Walt Disney World offers a wide variety of restaurants across the sprawling property, from theme parks to hotels to the Disney Springs shopping district. Given that, it’s not surprising that some outstanding options fall under the radar. However, when one stumbles upon an underrated gem, it can change the whole tenor of their visit!
Over my 30+ years visiting the “Most Magical Place on Earth,” I’ve had that happen several times. A few years ago, during a somewhat last-minute trip to the resort, my party booked too late to get a California Grill reservation, so we “settled” for Steakhouse 71. However, the meal ended up being one of our favorites on the trip!
We compiled a list of five Disney World hotel restaurants that are criminally underrated and why you should consider trying them out on your next trip to Disney World!
Rosa Mexicano
Starting at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin, you can find Rosa Mexicano. The Swan and Dolphin are home to 23 restaurants and lounges, so it can be hard to decide where to eat. We cannot stress this enough: Rosa Mexicano is not to be missed!
Did somebody say table-side guac? Yep! You heard that right; the service here is unmatched, and we highly recommend their guacamole, which can be made to your liking right at your table. They also have family-style meal options and a long list of cocktails.
After a nice meal, you can walk outside to explore the Boardwalk, and if you are dining late enough, catch Luminous outside of EPCOT.
Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace
While Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at the Polynesian Village Resort is extremely popular, you will often have to get on the waitlist, which could take hours. Plus, once you finally get inside, you may have to share a table with another party. While the vibes are great inside, you can get the entire menu served to you just around the corner outside.
Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace is located right behind the Grog Grotto and offers the same menu as the inside. It even offers live entertainment. Plus, there is no age restriction like there is for the Grog Grotto!
Little wait? Live music? Same menu? No shared table? Sign us up!
There is ONE thing to bear in mind however. If you drink outside, your cocktail will be served in a plastic cup, not one of the iconic decorative Tiki mugs available inside. While the drink is the same, those wanting that oh-so-instagramable photo op will want to opt to wait to be seated inside.
Sebastian’s Bistro
All-you-care-to-enjoy skillet and family-style meals can be a great value at Disney World, but the best value can be found at the Caribbean Beach Resort.
Sebastian’s Bistro is an all-you-care-to-enjoy meal that serves bread, salad, a variety of meats and fish, and plenty of sides. The meal is finished off with delicious bread pudding.
This restaurant is one of the cheaper all-you-care-to-enjoy dining locations, and the food is amazing! It is located at a Skyliner resort, making it easy to get to from EPCOT or Hollywood Studios.
Geyser Point Bar and Grill
Geyser Point Bar and Grill is a not-so-hidden gem of the Wilderness Lodge. You can dine at their table-service area or via Mobile Order.
Not only do you get a gorgeous view of the resort, but you get to dine right on the water! If you are at Magic Kingdom and are looking to get away from the lunch rush, you can hop aboard a boat and get to the resort. This is a very chill and relaxing place to grab a bite to eat.
Olivia’s Cafe
Over at Old Key West Resort, you will find Olivia’s Cafe. This adorable restaurant is lined with photos of Disney Vacation Club members. Old Key West was the first Disney Vacation Club resort.
Some of the most popular dishes here are the Southernmost Buttermilk Chicken and Slow-cooked Prime Rib, and for good reason! On a nice night, we like to dine on the patio. You can also hop on a boat to and from Disney Springs. You can see the water launch right from the restaurant.
These five Disney World hotel restaurants may not be the first restaurants that come to mind, but trust us; if you can, you will want to check them out on your next trip to Disney World! For more Disney World restaurant recommendations and tips, stay tuned to AllEars!
My vote goes to Flying Fish at Boardwalk.