When considering dining at Walt Disney World, many often think only of the food options in one of the four parks, as that is where most people spend their days. They tend to disregard the fabulous dining choices at the many wonderful resort hotels on property. Not only do many of the choices offer amazing ambiance and delicious food, but also provide a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of the parks. And they are so easy to get to! If you are already at the parks, hop on the Skyliner, Friendship boat, Monorail or Bus and travel straight to the hotel.
‘Ohana
‘Ohana is one of the most popular table service restaurants on all of Walt Disney World property. Located in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, it can be extremely difficult to snag reservations to this gem. Offering up a polynesian themed all-you-can-eat breakfast and dinner, this dining option never fails to impress and please the crowd. From its infamous ‘Ohana noodles (which caused a meltdown earlier this year when the restaurant reopened without them on the menu!) to the ever-so-popular bread pudding dessert, you will not go wrong with booking your next dining reservation here. Reservations are strongly recommended to dine here.
Most notably known for its proximity to the Magic Kingdom, this would be an amazing way to start your day with breakfast before heading to the park, or ending your day with an amazing dinner. You can take the new path along the Seven Seas Lagoon and head towards the Magic Kingdom (or vice versa). It will take approximately 20-30 minutes depending on how quickly you walk. Want to stop off for a cocktail at Enchanted Rose on the way? The Grand Floridian Resort & Spa meets the halfway point between the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Polynesian Resort and is a great halfway point to take a break before continuing on your journey.
So, what should you try?
Drink: Lapu Lapu
Plantation Original Dark Rum and Tropical Fruit Juices served in a fresh Pineapple and topped with Gosling’s 151 Rum
Breakfast: Freshly made Pineapple-Coconut Breakfast Bread
This bread is life-changing! The sweet, creamy bread is the perfect way to start your day
Dinner: ‘Ohana Noodles
You cannot come to ‘Ohana without having the beloved noodles. There were literal cries for change when this was silently removed from the menu when ‘Ohana first reopened. Disney reversed course and placed the infamous noodles back on the menu. Fans were happy once again!
Dessert: ‘Ohana Bread Pudding
À la mode with Homemade Caramel Sauce. It’s absolutely divine and a must-have!!
Kids Menu: Kids eat at a reduced price, but choose from the same all-you-can eat menu items.
Steakhouse 71
A nod to old-school Disney, Steakhouse 71 is one of Walt Disney World’s newest table service restaurants and is quickly becoming one of the top choices on Guests’ lists. Located in the ever-so-retro Contemporary Resort (just steps away from Magic Kingdom), this restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dining reservations are becoming increasingly difficult as the word gets out that this is a fabulous dining option, so advanced dining reservations are highly suggested. Can’t get them right away? Keep trying! Guests cancel reservations all the time, so you never know when something will pop up.
By virtue of the name of the restaurant, steak is your best option here although there are some really fabulous menu choices, many inspired by Walt himself! Let’s review your best bets for dinner.
So, what should you try?
Drink: Fig Manhattan
Monkey Shoulder Blended Scotch, Cointreau Noir, Fig Simple Syrup, Orange Bitters
Appetizer: Bacon & Eggs
Maple-lacquered Pork Belly, Smoked Cheese Grits, Perfect Egg. Sounds strange, right? Just try it. It’s absolutely savory and delectable!
Dinner: 10-oz New York Strip
Can’t go wrong with a classic. Cooked to perfection with your choice of sauce. (Sauce options: Béarnaise, Au Poivre, Wild Mushroom, Whipped Horseradish Cream, Chimichurri, Red Wine, Signature Steakhouse 71)
Dessert: Steakhouse 71 Chocolate Cake
This is simply magic on a plate. Get this. You won’t regret it. Layers of Whiskey infused Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Mousse, Raspberries (Item made with or contains alcohol).
Kids Menu: Kids have several appetizers, dinner options and fun mocktail choices at Steakhouse 71.
Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White
Story Book Artist Point is one of my all-time favorite dining choices on property at Walt Disney World. Located in the Wilderness Lodge, this character dining experience is like none other. Enjoy dinner with Snow White, Dopey, Grumpy and the Evil Queen as they roam around the Enchanted Forest.
Dinner here is fabulous, the ambiance and theming is spectacular, the food is delicious and the character interactions are a ton of fun. Although modified a bit with newer restrictions, it’s still a wonderful character option and the kids and adults alike will love it! Disney really pulls out all the stops with this one.
Try to grab a reservation during the holiday months. Wilderness Lodge is most known for its rustic and cozy lobby with a massive Christmas Tree and fireplace. It’s one of the best to visit during the holiday season.
So, what should you try?
Drink: The Smoking Mirror
Johnnie Walker Black, Wildberry, Lime and Rosemary Smoke
Appetizer: Wild Mushroom Bisque
This savory and cream bisque is delicious and the best of the three shared appetizers served.
Dinner: Royal Prime Rib Roast
Horseradish-Mashed Potato, Carrots and Jus. Without a doubt, this is the most delicious (and popular) item on the menu
Dessert: Miner’s Treasures
Cookies ‘n Cream Panna Cotta and Chocolate Gems. Did someone say cookies n cream? Count me in. This one is so good. But the best part is multiple desserts are served for all at the table, you don’t have to sacrifice any decisions. Enjoy them all!
Kids: Kids eat at a reduced price, but choose from the same menu items.
Boma
Located in the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Boma serves up all-you-can eat breakfast and dinner buffets. Inspired by an African Marketplace, there is an abundance of choices, it’s almost difficult to choose what to eat! Everything is freshly prepared and tasty, you can’t go wrong with this buffet option at one of the most unique resorts on property. I personally think breakfast is better at Boma, let’s explore my favorites!
Be sure to make advanced dining reservations, this one is popular! After you eat, take time to explore the property. There are over 200 animals and birds that populate the 33-acre savanna that surround the lodge. You can view them from several viewing areas on property. Absolutely take advantage while you are there, it’s not to be missed.
So, what should you try?
Drink: Coffee, coffee and more freshly brewed African coffee.
Dark and rich coffee will be sure to give you a jolt and wake you up in the morning!
Breakfast: Made-to-order omelets
Although basic, freshly made to order omelets are the best!! With limited buffet options still across Walt Disney World, take advantage here!
Kids: Kids eat at a reduced price, but choose from the same buffet items.
Recap
So when it comes time to choose a restaurant across the Walt Disney World property, consider a table service restaurant at any one of the incredible hotel resorts. I feel like they are so often overlooked and not added to the list of options when choosing where to dine on a daily basis. It can come as such a welcomed break to leave the park for a few hours during the day/evening for lunch or dinner, or to start your morning with a hearty breakfast at a sit-down restaurant without the crowds. You may even have an easier time finding a reservation. Consider the options and try something new!
