Disney World Hotels That Have Better Restaurants Than the Parks

There are SO many delicious places to eat at Walt Disney World that it can be incredibly hard to make the decision!

There are spectacular restaurants in the parks and at Disney Springs, but the true sleeper hit is Disney’s Resort hotels. These places are often home to the best restaurants on the property, and today we’re proving it — these are the Disney World hotels that have even better dining than the parks!

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Let’s start things out on the monorail loop with the Polynesian! This resort is not only home to spectacular island theming, but delicious tropical eats as well. We’re big fans of breakfast at Kona Cafe (Tonga Toast, yum!) and when it’s open, we can’t resist booking a meal at the fan-favorite ‘Ohana. 

And for quicker options, you can try out the Barefoot Pool Bar, Pineapple Lanai, Capt. Cook’s, or the Tambu Lounge. You really can’t go wrong here!

Disney’s Grand Floridan Resort & Spa

Next door at the Grand Floridian, the dining options are posh, upscale, and oh-so-good. For a fancy evening or a romantic date, try making a reservation at Narcoossee’s with a view of Magic Kingdom. Or, if you’re REALLY celebrating something special, hit up Disney World’s most expensive spot — Victoria & Albert’s.

The Grand Floridian Cafe is the perfect place for a casual lunch, while 1900 Park Fare offers a fun character meal with characters from Cinderella. Gasparilla Island Grill is a go-to for a fast meal, or you can try the incredibly themed Enchanted Rose — a Beauty and the Beast lounge/bar.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Continuing around the monorail loop, we have to make a stop at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. It’s home to one of Disney World’s most popular character meals, Chef Mickey’s!

But if you really want to treat yourself, make a reservation at The Wave or at California Grill. The latter has a stunning view of Magic Kingdom, which is the perfect place to watch the fireworks outside of the parks.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Man, the Magic Kingdom area resorts have all the good food! Just a short boat ride away from the park, you’ll find the Wilderness Lodge with exceptional dining choices like Whispering Canyon. 

For a character meal experience, head to Storybook Dining at Artist Point with Snow White (and some of her dwarf friends!). You can get a great burger with a great view down at Geyser Point Bar & Grill, and even the quick service spot here, Roaring Fork, serves up some yummy eats.

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

And now for the underdog in this competition, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort! You may be surprised to find a Moderate resort on this list, but with the addition of Gran Destino Tower, Coronado Springs is definitely killing the food game — especially with spots like the new Toledo.

For your choice of beverage, you can stop by the Dahlia Lounge or the Barcelona Lounge, for food and sports, you can check out Rix Sports Bar & Grill, and for poolside eats head over to Siestas Cantina. We wish you luck in snagging a reservation at the very popular Three Bridges Bar & Grill. But, if you don’t make it in, you could always try out the Maya Grill or grab a quick bite and some gelato at Cafe Rix. 

Disney’s Riviera Resort

Disney’s Riviera Resort may not be home to too many dining options, but the ones that it does have are definitely big hits! Topolino’s Terrace is one of the most sought-after reservations right now, with a character breakfast in the morning and European fare in the evening.

For an authentic Parisian cafe experience, stop by Le Petit Cafe for some coffee and delicacies. And if you want something fast but still tasty, then place a Mobile Order at Primo Piatto. Plus, we can’t think of a better way to end the day than by relaxing at Bar Riva with our favorite beverage and some good bites.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

If you’ve never ventured away from the parks to visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, then we’re here to tell you that you NEED to! This resort isn’t just home to some fascinating animals, it’s also home to some of the best food at Disney World.

Our favorite buffet on the property can be found here, at Boma. But if you want something more upscale, you can head to the signature restaurant, Jiko. Lunch is served with a savanna view at Sanaa and you can pick up your food to-go and eat anywhere you’d like if you order at The Mara. So many great choices!

Those are some of our favorite resorts to hit up when we’re looking for a good meal! If you’re a foodie, consider staying at one of these places for your next Disney World vacation. In the meantime, stay tuned to AllEars for all the Disney dining tips!

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What’s your favorite resort restaurant? Let us know!