Disney World Resorts - Our Favorite Food Recommendations
Disney World has so many different restaurants and eateries that you can select from that it can be quite overwhelming. As such we have hand-selected our favorite picks on Disney Resort property. As someone who goes to Disney at least once every year for the past 5 years I think we’ve got some good insights. Hope you enjoy our recommendations and we’ll make sure to keep updating as we try even more places!
Best Dining at Disney Resorts
Cake Bake Shop - This is hands down our favorite restaurant on property right now. If you’re looking for the best combination of amazing food, ambience, and value this it! The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers, located at Disney's BoardWalk Hotel offers a unique and enchanting dining experience that goes beyond just dessert. The shop is designed to feel like stepping into a storybook, with glittering chandeliers, pastel colors, and whimsical touches. It's truly a feast for the eyes and perfect for photos. As the name suggests, cakes are a highlight. They are known for towering, decadent, and beautifully presented cakes, with options like the "Millionaire Cake" (chocolate, ganache, caramel, shortbread), Raspberry Champagne Cake, and Earl's Court Chocolate Cake (our favorite).
It's not just sweets! The Cake Bake Shop also has a full menu with savory dishes for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. You can find items like crab cakes, soups (including the amazing Chicken Velvet Soupe), sandwiches (Croque-Monsieur, Po'boys, burgers), and even larger entrees like roasted salmon or steak frites.
Although advanced reservations are typically required we have had luck walking up and joining the wait list for an early dinner (3:30 - 4). You can also request to sit at the bar if you’re a smaller party. The Bakery is open to all (without reservations) and you can always grab your treat to-go!
Pros: Delectable food, beautiful atmosphere, fun to explore boardwalk after eating
Cons: Advanced reservations required, desserts are pricey but large portions to share
Toppolino’s Terrace - This is a great option if you’re looking for a character dining experience, want something a bit more upscale, or are tired of the same old mickey waffles and park food. Toppolino’s Terrace is located at Disney’s Riviera Resort and has beautiful rooftop views of the parks (you can spy the tree of Life). All the classic gang is there including Mickey, Minnie, Daisy, and Donald…and they’re dressed in different artist outfits. The food is European inspired with entrees including Quiche Gruyere, Wood Fired Steak & Polenta, Sour Cream Waffles, and more.
Pros: Character dining with unique characters, delicious food, great rooftop views, beautiful resort to explore
Cons: Pricier breakfast at $52 pp not including tip, reservations can be difficult to come by without advanced notice
Trattoria al Forno - Trattoria al Forno, located at Disney's BoardWalk, offers a delightful Italian dining experience that can be a fantastic choice for both breakfast and dinner. As the name suggests, "al forno" means "food baked in an oven," and they excel in dishes prepared using Old World techniques, including wood-burning oven pizzas and roasted meats. For dinner, you'll find crowd-pleasing classics like lasagna al forno and oak grilled steak.
Don’t skip on breakfast though, which is actually our favorite! You’ll find unique breakfast eats here including breakfast pizza, eggs al forgo (poached eggs with fennel sausage and creamy polenta) and more dazzling options.
Pros: Easy to obtain reservation, variety of breakfast dishes other than Disney standard, comfy atmosphere
Cons: Some of the dishes were hit or miss with us, you’ll find our favorites above
Kona cafe - Kona Cafe, nestled in the gorgeous Great Ceremonial House at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, is a long-standing favorite for breakfast, and for good reason! While not overtly character-themed, the restaurant has a subtle Polynesian flair with plumeria wood carvings, lava rock walls, and ocean-inspired artwork, providing a pleasant and relaxed start to your day.
We loved their French toast which has a perfectly crispy cinnamon sugar outside. You can get their classic Tonga toast (banana stuffed) or opt for some of their seasonal options (peanut butter). For something a bit more adventurous, try the Loco Moco, featuring eggs, chorizo gravy, a hamburger patty, rice, and pico de gallo – a unique and hearty Hawaiian-inspired dish. One final special bonus is that you will have access to the monorail as you’re on-resort property
Pros: Beautiful resort, fun flavors, easy access to monorail
Cons: Flavors may be limiting to pickier eaters
Gasparilla Grill - Gasparilla Island Grill, located at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, is a fantastic quick-service option that often flies under the radar compared to its more famous table-service neighbors. Unlike some quick-service locations that rely heavily on pre-made items, Gasparilla takes pride in offering a selection of fresh-made dishes. Their bread for sandwiches and flatbreads is baked daily right there in the Grand Floridian Bakery. Popular choices include the Turkey & Brie Sandwich, Grilled Chicken Sandwich, and Burger.
Being connected to the Grand Floridian Bakery means you can pick up some truly delicious pastries, including cinnamon rolls, cupcakes, and cookies. We recommend eating dinner there and catching the Magic Kingdom fireworks show which is in-view from the patio.
Pros: High quality / lower cost option, magic kingdom fireworks view, bakery case goods are yummy
Cons: Longer walk from the monorail to the restaurant, patio area can get crowded for fireworks
Joffrey’s Coffee - A cult favorite for Disney fans, Joffrey’s coffee can be enjoyed by coffee coniessurs and those who enjoy a sweet treat. We classify ourselves in the former group and particularly enjoy the bakery treats from Joffrey’s. Most notable are their delectable and sizable donuts, and sea salt caramel chocolate chip cookie. Bonus points if you swing by the location at the skyliner transit station and enjoy your treat while riding.
Pros: Convenient, multiple locations all around Disney
Cons: None that I can think of, it’s always a good option for a snack!
