10 Disney World Tourist Traps That Are Actually Worth It

Some Disney World restaurants are diamonds and others are just rough.

There are some we’d even classify as your typical tourist traps. Speaking of those “traps,” occasionally one or two of them will surprise you, so let’s talk about a couple that we’d actually suggest you visit at least once!

You Have To Try These At LEAST ONCE

Be Our Guest Restaurant

At Be Our Guest Restaurant, you’re really there to dine in the iconic ballroom inside the Beast’s Castle. It’s truly an amazing environment to dine in, and will ultimately be a memorable dining experience. However, the food is a prix-fixe menu for both lunch and dinner making for a very pricey meal that frankly isn’t worth doing more than once.

Once you’ve tried this restaurant once, you can check out other spots like Liberty Tree Tavern in Magic Kingdom for a more affordable meal, or Le Cellier Steakhouse in EPCOT if you’re going for a more romantic vibe.

Chef Mickey’s

If there’s one restaurant that you have to try once when visiting Disney World, it has to be Chef Mickey’s (it’s basically a rite of passage as a Disney fan). Now, should you visit it more than once? Well, you’ll have to see if it fits in your family’s dining priorities.

You have to know that it’s a big restaurant and it gets quite loud here. The food isn’t anything really to write home about, but that’s to be expected since you’re really only there to see the characters. If the price is in your budget, then good on you, but if you’d like an experience that might be a better value, check out Garden Grill or Topolino’s Terrace instead.

Cinderella’s Royal Table

There is absolutely no more iconic of a restaurant than Cinderella’s Royal Table in Magic Kingdom. This is a place that you should totally do once to experience eating in Cinderella Castle! Also this is a wonderful way to meet your favorite princesses.

Now, the price tag and overall quality of the food make Cinderella’s Royal Table a one-and-done spot. If you want to try something different on your next Magic Kingdom day, we’d recommend some of the table service restaurants at monorail resorts like ‘Ohana, Steakhouse 71, and Citricos.

Oga’s Cantina

We have to thank Disney for making every Star Wars fan’s dream of entering an actual cantina come true when they made Oga’s Cantina in Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge. Listen, the theming is unreal and the cocktails on the menu definitely belong in a galaxy far, far away.

But you know there had to be a downside. The majority of Oga’s is standing-room only, and since it’s heavily focused on alcoholic beverages, it doesn’t feel the most kid-friendly. After you’ve had the chance to try it once, make sure to try BaseLine Tap House. You’ll have a much more relaxing experience, and it’s only steps away from Galaxy’s Edge.

Must-do ONCE (If Your Budget Allows)

Space 220

Now, Space 220 at EPCOT is a dining experience that you really only need to do once. Overall, the food is good, but the lunch and dinner menus are prix-fixe, and boy is it pricey! However, the reason you’re really there is to take that elevator up 220 miles above EPCOT for the experience.

We’re not going to deny that there’s nothing like Space 220, but chances are you can find less expensive, and just as tasty meals at other restaurants around the property after you’ve had your chance to visit this spot once.

California Grill

Here’s another spot you have to try (only if the budget allows) at least once. It’s got spectacular views of Magic Kingdom, and don’t get us started about how stunning the fireworks are from there. So, the location and the views are solid, but the menu…well, let’s just say they charge a hefty amount just for the privilege of dining there.

As we said, you’re not going to beat the fireworks view anywhere, but with the menu being prix-fixe and so pricey, we have a hard time recommending you go there more than once.

Victoria & Albert’s

Let’s rip off the bandaid immediately and let you know that this spot has THE MOST Expensive price tag on the property. It’s so expensive that you could definitely save for years just to be able to afford the meal.

All of that being said, (listen closely) the food, however, is unreal AMAZING. Not only is it the most expensive, but it has to be one, if not THE BEST restaurant on the property. So, if your budget allows for it, go multiple times. If not, save up! You’ll never have another meal like it at Disney World.

Takumi-Tei

I know we just said that there’s nothing like Victoria & Albert’s, but Takumi-Tei would be a close second. Just like Victoria & Albert’s, Takumu-Tei is a true dining experience that take several hours to complete and has an extravagantly high price tag.

It’s an absolute must-try if your budget allows and you want to experience top-tier service and food in Disney World. That said, due to the price tag, it’s hard to justify multiple visits.

Souvenirs You’ve Only Got To Try Once

Balloons

Now, we’re not coming for you or your childhood. We love balloons, too! They’re basically a rite of passage when you visit Disney World. However, they’re such a hassle.

Where to start? They can’t be brought on rides. Where do you put them if you don’t have a stroller to tie them on? And they’re completely prohibited from the Animal Kingdom lodge and park (gotta keep the animals safe).

Then, how do you bring them home? TSA is not going to be happy with you if you try to bring them inflated. There are so many reasons why balloons are quite the hassle, but we’ll leave the choice up to you.

Bubble Wands

Your kiddos love them and that’s all well and good, but bubble wands can be a bit of a nuisance. Many of us who hit up the parks often have plenty of stories of fresh bubbles in our mouths and eyes when a kid is going ham on their bubble wand.

As we said, they’re fun for the kids, but for everyone else? Well, let’s say, you may want to invest in a different Disney World souvenir.

At the end of the day, where you decide to eat is up to you, but we think those spots are worth the visit. As always, be sure to stay tuned to AllEars for the latest Disney news!

REVIEW: We Ate at Disney World’s Most Expensive Hotel Restaurant

What spots would you add to this list? Tell us in the comments!

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