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$$$$ | Animal Kingdom Resort Area |
Boma takes Western-style ingredients and prepares them with an African twist. You walk through an African marketplace–style dining room to help yourself at counters piled high with flavor from an upscale buffet like no other. The dozen or so serving stations have entrées such as roasted pork, Durban-style chicken, spice-crusted beef, and fish served with tamarind and other robust sauces; intriguing salads; and some of the best hummus this side of the Atlantic. Don't pass up the soups (the coconut-curry seafood stew is particularly good). The zebra dome dessert is chocolate mousse covered with white chocolate and striped with dark chocolate. For a more relaxed breakfast experience, book a table for before 9:30 am; Boma gets crowded quickly.
2901 Osceola Pkwy., Walt Disney World, Florida, 32830, USA
Known For
- Superb food for both the timid and the adventurous
- African flavors and dishes
- Outstanding South African wine list
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch, Reservations essential
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$$$ | Disney Springs |
This complex of three restaurants is a haven of authentic Italian cuisine served up by two internationally known chefs (though the Disney "story" tells of an immigrant Italian couple who convert the Disney Springs Air Terminal into the eateries). Maria & Enzo's offers fine Italian cuisine in a sophisticated setting; neighboring Pizza Ponte has pizza by the slice, Italian pastries, and belly-filling sandwiches; Enzo's Hideaway, set in a former cast-access tunnel, serves classic dishes seldom seen in Florida, like fried artichokes and house-cured antipasti.
The Landing, Walt Disney World, Florida, 32830, USA
Known For
- Authentic Roman and southern Italian cuisine
- Some of the best steaks in Orlando
- Whimsical and detail-rich atmospheres
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$$$ | Disney Springs |
If an authentic Irish pub—actually transported from the Old Country plank by plank—is your thing, Raglan Road is the place. In addition to excellent fish-and-chips and shepherd's pie, the inventive chefs twist Irish cuisine to include dishes like Gulf shrimp and risotto with buffalo mozzarella and fresh peas. The entertainment alone makes this place worth the visit. "Trad" bands play nightly, and a troupe of Irish dancers performs several times every evening and during the Rollicking Raglan Sunday Brunch. Musicians also play outside for guests dining alfresco. A store called Shop for Ireland sells Irish merchandise. Around the corner, the Raglan-affiliated Cooke's of Dublin offers fast-take fish-and-chips, pies, and deep-fried "battered burgers."
The Landing, Walt Disney World, Florida, 32830, USA
Known For
- First-rate dining and special chef-driven events
- Extensive beer and ale selections, including exclusive brews
- Nightly, sometimes hourly, entertainment
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$$$ | Animal Kingdom Resort Area |
Most of the flavors are from India, yet Sanaa is really a celebration of the Spice Islands—locales off the coast of Africa that, for centuries, enticed traders from the world's corners. Exotic yet approachable lunches and dinners make it a true find on the outer edges of the Disney empire; views of zebras and giraffes on the savanna right out the picture windows are another draw. Potato-pea samosas are good starters. For the main course, try the tandoori chicken or the potjie-inspired meal, a bowl with a mix of a protein and unique base. This is the only sit-down restaurant open for lunch at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. There is a reservations-only Dine with an Animal Specialist program consisting of a four-course meal and fascinating company.
3701 W. Osceola Pkwy., Walt Disney World, Florida, 32830, USA
Known For
- Surprising combinations of African and Indian flavors
- Indian-style bread service
- African-inspired breakfast
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$$ | Animal Kingdom |
Situated in the heart of Pandora, Satu'li walks a line between fast-casual and fine dining with counter service and surprisingly sophisticated, internationally inspired dishes. The menu features grain bowls with fresh-cooked ingredients and kids' meals that are actually nutritious.
Pandora -- The World of Avatar, Walt Disney World, Florida, 32830, USA
Known For
- Grain bowls
- Fresh-cooked, high-quality chicken, beef, and tofu
- Phone-app ordering eliminates waiting
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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$$ | EPCOT Resort Area |
Strange but good brews—Rocket Red Ale, Southern Flyer Light Lager, Steamboat Pale Ale, Gadzooks Pilsner—abound at this microbrewery, where you can sip your suds inside amid giant stainless-steel tanks or outside on a lake-view patio. The menu emphasizes meat and fish, with baby back ribs dry-rubbed and topped with honey chipotle barbecue sauce, elaborate hamburgers, or blackened fish tacos. Wine and cocktails are available for the nonbeer-drinking crowd.
2101 EPCOT Resorts Blvd., Walt Disney World, Florida, 32830, USA
Known For
- Massive burgers
- Disney's only microbrewery
- Ribs, steaks, and fish
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$$$ | Disney Springs Resort Area |
Located riverside at Disney's Port Orleans Resort, this very impressive, handcrafted dining hall looks like the interior of a wooden sailing ship, complete with an inverted hull on the ceiling and weathered shipbuilding tools. True to the N'awlins theme is a menu of tasty bayou dishes ranging from Louisiana étouffée to crawfish bisque to andouille-stuffed catfish. Decadent desserts include the likes of gooey St. Louis butter cake and Bourbon Street pecan tarts. The River Roost Lounge, a full bar with entertainment, is a great stop before or after dinner.
Disney's Port Orleans Resort–Riverside, Walt Disney World, Florida, 32830, USA
Known For
- Out of the way resort with a full bar
- Cajun bayou catfish and jambalaya
- Charleston-style seafood grits
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch
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$$$$ | EPCOT Resort Area |
With the feel of a New England seafood house—the type your grandma might enjoy—this bustling spot in the Beach Club Resort features popular buffet meals. For breakfast, Minnie and other cast classics visit tables while families help themselves to American classics from waffles to sausage links from the buffet. In the evening, seafood is the star of the show. Instead of characters, diners dote on a turf platter of slow-roasted strip loin or a seafood boil with mussels, clams, shrimp, and a catch of the day.
1800 EPCOT Resorts Blvd., Walt Disney World, Florida, 32830, USA
Known For
- Character breakfast
- Seafood boil
- Casual atmosphere in an out-of-the-way setting
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch
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$$$ | Disney Springs |
Superstar chef Art Smith, recognized by foodies for having worked for Oprah and cooked for heads of state, incorporates ingredients from nearby farms, ranches, and fisheries in this tribute to down-home Southern cooking. Having been a part of Disney's College program (he started his career with a culinary internship here), he's returned to present dishes like his famous fried chicken, deviled eggs, shrimp and grits, pork chops, fried green tomatoes, mashed potatoes, and Southern slaw. The portions are enormous, and the flavors are bold. Try the Jasper Board sampler—smoked fish dip, pimento cheese, Tasso hams, bread-and-butter pickles, candied pecans, and buttermilk crackers—for a taste of everything. Save room for the Moonshine Mash (there's a long list of cocktails) and Smith's signature hummingbird cake.
The Landing, Walt Disney World, Florida, 32830, USA
Known For
- Celebrity chef Art Smith's comfort food
- Fried chicken
- Signature cocktails and hummingbird cake
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$$$$ | Magic Kingdom Resort Area |
The fact that the Disney monorail zooms overhead right through the Contemporary Resort, and that Mickey, Minnie, or Goofy hangs around for breakfast and dinner, would be enough to make it popular, but the food here is surprisingly good. Chef Mickey's is shiny and bright, offering a breakfast and brunch that includes banana bread French toast, potato-cheese casserole, and the "Celebration" Mickey pancake. The family-style dinner doesn't disappoint either with prime rib, roasted salmon, potato gnocchi, and a Mickey Mouse Dome for dessert. A large selection of specialty cocktails is available for the grown-ups.
4600 N. World Dr., Walt Disney World, Florida, 32830, USA
Known For
- Character meals and Storybook Moments
- Family-style servings
- Specialty cocktails for the grown-ups
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch
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$$$$ | EPCOT |
Family-style dinner fare is served here as the restaurant revolves, giving you an ever-changing backstage view of the Living with the Land boat ride. Offering quantity over quality, the restaurant serves all-you-can-eat meals with visits from Chip ’n’ Dale, Pluto, and occasionally Mickey. Typical choices include beef, turkey, and a sustainable fish with trimmings, beer and wine selections, plus kiddie favorites like mac and cheese and oven-roasted chicken drumsticks. Except for the princess meals in Norway, this is the only EPCOT restaurant that has Disney character meet and greets during meals.
World Nature, Walt Disney World, Florida, 32830, USA
Known For
- Character dining
- Unusual revolving restaurant within The Land pavilion
- Family-style servings with beer and wine available
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$$$ | EPCOT |
With stunning views of the 5.7-million-gallon aquarium, dining at Coral Reef is as entertaining as it is delicious. As you watch marine life—and sometimes scuba divers—swim by, enjoy dishes from a seasonal menu that's heavy on seafood offerings. Options might include shrimp and grits or seared mahi-mahi in a coconut and cilantro-lime sauce. This is a great option for those wanting to try upscale dining with younger kids, as they'll be able to either test new items such as lobster bisque or play it safe with grilled chicken. Plus, the aquarium is a great distraction while waiting for the food to arrive!
World Nature, Walt Disney World, Florida, 32830, USA
Known For
- Lobster bisque
- Scenic aquarium views
- Baileys almond and Jack Daniel's mousse
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$$ | Disney's Hollywood Studios |
This hangar bay transformed into a quick-service-restaurant by Chef Strono “Cookie” Tuggs serves out-of-this world meals. Try the braised beef stir fry or the fried chicken tip yip with roasted vegetables. Those with egg or gluten allergies will find multiple options here, and if the line looks overwhelming, order online with the My Disney Experience app.
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, Walt Disney World, Florida, 32830, USA
Known For
- Vegetarian hummus spread on pita
- Gluten-free options
- Authentic Star Wars atmosphere
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$$$$ | Disney Springs |
Under the watchful eye of celebrity chef Rick Bayless, Frontera brings a sophisticated yet casual approach to classic Mexican food. Look for genuine dishes from Oaxaca and Mexico City like house-made guacamole and short-rib tacos, as well as exquisite pan-roasted Florida shrimp. The bar is a popular hangout for its craft cocktails, beers, and wines as well as daily drink specials like Margarita Mondays and Tequila Tuesdays.
Town Center, Walt Disney World, Florida, 32830, USA
Known For
- Hand-crafted tortillas and guacamole
- Vegetarian options like zucchini enchiladas and mushroom tortas
- Fun and flavorful kids' meals
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$$$$ | EPCOT |
With twinkling lights draped on its oversize, 25-foot, signature tree, this restaurant, designed to evoke New York's Central Park, specializes in character meals. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday night, guests dine on classic American fare like prime rib while Goofy and his buddies make their rounds. Seafood buffets are featured Thursday through Sunday evening. Weekend mornings, Pluto leads the fray as families fuel up on day starters from raisin bread French toast to a create-your-own omelet station. The restaurant is open for lunch but without characters.
1200 EPCOT Resorts Blvd., Walt Disney World, Florida, 32830, USA
Known For
- Character meals
- Cedar plank–blackened salmon
- Seafood buffet
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$$$$ | Magic Kingdom Resort Area |
Disney’s Perfectly Princess Tea Party is afternoon tea at its grandest as children ages 3 to 9 enjoy the royal treatment. Dressing up is encouraged, and an early 9 am meal, featuring tea and sandwiches, is served on china plates (apple juice, peanut butter, and ham-and-cheese sandwiches for the kids; cheeses and finger sandwiches for adults). Princess Aurora (Sleeping Beauty herself) may make an appearance. Little ones receive a special Princess Aurora doll, jewelry and a tiara, a princess bag, and a photo scrapbook page—a nice parting gift considering the hefty cost ($333.64 for one adult and one child, additional children are $234.08). From noon to 4 pm daily, the space serves a traditional afternoon tea.
4401 Floridian Way, Walt Disney World, Florida, 32830, USA
Known For
- Highly elegant tea for young princesses and princes and refined adults
- Character appearances
- House-made scones, sandwiches, and sweets
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential
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$$ | Disney Springs |
Be prepared for a soundtrack of music that's equal parts groovy, funky, and soulful as you dine on an eclectic menu that offers everything from ribs to shrimp and grits to a tasty chicken Caesar salad. Consider trying the Juicy Lucy, a bacon cheeseburger with jalapeño and chipotle mayo; the pulled-pork sandwiches and the cornbread are also delicious. A worthy dessert is the bourbon-white-chocolate-banana-bread pudding. Consistently popular is the Gospel Sunday Brunch, where an elaborate Southern buffet (chicken and waffles, made-to-order omelets, shrimp and crawfish étouffée, bourbon bread pudding, etc.) is served with a side of live gospel music. For a faster meal, visit the quick-service barbecue counter The Smokehouse.
West Side, Walt Disney World, Florida, 32830, USA
Known For
- High-end burgers and Southern fare
- Sunday gospel brunch
- Loud background music at all times
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$$$ | Disney's Hollywood Studios |
To replace the energy you've no doubt depleted by miles of theme-park walking, load up on carbs at this casual restaurant that looks like a classic San Francisco Italian eatery. Good main courses include spaghetti with meatballs and sautéed shrimp in a four-cheese sauce with pasta and vegetables. The sangria is popular. Book the Fantasmic! dinner package in advance if you want priority seating for the show.
Grand Avenue, Walt Disney World, Florida, 32830, USA
Known For
- Old-fashioned Italian restaurant atmosphere
- Fantasmic! dining package
- Tiramisu and traditional cannoli
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$ | Disney's Hollywood Studios |
Stop by the Milk Stand to grab a glass of blue milk, Luke Skywalker's favorite drink (green milk is available, too—who knew?). Both drinks are made with coconut and rice milk mixed with different fruits. Adults can have rum or tequila added to their beverage.
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, Walt Disney World, Florida, USA
Known For
- Plant-based beverages
- Star Wars collectibles
- Blue milk
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$$$$ | Disney Springs |
There is, of course, a sushi bar at this sleek, expansive Masaharu Morimoto establishment, and the Iron Chef himself takes control of it when he's in town (about four times a year), though it's fun to watch any of the chefs at work. There's also an open kitchen and multiple dining spaces and lounges where the menu features pan-Asian favorites like Chinese duck, Korean noodles, ramen and Singaporean laksa. A quarterly omakase (chef's choice) experience, which runs $250 and requires an advance deposit, could be served by Morimoto himself. The bar runs nearly the length of a football field as it snakes from the ground floor to the top floor, where an outdoor terrace overlooks the water. There's late-night munching at the Forbidden lounge, complete with an interesting cocktail menu, a balcony, and an outdoor street food window.
The Landing, Walt Disney World, Florida, 32830, USA
Known For
- High-end sushi and pan-Asian cuisine
- Open until 1 am on weekends
- Best views of the Disney Springs lagoon from the upstairs patio
