10 Absolute Best Restaurants in Disney Springs for Families [2023 Update]

If you’re reading this, brave parent, it seems that you have decided to brave long lines, blistering heat, and getting struck in the shin by strollers to bring your kiddos the ultimate in family fun – a trip to Disney World. This trip is all about spending time together as a family and giving your little ones memories that will last a lifetime, and meal time is no exception.

With so many resorts and attractions in the area – from Universal Studios to Seaworld to, of course, Disney World itself – there are countless restaurants for families to choose from. But which ones are worth the visit?

On our list of the best family restaurants in Disney Springs today, we’ve covered all the bases, including:

• Family-friendly theme restaurants your kids will love
• Restaurants owned by celebrity chefs and other famous names
• Sweet treats your family can use to cool off after a day in the Florida heat

Share the Joy when You Send a GiftYa

Disney World is “the Happiest Place on Earth” – so who wouldn’t want to invite all their favorite humans along for the journey? Some of the family restaurants on Disney Springs below are currently partnering with GiftYa (stay tuned – because we’re sure the rest will follow soon!)

GiftYa digital gift cards can be sent in just a couple of clicks. Simply choose from thousands of local or national brands, customize your gift, and text or email it to someone you’re traveling with to treat them to dinner tonight!

Ditch the plastic, send a GiftYa – you can explore the whole catalog here.

1. Planet Hollywood Disney Springs

Enjoy Your Favorite Disney Songs + Some Hollywood History

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1526 E Buena Vista Dr | Marketplace | planethollywoodintl.com

Located in the Marketplace at Disney Springs, Planet Hollywood brings a little bit of West Coast living to the heart of the Sunshine State. With four floors of dining backed with movie memorabilia, there will be plenty of things for the little ones to gaze at in wonder as you chow down on classic American fare. Parents will also enjoy the beautiful views from the outdoor overlook – so try to snag an outdoor seat if you’ll be dining at sunset.

GiftYa tip: Wait times tend to creep up quickly during peak dining hours, so make a reservation or be prepared to explore the Marketplace while you wait for a seat!

“Incredible and it's well worth a visit. There are so many amazing items all over the place from some of the greatest artists of every generation. If you're in the area, this place should not be missed, great experience here.” – Yelp Review

Text a Planet Hollywood gift card

2. Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant

Best Restaurant in Disney Spring for the Whole Family

351 S Studio Dr | Hollywood Studios | disneyworld/sci-fi-dine-in-theater

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant will use the power of science (and big screens) to transport the whole family to the 1950s retro future. They serve classic American food even the pickiest eaters will approve of, and while you dine they play 50s Science Fiction movies and clips on the big screen just like a drive-in movie theater.

Kids of any age will be entertained from the minute they sit down at the vintage car-shaped booth, which means parents can look forward to a peaceful meal. (And let’s face it, if they are too old to be entertained by a retro movie theater then they are just going to be sitting there on their phone all through dinner anyways.)

But for those of us who can tear ourselves away from the little screen in our hand to look at the big screen on the wall, Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater is going to be one of the coolest family restaurants you can find in Disney Springs!

“We are locals and come here a few times a year. Their burgers truly are the best in Disney... The dining room is meant to look like a 1950s drive in and you sit in 1950s "Cars" to eat. Very cool experience every time we come.” - Yelp Review 

3. T-Rex Cafe

Best Atmosphere For Families With Young Kids And Any Parent Who Hasn’t Outgrown Their Dino Phase

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1676 E Buena Vista Dr | Disney World | trexcafe.com

The T-Rex Cafe is fun for families for one very simple reason. It is in fact really just your ordinary cafe serving a variety of classic American dishes. But what separates T-Rex Cafe is that the atmosphere of the restaurants is literally filled with animatronic dinosaurs and wooly mammoths. So if you happen to have a kid who is going through their dinosaur phase right now, then this is for sure going to be a must stop for you in Disney Springs.

Fair warning though, there are sporadic “volcanic eruptions” that cause the animatronic animals to move around in a hurry. So if you are looking for a nice laid back chill meal, this isn’t going to be the spot for you. But if you want to absolutely blow your four years old mind, then absolutely stop here one day while you are in Disney Springs.

“If you're coming here you're coming for the views, the sights, and the experience. And it hits on every mark! Incredible. I had more fun and was in awe more than my daughter, but she too, absolutely loved it. This is by far one of the best dining experience I've ever had.” - Yelp Review

Grab a T-Rex Cafe gift card

4. Sharks Underwater Grill

Another Amazing Atmosphere For Families Around Disney Springs

7007 Sea World Dr | SeaWorld Orlando | seaworld.com/orlando/dining/

Sharks Underwater Grill is basically an American style grill set inside of a giant aquarium. SO while you can enjoy all the classics of American seafood and cuisine, you will also be mesmerized by the tanks of vibrant and brilliant sea life that swim freely. The only thing that keeps Sharks Underwater Grill from being further up the list is that it is not technically in Disney Springs.

You actually have to be spending a day at Seaworld to be able to get in. But it is honestly such a cool place that I am willing to fudge the rules a little bit to make sure you guys have the opportunity to have a truly memorable vacation with your family.

“Love this restaurant. Not only is it so fun and cool to watch dozens of sharks and fish swim by but the food and service is great. ” - Yelp Review

5. Chicken Guy!

Take a Trip to Flavortown Right Here in Disney Springs at Guy Fieri’s Highly Rated Chicken Restaurant

1506 E Buena Vista Dr, Ste A | The Landing | chickenguy.com

When you think of frosted tipped Guy Fieri, you probably think of him as the Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives guy – but here in Disney Springs, he’s the Chicken Guy! too. The chicken here is tender and full of flavor, each piece brined in a blend of fresh lemon juice, pickle brine, and buttermilk infused with fresh herbs. 

But you haven’t seen anything until you check out the sauce menu – the “Boss of Sauce” Fieri has 20+ unique flavors to choose from or combine. Younger family members will enjoy options like honey mustard, but the more daring among you might venture for the Cumin Lime Mojo or the spicy Habanero Hot Sauce. 

“As a chicken tender connoisseur I was eager to try Chicken Guy! to see if it lived up to the hype. I was thrilled with this culinary experience and will go out of my way to find a Chicken Guy! near me. I must have more Chicken Guy! in my life.” - Yelp Review

6.  Coca Cola Store Rooftop Beverage Bar

Sip on Soda Flavors from Around the World Drink in Panoramic Views of Beautiful Disney Springs 

1512 E Buena Vista Dr | Town Center | us.coca-cola.com

Nothing quenches your thirst on a hot, sunny Florida day than an ice cold glass of Coca-Cola. The store itself is a fun tourist attraction and souvenir shop, but the real star of the show is the rooftop beverage bar. The views of Disney Springs? Stunning. But that’s not what your kids will be excited about.

Oh, no. At the Coca Cola Rooftop Beverage Bar, you and the fam can sample coke flavors from around the world, like Italy’s Beverly and India’s Thums Up. Sample them all, or go all in with a delicious soda float in your favorite flavor. Perfect for kids and kids at heart.

“It's an extravaganza of fizzy goodness that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. Trust me, it's a wild ride you won't want to miss! There's a giant polar bear casually roaming around on the second floor. It's a delightful oddity that adds an extra dash of whimsy to your beverage-bar experience. Just make sure you don't mistake it for a thirsty customer!” - Yelp Review 

7. The Boathouse

Upscale Waterfront Restaurant Bringing the Best of Land and Sea to Families Visiting Disney Springs

1620 E Buena Vista Dr | The Landing | theboathouseorlando.com

Voted #1 Restaurant in Disney Springs by USA Today, The Boathouse has no shortage of fun for the whole family. Many of the restaurants on this list have been casual fare, but The Boathouse is the exception. Take the kids on an Amphicar Tour while you wait for your table, or check out the world’s largest collection of fully restored 1930s, 40s, and 50s Dream Boats.

The atmosphere is clearly hard to beat, but what’s on the menu? The kids menu features classics (burgers, tenders, mac and cheese) as well as some fancier options (popcorn shrimp, grilled salmon). Grownups can enjoy fresh seafood and other upscale fare, ranging from oysters on the half shell to perfectly cooked filet mignon.  

“Ambience was great and servers were so nice. Great place for family or for a date night. Lobster roll was good, but wouldn't get again. Fries were delicious and perfectly crisp and thin!” - Yelp Review 

8. Storybook Dining at Artist Point with Snow White

A High-End Fairytale Experience Right in the Heart of Disney World

901 Timberline Dr | Disney World | facebook.com

We’re going to keep on with the classy options with Storybook Dining At Artist Point, without a doubt one of the  most-high end family restaurants in Disney Springs. Yes, the traditional American food is fantastic –  but it’s only a small portion of the experience you’ll indulge in when you grab a seat here.

Luxury? Check. But your family will also have the chance to interact with cast and characters from different Disney films throughout the meal. There are a variety of Storybook Dining events available throughout the park, but the Snow White one is hands-down the fan favorite.

Of course, if your kid would be heartbroken to miss out on a meal at Cinderella’s Royal Table or Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, by all means, do what works for your family! Nobody knows them better than you. But based purely on the reviews – the Snow White experience is the place to be.

“The food, service and the experience is ONE to remember. An experience like this is "magical" . It was the highlight of my day. The good vibes and energy from this experience is contagious. What an evening to remember.” - Yelp Review

9. Ford’s Garage Kissimmee

Enjoy Burgers and a Cold Brew While the Kids Check Out the Cool Car-Themed Restaurant

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3210 Margaritaville Blvd | West Orlando| fordsgarageusa/kissimmee

Next up we have Ford’s Garage Kissimmee, which makes our list of the best family friendly restaurants you can find in Disney Springs for one simple reason: the good vibes. They have to have the absolute most laid back and relaxing environment of any place that allows children I have ever seen. And this permeates through everything they do. 

You can expect plenty of burgers, comfort food, and bar food when you are here.  Disney can be a lot of hurry up and wait, so it might be nice to just take it easy and relax with a nice cold drink and some tasty food. And let’s face it, there’s nothing worse than the Florida heat and being accompanied by a hangry five year old, is there?

“Good food, good atmosphere, and good location.” - Yelp Review 

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10. Cold Stone Creamery (Kissame)

American Classic That’s Good for the Whole Family

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3292 Margaritaville Blvd | West Orlando | coldstonecreamery.com

Not feeling any of the other options on this list? Or maybe the wait times are skyrocketing and you’ve got a car full of hungry munchkins to feed? Then boy, do I have the solution for you.

It’s Cold Stone Creamery. You are in Florida with children. It’s a match made in heaven.

Cold Stone is one of the largest and most successful ice cream chains in the world. And in my not so humble opinion, also one of the most delicious. So if you are trying to beat the heat and also give your kids a special treat, then this is absolutely a must stop on one of your days in Disney Springs.

“Cold Stone Milkshakes are great! Lots of flavors to cool off with on a hot day! Can't wait for the new one to open by one of our favorite restaurants. Dessert will be right next door!” - Yelp Review 

Send a Cold Stone Creamery gift card

That’s it for our top-rated family friendly restaurants in Disney Springs.

Disney Springs (and the rest of the Orlando area) are full of fantastic, family-friendly places to eat. Today we’ve picked out some of the coolest, must-see spots – from sci-fi drive-in theme restaurants to chicken restaurants owned by everyone’s favorite celebrity chef.

But no matter which location you choose, I hope I helped you make sure that this vacation is one your kids will remember for the rest of their lives. And if you didn't find precisely what you were looking for on my list, check out one of our other great lists of restaurants around Disney Springs, as well as Disney World itself.

From all of us at GiftYa, we hope your family vacation to Disney Springs is magical!