There are plenty of places to choose from at Disney World when it comes to restaurants, you literally have the choice of any cuisine, style and price point you can think of. Though I love planning my days around eating at a park, I also know without a doubt that you find the better food and experience while eating at one of the resort restaurants in Disney World. Not only can you try a variety of cuisines, you also get to peek into what staying at that resort would entail.
Every single thing at Disney World Resort Hotels are themed, from the bedding to the tiny carvings on the entry way bannisters. You are entirely transported into a new world when you stay at a Disney World Resort Hotel. This is why I’ve created this list of 5 Disney World resort restaurants that you have to eat at. This list includes buffets, family style and upscale, so there is something for everyone.
1. California Grill at the Contemporary
California Grill is one of my all time favourite restaurants in Disney World in general, not just at a resort. From the moment you emerge onto the top floor of the Contemporary Resort, one of the monorail resorts, you are taken to a classy and elegant restaurant. The food is remarkable.
When you start with one of the sushi appetizers like the Medusa Roll featuring soft shell crab, or the New Moon Roll stuffed with Maine Lobster, your taste buds are sure to go through a flavour explosion. After starting your meal with sushi, you have no choice but to move onto the inspired entrée selection that features everything from “cowboy-cut” steak to pork shank to bison loin and beyond.
California Grill in the Contemporary Resort is one of hardest restaurants to get into in Disney World. You definitely need to be ready 180 days in advance for your reservations so you can get into this resort restaurant you have to eat at! They also offer brunch just on Sundays which is a highly coveted breakfast experience in the happiest place on earth. It is considered one of the best brunches in Disney World.
2. ’Ohana at the Polynesian
There is something truly special about the Polynesian Resort at Disney World. Maybe it is the fact that you can sit on the beach and watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks, or the way that the breeze strums its way through the palm trees of the quiet Hawaiian inspired resort. Whatever it is, there is also something truly delicious and remarkable about the Hawaiian dinner that is served there, making it one of the best resort restaurants in Disney World.
The moment you sit down, everything is served family style. The Polynesian inspired cuisine delights you with honestly more meat that you could dream of eating, including pork, chicken and shrimp. You get a variety of accompaniments to go with your meal including noodles and stir fry vegetables. It is one of those meals that you feel like rolling away from.
3. 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian
The Grand Floridian is the epitome of elegance and grace at Walt Disney World. As one of the most expensive and exclusive resort hotels in WDW, scoring a room might be way out of the budget for most. However, you can still experience the grandeur of this amazing Disney World resort hotel, by going for a beautiful breakfast at 1900 Park Fare.
The breakfast extravaganza is aptly named as the Supercalifragilistic Breakfast, and you get to meet some great characters that seemingly are hard to come by in the parks. I’m talking about Mary Poppins, Alice in Wonderland and the Mad Hatter (who really enjoys sitting down for tea). The entirety of the room is reminiscent of old time France and has the details to boot. Also, you get unlimited Mickey Waffles! Who can say no to that?
4. Cape May Café at Disney's Beach Club Resort
Without a doubt, this is one of my entire family’s favourite restaurants in all of Walt Disney World. The first time we went there, it was a complete wildcard too. We were trying to fill time in our dining schedule, and we heard good reviews about Cape May Café. After eating there we could not stop thinking about it, or wanting to go back.
Why is this you ask? Maybe it was the limitless crab legs that you can drench in butter, or maybe it was the sides like corn on the cob and mashed potatoes. Take a step onto the seaside at Cape May Café at the Beach Club resort, one of the best resort restaurants in Disney World.
5. Boma at Animal Kingdom Lodge
Animal Kingdom Lodge, has been, and will remain to be my favourite Walt Disney World resort. I’ve mentioned this before, but during my International College Program this was where I was working as a lifeguard. From seeing giraffes in the distance to the rest of the safari area, you are transported to Africa at this resort.
Boma – Flavors of Africa, is one of the most diverse buffets in Disney World. This is because it combines dishes, flavours and cuisines from over 50 African countries. There is everything from grilled seafood to pastries to flavourful meat dishes to decadent desserts. The décor is cosy and warm, overlooking the savannah below. There is no better reason to visit Animal Kingdom Lodge than to eat at Boma!
Other Resort Restaurants in Disney World You Have to Eat At
There are so many Disney resorts and restaurants in them, that you need to eat at in Disney World. From Narcoosees to Whispering Canyon, you can rarely be disappointed in your eating options at Walt Disney World.
What are your favourite resort restaurants in Disney World?
