Where to Eat, Drink, and Stay in Disney World Now, According to a Travel Expert Who's Slept in Every Hotel

I go to Disney World every day as part of my job and I’ve stayed in every single hotel and eaten at every single restaurant.

So that means I’ve formed some pretty valid opinions on the best places to eat and drink, as well as the best places to stay and sleep. So if you want to eat and drink the BEST food in Disney World and sleep at the best hotels, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.

Let’s start with where to stay because the hotel you choose could make or break your Disney World vacation. But don’t worry, I’m breaking it down by hotel category, so you can find the best hotel for your money.

Where to Stay: Value Resorts

My absolute favorite value resort is Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, because, honestly, the theming can’t be beat with some of Disney’s most beloved characters from The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Finding Nemo, and Cars. Plus you have access to the Skyliner.

This resort has standard rooms in The Little Mermaid section, but its other rooms are family suites, so this hotel is a big win for larger groups and families, too.

Where to Stay: Moderate Resorts

This might come as a surprise, but when it comes to a moderate resort, I prefer Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. This is because of the addition of the Gran Destino Tower, which offers deluxe accommodations at a moderate price.

However, even if you’re not staying in the tower. all guests at Coronado Springs have access to Gran Destino amenities like dining (I love the Dahlia Lounge), the fitness center, and the coffee bar. This hotel just truly feels like a deluxe option at a cheaper price and is one of my favorites out of any of the categories.

Where To Stay: Deluxe Resorts

If you’ve got the money to burn and want a deluxe hotel experience, look no further than Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. It offers the same level of deluxe amenities that you can get at other deluxe hotels, but its price is SO much better so you get more bang for your buck. PLUS it’s located in the Magic Kingdom area and is just a short boat ride away.

There are also some great restaurants here, including Geyser Point Bar & Grill, a Snow White character meal, and Whispering Canyon Cafe. I’m also in love with the lobby here. The theming is incredible and it has a geyser!

Where To Stay: Honorable Mentions

I’m going to have to give a shout out to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campgrounds because it’s just so much fun there. I also have to mention the Four Seasons as a super luxe Disney World deluxe hotel alternative because it’s SO nice.

Finally, don’t sleep on the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin, which is categorized as a deluxe hotel but at a lower price point than Disney World’s own deluxe hotels. PLUS you get many of the same perks you’d get staying at a Disney-owned hotel.

Where to Eat and Drink: Fancy Restaurants

There are some VERY fancy restaurants in Disney World and I’ve eaten at them all. One of my favorites, though, is Narcoosees at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. It has a dress code, so that makes it fancy. The best way I can describe this restaurant is “elegant.”

You’ll get a fine dining experience with exquisite food with a view of the waterfront. Time dinner just right and you can catch the Electrical Water Pageant and Magic Kingdom fireworks. This is one restaurant that has never let me down.

Where to Eat and Drink: Standard Table Service Restaurants

Speaking of restaurants that never let me down, Sebastian’s Bistro at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is underrated in so many ways. The food here is served family style and it has Latin and Caribbean influences PLUS the cocktails are also amazing.

Here’s my secret, though: the dessert here is maybe even better than the one at ‘Ohana. There I said it. It’s actually very similar, but it has coconut — and that makes it even better. Did I mention that you can also get great views of EPCOT’s nighttime show from here, too?

Where to Eat and Drink: Lounges

When it comes to my favorite lounge, Steakhouse 71 Lounge at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is the first that comes to mind. It has its own menu separate from Steakhouse 71 with small plates and drinks. I like to hop on the Monorail to take a break from Magic Kingdom and grab a seat here to enjoy some really good Mac and Cheese or a Stack Burger with some drinks.