-By Darlin’ Diva
I don’t know about you, but I think deciding where my family and I want to eat while on a Walt Disney World vacation is challenging! We love the convenience of the Disney Dining Plan and have used it several times over the years. Quick/Counter service meals are easy – we pick something on the fly depending on where we are. Snacks? When the mood strikes, we munch! Sit-down, table service meals? That’s the tricky part! If we want a particularly popular place, we need to make those ADRs (Advance Dining Reservations) 180 days before our vacation. And the choices! So many great places to choose from!
I tend to think about Disney World’s table service restaurants in categories: Romantic/Adult dining, dining for all ages, and dining with children. That’s the way I’ll share my favorite choices with you today. All the restaurants on this list use one table service meal credit on the Disney Dining Plan.
Best 1-Credit Table Service for Adults:
Sanaa at Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Kidani Village – Do NOT pass up the Bread Service appetizer while enjoying a cozy dinner for two (or a small group) at this hidden gem.
The Wave at Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Normally, we just eat in the bar portion of The Wave. It’s cool, chic, and grownup. The food is excellent and the wine selection makes us happy.
Kona Café at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is right outside of ‘Ohana, but quieter and more intimate. The food is great and the atmosphere more grownup than it’s super-crowded neighbor. If you 
get there early, enjoy a before dinner cocktail at the Tambu Lounge.
Best for All Ages:
‘Ohana is wildly popular and hard to get a reservation for. That being said, the food is good and served Brazilian Barbecue style, so if you have any meat lovers in your party, this is the place to be!
Olivia’s at Old Key West – This restaurant’s laid back, casual style is deceiving. Great food and excellent service make this place another hidden gem and worth the trouble of taking the time to visit Old Key West if you’re not staying there. Come as you are and enjoy some super Floridian fare. The only hamburger I will eat on vacation is Olivia’s 
Duval Street Burger…I have no words!
Raglan Road – Yes, it’s an Irish pub, but still very family friendly! We consider this a must-do for every trip because of the menu, yes, but the evening entertainment by the Raglan Road Irish Dancers and live musicians is fantastic. If your little princess or prince is into Irish dancing, there’s a great chance she or he can even appear on stage. We love the rib appetizer and the bread pudding dessert – but never agree on which entrée is the best!
50’s Prime Time Café – Home cooking served in a 1950’s classic setting. Back in the days when eating your veggies and minding your table manners were very important – your server may remind you to keep those elbows off the table!
Boma – This buffet at Animal Kingdom Lodge is a crowd pleaser. There’s a huge selection of foods for every type of appetite and taste. From plain fare to exotic flavors with a taste of Africa, this place is great for multi-generational vacationers. Arrive early and visit the Lodge’s savannah overlook where a variety of animals roam and graze.
Best for Families with Young Children:
Be Our Guest – Beauty and the Beast fans will not be 
disappointed! The setting is straight out of the movie including the dark and ominous West Wing! While we think the food is just okay, if you’re looking for an enchanting setting to enjoy a meal in Magic Kingdom with kids, this one’s great.
Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Where else can you enjoy a good buffet AND fantastic photo ops with the Fab Five? Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto will make their way to your table during breakfast or dinner. It’s loud, but worth NOT waiting in line on a hot day to see favorite Disney characters. Plus, this place is just a short walk or monorail ride away from the Magic Kingdom – makes a 
great break from the park!
Whispering Canyon Café at the Wilderness Lodge – The wait staff is sassy and the food is hearty American Western fare. The atmosphere is great and, just a boat ride from Magic Kingdom, makes a meal here a very fun adventure.
What are your favorite 1-credit table service restaurants?
