Explore character dining, themed eateries, gourmet menus and more family-friendly restaurants.
Dining out with kids can be tricky, but in Orlando, mealtimes become memories filled with wonder. After all, this is the Theme Park Capital of the World, where incredible character dining, immersive dinner shows and themed restaurants can bring families together. Here, anything is possible — even dining out with the world’s pickiest eaters.
Discover: Orlando With Kids
Trust me, I’ve been there, and I’ve navigated everything from theme park dining to bringing a kid to MICHELIN Recommended date night spots. When I say it’s possible, I mean it. Spark imagination with these family-friendly restaurants, then come prepared with a few tips from one parent to another. Bon appétit!
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Family-Friendly Dinner Shows
When you’re a kid, mealtime can get old fast. Luckily, Orlando’s dinner shows have plenty to keep kids entertained, from jousting and magicians to acrobats and fire dancers. Here are some of the top dinner shows to check out during your next family vacation.
Discover: Orlando Dinner Shows
Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue
Part of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground at Walt Disney World® Resort, Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is two hours of nonstop family fun. Clap your hands and stomp your feet to skits and songs from the Pioneer Halls Players, all while chowing down on fried chicken, smoked ribs, succulent sides and dessert. Bonus: Unlimited wine, sangria and draft beer are included for guests 21 years of age or older.
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Medieval Times
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
Travel back to an 11th century castle for an epic jousting tournament at Medieval Times, where you’ll see majestic horses, gallant knights and soaring birds of prey. Indulge in a rich four-course feast as you cheer your knight to victory.
Pirates Dinner Adventure
Lassies, lads and scallywags of all ages are welcome at Pirates Dinner Adventure, a swashbuckling dinner show featuring acrobats, entertainers and cutthroats battling for control of an 18th-century galleon pirate ship. Savor a three-course captain’s feast with kid-friendly options like veggie pasta, chicken nuggets and mac and cheese, and watch out for pirates who may bring you aboard this interactive adventure.
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Wantilan Luau
Escape to the Polynesian Islands with hula and fire dancers, live music, and an exotic all-you-can-eat buffet at the Wantilan Luau, available Saturday evenings at Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando. Audience participation is encouraged, so you and your kiddos can learn some new dance moves between plates of suckling pig, fire-grilled beef, Pacific fish, and kid-approved picks like pizza and chicken tenders. Did I mention the bottomless mai tais, beer and wine for adults 21 and up?
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Outta Control Magic Dinner Show
Step right up to the Outta Control Magic Dinner Show for an evening of nonstop comedy, pizza and mind-bending magic. Located inside WonderWorks on International Drive, this hilarious interactive dinner experience will have the whole family laughing, with plenty of opportunities to hop onstage and join the show. Enjoy unlimited pizza, salad, beer, wine, soft drinks and dessert, then explore the family-friendly wonder zones at WonderWorks for a full evening of hands-on fun (separate ticket required).
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Dining With Kids at Orlando Theme Parks
Orlando’s theme parks have options for various allergies and food sensitivities, plus health-conscious meals, kid-approved favorites, and some surprising finds for miniature foodies. If your kid is like mine and only wants mac and cheese, you’re covered. If they’re a junior gourmet, we have options for that as well.
Discover: Orlando Theme Parks
From character dining to themed eateries, here are some of the best family-friendly restaurants at Walt Disney World® Resort, SeaWorld® Orlando, Universal Orlando Resort and LEGOLAND® Florida Resort.
Character Dining at Orlando Theme Parks
Admit it, it’s not just for kids. Character dining in Orlando is for everyone, whether you’re meeting memorable film and TV characters or your own childhood heroes. We have over a dozen year-round character dining experiences in our theme parks, plus seasonal offerings and the opportunity to dine with a real astronaut at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Check out some of our top recommendations by interest below, then get the full scoop in our character dining guide.
Discover: Character Dining
Best for Aspiring Royalty: Cinderella’s Royal Table, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, 1900 Park Fare, Story Book Dining at Artist Point (all at Walt Disney World® Resort)
Best for Adventurers: Marvel Character Dinner at Universal Islands of Adventure, Tusker House Restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park
Best for Junior Scientists: Orca Encounter at SeaWorld® Orlando, Chat With an Astronaut at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Best for Classic Theme Park Nostalgia: Chef Mickey’s, The Crystal Palace, Cinderella’s Royal Table, Breakfast at ‘Ohana
More Immersive Theme Park Restaurants for Families
Of course, our theme parks have plenty of themed options beyond character dining. If you’re looking for that genuine wow factor, take your kiddos to out-of-this-world eateries like Space 220, a space-themed restaurant with interstellar views, or dine on exotic “tip yip” (crispy chicken) at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
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There are frankly too many themed restaurants at Walt Disney World to list, but a few additional crowd-pleasers include Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant, T-Rex Café, Roundup Rodeo BBQ (which is Toy Story themed) and Be Our Guest Restaurant.
Universal Orlando Resort has spectacular themed dining as well, including several new options at Universal Epic Universe. Mead Hall is one of my personal favorites, with Viking-style food and drink and a setting inspired by the How to Train Your Dragon films. Toadstool Cafe™ at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ is another popular pick, and you can never go wrong with Café L’air De La Sirène™, a French-inspired restaurant in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ — Ministry of Magic™.
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Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2026 Universal Studios. All rights reserved. How To Train Your Dragon © 2026 DreamWorks Animation LLC. All rights reserved. © Nintendo. Nintendo trademarks are properties of Nintendo. HARRY POTTER and all related characters and elements © & TM Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © J.K. Rowling.
Want captivating dinner views that will allow you to focus on your own meal for once? You’ll find them at Sharks Underwater Grill, an upscale SeaWorld® Orlando restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a 700,000-gallon shark tank. Kids can customize a two-course meal, which comes with dessert — shark sundae, anyone?
Save on discount tickets: SeaWorld Orlando
LEGOLAND® Florida Resort is built just for kids, right down to the restaurants. Most are quick service, so you can order, eat and get back to the fun with very little wait. Explore themed options like Pepper & Roni’s Pizza Stop, The Burger Kitchen, and The Grove, plus Miss Rabbit’s Diner at Peppa Pig Theme Park Florida and full sit-down meals at the hotel restaurants.
Save on discount tickets: LEGOLAND Florida Resort
Local Finds: Family-Friendly Restaurants Outside the Theme Parks
Orlando’s theme parks pack plenty of family-friendly dinner options, but you’ll probably want to venture out and discover our local side as well. After all, Orlando is home to over 6,000 dining experiences, including MICHELIN Guide dining, restaurants from celebrity chefs and James Beard honorees, and a true melting pot of flavors. Just because you’re traveling with kids doesn’t mean you have to miss out.
Discover: Orlando Restaurants
Try one of these kid-friendly options next time you’re in town, and check out our guide to date night with the kids for more ideas beyond dining.
Themed Restaurants Throughout Orlando
You can find plenty of themed restaurants outside Orlando’s theme parks as well, starting with American Girl Bistro at The Florida Mall®. You, your little ones and their dolls can enjoy a teatime experience with petite sandwiches, sweets and crafts, or a full three-course meal with drinks.
Discover: Fun Finds at The Florida Mall
Other fun, high-energy options include Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar and Kavas Tacos + Tequila at Pointe Orlando. Both offer weekend entertainment, as does Taverna Opa upstairs if you’re open to belly dancing and a later bedtime. Finally, Everglades Restaurant at Rosen Centre Hotel is a dressier option with steak, seafood and wildlife-inspired decor kids will love.
Food Halls
Bickering, begone! Skip the drama — and the cooking — and let everyone choose what they want to eat at one of Orlando’s acclaimed food halls. Each offers multiple culinary concepts in one space, often anchored by a brewery or bar.
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- À La Cart: Choose from three Orlando locations with permanent food trucks and an impressive craft beer selection. Their City District location is close to Lake Eola Park, the Orange County History Center, downtown Orlando sports stadiums, and kid-friendly shows at Kia Center or Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
- Boxi Park: Catch live music, face painters, festivals, a playground and more while enjoying slushies, hot dogs, burgers, tacos, sandwiches, seafood rolls and cocktails.
- East End Market: Dine on burritos, poke, ramen, vegan chicken biscuits, massive cookies and more at this food hall with multiple MICHELIN recognized concepts and a cocktail bar, then burn off some steam at nearby Harry P. Leu Gardens.
- Great Southern Box Company: Take a culinary tour of the world with dishes from Italy, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Brazil, China, Lebanon and more, all complemented by an elegant cocktail bar and a massive outdoor space.
- Mills Market: Explore four MICHELIN recognized concepts and several bonus options in one location, from dumplings and udon noodles to towering bowls of shaved ice. Multiple museums, a science center and free outdoor art await less than two miles away in Loch Haven Cultural Park.
- Plant Street Market: One of the oldest markets on this list, Plant Street Market features a brewery and 19 culinary concepts in historic Winter Garden. Sushi, pizza, empanadas, and mac and cheese are just the beginning of what this spot has to offer.
Foodie Tip: Orlando’s breweries and brew houses are also great for families. Many offer a full menu with room to roam and easy access to nearby attractions. Explore all-ages options like Crooked Can Brewing Company, Ivanhoe Park Lager House, Park Pizza & Brewing Company, The Ravenous Pig beer garden and more in our guide to local breweries.
Tapas-Style Restaurants
If you want to raise miniature foodies, small plates and tapas are a great way to encourage kids to try something new. Cafe Tu Tu Tango on International Drive is a great option for kids, with live music, dancers, resident artists, and plenty of “safe” backup options like popcorn chicken and pasta. Bulla Gastrobar in Winter Park and JALEO at Disney Springs® are also fantastic. Both offer paella, tapas, sangria and — should you need it — a kids menu with options for less adventurous eaters.
Want something a little different? Mia’s Italian Kitchen boasts tried-and-true favorites like pizza, pasta and meatballs with a bottomless weekend brunch. It includes everything from classic cheese pizza to truffle-mushroom pies, so your kids can venture beyond their usual order.
Interactive Dining
Restaurants where you can play with your food? Yes, please! Kids can get in on the fun at cook-it-yourself restaurants like Gyu-Katsu Japanese BBQ, an authentic yakiniku experience where meat is prepared on a flaming tabletop grill. Find them on Restaurant Row and near Walt Disney World Resort.
Fondue from The Melting Pot (Orlando or Longwood) is another popular option, featuring multiple courses dipped in cheese, cooked in broth, or smothered in chocolate. If your kids are very young or you prefer a more hands-off approach, let the pros entertain you with tabletop cooking at hibachi restaurants like Kobe Japanese Steakhouse, Benihana or EPCOT’s Teppan Edo.
Finally, Brazilian steakhouses like Chima Steakhouse are a wondrous option for kids. Who could say no to meat carved tableside by roaming gauchos? Not me, that’s for sure. Kids can complement their meat selections with hot and cold sides from the gourmet buffet for a filling, kid-led and fully customizable meal.
Family-Friendly Restaurants for Junior Gourmets
If your kid is a true foodie, you’re in for a treat. Most Orlando restaurants welcome children, and several offer multi-course menus, elevated entrees and refined dining experiences to satisfy even the most seasoned gourmet.
Start with a not-so-basic kids menu at Capa Steakhouse & Bar, a MICHELIN Recommended steakhouse with kid-sized portions of filet mignon, Chilean seabass, and even grilled lobster tail. For the pickier eaters in your group, classic options like chicken fingers or a grilled cheese sandwich are also available.
Discover: MICHELIN Guide Dining
Find even more elevated kids menu at Salt & the Cellar by Akira Back, Ravello, Four Flamingos, A Richard Blais Florida Kitchen and tapas-style restaurants like Cafe Tu Tu Tango. Multicourse meals are also great for budding foodies — try Simply Capri in Winter Garden for three-course kids meals with drinks and dessert.
And of course, the adult menu is always an option! Keep things budget-friendly with Laotian food at Sticky Rice, splurge on shareable finds at Bull & Bear® or BACÁN, or go all out with an omakase experience at One-MICHELIN-Star Soseki Modern Omakase, which is open to diners age 10 and up.
Discover: Budget-Friendly Restaurants
Tips for Dining Out With Kids in Orlando
Bring Distractions
This is Parenting 101, right? If you know you’ll be at the restaurant for an hour or two, plan ahead and bring something for your kiddo to enjoy if they start to get antsy. Some restaurants provide kids menus with crayons and activities, but it can’t hurt to bring some quiet games and activities just in case.
Check for Age Restrictions in Advance
If a restaurant posts a kids menu online, it’s safe to assume that little ones are welcome. Most Orlando restaurants are open to kids, particularly at the theme parks, but there are a few with minimum age requirements, like One-MICHELIN-Star Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Others, like Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, are open to families during the day but transition into an adults-only setting later in the evening. When in doubt, contact the restaurant to double check their offerings before your arrival.
Do a Vibe Check
You know your kid best! They might be well-behaved at restaurants, but will they really enjoy a place with thumping music and a club-like atmosphere? If they’re unhappy, odds are you’ll be unhappy as well. Pick a place that has something for everyone if you can, or look into professional babysitting services or resort-provided kids camps for those times you need an adults-only escape.
Plan Ahead for Allergies & Food Sensitivities
If you or your little ones have an allergy, be sure to notify your server before placing your order. Orlando’s theme park restaurants can accommodate dietary requests for common food allergens like eggs, fish, milk, peanuts and shellfish. Kosher and halal meals are also available at select restaurants (advance notice required) at Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort. See the FAQs below for specific contact information.
Many restaurants throughout the greater Orlando area can also accommodate allergies and dietary requests, and some even feature special allergy-friendly menus. Keep in mind that some menu items, like those included in an omakase experience, cannot be modified. Explore our guides to gluten-free dining, vegan and vegetarian dining at Orlando theme parks and throughout Orlando, and halal dining to get started.
FAQ: Family-Friendly Restaurants in Orlando
What are the best family-friendly restaurants in Orlando?
The best family-friendly restaurants in Orlando depend on what your family enjoys. Options include character dining and immersive restaurants at Orlando’s theme parks, entertaining dinner shows, laid-back food halls, interactive tabletop dining and elevated restaurants with creative children’s menus. Popular choices range from Be Our Guest Restaurant and Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant at Walt Disney World Resort to Mead Hall at Universal Epic Universe, Sharks Underwater Grill at SeaWorld Orlando and kid-focused restaurants at LEGOLAND Florida Resort.
Where can families enjoy character dining in Orlando?
Families can find many character dining experiences throughout Orlando, including far more than we can feature here. Some popular options at Walt Disney World Resort include Cinderella’s Royal Table, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, 1900 Park Fare, Chef Mickey’s, The Crystal Palace, Tusker House Restaurant and breakfast at 'Ohana. Other experiences include the Marvel Character Dinner at Universal Islands of Adventure, Orca Encounter at SeaWorld Orlando and Chat With an Astronaut at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. These are just some of the character dining experiences families can enjoy in and around Orlando. Character appearances and schedules can change, so review current offerings before your visit.
What are some fun themed restaurants for kids in Orlando?
Orlando offers many themed restaurants for families, with options inspired by favorite films, stories, characters and faraway places. These are just a few standouts: Families can dine in a storybook castle at Be Our Guest Restaurant, watch classic science-fiction scenes at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant, explore prehistoric surroundings at T-Rex Café or enjoy a space-themed meal at Space 220. At Universal Epic Universe, Mead Hall, Toadstool Cafe™ and Café L’air De La Sirène™ offer additional immersive dining experiences. Beyond the theme parks, American Girl Bistro at The Florida Mall offers teatime and full-meal experiences for children and their dolls.
Are there family-friendly dinner shows in Orlando?
Yes. Orlando’s family-friendly dinner shows combine a meal with entertainment such as jousting, music, magic, acrobatics and audience participation. Options featured in this guide include Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, Pirates Dinner Adventure, Wantilan Luau and the Outta Control Magic Dinner Show. Menus, showtimes and ticket inclusions vary, so check the individual attraction’s current details before booking.
Where can families with different tastes eat together in Orlando?
Orlando food halls are especially useful when family members want different meals. À La Cart, Boxi Park, East End Market, Great Southern Box Company, Mills Market and Plant Street Market bring multiple culinary concepts together in one destination. Depending on the location, families may find pizza, burgers, tacos, seafood, dumplings, ramen, vegan dishes, desserts and other choices, often alongside outdoor seating or nearby family attractions.
What Orlando restaurants are good for adventurous young eaters?
Families raising junior foodies can try small plates at Cafe Tu Tu Tango, Bulla Gastrobar or JALEO, where children can sample several flavors without committing to one large entrée. Interactive choices include Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ, The Melting Pot and hibachi restaurants such as Kobe Japanese Steakhouse, Benihana and Teppan Edo at Walt Disney World Resort. Families should consider children’s ages and comfort around hot cooking surfaces when choosing an interactive restaurant.
Does Orlando have upscale restaurants with kids menus?
Yes. Several upscale Orlando restaurants welcome families and offer children’s menus or kid-sized portions. Capa Steakhouse & Bar features elevated selections such as filet mignon, Chilean seabass and grilled lobster tail alongside familiar choices. Salt & the Cellar by Akira Back, Ravello, Four Flamingos, A Richard Blais Florida Kitchen and Simply Capri also offer options for young diners who enjoy more adventurous meals. Menus and age policies are subject to change, so confirm details directly with the restaurant.
Should families make reservations for Orlando restaurants?
Reservations are a good idea for popular character meals, themed restaurants, dinner shows and upscale dining experiences, particularly when your family has a firm itinerary or specific dietary needs. Some casual and quick-service restaurants do not require reservations. Check the restaurant’s current booking policy, operating hours, age requirements and menu before arrival.
How can parents make dining out with kids in Orlando easier?
Choose a restaurant that fits your child’s interests, energy level and typical mealtime. Quiet games or small activities can help during longer meals, even when a restaurant provides crayons or an activity sheet. Parents should also review menus and age restrictions in advance, since a small number of Orlando restaurants have minimum ages or become adults-only later in the evening.
Can Orlando restaurants accommodate food allergies and dietary needs?
Many Orlando restaurants offer allergy-conscious selections or can discuss possible modifications. Tell your server, chef or restaurant manager about food allergies before ordering, even if you reviewed the menu in advance. Because ingredients, preparation methods and cross-contact risks vary, guests should confirm their needs directly with each restaurant. Some highly structured experiences, including certain omakase menus, may not permit modifications.
Who should guests with food allergies contact before visiting Orlando’s theme parks?
Contact the individual resort directly and recheck its current guidance before your visit:
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Walt Disney World Resort: Most guests can identify a dietary request when ordering or speak with a Cast Member at the restaurant. Guests with four or more allergy requests, medically restrictive diets or requests for puréed meals can email Special.Diets@DisneyWorld.com to request a Special Diets Request Form. Disney asks guests not to contact the team more than 14 days before arrival and notes that restaurants cannot guarantee every request.
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Universal Orlando Resort: Email the Food Allergy team at Food.Allergy@universalorlando.com with questions after reviewing restaurant menus. Once onsite, ask to speak with a chef or manager and identify the guest and allergy. Universal states that it does not maintain separate allergen-free food-preparation facilities, so cross-contact remains possible.
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SeaWorld Orlando: Review the park’s allergen information and ask to speak with the supervisor at the dining location before ordering. Sharks Underwater Grill is identified as SeaWorld Orlando’s designated allergen-friendly location, although other dining facilities are prepared to discuss allergen needs. For additional questions, use the park’s online contact form or call 407-545-5550.
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LEGOLAND Florida Resort: For dietary concerns, email LLF.Experience@LEGOLAND.com or visit Guest Services for specific information. Guests can also call 877-350-5346 for resort information. LEGOLAND advises guests to speak with restaurant management before ordering and request ingredient information when needed.
Where can families find vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or halal food in Orlando?
Orlando offers a broad variety of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and halal dining choices at the theme parks and throughout the destination. Because recipes, suppliers and kitchen practices can change, review current menus and contact individual restaurants before visiting. Visit Orlando also offers dedicated guides to gluten-free dining, vegan and vegetarian restaurants, plant-based theme park dining and halal food in Orlando.
Editor's note: Allergy accommodations and procedures can change. Verify contact details and current guidance with each resort before travel.
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