Believe it or not it’s time to start planning your holiday meals! If you’re heading to Walt Disney World with your family for the holidays you’ll want to make sure you have your dining reservations covered.
From early November through New Year’s, Walt Disney World is a true holiday extravaganza. Nutcrackers and holly as far as the eye can see, the smell of freshly baked gingerbread in the lobby of the Grand Floridian, and every single resort decorated from floor to ceiling in unique decorations themed to the resort itself.
“But wait!” you think. “If I am at Disney World for the holidays, won’t I miss out on all of my traditional holiday foods?” Fear not dear Disney Park Princess readers, because Disney has you covered!
‘Traditional’ Table Service Meals
If you are looking for a traditional turkey dinner, look no further than Liberty Tree Tavern in the Magic Kingdom. The Patriot’s Platter is available every day! Served family style, this meal comes with roast turkey, sliced prime rib, and carved pork with all the trimmings – mashed potatoes, stuffing, mac & cheese, and more.
I also really love dining at the Plaza Restaurant. They have really great sandwiches as well as a variety of breakfast items. And ice cream! If you’re looking for a more casual way to eat a turkey dinner (in sandwich form!) then the Plaza has you covered.
Whispering Canyon Cafe at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is a great choice for a family style meal. The All-You-Care-to-Enjoy Skillet includes a barbecue twist on a holiday meal – Family-style Mixed Greens Dressed with Apple Vinaigrette, Fresh-baked Cornbread, Slow-smoked Pork Ribs, Barbecued Pulled Pork, Oak-smoked Beef Brisket, Herb-roasted Chicken, Western-style Sausage, Mashed Yukon Potatoes, Buttered Corn, Seasonal Farm-fresh Vegetables, and Cowboy-style Baked Beans. There is something for everyone! After your meal, relax in front of the fireplace in this gorgeous lobby.
If any of these are already sold out for your dates- don’t worry – most restaurants serve a “traditional” holiday meal on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. I spent a memorable Thanksgiving at Coral Reef in Epcot. I enjoyed some amazing seafood while other members of my family chowed down on turkey!
Unique Table Service Meals
Looking for something a bit outside the box? Another personal favorite for a meal to enjoy with family and friends is Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Kidani Village. Stay with me here…
If “breaking bread” with your family is what the holiday is all about, then I suggest there is no better bread to be found than the Indian-Style Bread Service at Sanaa! Choose from five different types of bread – Traditional Naan, Garlic-Ginger Naan, Spiced Naan, Onion Kucha, or Paneer Paratha. Then choose your accompaniments – Cucumber Raita, Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, Mango Chutney, Tomato-Date Jam, Tamarind Chutney, Coriander Chuntey, Garlic Pickle, Red Chile Sambal, or Spicy Jalapeño-Lime Pickle. Or do what I do – and got with all of them! (Though if you make me pick, I am going with the Garlic Naan, the Cucumber Raita, and the Red Chile Sambal.)
After dinner, explore this gorgeous resort and view the animals on the savanna. The decorations at the this resort are not to be missed!
Another unconventional choice is a Princess Meal! Why not celebrate in royal style at Akershus or Cinderella’s Royal Table.
Quick Service Meals
Too busy riding the rides to stop for a table service meal? That’s okay, there are many holiday treats that you can grab and go! Most quick service locations have holiday themed snacks or desserts available. This one from Satu’li Canteen in Pandora at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is both adorable and delicious!
Food is an important part of family holiday traditions. The taste and the smell linger in our memories long after the last bite. No matter where you spend the holidays this year, I hope that you spend them with friends and family, making memories that you will enjoy for years to come.
