Here’s Where Foodies Need to Stay at Walt Disney World

If you aren’t stuffing your face ALL day long with delicious snacks and dishes in Disney World, are you really doing your Disney vacation right?

‘Ohana Bread Pudding at Kona Cafe

While there are some amazing restaurants in the parks and at Disney Springs, you CANNOT forget about the options at the Disney World Resort hotels. And, if you’re going to be staying at a Disney hotel, you might as well stay at one that’s got some awesome food options for you to enjoy.

Here’s our list of the TOP Disney World hotels where foodies NEED to stay!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Two words: zebra domes. Okay, okay, we can also share some more words like Boma and Jiko — The Cooking Place and YUM. Animal Kingdom Lodge is an amazing spot to view animals and look at some incredible pieces of African art, but it’s also one of the resorts with the most unique and delicious food options.

Boma buffet

If you’re looking to try a little bit of everything, Boma, which is a buffet, is the way to go with dozens of popular offerings including sweet corn pudding, Durban chicken, slow-roasted pork ribs, bobotie, a carving station, peanut rice, Zebra Domes, and so much more! It’s that perfect balance of adventurous eating with some safer options that most are sure to love.

Zebra Domes at Boma!

You can do even more eating over at Jiko, a signature dining experience that offers salads and flatbreads as well as Oak-Grilled Filet Mignon, Bobotie Mac & Cheese, Seafood Tagine, Moroccan Lamb Shank, and other African-inspired dishes.

Oak Grilled Filet Mignon (AKA nectar from heaven)

Even Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Quick Service restaurant, The Mara, serves up some unique dishes like Roasted Half-Chicken, a Marrakesh Falafel Platter, a Tamarind Barbecue Pork Sandwich, and other items.

The Mara

Overall, If you like or are open to eating some dishes featuring distinct and unique African flavors, Animal Kingdom Lodge has a lot for you and your taste buds to explore!

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

From African cuisine, we move to more tropical flavors over at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. One thing that makes the Polynesian Resort a stand-out spot is the number of options you have available. Want a Dole Whip? You can stop by Pineapple Lanai and get all kinds of floats of Dole Whip creations including some served in souvenir bowls.

The Blue Hawaiian Dole Whip Gloat from Pineapple Lanai

Looking for a quick snack? You can head over to Capt. Cook’s, the resort’s Quick Service restaurant, and get Tonga Toast for breakfast or Thai Coconut Meatballs, Pulled Pork Nachos, Pan Asian Noodles and Vegetables, and more for lunch and dinner. You can even stop by Kona Island, which serves coffee and pastries in the morning and sushi and desserts later in the day. But wait, there’s MORE!

Pork Nachos

Sit down for a delicious meal at Kona Cafe and munch on some delicious dishes like sushi, poke, Kona-braised Short rib (dinner), and even the ‘Ohana bread pudding.

Kona Cafe

Or you can head next door to ‘Ohana for an all-you-care-to-enjoy feast featuring coconut bread, honey coriander wings, steak, shrimp, chicken, noodles, and (of course) the ‘Ohana bread pudding. There’s also a breakfast feast with pineapple-coconut bread, eggs, sausage, Hawaiian-style ham, and more.

‘Ohana

If you’re looking for more of a lounge atmosphere, the Poly has you covered there, too. You can visit Tambu Lounge to grab a few appetizers and drinks.

Tambu Lounge

Or, if you want a REALLY immersive experience, you can spend your night at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, munching away on some snacks, drinking some speciality beverages (maybe even finding a black pearl), and enjoying ALL of the servers’ antics! Or you can spend some time outdoors at Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace with some exotic cocktails and food from Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto.

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto

Basically, for almost every day of your stay, you’d have the ability to drink or eat something new and delicious. It’s a true foodie paradise.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

If you aren’t so much of an adventurous eater but you do love a good meal, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa might be a great choice. At Grand Floridian Cafe, you can sit down for a relaxing meal with a beautiful view of the hotel gardens and enjoy Chicken & Waffles (you may have to ask nicely for it if it’s not on the menu) or quiche for breakfast, the Lobster “Thermidor” Burger at lunchtime, and then finish your day off with Buttermilk-fried chicken and a Florida Key Lime Pie for dinner.

Quiche

If you want a more elegant dining option, you can try Citricos, which was recently updated with a subtle Mary Poppins theme! Dishes here include Guava Barbecued Short Ribs, Butter-poached Florida Cobia, House Made Rigatoni, Truffle Macaroni & Cheese, Orange Blossom Flan, and more.

Citricos

Or you can head over to Narcoosee’s for Barbecue-Grilled Shrimp and Grits, Shrimp and Crab Cakes, Crispy Rhode Island Calamari, and other items.

Narcoossee’s

Heading back to the hotel for a mid-day break? Why not have some tea and biscuits while you’re at it at the Garden View Tea Room? Little ones can participate in the Perfectly Princess Tea Party. Adults, on the other hand, can visit the Tea Room at other times to enjoy finger sandwiches, scones, fruits and cheeses, and some tea for an experience that’s relaxing and practically perfect in every way.

Garden View Tea Room

Those looking for a quiet bite and more of a lounge atmosphere can head up to Enchanted Rose, the lounge area themed to Beauty and the Beast, which serves up mini smoked brisket sliders, truffle fries, crab macaroni & cheese, and lots of different cocktails, martinis, beers, hard ciders, and other things to sip on to end your magical day at Disney World.

Enchanted Rose

But there’s even more to taste here! 1900 Park Fare, an all-you-can-eat character meal, features different sets of characters depending on when you visit. For breakfast, you’ll likely get to enjoy a jolly holiday with Mary Poppins, Alice in Wonderland, and the Mad Hatter (although the characters are subject to change). At dinner, we’ve typically seen Cinderella, Prince Charming, Lady Tremaine, Anastasia, and Drizella here creating magic for the guests. The food here may not be the most unique or most incredible on property, but you won’t want to miss out on their signature Floridian Strawberry Soup, and the characters really make this experience.

Cinderella at 1900 Park Fare

But those looking for the ULTIMATE foodie experience (and one of the priciest ones) will find it at Victoria and Albert’s. This spot is THE premier dining experience at Walt Disney World and has been a AAA Five Diamond Award recipient since 2000. You can opt for a 7-course or 10-course menu in the dining room, the 10-course option in Queen Victoria’s Room, or spare no expense and get a 7- to 10-course menu in the Chef’s Table. No matter what you do, you’ll feel like you’re dining in luxury. It’s definitely one of those once-in-a-lifetime type of meals.

Victoria & Albert’s is an award-winning restaurant

Overall, there are lots of options at the Grand that everyone — from kiddos to the most elite food critics — can enjoy!

Note: Afternoon Tea and the Disney Princess Tea Party at the Garden View Tea Room, 1900 Park Fare, and Victoria & Albert’s are currently unavailable. Victoria & Albert’s will reopen on July 28th, 2022.

Disney’s Riviera Resort

Want to feel (or eat) like you’re on vacation in Europe? Head to Disney’s Riviera Resort for some delicious options! You can grab some small bites and drinks at Bar Riva, or stop by Le Petit Cafe for artisanal cheese, charcuterie, and desserts inspired by the ones you would find at a genuine Parisian cafe.

Le Petit Cafe Afternoon Pastries

Primo Piatto can get you some quick meals for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, including (for breakfast) blueberry-lemon pancakes and Italian sausage, and (for lunch/dinner) hearth-baked pizzas and a croque monsieur.

Primo Piatto

But, the real star here is Topolino’s Terrace — Flavors of the Riviera. For breakfast, you can enjoy some shared pastries and then order an entree to go with it such as Wild Mushroom Scramble or a Sour Cream Waffle. And breakfast here is a character experience where you’ll get to take selfies with Mickey, Minnie, and friends.

We love stopping by to see Mickey at breakfast!

Come for dinner instead and you’ll get to take in the gorgeous view all around you (as the restaurant is located on the rooftop of the Riviera Resort) and munch on housemade pastas, fresh seafoods and meats, escargot, and more.

View from Topolino’s Terrace

With dishes inspired by spots all over Europe, Disney’s Riviera Resort will take you on a culinary adventure far from Florida.

Disney’s Port Orleans — French Quarter

If there’s one thing Port Orleans — French Quarter is truly known for, it’s those hot, french, and incredibly delicious beignets! Light, puffy, and COVERED in powdered sugar, you’ll want to order plenty of these to share with your whole family. You can grab these delicacies at Scat Cat’s Club. Scat Cat’s also offers a select number of appetizers and specialty cocktails if you’re just looking to enjoy a lounge-type atmosphere rather than a full meal.

Mickey Beignets

Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory, French Quarter’s Quick Service spot, is also a place for foodies because it has more than just burgers, chicken, and fries (although it does have that, too). Here, you’ll be able to grab items like gumbo, shrimp & grits, jambalaya, a prime rib dip sandwich, and other unique dishes with some great flavors.

Sassagoula Floatworks

While French Quarter doesn’t have its own sit-down restaurant, you can take a leisurely stroll over to Port Orleans — Riverside to enjoy a meal at  Boatwright’s Dining Hall, which features boudin balls, Nashville hot chicken, and Mississippi Mud Creme Brûlée, among other options!

Boatwright’s Dining Hall

Because the resorts are only a walk away from each other, you can also check out Riverside’s Quick Service location — Riverside Mill Food Court — if you want more options. But, let’s be real, if you’re not eating beignets with every meal, you’re missing out.

Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts

If you’re really looking for LOTS of options, Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts are a fantastic choice as they are next to each other and within a short walking distance to other hotels and dining spots.  Want some INCREDIBLE ice cream creations, chili and cheese tots, and a burger? Stop by Beaches & Cream Soda Shop at the Beach Club for some fun!

Let’s go!

Or you can go to Ale & Compass Restaurant (at the Yacht Club) for some delicious Parker House Rolls and spreads, or some strip steak, pasta, and other dishes. You can also get some limited items at the Ale & Compass Lounge. If you’re looking for something on the fancier side, you can have an epic date night at Yachtsman Steakhouse with some prime rib, rib-eye, filet mignon, sea bass, and other options.

Yachtsman Steakhouse

There’s also Cape May Cafe, which is a restaurant that serves both lunch and dinner buffet-style.

Cape May Cafe

But really the best part of these resorts is the fact that you can take a quick walk over to EPCOT to eat around the world, or walk the other way to The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts, which have LOTS of restaurants on their own (more on that in a second), or even to Disney’s BoardWalk Inn with even MORE restaurants to choose from like Trattoria al Forno and BoardWalk Bakery.

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts

Finally, the last hotels on our list of recommendations are The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts. Again, these hotels are a quick walk away from EPCOT, Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club Resorts, and the Disney BoardWalk, which ALL have some fantastic restaurants to choose from. But, in addition to that, the Swan and Dolphin resorts have tons of incredible, signature restaurants of their own. Todd English’s bluezoo (Dolphin) serves up international coastal cuisine like New England-style clam chowder, black cod, and much more. Garden Grove (Swan) offers American cuisine in a unique environment.

Garden Grove

Il Mulino New York Trattoria (Swan) will satisfy your cravings for traditional Italian dishes, and at Kimonos (Swan) you’ll be able to snack on some incredibly fresh and delicious sushi (as well as other items like chicken cats and wagyu beef satay).

Kimonos

Looking for more shakes? You can head to The Fountain (Dolphin) for some burgers and sandwiches and LOTS of unique shakes like the Coco Loco Shake (chocolate and caramel cappuccino ice creams) or Peppermint shake.

The Fountain

Or you can get your steak on at Shula’s Steak House (Dolphin) featuring all kinds of delicious meats. And if you time your visit during the Swan and Dolphin’s Annual Food & Wine Classic or other food-focused events, you’ll be able to sample tons of food offerings from these amazing spots. Foodie heaven is just one hotel stay away!

And that completes our list for the hotels foodies NEED to stay at in Disney World. Keep following AllEars for more tips as you plan your upcoming vacation!

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What Walt Disney World Resort hotel do you like to eat and stay at? Let us know in the comments!

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