Reviews

Restaurant Review: Yak & Yeti

updated on

Rating:

Location: Animal Kingdom

Yak and Yeti is an Asian-style sit down restaurant in Animal Kingdom set in the mountains of Nepal. The theming and food is great, and it’s one of the few lunch and dinner sit-down options at the park.

Our family started going here a few years ago and have really enjoyed it. I love Asian food, so this spot is definitely a favorite of mine! It’s nice to sit in the AC and get a break from the park, especially when Animal Kingdom gets so humid in the summers.

What we like:

We didn’t always stay at Animal Kingdom for lunch (we’d head back to the resort and have lunch at the pool) because we never found somewhere we all liked, but this spot is a great option for families. They have an extensive menu, so even if someone in your group doesn’t like Asian food, they should be able to find something they’ll enjoy.

Things to note:

Because there aren’t a ton of sit down options at Animal Kingdom, reservations are essential for lunch and dinner here. Like most places now in Disney, if you just try to walk up and put your name in, you likely will wait a very long time, if you get in at all.

WDW Park Planners Tip:

Everything is very spread out at Animal Kingdom, so for your feet’s sake, you need to plan ahead before entering this park. Coordinate your Fast Passes with your dining reservation at Yak and Yeti. It’s right next to Expedition Everest (and Dinosaur and the Finding Nemo show aren’t too far away), so keep that in mind when choosing times!

Reviews

Restaurant Review: The Crystal Palace

updated on

Rating:

Location: Magic Kingdom

Crystal Palace is a buffet style restaurant on the end of Main Street facing Cinderella Castle. This spot serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and features the cute characters from Winnie the Pooh.

Our family still goes here occasionally for sentimental reasons and we always have a nice time. When my sisters were young, this was a must-do for our family with the Winnie the Pooh characters!

What we like:

This is a great spot for big groups and families with small children. The buffet style makes it very easy if you have picky eaters. Winnie the Pooh and friends come around to the tables to sign autographs and take pictures with your group. It usually takes about an hour for them to all come around to the table, so take your time eating! Don’t worry, dessert is included in the buffet (there’s even an ice cream machine!).

Things to note:

I would not recommend this spot unless you have younger kids. While it’s a great location on Main Street, the food and atmosphere are just okay. It can be very noisy and busy with the characters coming around, so if you’re a group with older kids or adults, I would choose somewhere else.

WDW Park Planners Tip:

Even with a reservation, you will end up waiting for your table once you check in. Make your reservation for 15-30 minutes earlier than you normally would book. While you wait, sit outside on the benches and take in the sites and sounds of Main Street and the Castle area.

Reviews

Restaurant Review: Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater

updated on

Rating:

Location: Hollywood Studios

At the Sci-Fi Drive-In Theater at Hollywood Studios, you step inside to feel like you’re outside again! This drive in movie theater is set in the rolling hills of Hollywood in the 1950s.

Sit back and relax inside your “car” while you watch old sci-fi movie clips and cartoons. Your waiter will come to your car window to take your order – you can’t go wrong with their burgers and shakes!

What we like:

Hollywood Studios doesn’t have many good sit down restaurant options. This is the only one our entire family really enjoys. It’s great to sit in the AC and get a break from the heat. The food is yummy – everyone can can find something they like!

Things to note:

This is not a social lunch – you’re sitting watching the old movies from your car or table. This can be a good or bad thing depending on your group! If everyone is tired, it’s a great break spot to just sit and relax, no talking required 😉

WDW Park Planners Tip:

Request to sit in a car – it’s worth the wait! There are regular tables as well, but the car really makes the experience. The cars have three rows of two, so a family of 6 would fill a car. If you have more than 6, you group may be split up. If you have less than 6, you likely will have other guests in your car sitting in front or behind you!