5. Morimoto Asia

Image: DisneyIn the mid-1990s, I stumbled across a syndicated channel airing of a Japanese cooking show. I was hooked immediately. That program, Iron Chef, has since earned an American version, and one of the ways the Food Network honored the original version was by hiring one of the chefs. Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto was the new kid on the block during the heyday of Iron Chef in Japan. By the time the American version rolled around, he was the grizzled veteran and a well-known celebrity chef.

In 2015, Disney and Iron Chef Morimoto joined forces on an eatery that offers “Pan Asian cuisine.” I don’t claim to know enough about the culinary stylings of Morimoto to explain what that is. Based on my Iron Chef viewings, however, it seems to involve electric eel and some eye of newt. Still, the secret ingredient in all of Morimoto’s cuisine is peasant food, all of which his cooking skill elevates until it’s worthy of kings. The man can make ramen taste like ambrosia. Morimoto Asia is one of the largest eating establishments at Disney Springs, and it’s still near capacity most of the time. That speaks volumes about the menu. It’s the best Japanese food available at Walt Disney World…and I include Teppan Edo in that.

4. T-Rex

Image: DisneyOkay, everyone has irrational favorites among the Disney restaurants. T-Rex is one of mine. I realize that the place is comically loud, making conversations difficult (sometimes even impossible). And I know that the menu isn’t for everyone. The strange combination of protein-rich meats is great for carnivores. For everyone else, it’s a heavy meal in a chaotic environment.

The appeal of T-Rex is that it’s dinner and a show. Every 20 minutes, the ceiling turns into an over the top recreation of the cosmic strike that killed the dinosaurs. Sure, you could see a better version of this at Dinosaur the attraction, but you get to watch it three times during your meal this way. Plus, you get hearty food and the type of terrific service that you should expect from a Tillman Fertitta restaurant. The host of Billion Dollar Buyer on CNBC owns Landry’s, of which T-Rex is a member.

Image: DisneyHere’s a pro tip for you. Sign up for the Landry’s Select Club here. It costs $25 to join, but you promptly receive a $25 credit on your account. Then, you get another $25 the month of your birthday. Most importantly, you’ll get preferential seating and reverential treatment during your meal. 

PS: Finish your dinner with the Chocolate Extinction. You won’t regret it.

3. Earl of Sandwich

Image: DisneyOne of the best parts of Disney Springs is that you can always find food that will match your budget. The food trucks in particular are designed to cater to money-conscious visitors as well as Orlando residents who want to save their spending money for the parks.

Earl of Sandwich is a novelty in that the food is cheap, but the flavor is ethereal. You won’t believe how great a meal you can get here for only a few dollars. This restaurant has the same score on Trip Advisor as ‘Ohana! That site, the unofficial ranker of world travel, currently lists Earl of Sandwich as one of the 50 best restaurants in all of Orlando. Putting it in more precise Disney terms, Trip Advisor voters slot this place ahead of Boma (!) and only three spots behind California Grill! And it’s a freakin’ sandwich shop!