Half the fun of a Disney vacation is getting to plan for all the meals, snacks, and desserts you’re going to enjoy at each park, right?

If you’re planning your Disney dining, you’ve probably come across the terms “quick-service” and “table-service.”

TABLE-SERVICE VS. QUICK-SERVICE

TS meals are full-service, sit-down restaurants where a reservation is typically required.

Insider Tip: Smaller parties might get lucky at some spots when they ask for walk-up availability or bar seating! And always look in the app on vacation for day-of availability.

QS (a.k.a. counter-service) restaurants are readily available dining where you place your order at the counter, then bring your meal to the table. 

QS also differs from the variety of “snacks” you can get from stands or kiosks (although…some snacks will always beat out QS meals for us!)

Note: Don’t mistake all QS for “fast food”! These are still full meals from a restaurant, and the quality at some spots can be quite good. 

PICKING A QUICK-SERVICE RESTAURANT

We get it. Dining at Disney is our favorite thing to plan (right after park strategy, obvi), but we understand how overwhelming the sheer number of options can be, especially when it comes to quick-service restaurants.

It helps to know what some of the options are ahead of time, because not every QS meal fits the mood, needs, or preferences of your group. 

Especially when you’re on the brink of being hangry and that Florida heat is finally getting to you.

Besides, some QS meals are just better than others. No worries, we’ve got some go-to’s. 

OUR QUICK-SERVICE FAVORITES

Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe (Magic Kingdom)

We’re not sure if everyone counts the Carnitas Nachos as a meal, but we’re certainly going to because it’s our favorite. 

And we’ve said it before, but the Fajita Platter is a great value for the quantity of food you get. 

Runner-up: Corn Dog Nuggets & Fries (Casey’s Corner) – add the cheese sauce! 

Yorkshire County Fish Shop (EPCOT)

The Fish & Chips here are so good, even our readers from the UK write in and say these are some of the most authentic and best fish and chips they’ve had.

Pick up a pub blend from the Rose & Crown, then take the path down to the water and get a table overlooking the lagoon. Now you’re doing it right.

Runner-up: Our vote is definitely for Nachos again but the Taco Trio is up there, too (La Cantina de San Angel)!

ABC Commissary (Hollywood Studios)

If you’ve been around us for a while or subscribe to our weekly Listletter, you’ve probably heard us mention the Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese.

We’re sorry, but this one lives in our dreams when we aren’t at Disney. And for anyone who is heat-hesitant, it is flavorful without being spicy!

Add a side of Steak Fries or, our favorite, the Arugula-Farro Salad (so good!). Find seating inside or walk over to Baseline Taphouse and grab a craft beer to wash it all down with.

Runner-up: BBQ Brisket Melt (Woody’s Lunch Box). WE. LOVE. CHEESE.

Flame Tree BBQ (Animal Kingdom)  

We love snacking around AK so much that we rarely eat a full quick-service meal. But if we had to choose, it’s the Ribs, Chicken, and Pulled Pork Sampler from Flame Tree BBQ.

Another familiar favorite is the Baked Macaroni & Cheese with Pulled Pork, also from Flame Tree BBQ.

There’s just something about that BBQ sauce and cheddar combo.

Runner-up: The Cheeseburger Steamed Pods – Bao Buns (Sa’tuli Canteen) are a WUAP reader overall favorite! 

Need more tips for your Disney food planning journey? We share all the delish details of Disney Dining – including best snacks, how to get those tough reservations, and more in the VIP Membership! 

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Looking for more expert recs and pro tips? The Complete Parks Strategy Playbook is bursting with our best park recommendations, tried and true vacation itineraries, plus everything else you need to put the fun back into Disney planning!