6 Restaurants in Disney World NOT to Pass Up

In Disney, even the food choices can be intimidating. What's worth your money? Will everyone be able to find something they like? Is it ok for the kids? Well, here is a list of six table-service restaurants that shouldn't be missed and why they have such appeal. It would be difficult to fit them all into one trip, but it's something to keep in mind for future vacations.

1) Restaurant Marrakesh- Located at the very back of the Moroccan pavilion in Epcot, this discreet little place has long been one of my favorite Disney eateries. The menu includes lots of familiar items (chicken, beef, lamb) all cooked in traditional Moroccan spices and herbs, which makes for a happy medium that is exotic enough for the adventurous eater, but tame enough for those who are a little bit picky. The children's menu has the same variety. As an added bonus, the entertainment at dinner is a belly dancer. (Again, this could be a plus with children. The dancer often picks children in the restaurant to come up and dance with her. It would be an irreplaceable memory!)

2) Chef Mickey's- With the exception of Cinderella's Royal table, this is probably the most popular character meal at Disney, and it's much easier to get reservations here! Located in the Contemporary Resort, Chef Mickey's is an all-you-can-eat buffet that provides fun for children and adults. The beauty of character meals is the experience of meeting Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and the rest of the gang without having to stand in lines. The breakfast buffet is standard breakfast items, while the dinner buffet is very varied and elaborate. Think prime rib, mashed potatoes, teriyaki chicken, and those sorts of things. Children and adults have separate buffet lines, too. Different characters are present, depending on which restaurant you're in, but Chef Mickey's does have the traditional characters appearing at its meals. (Note- character meals are a little bit more expensive than others, but most of them are buffet style and with the chance to meet characters without all the hassle, most people feel the few extra dollars are worth it.)

3) Sci-Fi Dine In Theater- One of the most interesting themed places to eat on the entire property, this restaurant in Disney Studios is definitely unique. It's designed to feel like you're sitting under the stars at an old time drive-in, with campy science fiction trailers playing on-screen. And that's before you even get to the award winning BBQ. Most of the seating is in car shaped booths, which adds even more realism to the idea of being outside at night. Children will enjoy the cartoons that run in between trailers, older adults will love the nostalgia, and everyone will love the food. No matter what you order, portions are huge. Menu items include chicken, pastas, sandwiches, and baby back ribs. (Remember that award winning BBQ I mentioned? There you are.) This restaurant should not be missed, even if you only go in for a dessert or milkshake.

4) Yak and Yeti- Disney's newest restaurant, found in the Asia area of the Animal Kingdom. This place just looks cool! It offers two floors of seating decorated to the nines with Asian inspired décor and "artifacts". Rumor has it that the best seating is upstairs. The food is also Asian themed, with menu items like pot stickers, wontons, miso salmon, lo mein, and a plethora of other choices that sound mouth-watering. Since its opening at the end of 2007, the Yak and Yeti has received excellent reviews, both for atmosphere and food.

5) Teppan Edo- Dinner and a show? Everyday at this Japanese eatery in Epcot. Guest are seated eight to a table, around a hibachi grill, while a chef performs all sorts of tricks as he cooks each part of your meal. From the onion volcano, to actually seeing your whole meal cooked in front of you, this is a dining experience that is without compare. Hibachi grills are popular throughout the country, but as in most things, Disney just seems to do it bigger and better. Kids and adults alike will be amused by your chef's antics and he's sure to get a few "oohs" and "ahhs" from the group. (Please, do not attempt any kind of knife juggling at home.) Choices of meat for the entrée include shrimp, scallops, chicken and steak. Sushi is also served, but is made in the back, not by the grill.

6) Victoria and Albert's- Ok, this one isn't for everyone. It's for adults, and most perfect for couples. The upscale restaurant in the Grand Floridian is very intimate, formal dress only, with two more than attentive servers waiting on your table. And at a fixed price of $125 a person, it will take a bite out of your Disney budget, but as someone who has been there twice, I assure you it's worth every penny. If you're going to be at Disney for some kind of special occasion, I'd highly recommend it. The menu is different each night, and is comprised of a full six course meal. (Each course has two or three choices, so it's easy to find something for every taste.) As your plates come out, your servers explain everything on it, from the sauce, to the garnish. As well as an entrée and a dessert, other courses that may be offered are soup, hot appetizer, cold appetizer, or seafood. At the end of the meal, all females in the group get a rose, and everyone gets a personalized copy of the menu choices from that night. As I said, it's expensive, but oh so worth it.

So there it is. Six places that should be seriously considered when planning a trip to Disney World. Don't forget to save room for dessert, as that is where most places really get creative. (Dessert choices vary immensely from one place to the next) I hope these recommendations made dining choices somewhat easier, and feel free to offer your own recommendations, and why you like those places. When eating in Disney, remember that you will pay more than if you were home, but also keep in mind that portions are huge everywhere and often two people can split an entrée, or one person can take leftovers for another meal or snack later. Above all else, enjoy your trip regardless of what you eat!