California Grill

Image: DisneySince the earliest days of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, the restaurant on the top floor has been associated with Disney’s high life. It was once a dinner show where semi-washed up celebrities would perform, an honor that has since transitioned over to Epcot’s festival concerts.

In the modern era of Disney, California Grill is where people go when they want to tower above other vacationers. From the top of the resort, guests dine on some of the finest cuisine in the wide world of Disney. The Pork Tenderloin dish here is one of the most recognizable entrees to the point that I’ve purchased an official cookbook to get the recipe. And the wine selection here is spectacular.

At California Grill, you’ll pay a lot for dinner, but you’ll spend the most on brunch. It’s the price you pay for bottomless mimosas and endless Lemon-Ricotta Pancakes. The brunch here is legitimately the best at Disney and the priciest, too.

Of course, the strongest selling point at the restaurant is something that’s only valid for a brief period each night. California Grill’s deck features a direct line of sight to the fireworks presentation at Magic Kingdom. You’ll see Happily Ever After from eye level with the fireworks in the sky, an otherwise impossible opportunity. You simply have to watch the show this way at least once in your life.

Cinderella’s Royal Table

Image: DisneyI’m going to let you in on a secret here. I’m not that crazy about the food at Cinderella’s Royal Table. Were I the king of this castle, I’d yell, “Off with their head!” at the person/victim that designed the entrees on the menu. I always struggle to find something to eat here, at least during the main course. The small plates and desserts are decadent enough to wave away this minor irritation, and I have a childlike palate anyway.

Why am I recommending such an expensive meal when I don’t love the entrees? Cinderella’s Royal Table provides not one but two inimitable opportunities for theme park tourists. You get to sit inside Cinderella Castle and feel like royalty while you dine. And you get to meet a slew of official Disney Princesses, one of whom will pose with you before you ever sit down for dinner. The rest will come to your table and entertain you while you eat.

A meal at Cinderella’s Royal Table is a bucket list item for any self-respecting theme park tourist.