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Walt Disney World is already a popular day and weekend trip, being just under two hours away, but what should you do if you want to explore the magic beyond the parks? Whether you’re planning a day trip for a change of scene, getting ready to celebrate a special occasion or finding a new favorite meal, Walt Disney World Resort restaurants serve up just about everything you can imagine. From quick comfort plates to world-class Michelin-rated experiences, it can be hard to whittle down the best bite for the occasion without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for a relaxed dining experience with no dressing up required, though, you’re in the right place.
I’ve been visiting the Disney Parks every year since I was just a few months old, and especially in recent years, I’ve found myself more drawn to resort hopping than park hopping. With that, I’ve had the pleasure of trying dozens of delicious eats and sips all across Disney property. So without further ado, here are five Disney resort restaurants you should consider for your next trip (that won’t break the bank).
Primo Piatto, Disney’s Riviera Resort
Best for: Italian and French cuisine, quick bites
Price range: Up to $15 per dish
While Topolino’s Terrace gets a lot of buzz, it isn’t the only great dining choice at Disney’s Riviera Resort. Primo Piatto is casual, quick-service dining located on the ground floor with a surprisingly elevated menu. While it isn’t available for reservations, it is conveniently accessible by Skyliner if you’re visiting EPCOT or Hollywood Studios or by a walking path from Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort.
True to the resort’s theme, Primo Piatto offers a variety of French- and Italian-inspired dishes, including pizza, beef bolognese and croque monsieurs. My personal favorite is the kid’s sautéed shrimp, which are surprisingly large and seasoned with a delicious lemon butter that rivals even dedicated Italian restaurants. If you’re celebrating a special occasion or just can’t skip dessert at Disney, you’ll find the classic Mickey-shaped ice cream bars alongside Italian buttercream cupcakes and plant-based strawberry cream maritozzi. Looking for a late-night bite after a drive from Gainesville? Primo Piatto also offers a limited late-night dining menu with snacks, drinks, desserts, salads, pizza and sandwiches.
Kona Cafe, Disney’s Polynesian Resort
Best for: Pacific flavors, all-day options
Price range: Up to $40 per dish, except sushi combination platter
Nothing beats the vibe of Disney’s Polynesian Resort, but if you’re looking for a meal that’s less elaborate than ‘Ohana but more filling than Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, look no further than Kona Cafe. Located on the second floor of the main ceremonial house between ‘Ohana and Kona Island, this reservation-friendly restaurant features Asian-fusion flavors in a relaxed environment.
After you enjoy Hawaiian-style rolls, you can choose from sushi, poke bowls, pot stickers, bao buns, teriyaki burgers and sautéed red quinoa for your main course, plus options for pickier eaters like barbecue chicken, short ribs and a New York strip steak. For a weekend brunch, the macadamia nut pancakes, Tonga toast and Polynesian egg platter pair wonderfully with a mimosa or non-alcoholic Liliko’i juice.
While you can get an amazing passion fruit layer cake or pineapple-coconut bread pudding as a sweet ending, I’ve made it a personal tradition to finish my meal with a Dole Whip from the Pineapple Lanai just downstairs. If you time your meal just right, you might even be able to see part of the Electrical Water Pageant or Magic Kingdom fireworks show while you’re waiting in line or enjoying your treat!
Beaches & Cream Soda Shop, Disney’s Beach Club
Best for: Comfort food, dessert as a meal
Price range: Up to $25 per dish
Themed to a retro soda fountain, Beaches & Cream is an equally delightful and delicious stop at the Beach Club. Reservations are available or you can try a walk-up by exiting EPCOT from the International Gateway, taking the Skyliner or riding the Friendship Boats from Hollywood Studios. The Beach Club is also a brief and beautiful walk from the BoardWalk Resort, the Yacht Club and the Swan and Dolphin.
Meal options include comfort dishes such as patty melts, French dips, grilled cheeses and reubens, but dessert is absolutely the star of the show. You might have heard of the viral Kitchen Sink sundae, which serves four people in a giant bowl of vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, cookies ‘n cream and mint chocolate chip ice cream topped with a seemingly endless array of options. Additionally, guests can choose from a variety of smaller sundaes, regular scoops, specialty milkshakes and floats.
Boatwright’s Dining Hall, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Best for: Louisiana-inspired soul food, dinner
Price range: Up to $40 per dish
Port Orleans is a generally overlooked resort area, but Boatwright’s is a true hidden gem and easily my favorite dinner on Disney property. Located near the mill and Sassagoula boat launch, the restaurant’s signature is the unfinished ship suspended from the ceiling. I can usually get same-day reservations, which are required to park on-site or board the Sassagoula from Disney Springs, though I hope I don’t jinx it by mentioning it!
My personal favorites are the roasted prime rib, grilled salmon and panko crispy chicken, though indecisive eaters with big appetites will be thrilled to discover the Taste of the Bayou All-You-Care-To-Enjoy Platter. Even with such delicious mains, the sides are the stars of the meal. I’m incredibly picky about my vegetables, but I dream of the green beans. They’re lightly steamed so they’re crunchy, not soft or soggy, and are perfectly oiled and seasoned to balance the flavor. The mashed potatoes are remarkably creamy and the mac and cheese is delightfully gooey. While the main dishes have listed sides, you’re more than welcome to substitute to your heart’s content.
If you’re hoping for a sweet finale but need to get some steps in before your order, the Scat Cat’s Club at Port Orleans: French Quarter is a short walk away. There, you can find the famous Mickey-shaped beignets in regular, allergy-friendly and special seasonal varieties.
Olivia’s Cafe, Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Best for: Florida-inspired fare, brunch
Price range: Up to $30 per dish for brunch, up to $40 per dish for dinner
As a Florida student, you might be in the mood for a distinctly Florida experience. In that case, Olivia’s Cafe brings the flavors of the Florida Keys to Orlando. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Olivia’s feels like a Key West diner with memorabilia and photos covering the walls. Reservations are highly recommended, as you can only access the Old Key West Resort by car or Sassagoula boat, both of which require reservations.
While Olivia’s has seating options all day, it is most famous for its brunch. You can pick from Southern favorites like buttermilk chicken and banana bread French toast or South Florida twists like crab cake eggs benedict, Caesar salad with citrus grilled shrimp (with romaine from The Land Pavilion at EPCOT) and Sombrero Beach omelet. The dinner menu isn’t off the table, either, with prime rib, mahi mahi, shrimp and grits and a West Indian tofu-coconut curry. Don’t forget to save room for dessert — Olivia’s banana foster and, key lime pie are just two of your potential selections.
So, where are we eating?
From the Sassagoula to the Seven Seas Lagoon, there is no shortage of great options in Disney’s double-dollar sign tier. Plus, if anyone in your group has an allergy or dietary restriction, Disney lists allergy-friendly options on digital menus for you to review before booking. Disney dining reservations open 60 days in advance, though you can book last-minute times sometimes within a few hours of seating. Be sure to book a reservation before driving to a resort or using transportation options from Disney Springs, as they are now required.
Regardless of where you choose to dine, you’re sure to make memories, even if you’re just commemorating a day trip off-campus. Have a magical meal!