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for the kids—the chefs often jazz up the presentation even more in their honor—and the stir-fried, simply prepared food is a hit with all ages. A father of four from Ohio wrote a rave review: “Japan is a good choice if you want to eat out in Epcot with kids. The chefs toss food and catch it in their hats, make silly jokes like throwing the butter and saying ‘butterfly.’ And one time when we were in, they had a lady making origami animals for the children. Plus, since they cook at the table, you get your food really fast.”

Tutto Italia

Expect authentic Italian food, equally authentic waiters, and a lovely setting, which, since it’s tucked away in the far reaches of the Italy pavilion, actually feels a little secluded. At least by Disney World standards. The food is top-notch, especially the calamari, and the bustling ambience works well for families.

Via Napoli

I’d give this lunch and dinner place four stars, if I could. It’s certainly not your neighborhood pizza place—unless you live in Rome, that is. The pizzas emerge from giant wood-burning ovens—each oven named after a volcano—and they’re incredibly tasty. The truffle oil pizza alone is enough to induce a swoon. You sit at large tables, and the waiters bustle, so Via Napoli isn’t exactly fine dining or a break from the bustle of the theme parks, but the food is excellent and reasonably priced, and the servers are adorable.

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Restaurants at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

’50s Prime Time Café

With its kitsch decor and ditzy waitresses dressed like June Cleaver, this restaurant is almost an attraction in itself. Meat loaf, macaroni, milk shakes, and other comfort foods are served in a 1950s-style kitchen, while dozens of TVs blare clips from classic shows in the background.

“Hi kids,” says your waitress, pulling up a chair to the Formica-top table. “You didn’t leave your bikes in the driveway, did you? Let me see those hands.” Assuming you pass her clean-fingernails inspection, “Mom” will go on to advise you on your food choices. “I’ll bring peas with that. Vegetables are good for you.” The camp is lost on young kids, but they nonetheless love the no-frills food and the fact that Mom brings around crayons and coloring books, then hangs their artwork on the front of a refrigerator with magnets. But it’s the baby-boomer parents, raised on the sitcoms that the restaurant spoofs, who really adore this restaurant. “You just have to get in the mood of the place,” advised a mother of one from Illinois. “The whole routine about being on a TV show is very corny and very funny and the servers are great. We liked the food (chicken, pot roast, steak, salads, the basics), but when we left, my 8-year-old daughter said ‘That was a good show,’ and I think that’s exactly the way you need to think of it.”

The Hollywood Brown Derby

A signature Cobb salad as well as veal, pasta, and fresh seafood are served at the Derby, where, just as you’d expect, caricatures of movie stars line the walls. The food is quite sophisticated considering that you’re inside a theme park and the restaurant itself is elegant and lovely, like stepping back into Hollywood at its heyday. The wine program, which offers suggested pairings by the glass with each entrée, is one of the best in Disney World.

Hollywood & Vine

This large, attractive, art deco “buffeteria” offers classic American dishes at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Lines move quickly and the variety makes this a good choice for families. This is the only character-dining venue in Disney World to feature characters from Playhouse Disney.

Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano

This restaurant is tucked away near the Muppet*Vision 3-D plaza and the out-of-the-way location means that you can sometimes squeeze in without advance reservations. Expect a casual New York feel and quick service. The restaurant serves gourmet flatbreads from a wood-burning oven and a wide variety of pasta dishes; the penne alla vodka is a favorite.

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater

At least as campy