Dining At The Plaza In The Magic Kingdom

An obligation, dare I say duty, our family has taken on is eating at various restaurants throughout the Walt Disney World Resort and providing, you, our reader, with useful information.  Trust me, it’s a tough and tireless job, but someone HAS to do it!

It took us eleven trips to Walt Disney World to make it into The Plaza Restaurant on Main Street USA in the Magic Kingdom.  Located just prior to The Hub in front of Cinderella’s Castle, The Plaza marks the end of Main Street USA.

Open for both lunch and dinner, the restaurant features an old-fashioned ice cream parlor atmosphere.  But as I write this, The Plaza is set for a closure and refurbishment.

We ate dinner at The Plaza and enjoyed our hot sandwiches—I had a Reuben.  The boy wanted chicken strips, which were not on the adult menu, but the Cast Member was able to accommodate him with an “adult” portion of chicken strips from the Children’s menu at the adult price.  We were using the Dining Plan so it all worked out just fine.

What we were looking forward to was the ice cream.  We ordered shakes to go with our meals, all different flavors, and then shared.  Yummy! 

Check-in for The Plaza is located just outside the restaurant.  The friendly Cast Members greeted us, gave us a pager, and we were inside and at our table within minutes.  The waiting for the table is also outside the restaurant, so be prepared.  There are tables with umbrellas and chairs just outside the restaurant.

Restrooms are also located outside the restaurant—near Tomorrowland Terrace.  This, I found odd, as even counter service restaurants in the Magic Kingdom have a restroom inside the restaurants, such as Columbia Harbor House.  So, to have a table service restaurant without a restroom was unusual and inconvenient.  It did make us finish up quickly and leave, though.  It feels awkward to leave the restaurant to use the restroom and then return to finish eating or pay.  Maybe adding a restroom will be a part of the upcoming refurbishment for The Plaza.

The service was quick and friendly.  And, prices are reasonable for a table service restaurant.  Reservations are recommended, but not required.  So, if you find yourself with either no openings or a long wait at The Crystal Palace, walk a bit and check-in at the podium at The Plaza.  You may be surprised!