Unique Dining Experiences at Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World has its share of basic restaurants. And you can barely swing your baggalini around without hitting a character meal. But what about the unique dining experiences? The ones that elevate the food to another level because of the atmosphere, cuisine, view and overall experience? There are plenty of these as well, and this article will highlight a few of them for your planning pleasure.

Boma. Boma is a unique buffet type restaurant located at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. What makes it interesting? You can start with the location. The Animal Kingdom Lodge and its savannas filled with zebras, giraffes, cattle and other African animals is not something you'll find at your corner bistro at home. The food is also an element that creates a unique experience. African and Mediterranean spices are used liberally, and although even the pickiest diner can find something to eat, the more adventurous among us can experience new tastes and sensations throughout the meal. And finally, there is the "pod" system. Instead of lining up like a typical buffet, Boma encourages diners to graze throughout the different and separate food "pods" to select the foods that most appeal to them. Boma is a one credit meal on the Disney Dining Plan, serving both breakfast and dinner.

California Grill. Located atop the Contemporary Resort, the California Grill offers up fresh and unique Pacific Coast cuisine with arguably the best view in the (Disney) World. Diners can enjoy fresh sushi and delicious entrees while gazing out the windows at the majestic sight of Cinderella's Castle and the entire Magic Kingdom. Diners are invited to pause in the meals to enjoy the fireworks from the restaurant balcony. California Grill is a two credit signature meal on the Disney Dining Plan and serves only dinner.

Cinderella's Royal Table. Location, location, location! Cinderella's restaurant is located directly in the center of the magic up in Cinderella's Castle at the Magic Kingdom. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, this renaissance restaurant looks over Fantasyland and includes a photo of your family or just your princesses with Cinderella, as hostess. Amenities also include swords and wands for the little prince and princesses and a visits from the princesses and Fairy Godmother, depending on the time of day and meal. A difficult to get reservation, Cinderella's Royal Table is a two credit restaurant on the Disney Dining Plan. It's not haute cuisine, but the location can't be beat!

Coral Reef. Located in the Seas with Nemo and Friends in Disney's Epcot park, the Coral Reef has a unique ambiance that can't be beat. This location features an entire wall of the restaurant made up of a window into the enormous Living Seas salt water aquarium. Huge sea turtles, sharks, divers and other sea creatures cruise by while delighted diners enjoy the colored glass, shades of blue and décor that strike a true undersea feeling. Ask your server for a guide to the fish and see if you can locate them all! The Coral Reef is a one credit meal on the Disney Dining Plan and serves lunch and dinner.

50's Prime Time Café. Disney's Hollywood Studios is the place to find the 50's Prime Time Café. Step into this restaurant and find yourself transported back into Mom's kitchen in the 1950's. Tables are traditional 50's formica and old black and white televisions play old sitcoms for diners to enjoy. Remember to keep your elbows off the table and eat all your vegetables, and you just might be able to pick your dessert off the viewmaster menu! The staff does enter into the home style fun and plays the part of your cousin, mom, uncle or aunt, so those who are faint of heart, be warned! The 50's Prime Time Cafe is a one credit meal on the Disney Dining Plan and serves lunch and dinner.

Sci-Fi Dine In Theater. Also found in Disney's Hollywood Studios, The Sci-Fi Dine In Theater is another restaurant that scores high in the "unique" category for atmosphere. Diners sit in old fashioned convertible cars, all facing a large movie screen where incredibly cheesy sci-fi flicks are showing. It's pure outdoor drive in movie ambiance and is worth checking out, even if only for an afternoon dessert stop. The Sci-Fi Dine In Theater is a one credit meal on the Disney Dining Plan and serves lunch and dinner.

ESPN Club. There are sports bars and there are Sports Bars. ESPN is definitely a Sports Bar. If you're walking down Disney's Boardwalk and find yourself hankering for some wings, nachos and a little of America's favorite all sports channel, the ESPN Club is for you! Whether it's hockey, football, baseball, soccer or more, if it's playing, you can see it on the many screens at this bar and grill. The ESPN Club is a one credit meal on the Disney Dining Plan and serves lunch and dinner.

Victoria and Alberts. For an absolutely unparalleled and very adult dining experience, Victoria and Alberts at the Grand Floridian is the destination of choice. Diners can enjoy a multi course meal in either the elegance of the dining room or the bustle of the chef's table in the kitchen. Serving up amazing wine pairings and the absolute best ingredients, Victoria and Alberts is a once in a lifetime dining experience. Considered one of the best restaurants in Central Florida, Victoria and Alberts is not offered on the Disney Dining Plan and advanced reservations are a must.

'Ohana. In the heart of the Polynesian Resort, 'Ohana overlooks the volcano resort pool and Seven Seas Lagoon. Looking out the expansive windows, diners can see the Cinderella's Castle in the Magic Kingdom. 'Ohana's manner of cuisine and entertainment make it a unique destination. Diners enjoy family style Asian influenced appetizers and sides and their choice of meats from skewers. The meat is roasted in a firepit near the center of the room and children are invited to participate in coconut races, hula lessons and more. A character breakfast featuring Lilo, Stitch, Mickey and more is also available. 'Ohana is a one credit meal on the Disney Dining Plan and serves breakfast and dinner.

Whispering Canyon Café. Travel out to the Old West at Wilderness Lodge for a rip snorting good time at Whispering Canyon Café. Stick pony races for the kids are a definite highlight, but are outshone by the antics of the servers. Seeing all the men in the restaurant singing "I'm a Little Teapot" and hearing shouts for ketchup make this raucous experience a must do for those who enjoy a little crazy with their meals. The Whispering Canyon Cafe is a one credit meal on the Disney Dining Plan and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

These are only a few of the very unique dining experiences offered at the Walt Disney World Theme Park. From amazing elegant locales to character meals, there is something to satisfy everyone. Take a look at what's available and get started making those reservations today!