I recently wrote about the best places to eat at the Disney Parks – but as us Disney veterans know, there’s a whole other world outside the Parks – and that world is full of amazing Disney Resorts – which also offer some super amazing places to dine and snack.
So read on for the best places to eat at the Walt Disney World Resorts:
Best Table Service:
Boma: This African themed buffet at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a must try – and if the sound of “African food” frightens you, then you’re not alone – it sounds exotic/scary, but TRUST me – it’s not, its super delicious! Tons of fresh salads, soups, rice, hummus, carved meats, and amazing desserts – even the pickiest eaters will find something they like here. Must try dishes include the Bototie – a quiche-like dish filled with meat and yummy spices, and the zebra domes – an “adults only” dessert (it contains liquor!) that is out of this world. The setting of the restaurant is amazing too – the window seats look out over the savannah, and the dark wood and subtle lighting make for a great place to enjoy a great meal!
Beaches And Cream: This place may not be fancy, but that’s part of its charm – the nostalgic boardwalk/seashore theme is evident throughout the décor at this “old fashioned soda fountain” café located at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. The menu offers up burgers and assorted sandwiches (reuben, roasted turkey, and chicken), and an awesome grilled cheese (six cheeses on sourdough!) and tomato bisque combo. The real stars of the menu here are the desserts – specifically the ICE CREAM – Ice cream sodas, sundaes, specialty sundaes (milky way, the “no way jose” – a chocolate peanut butter dream come true, brownie a la mode, and more!), shakes, and the infamous Kitchen Sink – a HUGE sundae served in an actual sink and topped with a whole CAN of whipped cream – it’s truly a monstrosity of a dessert, one you’ll want to share for sure
California Grill: Disney’s Contemporary Resort is home to this gourmet restaurant that sits high up on the 15th floor – the perfect location for viewing the Magic Kingdom fireworks! The restaurant serves up some truly amazing food – appetizers include handcrafted charcuterie, goat cheese ravioli, and three-meat signature meatballs, or if you’re a big sushi fan you can order from their long list of freshly prepared rolls – but be sure to save room for your entrée of Oak-fired filet of beef, Braised lamb shank, or seared Ahi Tuna (to name a few!). The wine list here includes over 300 hand-picked options – and if you can’t decide, their in house sommeliers can help you find the perfect wine to pair with your meal. Should you arrive before your ADR, you can enjoy a drink in the lounge, or check out the view from the observation decks. It’s a great place to celebrate – an anniversary, birthday, engagement – or just the fact that you’re vacationing at Disney – they’re all great reasons to dine here – the ambiance, food, drinks, view – you won’t be disappointed!
Best Counter Service:
Landscape Of Flavors: It may seem weird to list a Value Resort Food Court on here – but the Art Of Animation Resort really is the place to be for some great unique foods – like their Mongolian grill and fresh naan bread, create your own salad, smoothies/gelato station, and a personal favorite of mine – the pesto bread (best of all – it can be paid for with a snack credit!). They have some great desserts too, and they are always switching up the menu to keep it fresh. Speaking of fresh – I would say that’s the best thing about eating here – the food is always prepared fresh and they take time to make it right. While you might think that would equal long wait times, it really doesn’t – they are fast and efficient, and I enjoyed every single meal I ate here – and I highly recommend you check it out
Captain Cook’s – The Polynesian Resort is not only a great place to stay, but it is also home to some great food too! Captain Cook’s is their quick service eatery – and for a small place, they really serve up some BIG flavors! Pulled pork sandwich, flatbread pizzas, coconut curry meatballs, hot beef and cheddar sandwich – these are just some of the lunch and dinner options you’ll find here! They of course serve up the standard burgers/chicken nuggets too, but take it from me – their specialties are where it’s at! Take your meal outside and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Resort, and you’ll feel like you’re eating in a real tropical paradise
To me, food is a huge part of a vacation – it adds to the experience, and it’s a great chance to get to try new things too. One of the big reasons I keep going back to Walt Disney World again and again (and again…and again….) is because of the food – the restaurants are all so great, and there’s always a new place or a new dish to try! These top restaurants are simply my opinions/observations, so I would love you know what YOU think – what are your top Resort Eats at WDW?
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