Looking for a delicious meal after a day of traveling to Disney World?  Check out these top five restaurants for arrival day dinners.

After a long day of traveling by car or by plane (or both!), you and your family will be hungry for a great meal!  Here are the top five suggestions for dining on your arrival day that should be a hit for everyone!

Looking for Classic Characters?

Chef Mickey’s at the Contemporary Resort

If you want to kick off your vacation by eating a meal with the Mouse, there is no better option than Chef Mickey’s at the Contemporary Resort.

With a wide array of buffet options that include something for everyone, this restaurant is perfect for all groups but works especially well for families with children that love Mickey Mouse.

Characters offered here typically include Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, and Pluto.  The monorail also passes through the Contemporary, which adds to the atmosphere and fun of dining at Chef Mickey’s.

Buffet options at dinner include a meat carving station, chicken, salmon, pot roast, soup, pasta, and a variety of sides and desserts.  Children’s’ options include chicken nuggets, Mac ‘n’ Cheese, tater bite potatoes, and vegetables.  

If you can swing a reservation by 2:25, the brunch at Chef Mickey’s is an excellent option with great value.  It includes both breakfast and dinner foods for a cheaper per person price!

With sales tax included, dinner is roughly $62.84 per adult ages 10 and up and $37.28 for children ages 3-9 (prices vary by season).  Children under 3 can eat free of charge.  Guests can also use one table service credit from the Disney Dining Plan to dine at this restaurant.   

Reservations are needed to dine at this restaurant, so guests interested in eating at Chef Mickey’s should book their dining at their 180-day mark in order to experience this great dining option.  

Looking for rare characters and “high end” dining?  

Storybook Dining at Artist Point with Snow White at the Wilderness Lodge

If you are looking for a dining experience that provides exceptional food and also offers unique character interactions, look no further than Storybook Dining at Artist Point. 

Head to the Wilderness Lodge for the opportunity to meet Snow White, Dopey, Grumpy, and The Evil Queen in an absolutely stunning dining environment.  Snow White, Dopey, and Grumpy visit table to table.  Your table will be invited up to get pictures with The Evil Queen.  

Dinner includes a choice of individual plated entrees and shared appetizers and desserts.  Menu highlights include the Royal Prime Rib Roast, the Cottage Beef Stew, and the “Hunter’s Gift to the Queen” dessert that comes to your table in the most dramatically perfect display. 

Kid’s entrees include Prince and Princess pasta, grilled chicken, and prime rib roast.  Cocktails and mocktails are also available for purchase with dinner.

With sales tax included, dinner is about $62.84 per adult ages 10 and up and $37.28 for children ages 3-9.  Guests can also use one table service credit from the Disney Dining Plan to dine at this restaurant.   This is a great value and exceptional use of the dining plan!

Storybook at Artist’s Point is a very popular restaurant and a coveted reservation, so guests interested in eating here should book at the 180-day mark.  

Looking for a fun dining experience with unique food options and picture-perfect views?  

‘Ohana at the Polynesian Resort

‘Ohana at the Polynesian offers guests the unique experience of dining “Hawaiian-style.”  With Hawaiian food selections, music, and games, this restaurant is a hit with everyone!

While characters are offered at breakfast, this is a non-character dining experience for lunch and dinner.  This doesn’t mean that there isn’t great fun to be had! Children can participate in coconut races and everyone is invited to dance the Hula.  

This family-style meal includes delicious offerings such as ‘Ohana Pineapple-Coconut bread, pork dumplings tossed in garlic-ginger sauce, spicy grilled peel-n-Eat shrimp, Szechuan sirloin steak, teriyaki noodles, stir-fried vegetables, and ‘Ohana Bread Pudding a la mode.   

If you time your reservation just right, you may be able to get a table with views of the Magic Kingdom nighttime fireworks spectacular.  An alternative option would be to eat an earlier dinner at ‘Ohana and then to make your way to the beach at the Polynesian to enjoy the fireworks with a Dole Whip in hand!

With sales tax included, dining at ‘Ohana for dinner costs $57.51 for adults ages 10 and over and $30.89 for guests 3-9 (prices vary by season here as well).  One dining plan credit can also be used to enjoy this delicious meal!  

Guests should be sure to book this reservation at the 180-day mark as ‘Ohana is a very popular dining option with guests.

Looking for relaxed, fresh table-service dining?

Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ at Disney Springs

If you will be spending your arrival evening at Disney Springs, Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ is a great option to consider.

Featuring “farm-to-fork cuisine showcasing Florida’s freshest flavors,” Homecomin’ has something for everyone on its menu!

The menu features an array of starters, sandwiches, salads, main plates, sides, desserts, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.  Items not to be missed include the bunch of puppies, the church lady deviled eggs, the fried chicken sandwich, fried chicken and doughnuts, and the delicious hummingbird cake. Be sure to try one of the various cocktail or moonshine options to relax after your long day of travel!

Entrees run anywhere from $15 to $34.99 per adult. Guests can also utilize one table service credit from the Disney Dining Plan.

Reservations are strongly suggested for this restaurant. Enjoy your southern cookin’ and do some shopping afterward!

Looking for great food without a reservation?

D-Luxe Burger at Disney Springs

If you are looking for a quick-service option or are just looking for somewhere great to eat without an advanced dining reservation, check out D-Luxe Burger at Disney Springs.

This great quick-service option has menu selections including burgers and chicken sandwiches, fresh-cut fries, delicious artisanal shakes and floats, and alcoholic offerings.

D-Luxe Burger also offers mobile ordering!  Be sure to check out the mobile order secret menu for even more delicious offerings.  

Meals are typically under $15 for adults.  One quick-service credit can also be used to dine at this restaurant.  No reservations required!

What is your favorite arrival day dinner?  Which of these five options will you try on your next Disney vacation? Share with us on Facebook!

-Jaelyn Winkle