaurant

Tony's Town Square restaurant sign
Tony's Town Square restaurant inside
Tony's Town Square restaurant fountain

“When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that’s amore!” That is also how you will feel when eating at Tony’s Town Square Italian Restaurant. But this is no ordinary Italian restaurant. This is the restaurant where Lady and the Tramp fell in love! Tony’s Town Square sits right on the hub of Main Street and offers some fun people watching.

The Menu at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant

Mouthwatering Italian food is what you will find at Tony’s Town Square. Start your meal off with a nice Caesar salad or Caprese. Move on to your main entree and choose from classics like Spaghetti, Chicken Parmesana or Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo. Cap off your meal with a delicious dessert of Tiramisu or Cannoli.

Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen

Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen is restaurant to love at the Magic Kingdom

Head into Adventureland for your reservation at the Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen (Skipper Canteen for short). This Magic Kingdom restaurant is easy to pass right by as it is tucked in just past the Sunshine Tree Terrace and across the walkway from the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse.

Bring the legacy of the Jungle Cruise to life. The skippers who guide you down the jungle rivers have opened up the doors to their kitchens to feed your famished families. There are three quirky rooms that really reflect your skippers that you might dine in:

  • The Crew’s Mess Hall–an actually not very messy colonial-era dining hall
  • The Jungle Room–the former family parlor of Dr. Albert Falls himself
  • The S.E.A. Room–the once-secret meeting room for the Society of Explorers and Adventurers

The Menu at the Skipper Canteen

At this exotic outpost feast on African, South American, and Asian food with a twist fitting of the joke-cracking skippers. You might want to begin your meal with Jungle Green Salad or Lost and Found Soup (a mystery until you get there). For your meal, you might like to try Dr. Falls Signature Grilled Steak or “Tastes Like Chicken” Because it is! (crispy fried chicken with rice and veggies). Top off your meal with delicious Panna-Connie’s Congo Lime Delight or Kungaloosh!

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

Here are some other links you might be interested in:

5 Unusual Things to love at Epcot

Are you someone who likes to go off the beaten path? Do you like to blaze your own trail? Then today’s post might be just for you. Wait, you say! I like to stick to the normal stuff. Okay, for those of you who stick to the popular attractions let me encourage you to try something new.

Here we go! 5 unusual things to love at EPCOT!

1) Garden Railway at the Germany Pavilion

Epcot Garden Railway small
Epcot Garden Railway 4 small
Epcot Garden Railway sign small

As you walk from the Italy Pavillion just before you arrive at the Germany Pavillion you will see a little path go off to the right. Take this little path, the Romantic Road, from the tiny town of Wurzburg to Fusser. Along the way view the miniature mid-century Bavarian town, landscaping, and Lehmann Gross Bahn trains. The gentle movement of the train through the village is quite mesmerizing. Remember, there is a lot more park to see so don’t stay all day.

2) Bijutsu-kan Gallery

Epcot Kawai sign small
Epcot Kawaii bedroom small
Japan Kawaii museum small
Japan origami crop small

Deep in the heart of the Japan Pavillion is the Bijutsu-kan Gallery. You will be delighted to find a very fun and cute exhibit called Kawaii: Japan’s Cute Culture. This small gallery will introduce you to the part of Japanese culture that celebrates “cute” in every facet of life through an “apartment” display. Learn how it is rooted in their Shinto past and brought forth to today. What a great way to take a few minutes away from the busyness of the park and enjoy a little sweetness!

3) Baguettes at Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie

The baguettes at Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie are a delicious but unusual thing to love at Epcot.
Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie in the France Pavillion

Take a walk all the way throught the France Pavillion, under the archway, past the quaint cafe seating to the wonderful quick-service French bakery, Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie. As you stand in the generally long line eyeing all the wonderful selections (Don’t worry, drooling is normal!) you are actually thankful for the time to make the tough decisions. I am not usually swayed from my objective, a whole chewy delicious baguette, butter and a Coke. At least a couple times during my trip will this be my lunch (and inexpensive too!). Just thinking about these baguettes has me longing to go back!

4) Bruce the Shark

EPCOT_SEASINTR_7074549123 small
EPCOT_SEASINTR_7074546088 small
Epcot bruce small

????? you say! Hear me out. You will find Bruce the Shark after riding The Seas with Nemo and Friends (I love this ride!). After exiting the ride you enter SeaBase. This area is full of live sea creatures in one of the largest man-made ocean environments on the planet and many interactive learning displays. But, my kids always gravitate toward Bruce the Shark and the simple play area that surrounds him. No matter what their age my kids always take a turn getting a picture. This is also a great place to wait for my #5 pick.

5) Turtle Talk w/ Crush

Epcot Crush
Epcot Turtle Talk small

Turtle Talk with Crush is one of the highlights of every trip. This isn’t so unusual but is often overlooked. You will find the entrance to Turtle Talk with Crush inside SeaBase (on the left after you exit The Seas with Nemo and Friends). Since this is a show you might have to wait a few minutes until the next show. This is a very family-friendly activity that is accessible to all. As you go in the children will be directed to sit on the floor in the front (if they would like) and the accompanying adults may sit on the benches. There is lots of room so you shouldn’t have to wait more than one show unless it is really busy. The show is hosted by Crush and he loves to talk with the audience through his special Hydraphone. Each show is so unique Such fun!

Bonus Thing to love:) Gran Fiesta Tour

Epcot Gran Fiesta Tour sign small
Gran Fiesta Tour ride small

Like #5 the Gran Fiesta Tour is not too unusual of a thing to love at Epcot since it is one of the rides but because it is hidden inside the Mexico Pavillion it can often be forgotten. I am a sucker for a gentle boat ride with lots of fun, colorful, entertaining displays. This is a great ride on a hot day when you want to spend a little time out of the sweltering heat. After you ride you might want to peruse all of the souvenirs from Mexico.


So what is your favorite unusual thing to do or see at Epcot. Let me know in the comments!

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

Other links you might be interest in:

Disney World Reopening Soon

Yipee! Disney has laid out plans to reopen!

  • July 11th as an opening date for Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom
  • July 15th as an opening for EPCOT and Hollywood Studios
  • The parks will now utilize a pre-arrival theme park reservation system and more info will be coming on this
  • Characters will be in the parks but will not have meet-and-greets
  • Fireworks and parades postponed for now
  • There was NOT any discussion on the re-opening of the resorts
  • There will be increased cleaning protocols
  • Face masks will be required for guests and cast members
  • Plexiglass at points of sale in retail and food & beverage locations where distancing cannot be maintained
  • Reduced capacity of theme parks, restaurant, retail, attractions, buses, monorails and other transportation that enables appropriate physical distancing
  • Temperature checks at Main Entrances to theme parks
  • 3rd Party screening via contactless, handheld device
  • Contactless payments with Magic Bands, Apple Pay, Google Pay
  • Further enable mobile ordering
  • Launch of the Social Distancing Squad!! A team designed to encourage social distancing protocols
  • Signage around the parks to remind guests about new health and safety measures
  • Disney Vacation Club Resorts and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground will begin opening on June 22nd
  • Disney is dealing with the current guests who have reservations so they will not be making any new reservations at this time

This plan will need to be approved by the Governor of Florida and then Disney can begin executing their plan. Here is what Disney put out on their blog about the reopening. Yes, there are a lot of changes right now but it is super exciting that they finally have given us a plan and a reopening date.

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

Disney World Skyliner Tips and Tricks

In March I was able to ride the Disney Skyliner. It was so so so AWESOME!! I loved the Disney Skyliner so much and now I want to share with you some of the things that I learned to make the experience even better for you. On to some Disney World Skyliner tips and tricks!

Disney Skyliner tips
Disney’s Skyliner over Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Click here for a map of the Skyliner

A Quick Overview

Disney’s Skyliner is a gondola “ride” that connects quite a few resorts with Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Let me give you a quick list of the connections:

  • Epcot to Disney’s Riveria Resort (12 minutes–you do not have to get off) to Disney’s Caribbean Beach (4 minutes)
  • Disney’s Caribbean Beach to a station between Disney’s Pop Century and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort (5 minutes)
  • Hollywood Studios to Disney’s Caribbean Beach (5 minutes)

If you look at the map you can see the theme parks are the end of the line and Disney’s Caribbean Beach is a hub. The travel times are approximate.

Disney’s Skyliner Caribbean Beach Station
Disney’s Skyliner International Gateway Station
Disney Skyliner tips for Hollywood Studios station
Disney’s Skyliner Hollywood Studios Station
Disney’s Skyliner Pop Century/Art of Animation Station

Now for my Disney World Skyliner tips and tricks to help you navigate this awesome new form of transportation throughout the Disney World Resort!

Stay at a Resort on the Skyliner Route!

If you are going to spend much time at Epcot or Hollywood Studios I highly recommend staying at a resort that has a Skyliner station nearby.

  • Disney’s Riviera Resort
  • Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort (Jamaica is the closest village to Caribbean Beach Station and Aruba is very close to Riviera Station)
  • Disney’s Pop Century Resort
  • Disney’s Art of Animation

The Skyliner makes transportation to these parks so slick and easy! Lines move very quickly and so most of the time you are able to board without much waiting. Travel time to the parks is so much quicker than taking the bus. A couple of my later tips also support why I think it’s a good idea to stay at a resort serviced by the Skyliner.

Things to remember: 1) Buses to Epcot and Hollywood Studios run much less frequently to/from Skyliner resorts. 2) The Skyliner begins running at 7:30 AM. The ride is quick and if you are in line earlier than opening you should be able to make it into Hollywood Studios by 8 AM. But, if you have an early time commitment an alternate transportation method might be better. I did take the Skyliner from Caribbean Beach and was just able to make it for the Rise of the Resistance Virtual Queue booking.

Try Different Restaurants!

The Skyliner makes it so easy to try different restaurants. Now, you probably don’t want to hop from quick service to quick service but for table service restaurants the Skyliner is amazing. No longer do you have to worry about bus transportation to get you to your reservation on time. Plus, the Ample Hills Creamery (Disney’s BoardWalk Inn) and the take-out counter at Beaches & Cream Soda Shop Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club) are a great place for some yummy ice cream.

Restaurants on the Skyliner route at which you do not need a park ticket:

  • Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Rivera Resort–Character dining for breakfast and Signature dining for dinner
  • Sebastians’s Bistro at Disney’s Caribbean Beach
  • Yachtsman Steakhouse, Cape May Cafe, Ale and Compass Restaurant and Beaches & Cream Soda Shop at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club
  • Flying Fish, ESPN Club, Big River Grille & Brewing Works, and Trattoria al Forno (character breakfast) at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn.
  • The Swan and Dolphin (only a few minutes walk from Disney’s BoardWalk Inn) have quite a few fantastic dining options but they are not included in the Disney Dining Plan

Ride the Skyliner Just to Ride the Skyliner!

It is such a peaceful ride and the scenery is fantastic! I loved seeing the Epcot ball in the distance and overlooking the construction for the France expansion. Check out these views!

Skyliner view of Hollywood Studios buses small
Skyliner view Epcot ball small
Skyliner view of Caribbean Beach small

Ask for a Gondola Without a Wrap

This is probably my #1 Disney World Skyliner tip! The graphics on the outside of the gondolas are super cute, on the outside. But, from the inside, the wrap obscures the view. Just ask the cast member directing guests if you can wait for a clear gondola. You might have to wait for a moment (at busy times they may not be able to honor your request) but they will usually try and accommodate. And, trust me, the view will be worth the wait!

Gondola with wrap–cute on the outside but not as good from the inside.
My number one Disney World Skyliner tip is to ask for a gondola without the wrap.
Gondola without wrap–boring outside but great viewing from inside

Take the Skyliner to Hollywood Studios to Catch Buses

If you want to go from one resort to another you must first take a bus to a theme park or Disney Spring. A quicker way to get to a resort is to take the Skyliner to Hollywood Studios and then head over to the bus stop that will take you to the desired resort. Since a lot of my time in March was spent looking at different resorts I used this trick a few times and it worked out pretty slick. I think this feature makes traveling around the Walt Disney World Resort just a bit easier.

This tip does not always work from the Epcot station! Epcot’s Skyliner Station is located outside the International Gateway (near the World Showcase). The buses are all the way on the other side of Epcot so, you must have been to Epcot that day or have a Park Hopper to walk through the park.

Enjoy Your Traveling Companions

Each gondola will hold up to 10 passengers. Strollers and wheelchairs can roll directly on. If your party is small you will most likely have company with you. I know it is easy to just remain quiet and just watch the scenery go by. But you might be pleasantly surprised if you try and begin a conversation. I learned some good tips from fellow travelers and was able to give some of my own to others.

Don’t Panic When the Gondola Stops

I know that everyone has heard the nightmare story of how the Skyliner broke down for hours just after it first opened. But, you need not worry or avoid taking the Skyliner. Most of the time the gondola stops is because cast members have to help someone on that needs an extra moment. Stops happen quite a bit en route but 95% of the time you start back up in just a moment or two.

Too Hot? Open the Windows!

Inside each gondola is a handle above your heads and below your feet that open up the windows. Open windows greatly increase airflow as you move along. As you turn the corner to/from Epcot it is really interesting to feel how the breeze changes inside the gondola. Conversely, if you happen to be cold feel free to close the vents.

Do you have a Disney World Skyliner tip or trick you would like to share? I would love to hear them and learn something new. Just comment below!

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

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