These 10 Disney World restaurants are great to see but terrible to dine in

These 10 Disney World restaurants may boast some fantastic decor and views but sadly the food doesn't measure up to the appearance!
The Coral Reef Restaurant near the Living Seas exhibit. Photo by Brian Miller
The Coral Reef Restaurant near the Living Seas exhibit. Photo by Brian Miller /
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6. Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe, Magic Kingdom

Tomorrowland isn't exactly known for its fine dining options, as folks are too busy on the big rides to sit around for a while. Cosmic Ray has a fun vibe, with the large area showing nice views of the land and dominated by the audio-animatronic alien Sonny Eclipse doling out a variety of songs the kids love. 

Yet even by the standards of counter service in the Magic Kingdom, the place isn't that fun. The burgers are pretty bland, as are the fries, and the chicken is not much better. If you just want a fast meal, it can be okay, but without Sonny, the place wouldn't be nearly so popular or long-lasting. 

5. Pinocchio Village Haus, Magic Kingdom

Pinocchio Village Haus Restaurant at Walt Disney World's...
Pinocchio Village Haus Restaurant at Walt Disney World's... / Roberto Machado Noa/GettyImages

For a fast counter service place, the Village Haus has always boasted some of the best theming, even back when Fantasyland wasn't so fancy. It's obviously inspired by Pinocchio, with paintings and decor featuring the character. The best seats give a view of the loading area for It's a Small World, while the second-story balcony offers great shots of Fantasyland. 

At the end of the day, it's still a counter-service restaurant and one whose big item is flatbread pizza or subs. It's no different than a standard food court so while the location, views and theming are spectacular, they're wasted on a spot that doesn't offer anything special on the menu. 

4. Tony's Town Square, Magic Kingdom

Alfredo sauce is poured over a stack of garlic bread sticks at Tony's Town Square Restaurant in
Alfredo sauce is poured over a stack of garlic bread sticks at Tony's Town Square Restaurant in / Eve Chen / USA TODAY NETWORK

To be fair, this place is improving its menu, but it still has a way to go. Located on Main Street, it's themed after the Italian spot from Lady & The Tramp, complete with a statue of the pair centered inside a fountain. It's quite lovely in the 1900s architecture, with paintings replicating scenes from films and the terrific patio seating. 

As for the menu, it's mostly Italian fare of spaghetti, pizza, chicken parmesan, etc. It's not terrible, but at best, simply okay. They have made additions like some nice spicy fries and a few shifts, so maybe this will change for the better. As it stands, it's a gorgeous setting for a nice meal that the food doesn't quite measure up to.