Planning your Orlando Family Vacation? Check out our Top Picks for the Best Restaurants for Kids
An Orlando family vacation is a special kind of magic and you and your family will want to experience that magic up close and in high-definition. No doubt you’ll have a checklist as long as your arm of things you and your family want to see and do.
I wonder who is more excited – you or the kids?!
You’ve got your family accommodation arranged (if not message me!) You’ve got your ducks in a row as far as planning goes and you’re ready for fun, fun and more fun.
But what about some fun food?
Foodie Fun for Your Orlando Family Vacation
Orlando has a huge selection of restaurants with exceptional, world-class dining. Many offer a truly exquisite dining experience. But with so many options, it can be difficult to figure out the best places to eat – especially for the kids.
Mealtimes will be as much about creating memories as any other experience on your Orlando family vacation.
So, here’s our top picks to some awesome restaurants perfect for kids.
Best for Character Dining: Topolino’s Terrace Breakfast à la Art
If you’re looking for breakfast with a view and a little elegance, this is the one to go for.
The rooftop restaurant offers a storybook dining experience while enjoying breakfast with a flair.
This European styled resort is complimented by the characters dressed in European elegance. With Mickey the painter, Minnie the poet, Donald the Sculptor and Daisy the dancer, it’s fun and refined.
Breakfast starts off with fresh pastries and bread. Then you are served which choice of entrées include Quiche Gruyère with house-made pancetta, Sour Cream Waffle, Smoked Salmon, Wild Mushroom Scramble and Wood-fired Butchers Steak.
Create-Your-Own Kids’ Entrées include Scrambled Egg, Mickey Waffle Dippers and Fruit & Yoghurt.
Where: Disney’s Riviera Resort
Web: Topolino’s
Reviews: Trip Advisor | Google
Best for Themed Dining: T-Rex Cafe
If you’re looking for a quiet conversation, this is definitely not the place to be. Why?
Because T-Rex Restaurant is an atmospheric wonderland with fun by the bucket-load.
It’s loud, the decor is astounding and it’s a real trip.
Any budding paleontologists will be enthralled with the animated dinosaurs and great sound effects. Adults will be equally impressed with the surroundings too.
T-Rex himself announces he’s there with a roar every now and then, there’s a floating giant octopus accompanied by floating jellyfish and a blue glowing ice cavern. And of course dinosaurs and fossils.
There are several themed dining ‘rooms’ all offering unique experiences. One even has a meteor shower. (It is noisy, so if your kids don’t like loud sounds, don’t sit in that section).
And do pay a visit to the restrooms! They are pretty funky!
The food is predominantly American, with a dino-themed kids menu. The kiddos will like the sounds of dinosaur-shaped Jurassic Chicken Tidbits, Paleo Pizza, Mini Mes-O-Bones or Prehistoric Pop’n Shrimp.
Fun desserts include Chocolate Extinction, a colossal fudge cake with ice cream, Ice Age Indulgence or the Meteor Bites. If the kids fancy a cocktail, they can get a Caveman Punch or other aptly themed drinks in a souvenir glass.
Take a trip 200 million years back for a fun-filled dining experience. Sounds cool, right?
T-Rex is right in the heart of Disney Springs, so take a stroll around to walk off dinner. It’s an Orlando family vacation must do!
- After dinner, take a peek at the Dino-Store where the kids can Build-a-Dino or let them dig for bones in the Paleo Zone sand pit.
- If you call Disney Dining to make a reservation and they are full, call the restaurant direct. As T-Rex is not Disney owned, they only release a certain amount of seating to Disney Dining. Call direct on 407-828-8739
- If you walk-in without a reservation and there is a long wait, you can always opt to dine at the bar – there is usually immediate seating available and the bar area has awesome decor.
Where: T-Rex Restaurant, Disney Springs MarketPlace
Web: T-Rex Restaurant
Reviews: TripAdvisor Reviews | Google Reviews
Best Dinner Show: Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue
Temporarily Closed – Reopening June 23rd 2022
The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is a rollicking, Western-themed vaudeville dinner show that is sure to be a guaranteed hit with the entire family. It’s so popular it’s been running since 1974.
With hilarious hoedown-style comedy, you never know what to expect during an exciting 2 hours of singing, dancing and goofing around.
Make sure you go hungry. Dinner is served family style, with pails of all-you-can-eat fried chicken, smoked BBQ pork ribs, salad, baked beans and fresh-baked cornbread. There’s vegetarian options too and do mention any special diets.
Make sure you leave room for dessert – the strawberry shortcake is nothing short of decadent yummyliciousness.
Food is served pioneer style on tin plates by the bucket-load. And did we mention it’s endless? Just holler for your server and they’ll slam more right down in front of you.
You can wash all this food down with unlimited soft drinks, coffee and tea. This includes unlimited beer, wine and sangria for over 21’s.
Make sure you allow plenty of time to arrive at Pioneer Hall – Disney advise to allow 90 minutes. You can’t drive around Fort Wilderness, so if you take your car you have to park at the resort car park, then take the shuttle to the other end where Pioneer Hall is located. Alternatively you can park at Magic Kingdom and take the ferry to Fort Wilderness.
Orlando Family Vacation Tips:
- Arrive early and stay late – Fort Wilderness is awesome and the kids will love the adventure almost as much as the show. There are playgrounds, pony rides (until 5pm), carriage and wagon rides, nature trails, cycling, boat rides and swimming
- Celebrate in Style – Be sure to mention any special celebrations such as a Birthday or Anniversary. The servers will be sure to make a fuss and the person celebrating may even get chosen to be part of the show.
See the Fort Wilderness Resort gallery below:
Where: Pioneer Hall, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Web: Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue
Reservations: Essential – Book Online or call 407-939-3463
Reviews: TripAdvisor Reviews | Google Reviews
Best for a Funky Experience: Cafe Tu Tu Tango
If you and your family are looking for a totally different experience for dinner, this restaurant will hit the spot.
With its bohemian ethos and brightly colored walls, Cafe Tu Tu Tango is themed on a Spanish artist’s loft and integrates local art and artists into your dining experience. The walls are jammed with art (all for sale) and artists work all around you and interact while you dine.
Local art and kids might not sound like they go together, but trust us! The kids will love the funky vibe and the atmosphere is pure fun, fun, fun. Cafe Tu Tu Tango offers a unique culinary adventure, especially if you have kids who love to create.
There’s spontaneous live entertainment, dance and music and the kids might get the chance to turn their hands to crafts and painting.
The menu features dishes from all over the world and is served on small, appetizer-sized plates meant for family sharing. Everything is freshly made using local ingredients. There’s a wide choice of dips, street food, soups, flatbreads and pizzas, tacos and sliders. The kids menu features a selection including mini hot dogs, popcorn chicken and pizzas.
Where: Cafe Tu Tu Tango, 8625 International Drive Orlando, Florida 32819
Web: Cafe Tu Tu Tango
Reviews: TripAdvisor Reviews | Google Reviews
Orlando Family Vacation: Best for Multiple Choice – Sunset Walk
If you are staying in one of our Orlando vacation homes, Sunset Walk is almost on your doorstep! Located at Margaritaville Orlando Resort, Promenade at Sunset Walk offers a huge range of eateries, several of them with theming kids will love. Ford’s Garage has an automotive theme, Yeoman’s has a British theme, Capone’s has a gangster theme and Rock n Brews has a music theme.
You’ll find upscale dining alongside finger licking casual, with a selection of stores and live entertainment too.
Here’s a selection of what’s available at Sunset Walk:
- Rock n Brews – Lively atmosphere, great food and a cool music theme
- Ford’s Garage – Gourmet burgers and American cuisine with great funky decor (check out the toilets!!)
- Capone’s – pizzas cooked in 800 degree coal fired ovens and Italian specials
- Lizzie’s Memphis Style BBQ – Lipsmackin’ BBQ!
- Estefan Kitchen – Paella is a house specialty plus lots of Cuban specials
- The Wharf – Perfect for seafood lovers and live music
- Yeoman’s Cask & Lion – British favorites such as fish n chips and bangers n mash
- El Jefe Tequilas – Mexican food with fun and flair
Check out the full line up of restaurants in Sunset Walk.
Best for Upscale Dining at Disney: Flying Fish
If you’re looking for somewhere a little special to take the kids, Flying Fish would be a great choice. With a ‘smart casual’ dress code, this upscale, oceanic themed restaurant is sure to make waves with all ages.
Disney call it “A sophisticated interpretation of nostalgic seaside luxury dining“.
The Flying Fish has a tantalizing selection of food with the emphasis on seasonal seafood. You can cast your eyes to the on-stage kitchen and watch the talented team of chefs prepare your meal.
Offering premium seasonal seafood, prime steaks, the freshest of ingredients and delicious vegetarian options, the cuisine on offer here has something to offer every taste bud.
For the kids, there’s salmon, chicken breast, grilled steak, red snapper and pasta. Plus there’s a whole range of allergy-friendly options too.
The assortment of seasonal desserts are a real treat too.
Flying Fish is located at Disney’s Boardwalk, so after dinner you can take a stroll around Crescent Lake, catch some street performers or take a boat ride.
Orlando Family Vacation Tip: After Dinner, Watch the Fireworks FREE!
You can catch Epcot’s Harmonious – make your way to the bridge at International Gateway for the best view, it’s just a few minutes stroll from Flying Fish. If you head in the opposite direction, you can also see the fireworks from the bridge at the Swan & Dolphin Resort. You won’t see the amazing effects over Showcase Lagoon, but you will see the skyline fireworks. You could even time it for a ride on the Skyliner and get a birdseye glimpse of the fireworks. The Skyliner entrance is located just before the Epcot International Gateway, so you don’t need to enter Epcot for access.
If you do have a reservation for Epcot, you can make use of Epcot’s International Gateway entrance, it’s just a few minutes walk from the BoardWalk.
The perfect way to end an evening of fun food!
Where: Disney’s Boardwalk Resort
Web: Flying Fish
Reviews: TripAdvisor Reviews | Google Reviews
Get The Most Out of Your Orlando Family Vacation
An Orlando family vacation is the stuff dreams are made of. With an incredible variety of awesome things to do, Orlando simply offers it all.
Eating is all part of the vacation experience and you don’t want any regrets. Be sure to check out these best family friendly restaurants and make sure the memories you take home are ones the entire family can cherish for a lifetime.
Also check out Fun Family Dining in Orlando
Orlando Family Vacation Accommodation
If you are looking for a super cozy place to stay during your Orlando family vacation, we would love to welcome you to one of our vacation homes near Disney.
- 3 Bedroom Resort Home – Sleeps up to 6-8 from $200 a night
- 5 Bedroom Pool Home – Sleeps up to 12 from $360 a night
Leave A Comment