Greetings fellow Mouse Fans!
Returning to my series on making the most of your Disney Dining Plan, let's move on to Counter Service locations. There are so many great options for a quick meal at Walt Disney World and it is so much more than just burgers! Here are my favorites both for flavor and for value.
Magic Kingdom
Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe – Located on the edge of Tomorrowland, this place has one of the best deals around in terms of getting the most bang for your Disney Dining buck. The Half Chicken and Half Rack of Ribs Combination Dinner with Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans is both an enormous portion AND delicious! There was more than enough food for my family of three last week in this one meal alone. (We were leaving room for dessert!) But even if you aren't trying to save space for more food later, this meal is plenty for two adults to split. Which frees up a counter service credit to use for another meal to split! Plus, this location offers a toppings bar featuring onions, mushrooms, cheese sauce and more, turning an ordinary burger and fries into a much more exciting meal.
Epcot
Katsura Grill – This tucked away spot in the Japan pavilion is one of the best kept secrets in Epcot. With a large menu including everything from Sushi to Teriyaki Salmon, the portions are big and the food is really good. A friend swears by the Chicken Curry but my favorite is the Tempura Shrimp Udon. Take your meal outside and dine under the lanterns while listening to the nearby waterfall for a perfect evening meal.
Animal Kingdom
Yak & Yeti Local Foods Cafe – I hear a lot of talk about Flame Tree Barbecue at Animal Kingdom and while it is a good option if you like Barbecue, I prefer Yak & Yeti Local Foods Cafe. (Not to be confused with Yak & Yeti Restaurant, the table service option.) Seating can be a bit of an issue at this location but if you are willing to cross traffic, there is seating by the river just across the way, where peace and quiet can be found. I am big fan of the Beef Lo Mein or the Honey Chicken.
Hollywood Studios
Backlot Express – Ok, I'll admit that I struggled to pick a favorite location at this park. Its just not my favorite for food! But when I am in this park around lunch time, I always go to the same place – Backlot Express. With plenty of seating indoors and outdoors, as well as a decent menu, this is inevitably our choice. I like the Angus Onion Straw Cheeseburger with Horseradish Sauce but the Buffalo Chicken Nuggets are tasty too!
Tomorrow we finish it out with Table Service locations.
Be well and make magic wherever you go!
Sara Varney
Travel Planner
Katsura Grill is located right behind this building in the Japan Pavilion. Photo courtesy of Disney®
