DiningWalt Disney World (FL)

Is The Plaza Restaurant STILL a Magic Kingdom Hidden Gem?

Savannah Sanders ,  ,  , 
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If you find yourself hungry walking right down the middle of Main Street, U.S.A., The Plaza Restaurant is definitely a restaurant to consider!

This turn-of-the-century-inspired eatery can be found between The Plaza Ice Cream Parlor and the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant. Not only has it been serving Magic Kingdom guests since 1971, but as an additional bonus, it also happens to offer views of Cinderella Castle!

Dining at the Magic Kingdom can be challenging at times. This is why The Plaza Restaurant (which is often overlooked by guests) is one to keep in mind because it’s a blend of casual dining and that table service dining experience.

Also, it’s similar in look and design to what you’ll find at Disneyland’s Main Street, U.S.A. I’m talking Victorian decor, Pollyanna vibes, and those old-school Disney touches.

But what you truly need to know about this laidback, Main Street locale is that it’s, well, cozy (which is a polite way of saying small).

Since it’s anything but spacious, Advance Dining Reservations are strongly encouraged. A walk-up list is offered through the My Disney Experience app; but to secure yourself a table at the time you prefer, check out our free TouringPlans Reservation Finder!

At the time of writing, The Plaza Restaurant is only open from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Now, since The Plaza is an OG Magic Kingdom restaurant, and due to new additions and changes to its menu, our park reporter Chrissy dropped by to sample a bit of old and new.

Here’s what was removed from the former menu that Chrissy tried in prior visits to The Plaza Restaurant:

  • The Monto Cristo
  • Roast Beef Au Jus
  • Signature Chocolate Cake (it’s no longer listed on the menu; we didn’t ask if it’s still available.)

Here’s what Chrissy sampled during her latest visit and a breakdown of the changes made to these items:

Plaza Loaded Fries – $13.00

Previously priced at $12.50, this appetizer is no longer served with lettuce and tomato but now comes with spicy sour cream, large scallions, melted cheese, and bacon.

It’s still enough for two but far less glam than before. The chili-cheese fries at Casey’s Corner are far better and only $6.49 as opposed to $13.00.

Seared Crab Cakes with Zesty Aioli – $11.00

This super tiny portion just didn’t live up to the cost. They were fine, but the aioli was way too spicy for two out of the three people on our team.

Home-style Meatloaf – $23.00

The price is the same, but The Plaza has tweaked the sauce. It used to be a beef gravy but now it’s a red, tomato-based sauce.

It’s still solid, still decent, but Chrissy says it felt like less of a value this time around because the dining room was crowded, loud, and her table didn’t have that castle view.

The Knickerbocker Sandwich – $20.00

Very pricey for a Reuben sandwich, but it was warm and tasty. If you get fries, this could be enough to share.

Chicken Sandwich – $21.50

This was a GIANT piece of fried chicken breast. You can ask for onion, cabbage, and spicy mayo on the side. For sure, this sammie is big enough to share.

Cheers to 50 Years – $32.00

A colossus confection of chocolate and vanilla ice cream, brownies, pretzels, hot fudge, actual fudge, caramel corn, chocolate chip cookies, whipped cream, and topped with a cherry, Cheers to 50 Years is WAY more ice cream than 4 people can consume!

Also, much like the Kitchen Sink at Beaches and Cream, this sundae causes a ruckus when it’s brought to the table and is such a neat way to celebrate. Since it’s a 50th Anniversary dessert, remember it’s only here for a limited time!

Original Banana Split – $10.00

Just what you would expect from a classic banana split! Chrissy was happy to see The Plaza kept the price stable on this one. It’s simple and just wonderful.

Overall Experience

The last time Chrissy dropped by The Plaza, the tables were still spaced for COVID-19. But now, instead of an intimate, cozy space, The Plaza Restaurant dining room is just loud and cramped.

The tables were close enough that Chrissy had to be careful when sliding back her chair so as to not bump the folks behind her. Let’s just say that they are definitely filling in all available space.

Have you ever dined at The Plaza? Is this Magic Kingdom restaurant one of your favorites? Let us know in the comments!

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Savannah Sanders

Savannah has been visiting Disney World since she was a year old and has gone back almost every year since. In the real world, she teaches high school history and government and enjoys writing about all things Disney. Savannah can be reached on Twitter @DisneyParkSavvy.

2 thoughts on “Is The Plaza Restaurant STILL a Magic Kingdom Hidden Gem?”

  • Thanks for the review. I just looked up the lunch and dinner menus for The Plaza on the Touring Plans site and they haven’t been updated since May 2021.

  • Great review. The tips on shareable or not are really welcome. Looks like it will continue to be a bit of a miss for a full meal but might stop in just for dessert one day.

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