The best meals for the holidays at Disney World

If you are visiting Disney World during the holidays, you may be wanting a traditional Christmas (or Thanksgiving) meal! Disney has several options – there is even a quick-service Christmas meal! Here are the best ones to book for your visit.

First a quick note

Disney typically releases special holiday menus for Thanksgiving and Christmas at various restaurants. However, those are not usually released until closer to those dates. But, we wanted to ensure you had a list of restaurants to help you plan your dining reservations 60 days in advance.

So consider this is a starting list of restaurants that just give off strong holiday vibes. Keep this post bookmarked, and we will update it when those special menus are released!

Now, on with the list! Clicking any of the red links throughout this post will take you to the reviews.

Magic Kingdom

Liberty Tree Tavern and Diamond Horseshoe have some of the most festive food all year round. From turkey and gravy to mashed potatoes and stuffing, it’s basically like eating a Thanksgiving dinner any day of the year.

Because both restaurants share a kitchen, they serve the exact same food. Liberty Tree Tavern is the more popular restaurant because of the theming, but Diamond Horseshoe will suffice as well.

Cinderella’s Royal Table and Be Our Guest would be other obvious choices as well for a holiday meal. Who doesn’t want to meet the princesses in their holiday gowns* or enjoy the snow falling outside the windows at Be Our Guest?

*It’s worth noting there have been times when Cinderella was in her holiday dress at CRT, but in more recent years she has not dressed in her warmer attire. Since this is the first year in several years the other princesses have joined her, we aren’t sure what Disney will do for their costumes.

And, if you must, turkey legs are available at various carts in Magic Kingdom as well. In my opinion, there are much better options for a holiday meal at Disney World, but these ARE an option.

Epcot

Biergarten is the obvious choice due to the band playing traditional Christmas music and wearing holiday attire. The food is not my favorite, but dishes like the rotisserie chicken and sausages are good comfort items that would make for an enjoyable experience.

While Akershus does not have any holiday entertainment or decor, the food is much better than Biergarten. During dinner, I really enjoyed the Swedish meatballs, salmon, and macaroni and cheese. And, let’s not forget about the chicken and dumplings! It’s the perfect comfort food for celebrating the holidays at Disney World!

Other holiday-inspired dishes at Akershus include the red cabbage, which our server explained is a holiday specialty in Norway, and the holiday chocolate roll.

Festival of the Holidays kitchens are the most obvious choice for celebrating the holidays at Disney. You can easily make a full day of snacking and eating all of the best holiday food from around the world. For a look at what was offered in 2022, see this post HERE. And, we will share when 2023 menus are released!

Hollywood Studios

Hollywood and Vine Seasonal Dine is the only character meal on property where you will find special holiday outfits! Minnie, Mickey, Pluto, and Goofy are all wearing their festive best for lunch and dinner (breakfast is Disney Junior characters).

Also, the restaurant is decked out in wreaths, banners, a holiday-themed photo backdrop, and even Christmas trees! Food options include oven roasted turkey, chicken breast, potatoes, and Brussel sprouts.

If you want the most decked out holiday experience with festive characters and decor on property, Hollywood and Vine is the place to find it.

Resorts

Whispering Canyon Cafe is another place that screams Thanksgiving comfort food all year round. If you are a little tired of the turkey, you’ll be happy to know this location serves barbecue chicken, ribs, and all the fixins’. As a bonus, you’ll get to see the beautiful tree and decor at Wilderness Lodge. It’s a top favorite resort for this time of year.

If you want to dress up in your holiday best and go out for a nice meal, I would recommend any of the following restaurants on the Monorail: California Grill, Narcoossee’s, or Citricos. California Grill and Narcoossee’s offer firework viewing from the restaurant so you may be able to catch the holiday fireworks during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party!

Disney Springs

Head over to Maria and Enzo’s for breakfast with Santa! What could be more magical than that?! The price includes a family-style meal, mimosa for adults, and take-home treats for kids. Once your meal concludes, you will be able to share your Christmas list with Kris Kringle himself!

Earl of Sandwich may not be the first place you think of when it comes to holiday meals, but hear me out. If you find yourself at Disney Springs and in need of a quick bite, Earl of Sandwich offers a Holiday Turkey hot sandwich for only $8.99. It includes Turkey, Cornbread Stuffing, Turkey Gravy, Cranberry Sauce and Mayonnaise. The best part is Earl of Sandwich is a quick-service restaurant so no need for dining reservations!

What’s your favorite restaurant to eat at during the holidays at Disney World? Are there any restaurants we missed? Share them in the comments below for fellow readers!