While you will find no shortage of your typical theme park grub at Walt Disney World, they are more known for their outstanding and unforgettable cuisine throughout the resort. Being kid-focused, Disney does an amazing job with these types of offerings. Their amazing restaurants and eateries are also known for some pretty spectacular food you don’t find just anywhere! And many times, when scheduling dining ahead of time, you have to take time to consider your travel party and the mix of tastes and preferences. So finding a great dinner spot that is a family-friendly meal and environment of the same is key!
I wanted to highlight one of Disney’s dining locations that checks both boxes today and that is Via Napoli in the Italy Pavilion at Epcot! Now, I am usually of the school of thought, that while traveling I want things that I can’t get at home…..so you may be thinking, isn’t that pizza….well, yes, but is it a TYPICAL pizza joint…NO WAY! While you can snag a plain cheese pizza or buttered pasta for the little ones on the picky side, rest assured, those adventurous eaters in your travel group will not be disappointed here!
The large sculpted faces of Italian pizza brick ovens greet you as you walk into this intriguing pizzeria, chefs tossing pizza dough high in the air, the smell of Italian food and the sounds of spirited conversation fill the vaulted ceilings! Feeding a larger group? No problem here! You’ll find everything from personal size pizzas to the famous meter size! Yes, a meter long pizza! I love that the salads here are served family style and can be ordered by portion. Pasta dishes enhance the menu as well of course desserts like Tiramisu, cannolis, and house made specialty Sangrias!
Tucked in the back of the Italy Pavilion, Via Napoli is a great place for a family meal that will likely please even the pickiest of crowds! Large tables also make it easier to share, pass and enjoy this fun Italian meal with your family and friends. This is a wonderful choice for a casual type of dining experience in Epcot and if you time it just right, after your meal, you can walk out to a spectacular view of Harmonious…..or the return of Epcot Forever in April!
Pro tip: If you do plan on setting up your dinner time with the intention of seeing the nighttime show after, my suggestion is to order drinks, appetizers, and your entrees at the same time that way the staff can plan out your meal properly and get you on your way to grab a great spot for viewing! Via Napoli is one of my favorite places to score some comfort food and a wonderful meal full of fun conversation. You definitely won’t regret adding this to your dining selections during your stay! Lunch or dinner is a great break from a long park day and the perfect opportunity to get charged up for fun! You’ll be saying “CHEESE” if you experience Via Napoli! —