EPCOT is a foodie paradise where you can eat from all different cultures and themes. With so many different options, it’s unfair that the World Showcase gets all of the attention in the blogisphere!
We know that Disney loves a good theme, and EPCOT has 3 super themed restaurants that will pull you right into their story. But which one is worth your stomach space (and money)? We’ve got you covered!
Let’s rank the 3 themed restaurants in EPCOT!
Number 3. Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in EPCOT stands as a regal gem in the heart of the Norway Pavilion, offering princess fans young and old to an enchanting dining experience fit for royalty. As you step into the hall, the atmosphere transports you to a medieval castle, complete with stone archways, rich tapestries, and a sense of grandeur that befits the royal setting. The theme revolves around a royal banquet, and guests are welcomed as honored guests of the castle.
One of the highlights of dining at Akershus is the opportunity to meet and greet Disney Princesses. The royal lineup may include beloved characters such as Snow White, Cinderella, Ariel, Aurora, Tiana, and Belle. These princesses circulate through the dining hall, engaging with guests, signing autographs, and posing for photos, creating magical moments that will be cherished by Disney fans of all ages. Comparing this experience to Cinderella Royal Table, we choose Akershus Royal Banquet hall because you get more one-on-one time with the princesses.
The menu at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall features a blend of Norwegian-inspired dishes and American favorites. While the food is delicious, it’s the bottom of our themed list because the menu can be considered “adventurous” for the average American.
Personal Experience: On our visit with children, our children would not eat anything off the menu. There are no chicken nuggets and fries here. To quote my daughter, “The meatballs are the wrong color!”. That being said, we would absolutely do it again because of the princess interactions.
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is not just a meal, it’s a fairytale.
Number 2. Garden Grill
Garden Grill is a unique character dining experience that has a focus on sustainability and agriculture. Some people may focus on the characters, Mickey, Pluto, Chip and Dale, and their adorable farmer best clothing. Others are there because they’re fans of Living with the Land and enjoying the fruits of sustainable agricultural labor.
What sets Garden Grill apart is its one-of-a-kind rotating dining room, slowly turning to provide guests with ever-changing panoramic views of the Living with the Land attraction below. Read that again – Garden Grill is a slowly rotating restaurant! Don’t worry, you can’t feel the rotation. It’s really slow. As you enjoy your meal, you might find yourself face-to-face with scenes of a serene prairie, an American farmhouse, a rainforest, and even a thunderstorm, adding an extra layer of enchantment to your dining adventure.
Garden Grill is considered one of the best character dining experiences in Walt Disney World because when you’re here you will get to chat, hug, and get autographs from the characters MULTIPLE times! If you’re looking for a no rush, quiet restaurant to meet Mickey, Garden Grill is a much better alternative to classics like Chef Mickeys.
The menu at Garden Grill is a celebration of seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant is known for its family-style, all-you-care-to-enjoy feast, featuring a bountiful harvest of dishes. From the famous “Living with the Land” salad, showcasing vegetables grown in EPCOT’s own greenhouse and other sustainable dishes, the menu is a delightful journey through flavors inspired by the changing seasons. The meal is topped off with a delectable dessert, satisfying every sweet tooth at the table. The meal is all-you-care-to-enjoy, but it is fresh and not heavy.
Number 1. Space 220
Space 220 is a newer Disney restaurant where space exploration meets the culinary wonders of Earth. This futuristic restaurant, located in the Mission: SPACE Pavilion, immerses guests in a space-themed environment from the moment they step into the elevator that transports them 220 miles above Earth, (hence Space 220). The theme is set to simulate a space station, and the atmosphere is nothing short of stellar. As the elevator ascends, guests are treated to a journey into space, complete with mesmerizing views of the Earth and stars beyond, creating a sense of weightlessness and anticipation for the cosmic dining experience that awaits.
Once inside Space 220, the futuristic and sleek interior design, reminiscent of a space station’s observation deck, enhances the immersive atmosphere. The highlight of the dining experience is the remarkable space windows, offering panoramic views of the cosmos. Through these high-tech windows, diners can witness Earth from orbit, watch satellites and spacecraft drift by, and even spot playful space creatures, including a floating space dog—a touch that reminds you that you are in Walt Disney World.
The menu at Space 220 is as unique as the setting, featuring American cuisine with a cosmic twist. The dishes are crafted with precision and creativity, offering a range of options to satisfy various palates. From the Blue Moon Cauliflower to the Centauri Burger, each item is infused with flavors that are truly “out of this world.” The restaurant also boasts an impressive selection of craft cocktails and a curated wine list, ensuring that the culinary journey is as diverse and satisfying as the celestial views outside.
What makes Space 220 truly great is its seamless integration of immersive theming, cutting-edge technology, and good food. The attention to detail in the design, from the futuristic architecture to the realistic space views, creates an unparalleled dining experience. The restaurant successfully transports guests to a space-age setting, allowing them to dine among the stars while enjoying a delectable feast. It’s the perfect blend of science fiction and culinary excellence that makes Space 220 a must-visit for those seeking a dining adventure that is truly, and quite literally, out of this world, and tops our list of best themed restaurants in EPCOT!
Conclusion
All of these restaurants are incredibly popular in Walt Disney World and it is highly recommended to come with reservations. Advanced dining reservations can be made up to 60 days out in your My Disney Experience.
Whether you are looking for a character experience or an out of this world meal, EPCOT is home to more than the famous World Showcase. EPCOT has something for everyone!
Have comments or questions, be sure to leave them in the Comment Section Below!
This MDT Post By: Erin Schreiver Erin is a MilSpouse who loves going to Walt Disney World with her family, pin trading, and collecting Minnie ears and coffee mugs! Check out her bio. Subscribe to the MDT email newsletter to get website updates and news by clicking this link. |
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