We Tried Columbia Harbour House at Disney…Was It Worth the Hype? – HAA Disney: Give Me a Review – Happily Adventures After

Hey Howdy HAA Everyone!

It’s London. Welcome back to Happily Adventures After!

Welcome back to Happily Adventures After! We are so excited to have you join us for this week’s edition of HAA Disney: Give Me a Review.

As you may know, HAA Disney: Give Me A Review, your virtual concierge for all things Disney!

This week, we are going to dive right into a highly anticipated Quick Service Restaurant in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom… Columbia Harbour House!

Tucked between The Haunted Mansion and The Hall of Presidents, Columbia Harbour House is an often-overlooked quick-service spot in Magic Kingdom.

Known for its New England-inspired seafood and spacious, colonial-style seating, it’s a great place to escape the heat, crowds, and chaos of the park. But does the food live up to the ambiance? Our experience was a mixed bag.

Like most quick-service locations at Walt Disney World, Columbia Harbour House operates with a mobile order system through the My Disney Experience app or the traditional walk-up counter ordering. After placing your order, you can pick up your meal from the counter and then find a seat indoors or outdoors. The second-floor seating area is a hidden gem, offering a peaceful spot with views of Liberty Square and Fantasyland.

What We Ordered & My Thoughts

✅ Trio Platter ($14.29 USD) – The Star of the Meal!
This dish delivered exactly what I hoped for—a crispy, well-seasoned mix of fried shrimp, chicken strips, and hush puppies with a side of fries. The shrimp was flavorful and fresh, the chicken strips were juicy, and the hush puppies added a fun, slightly sweet crunch. If you’re looking for a hearty, shareable option, this is the best value on the menu.

❌ Black Garlic, Truffle & Parmesan Fries ($6.49 USD) – An Absolute Flop.
I had high expectations for these, but they were one of the worst Disney snacks I’ve had in a while. The truffle flavor was artificial and overpowering, the fries were drenched in oil, and the garlic and parmesan barely came through. Instead of feeling indulgent and gourmet, they just tasted greasy and salty. I wouldn’t order them again.

✅ Chicken Strips (2 Strips, $8.49 USD each) – A Safe Bet.
Nothing groundbreaking here, but they were crispy, well-seasoned, and consistent—a good choice for picky eaters or when you just want something simple.

Total Cost (USD & CAD Conversion)

Subtotal: $37.76 USD
Tax: $2.45 USD
Total Paid: $40.21 USD
Converted to CAD (1.46 exchange rate): $58.71 CAD

Was it worth it? For Disney pricing, yes—especially for the Trio Platter. But paying $40 USD/$58 CAD for counter-service food (with no drinks) does make me hesitate.

Pros & Cons – My Honest Take

Pros:

✅ Indoor Seating is a Game Changer – Finding air-conditioned seating at Magic Kingdom can feel like winning the lottery. The second floor is a hidden gem, offering peace, great theming, and plenty of space—a huge perk.

✅ The Trio Platter Was Excellent – The best bang for your buck with great variety and solid flavors. If you eat here, this is what you should get.

✅ Cast Members Were Friendly & Efficient – Even during the busy lunch rush, service was quick and smooth, and the staff was welcoming.

Cons:

❌ The Truffle Fries Were a Major Letdown – One of the worst Disney snacks I’ve had—oily, salty, and just not enjoyable.

❌ Pricing Feels High for Quick Service – While portions were decent, spending nearly $60 CAD for counter-service food (without drinks) feels steep, even for Disney.

❌ Limited Non-Fried Options – I wish there were more fresh, lighter choices. If you’re not in the mood for fried food, your options are slim.

Final Verdict – 3.75/5 ⭐

Would I eat here again? Yes, but with caution. The indoor seating and Trio Platter make it worthwhile, but the truffle fries were a disaster, and the pricing isn’t great for what you get.

Would I recommend it? Yes, but only if you know what to order. If you want a quiet, air-conditioned spot with solid food, Columbia Harbour House is a great choice. Just avoid the truffle fries and be prepared for Disney prices.

That wraps up our Columbia Harbour House review! While it had its standout moments (hello, Trio Platter! ), not everything was a hit. But that’s the magic of Disney dining—you never know what hidden gems (or unexpected flops) you’ll find!