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What it's like visiting the only McDonald's in Disney World, a modern building covered in plants

What it's like visiting the only McDonald's in Disney World, a modern building covered in plants

Timothy Moore

I visited the only McDonald's in Disney World.Timothy Moore

There's only one McDonald's at Disney World, located near the All-Star Resorts.
It's solar-powered, has plant walls, and there's exercise equipment that generates electricity.

Disney World is the culinary destination that foodies dream of, but there is also one McDonald's on the property.

There's only one McDonald's on Disney World property. Timothy Moore

Within the 40+ square miles of Disney World, you can find menus designed by world-renowned chefs, sample delicacies from across the globe, dine "in space," and yes, eat your weight in Mickey waffles.

It's hard to fathom why you'd want to waste one of your precious meals on a Big Mac and a large fry. But the only McDonald's on Disney World property makes a compelling case for a visit.

It's located just a half-mile walk from Disney's All-Star Movies Resort, where I was staying on a recent visit.

If you're staying somewhere else on the property, hop on a Disney bus to All-Star Sports, which is even closer to the chain restaurant.

Here's what the McDonald's is like.

The Disney World McDonald's is located near the All-Star Resorts. Timothy Moore

As part of its sustainable design, there are 1,066 solar panels all along the roof and around the parking lot.

McDonald's sees this location as a pilot store, showcasing how the chain can become energy-neutral. Timothy Moore

The nearly 2,000 square feet of living plant walls make for a good photo spot and keep the restaurant cool.

The plants are all native to Florida and thrive in Orlando’s humidity. Timothy Moore

Having grown up going to McDonald's PlayPlaces, I quite prefer this fresh clean air to the smell of stinky feet in a ball pit.

The plant walls help make for a (slightly) less sweaty dining experience by keeping the outdoor dining cooler. Timothy Moore

You'll find workout equipment that generates electricity as you pedal.

Just in case you need an extra workout, you can hop on a stationary bike. Timothy Moore

This McDonald's prioritizes mobile orders.

There are several electronic screens where you can place your order. Timothy Moore

The menu has photos of every item and lists all the calorie information.

I switched my order from a large to a medium fry after assessing the screen. Timothy Moore

At the end, the mobile-order platform lets you round up your bill to donate to the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Ronald McDonald House Charities is a nonprofit organization aimed at helping children. Timothy Moore

While you wait, you can check out the interactive tablets with fun games for kids.

The tablets have games downloaded onto them. Timothy Moore

The order numbers have locator technology so the employees can find your table, even if you're outside.

Employees bring your food to your table using your order number. Timothy Moore

There's seating inside the modern building.

The building has a very modern design. Timothy Moore

Or you can eat at one of the many tables in the outside dining area.

There's seating outside near the plant wall. Timothy Moore

After your meal, you'll find plenty of instructions on how and what to recycle.

There are screens showing where you can recycle plastic cups and other materials. Timothy Moore

This McDonald's makes for a good, cheap lunch before walking back to your hotel or heading to Magic Kingdom.

I spent $10 on my McDonald's lunch, and it was worth it to see the cool location. Timothy Moore