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Battle of the Magic Kingdom Sit Down Restaurants — Which One Is Best?


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Magic Kingdom is packed with places to eat, but not all restaurants are created equal.

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Magic Kingdom

If you’re looking for a sit-down meal at Disney World’s most iconic park, you’ve got options—but which one is actually worth your time and money? Today, we’re ranking the top five sit-down restaurants at Magic Kingdom in reverse order, counting down to the best of the best.

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Let’s dig in!

5. Plaza Restaurant

The Plaza Restaurant, located near the end of Main Street, is one of the most overlooked sit-down spots in Magic Kingdom. It’s small, cozy, and serves up classic American comfort food.

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The Plaza Restaurant!

The menu changes frequently, but longtime favorites like Plaza Fries and their famous ice cream sundaes tend to stick around. If you’re craving a sit-down meal that won’t break the bank, this is a solid choice.

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Full spread at Plaza Restaurant

Pro tip: If you just want ice cream, you don’t need a reservation—just head next door to the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor!

Pros:

  • Cozy, classic vibes
  • Accessible menu for picky eaters
  • Amazing ice cream selection

Cons:

  • If you’re only here for dessert, just go to the ice cream parlor
  • No characters or big theming
  • Can feel cramped during busy times

Overall: 8/10

4. Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace is the only character dining spot on this list, featuring Winnie the Pooh and his Hundred Acre Wood pals. The buffet-style meal offers a variety of options, including carved meats, roasted veggies, Walt’s favorite chili, and plant-based dishes like curry.

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Crystal Palace

Compared to Cinderella’s Royal Table, it’s more affordable ($61 per adult for lunch/dinner, or $48 for breakfast) and offers a wider variety of food.

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Entree plate

Plus, you can still catch a view of Cinderella Castle from the restaurant’s large windows.

Pros:

  • The only place to meet Pooh and friends
  • Large buffet selection
  • Easier to book than Cinderella’s Royal Table

Cons:

  • Still pricey
  • Limited options for strict plant-based eaters
  • No princesses or castle theming

Overall: 8.5/10

3. Liberty Tree Tavern / The Diamond Horseshoe

Yes, we’re putting two restaurants in one spot, but there’s a reason. Liberty Tree Tavern in Liberty Square and The Diamond Horseshoe in Frontierland serve the same all-you-care-to-enjoy menu.

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Liberty Tree Tavern

If you love Thanksgiving food, this is your spot. The menu features roast turkey, pot roast, oven-roasted pork, mashed potatoes, stuffing, mac & cheese, and the iconic Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake.

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Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake at Liberty Tree Tavern

For $42 per adult, it’s one of the cheaper family-style meals at Disney, but it’s also a lot of food. If stuffing yourself with Thanksgiving dinner in a hot theme park doesn’t sound appealing, you might want to reconsider.

Pros:

  • Comfort food lovers, this one’s for you
  • Two locations = better reservation availability
  • Good value for an all-you-care-to-enjoy meal

Cons:

  • Really heavy food for a theme park day
  • Not very adventurous
  • Limited plant-based options

Overall: 8.5/10

2. Columbia Harbour House

Columbia Harbour House in Liberty Square is technically a quick-service restaurant, but hear us out—it still deserves a spot on this list. This New England-inspired eatery serves up solid portions of seafood favorites at a great value.

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Columbia Harbour House

For about $15, you can get the Trio Platter with fried shrimp, chicken strips, battered fish, hush puppies, and a side—making it one of the best deals in the park. The Lobster Roll and New England Shrimp Boil are fan favorites, too.

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Columbia Harbour House Full Spread

Pro tip: Head upstairs to the second floor for a quieter dining experience and some solid people-watching views of Liberty Square.

Pros:

  • Affordable and filling
  • A must-visit for seafood lovers
  • Quick service that still feels like a sit-down meal

Cons:

  • Not great for non-seafood lovers
  • Gets really busy
  • No characters or heavy theming

Overall: 9/10

1. Skipper Canteen

Skipper Canteen in Adventureland is the clear winner, hands down. This Jungle Cruise-themed restaurant isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. The Skippers (your servers) bring their signature pun-loving humor to the table, and the menu is full of adventurous, globally-inspired eats.

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Skipper Canteen

You won’t find basic theme park food here. Instead, you’ll get dishes like Falls Family Falafel, Nile Nellie’s Noodle Bowl, Hardy Har Char Sui Pork, and the Mess Hall Fried Rice. And don’t forget to ask about the secret menu—yes, it’s a thing.

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Skipper Canteen in Magic Kingdom

If you’re someone who enjoys trying new flavors and appreciates Disney’s deep storytelling, this one’s a must-visit. However, if your picky eater is searching for burgers and fries, you might want to head elsewhere.

Pros:

  • Jungle Cruise fans will love it
  • Great for adventurous eaters
  • Typically easier to snag a reservation

Cons:

  • Might be too adventurous for some
  • No character dining
  • Takes more time than a quick-service meal

Overall: 9/10

At the end of the day, Magic Kingdom has some solid sit-down dining options—but Skipper Canteen takes the top spot for its unique menu, immersive theming, and hidden menu surprises.

In the meantime, stay tuned to DFB for all the latest from Disney.

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Which is your favorite sit down restaurant at Magic Kingdom? Let us know in the comments!

The post Battle of the Magic Kingdom Sit Down Restaurants -- Which One Is Best? first appeared on the disney food blog.

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