There are certainly plenty of places to eat within the Walt Disney World theme parks, especially the foodie-favorite Epcot. But don’t forget about the resorts, which often have fantastic restaurants that provide an alternative to the busy spots inside the parks and usually have availability for lunch.
This post focuses on food quality so many of the character dining spots aren’t included as well as the buffets and cafeterias. While this list isn’t an exhaustive one, it’s certainly accurate as of publication and our most recent visit. Did we miss your favorite Disney resort restaurants? Let us know in the comments below.
Magic Kingdom Area Disney Hotels
Contemporary Resort
The Contemporary Resort has many dining options, but none is as highly rated as the top-floor restaurant the California Grill. It’s one of the hardest tables to get within Disney so if you snag a reservation, be ready to splurge!
But if you still want to experience it without getting a reservation, you can try your luck at the lounge, which has a similar menu. Brunch is another option.
Alternative: Steakhouse 71 is one of the underrated restaurants inside the Contemporary, offering excellent breakfasts plus quality steaks for dinner.
Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
The Grand Floridian Resort has the opulence you’d expect from its Victorian-inspired setting. Victoria and Albert’s has rightfully earned its spot as the best place to eat at the resort with such accolades as the AAA Five Diamond Award, Forbes Travel Guide Five Star, and Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence.
Each dish is artfully prepared and plated, and the menu changes seasonally. There’s also a dress code and a chef’s table experience. But you could say that it wasn’t exactly in the budget for my last trip.
Alternative: Grand Floridian Cafe is a light-filled dining room easily accessible by foot or boat from the Magic Kingdom with all-day breakfast, salads, and sandwiches. I loved my avocado toast there.
Polynesian Village Resort
The recently redesigned Kona Cafe may seem like a quick option for those waiting for their reservation at Trader Sam’s. But it’s actually a fantastic restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu includes Asian dishes like sushi rolled in front of you, poke, and banh mi, plus the popular Tonga Toast for breakfast, a cinnamon and banana dish.
As you’d expect from the Polynesian Resort, there are also tropical drinks like the mai tai and rum swizzle. But you’ll still have to go downstairs to get the boozy Dole Whip!
Alternative: If you can’t get a table, opt for Capt. Cook’s has the same breakfast favorites, plus rice bowls, flatbreads, and sandwiches.
Epcot and Hollywood Studios Area Disney Hotels
Beach Club and Yacht Club Resorts
The Yachtsman Steakhouse at the Beach Club is easy to reach and focuses on the steak and seafood bounty of New England. Classic dishes include shrimp cocktail, wedge salad, beef carpaccio, filet mignon, and decadent sides.
The restaurant has a special menu of the finest Scotch, including selections from Lagavulin, Macallan, and Glenmorangie. Reservations are recommended, and there’s also a dress code for guests.
Alternative: Ale & Compass Restaurant is a bit more laid-back option in the Yacht Club, with burgers, seafood, and pasta.
Boardwalk Resort
Flying Fish at the BoardWalk honors the seafood tradition of the northern shore. The menu includes a variety of dishes, including filet mignon, Chilean sea bass, and Spanish octopus. It’s another restaurant that has a dress cod,e and reservations are recommended.
Caribbean Beach Resort
Sebastian’s Bistro is a unique fixture in the Disney resorts as it’s served family-style. It was the perfect meal before a recent half-marathon. It’s easily reached by the Skyliner and is only open for dinner. The Latin-fusion menu includes buttery rolls, cilantro rice and beans, and mojo pork with mango sambal.
It’s easy to get your money’s worth, especially if you’re traveling with a group. Drinks are sold separately, but you can add on a goombay smash or a flight of specialty rum from around the Caribbean.
Alternative: If you’re looking for lunch or a fast-casual option, the Centertown Market has similar tropical fare, including roasted jerk chicken and rum-mango barbecued pulled pork sandwiches.
Riviera Resort
Topolino’s Terrace is an interesting option at the Riviera Resort because it offers both fine dining, with reservations and dress codes, and character dining. The Italian restaurant has breakfast offerings like quiche and smoked salmon with dinner options like roasted branzino and chicken sugo rigatoni.
Swan and Dolphin Resort
The Swan and Dolphin Resorts have incredible dining options, including spots with big-name chefs, so it’s hard to pick just one. Rosa Mexicano is an upscale Mexican chain with an outpost at the Dolphin, while Il Mulino brings one of New York City ’s best Italian restaurants to the Swan.
Shula’s Steak House is a classic steakhouse chain with a famous 48-ounce porterhouse. Amare at the Reserve has Mediterranean foo,d while Bluezoo comes from Chef Todd English and offers seafood and flatbreads. Kimonos is the on-site sushi bar.
Animal Kingdom Area Disney Hotels
Animal Kingdom Lodge
The Animal Kingdom Lodge excels in African cuisine, including at Jiko, the signature restaurant offering African, Indian, and Mediterranean cuisine with South African wines and teas from around the world. Highlights include the wild boar tenderloin, Moroccan-spiced lamb shank, and seafood tagine.
It’s also a great spot to take in the sunset over the animal sanctuary. Make reservations and follow the dress code.
Alternative: If you can’t get a table at Jiko, fret not, as there are plenty of other great options. Boma is a buffet with a variety of options for breakfast and dinner. Sanaa is an East African-inspired eatery with quick service and table seating, which suggests reservations. Dishes include samosas and curry.
Coronado Springs
Located in the recently remodeled tower, Toledo is a Spanish restaurant covered in artwork, with equally artistically plated dishes like the classic pan con tomate, charred octopus, and even a flight of pintxos. The wine list also leans towards Spanish. Reservations are recommended.
Alternative: Maya Grill has excellent Mexican fare in a casual setting. The tuna tostada and Veracruz snapper are favorites, along with the shared parilla, which includes hearty portions of steak and vegetables.
What’s your favorite restaurant at a Walt Disney World resort? Let us know below!
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