Walt Disney World Dining

I love Walt Disney World Counter Service. I know, I know, a lot of people swear they can't do without table service, even a character meal. And those are nice too, but counter service is a great, less expensive way to still find great food in the world. So here's my guide to some of my favorite counter service eateries in Walt Disney World!!!

MAGIC KINGDOM
First of all, the MK has some really unique counter service offerings. I'm talking entertainment and fixin's bars here folks! Also, you'll find some of the best soft serve you'll ever have!!!
--Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe - located in Tomorrowland and home to Sunny Eclipse, best entertainment this end of the galaxy. Not only your typical hamburger joint, the offerings here range from BBQ ribs and rotisserie chicken to vegetarian and kosher options. Side items include carrots and grapes for you healthy eaters and some really good pasta salad as an alternative to french fries.
--Pecos Bill's - located in Frontierland is a great hamburger option. Offering hamburgers, veggie burgers, and even pulled pork sammies. All complete with a great fixins' bar, so that you can build your burger how you like.
--Aloha Isle - located in Adventureland. Home to the infamous Dole Whip. This is soft serve at its yummiest. You haven't lived until you've tried a pineapple dole whip or a pineapple float! This is also a great place to cool off in the afternoon heat.

EPCOT
This listing covers both World Showcase and Future World.
---Sunshine Seasons Food Fair - The Land Pavilion, Future World. If you can't find something to please everyone's palate here, I don't think it can be done. With everything from soups/salads to specialty sandwiches, gourmet flat breads and Asian offerings, this counter service is sure to have something everyone can enjoy. Once offering just basic fare, the food fair went through an upgrade a few years ago, boasting a new look and a new menu that far surpasses what it once used to be.
--Boulangerie Patisserie - France Pavilion, World Showcase. If you love desserts, then this is the place for you! Fresh fruit tarts, cream puffs, eclairs, and chocolate bread are just some of the sumptuous offerings. They also offer croissants, quiches and bread and cheese platters. But be prepared, there is always a line since you can smell the sweetness from a long distance away, everyone is drawn in to have a sweet treat.
--Lotus Blossom Cafe - China Pavilion, World Showcase. This is my favorite counter service restaurant in all of WDW. With an incredibly friendly and helpful staff and a recent makeover, this is a great place to enjoy a nice lunch or light dinner. Offering various rice bowls of chicken and beef, egg rolls and even red bean ice cream, you will be very satisfied when you leave. But also be sure to try the raspberry tea, it is wonderful.
--Yorkshire County Fish Shop - UK, World Showcase. While having a very limited menu, mainly just Fish and Chips and Shortbread, this stop serves it up quickly and it tastes great. Just a tiny shop, you will have to find other seating, but what better place to find a shade tree and watch the entertainment and enjoy a tasty English snack.

DISNEY MGM STUDIOS
The studios has a nice selection of counter service and atmosphere to go along with it.
--ABC Commissary - This stop has a very eclectic menu, ranging from Tabbouleh wraps, Cuban sandwiches, to Chicken Curry and cheeseburgers. The food is wonderful and the best part is that this place has A LOT of seating. It is also wonderfully air conditioned, so you can relax and enjoy a unique meal out of the Florida heat.
--Toy Story Pizza Planet - offering just what it says: pizza. This is a great place for families. Kids will love the atmosphere and it's proximity to the Honey I Shrunk the Kids play set. The pizza is also quite good as well.
--Sunset Ranch Market - Set across from Beauty & the Beast theater and close enough to hear the screams from the Tower of Terror, this place is an open air eatery offering a larger selection of foods. Here you'll find burgers, hot dogs, pizza, turkey legs, salads and more. This is a great spot, with great selection.

ANIMAL KINGDOM
Animal Kingdom's main attractions may the be animals and thrills, but it has some of the best counter service in the world.
--Pizzafari - This place not only serves up great pizza but also offers some of the best decor. Be sure to check out all the rooms, walls and ceilings. Also, if you aren't into pizza, they offer some wonderful sandwiches.
--Tusker House Restaurant -While this is a counter service, the food definitely wouldn't make you think so. Rotisserie Chicken, Salmon, and specialty sandwiches don't seem like CS fare, but here they are and they taste great! Definitely do not miss out on this stop.
--Flame Tree BBQ - With Ribs, Pulled Pork and Smoked Chicken offered here, this is definitely not your typical quick service restaurant. But it isn't meant to be. Offering up some of the best counter service food you'll find, this is another place that shouldn't be missed.

Now don't take these as the only options for counter service in WDW, these are just my personal favorites. There are many many more options out there. So get out there, try them and find your favorites. Find that you don't have to spend more money to enjoy dining at WDW, you can find excellent food and service in a counter service environment as well.