Kid-Friendly Dining in Orlando: Where Families Love to Eat
Family vacations in Orlando create lifelong memories — but let’s be honest, finding food that keeps everyone happy can be one of the biggest trip challenges. Between long park days, picky eaters, and tired parents, the right restaurant can genuinely make your day easier.
As local hosts who welcome families from all over the world, we’ve gathered the spots our guests rave about year after year: restaurants that are delicious, reliable, fun, convenient, and kid-approved.
Here are the best kid-friendly dining options in Orlando, perfect for fueling big days, calming meltdowns, or simply enjoying a meal together.
Top Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Orlando
1. The Polite Pig — Disney Springs
Best for: BBQ lovers, quick service, big groups
Distance from Disney: ~8–10 minutes
Smoked meats, mac & cheese, crispy fries, and a fast-moving line make this one of Orlando’s best family-friendly options. Kids love the open kitchen and the variety of comforting sides. Perfect for lunch between park days.
2. T-Rex Café — Disney Springs (Themed Dining)
Best for: young kids, fun atmosphere, interactive experience
Distance from Disney: ~8–10 minutes
A prehistoric-themed restaurant filled with giant dinosaurs, meteor showers, and glowing rooms. Kids go absolutely crazy here — and the menu has plenty of easy options like pasta, burgers, and pizza.
3. Blaze Pizza — Disney Springs
Best for: picky eaters, customization
Distance from Disney: ~8–10 minutes
Kids choose every topping and watch their pizza bake in minutes. It’s quick, affordable, and universally loved — ideal for families needing something simple and fresh.
4. Chef Mickey’s — Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Best for: character dining, celebration meals
Distance from Magic Kingdom: ~5 minutes
Mickey, Goofy, Minnie, and friends visit your table while you enjoy a family-friendly buffet. It’s the perfect first-day or last-day experience for Disney-loving kids.
5. Sanaa — Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Best for: adventurous eaters, animal views
Distance from Animal Kingdom: ~5 minutes
Kids can spot zebras and giraffes right outside the windows. The famous “Indian Bread Service” makes it easy for families to share and try new flavors. Calm, scenic, and surprisingly kid-friendly.
6. Shake Shack — ICON Park / Vineland Outlets
Best for: burgers, fries, quick meals
Distance from Disney: ~10–15 minutes
Consistent, fast, and familiar. Perfect for families with tired kids or a busy schedule.
7. Earl of Sandwich — Disney Springs
Best for: simple meals, younger kids
Distance from Disney: ~8–10 minutes
A family favorite with sandwiches, wraps, soups, and snacks that work for all ages — especially toddlers.
8. Giordano’s — Lake Buena Vista
Best for: pizza night, big families
Distance from Disney: ~12 minutes
Chicago-style deep dish pizza that kids love. Great for dine-in or takeout after a long day.
9. Portillo’s — International Drive
Best for: fun food, big appetites
Distance from Disney: ~15 minutes
Hot dogs, burgers, fries, milkshakes, and a bright, playful interior. Kids always find something they love here.
10. Rainforest Café — Disney’s Animal Kingdom / Disney Springs
Best for: themed dining, entertaining little ones
Distance from Disney: Inside Animal Kingdom or ~10 minutes (Disney Springs)
Thunderstorms, jungle animals, and animatronics keep kids entertained through the whole meal.
Kid-Friendly Tips From Your Local Host
• Lunch: 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
• Dinner: before 6:00 p.m. or after 8:00 p.m.
• Weekdays are always quieter than weekends
Looking for more Orlando tips? Check out our guide on the Best Time to Visit Orlando.
• Always carry snacks for long lines
• Mobile order through My Disney Experience to save 30–45 minutes
• Choose restaurants near the park exit for an easy end to the day
• For character dining, book early — especially Chef Mickey’s
Sample Family-Friendly Dining Day in Orlando
???? Breakfast: Chef Mickey’s — start the day with magic
???? Lunch: Blaze Pizza — quick, easy, customizable
???? Afternoon Treat: Salt & Straw or Ghirardelli
???? Dinner: The Polite Pig — reliable, delicious, kid-approved
If you’re planning a dining day near the parks, here are the top restaurants near Disney World.
Looking for a Family-Friendly Place to Stay?
If you’re still deciding where to stay, explore our Blue Gems vacation homes — modern, spacious, and minutes from Disney, Universal, and Orlando’s best family spots.
