Orlando Dining GuidePark tickets

Family restaurants in Orlando

Orlando is built for families, and so are many of its restaurants. Here is where kids have the most fun, and how to keep the food bill down.

Updated October 2026

Smiling boy at a restaurant table
Photo: Kampus Production / Pexels

Restaurants kids love

Chef Mickey's

Disney's Contemporary Resort · Character buffet

Mickey and friends visit each table.

Rainforest Cafe and T-REX

Disney Springs · Themed

Thunderstorms, animatronic gorillas and life-size dinosaurs.

Toothsome Chocolate Emporium

Universal CityWalk · Themed

A chocolate factory with milkshakes as big as your head.

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater

Disney's Hollywood Studios · Themed

Eat in a car at a drive-in movie.

Medieval Times

Kissimmee · Dinner show

A jousting tournament with dinner and no forks.

Golden Corral

International Drive · Buffet

Something for everyone, and dessert is unlimited.

How to save on family meals in Orlando

  • Look for kids-eat-free nights. Many I-Drive and Kissimmee restaurants offer free kids' meals with an adult entree on certain nights. Ask your hotel's front desk for the current list.
  • Book a hotel with breakfast or a kitchen. Saving one meal a day adds up over a week.
  • Share quick-service meals. Theme park portions are large.
  • Bring snacks and refillable bottles. Disney and Universal allow outside snacks, and water fountains are free.
  • Eat lunch in the parks, dinner off-site. Restaurants off-property are usually cheaper.
  • Save on tickets, too. Discount park tickets from Undercover Tourist leave more in the meal budget.

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Restaurants open, close, move and change hours often. Check the restaurant's own website or call before you go. No restaurant paid to be listed.

Family-friendly dinner shows

Family trip planning

Find family hotels in our Orlando hotel deals, plan the parks with Plan It Orlando, and see family attractions at 101 Things to Do in Orlando.

Frequently asked questions

Where do kids eat free in Orlando?

Kids-eat-free offers change often. Many chains and independent restaurants on International Drive and in Kissimmee offer free kids' meals on certain nights with an adult entree. Ask your hotel or check the restaurant's website before you go.

What is the best character meal at Disney World?

Chef Mickey's is the classic for Mickey and friends, and Cinderella's Royal Table is the favorite for princesses. Both book up quickly, so reserve 60 days ahead.