It’s easy to get swept up in the rush and excitement of Advanced Dining Reservations. I know they’re a favorite activity of mine – planning where we’ll be eating 180 days away is fun! My family and I base what park we’ll be in each day off of our restaurant planning alone, but what do you do when the table service credits run out (or your family’s patience runs out, whichever comes first) and you’re still hungry? Counter service, of course!
Walt Disney World reportedly serves around 7 million hamburgers and 5 million hot dogs per year, but that’s not all they have! There are some really unique and exciting counter service restaurants that still serve up all of the magic of Disney without having to compromise with your wallet.
In the Magic Kingdom, my personal favorite counter service restaurant will have to go to Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café – there’s just something about it! Maybe it’s the 3 bays they have that all serve up different stuff – chicken, burgers, or sandwiches – or maybe it’s the unlimited toppings bar, or it could even be the entertainment provided by Sonny Eclipse, but Cosmic Ray’s is a must do for any trip we take. Their pulled pork (found in the chicken bay) is so juicy, too. There’s something for everyone there, but I don’t recommend going on its neighboring Mad Tea Cups afterwards…
One thing I’ve always loved about Walt Disney World is that it’s always changing. They’re always making way for the new and improved versions of attractions from the yesteryears, and per Walt Disney’s request, the parks will never be “finished.” This is self evident with the new Fantasyland expansion, and as excited I am to try out all the new attractions (and REALLY looking forward to the Be Our Guest dining experience), I still take comfort in the fact that some of the classics will seemingly always be around for my children and my children’s children to experience.
Which Walt Disney World classic attractions am I talking about? I’m going to have to go with three that have Walt’s personal touch to them: the Carousel of Progress, It’s a Small World, and the Haunted Mansion.
The Carousel of Progress is my husband’s favorite attraction. He loves the song, the animatronics, and I think he especially loves the fact that it’s a good 20 minutes of pure air conditioning, which can make you feel like a million bucks in the Florida heat. The Carousel of Progress was one of the attractions Walt brought to New York’s World Fair. Walt was so proud of it; he has been quoted to have said that it was his favorite attraction and should never be closed. Well, what the boss says, the boss gets. It was proudly displayed in Disneyland from 1967 to 1973, and then ushered on over to the Magic Kingdom where it still resides today. It might be a little on the boring side for young kids, but I know it’ll always have a place in my touring plan and in my heart.
I recently traveled to Disney World with my mom to celebrate her spring break. We had not dined at Cinderella’s Royal Table in a few years and luckily since we planned our trip in advance, I was able to book us a coveted dinner reservation. I can’t believe how magical and fun the experience was for two adults! I really can’t even imagine how amazing it is from a child’s view. I would like to share with you our royal experience!
Location-For those of you unfamiliar with this very popular dining spot, it is located in Cinderella’s Castle in the heart of Magic Kingdom (in Disney World). If you walk through the castle from Main Street USA, the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is on the left in the castle and the check-in spot for the restaurant is to the right.
Meals offered-Cinderella’s serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. I would highly recommend lunch or dinner as the food choices are more extravagant than the breakfast items, in my opinion.
Price– Cinderella’s Royal Table is part of the Disney Dining Plan and requires two table service credits. If you are not on the dining plan, the full payment must be made when the reservation is booked. The price includes an appetizer, main course, dessert, photo package with Cinderella, table side meet and greet with princesses, and gratuity. Price is $36 to $59 per person.
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