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Disney Restaurants You’ll Miss Out On If You Dine In Magic Kingdom

While Magic Kingdom Park offers an array of dining options, guests often overlook the fantastic full-service restaurants located just outside the park. Some of the best dining experiences at Walt Disney World can be found in the nearby resort hotels, offering diverse menus, unique atmospheres, and scenic views. Exploring these resort dining spots not only adds variety but also offers a chance to unwind away from the theme park crowds.

If you’re ready to elevate your dining experience, here’s a guide to the best alternatives to Magic Kingdom’s restaurants—each offering a memorable meal with easy access from the park.


Grand Floridian Cafe – Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Located inside the luxurious Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the Grand Floridian Cafe offers an airy and elegant dining experience with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the resort’s beautifully landscaped grounds. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a meal before or after your time at Magic Kingdom.

  • Recommended Time: Plan for a “blunch” (late breakfast/early lunch) around 11 a.m. after taking advantage of Early Theme Park Entry.
  • Menu Highlights: Eggs Benedict, Lobster Thermidor Burger, and buttermilk-fried chicken.
  • Travel Tip: You can get there by boat, monorail, or take a scenic walk from Magic Kingdom.

Best Alternatives to Magic Kingdom Dining:

  • The Plaza Restaurant on Main Street, U.S.A.
  • Tony’s Town Square Restaurant on Main Street, U.S.A.
The image showcases a Disney Table Service-inspired decorative cake with a fairy tale theme on the left and a plate of French toast adorned with fruit and syrup on the right, all set elegantly on a granite countertop alongside a steaming cup of coffee.
Credit: Disney

‘Ohana – Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

‘Ohana offers a festive dining experience with delicious family-style meals. For breakfast, enjoy a character dining experience featuring Lilo, Stitch, Mickey, and Pluto. Dinner, while not accompanied by characters, features all-you-care-to-enjoy Hawaiian specialties that keep guests coming back for more.

  • Breakfast Tip: Make an early reservation, then head to Magic Kingdom right after. Alternatively, enjoy brunch after a morning in the park.
  • Dinner Must-Try: The fan-favorite ‘Ohana noodles and the unforgettable pineapple coconut bread pudding for dessert.
  • Travel Tip: The monorail or boat ride makes it easy to access ‘Ohana from Magic Kingdom.

Best Alternatives to Magic Kingdom Dining:

  • The Crystal Palace on Main Street, U.S.A. (breakfast)
  • Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen in Adventureland (dinner)

Kona Cafe – Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Another gem in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Kona Cafe offers a more casual, tropical ambiance with a menu featuring American classics infused with Asian flavors. Whether you’re visiting for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Kona Cafe is a great spot to unwind after a day of attractions.

  • Menu Highlights: Tonga Toast, sushi, poke bowls, and Hawaiian pork belly.
  • Dining Tip: While reservations are recommended, walk-ins are often available for last-minute plans.

Best Alternative to Magic Kingdom Dining:

  • Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen in Adventureland
Pineapple-Coconut Bread Pudding, Kona Cafe
Credit: V Mills

California Grill – Disney’s Contemporary Resort

For a more elegant dining experience, head to California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. This signature restaurant offers breathtaking views of Magic Kingdom and Seven Seas Lagoon. Time your reservation to coincide with the Happily Ever After fireworks and enjoy the spectacular view from the restaurant’s rooftop terrace.

  • Menu Highlights: A three-course selection menu featuring dishes like oak-fired filet mignon and sushi rolls.
  • Bonus: After dinner, enjoy a cocktail on the terrace while watching the fireworks show with music piped in for the full experience.
  • Travel Tip: Accessible via monorail from Magic Kingdom.

Best Alternative to Magic Kingdom Dining:

  • Cinderella’s Royal Table in Cinderella Castle

Whispering Canyon Cafe – Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

For a lively meal with a side of humor, Whispering Canyon Cafe in Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is a must-visit. Known for its family-style skillets and playful atmosphere, this restaurant delivers hearty meals with a side of sass from the servers.

  • Menu Highlights: Skillet meals loaded with meats, mashed potatoes, and corn on the cob. Don’t miss out on their famous bottomless milkshakes.
  • Dining Tip: Be sure to ask for ketchup—you’ll see why when you do!
  • Travel Tip: Use the boat transportation from Magic Kingdom to Wilderness Lodge for a scenic ride.

Best Alternatives to Magic Kingdom Dining:

  • Liberty Tree Tavern in Liberty Square
  • The Diamond Horseshoe in Liberty Square
Teppan Edo, Whispering Canyon Cafe, Walt Disney World
Credit: How To Disney/V Mills

Why Explore Resort Dining at Walt Disney World?

Dining at resort hotels allows you to discover new flavors, avoid theme park crowds, and explore the unique themes of each resort. Whether you’re indulging in character dining, savoring tropical-inspired dishes, or enjoying an elegant rooftop meal, there’s something special about venturing beyond the parks.

  • Explore Resort Lobbies: Take time to admire the beautiful designs of Disney hotels, like the tropical charm of the Polynesian Village Resort or the rustic elegance of Wilderness Lodge.
  • Browse Resort Shops: Many resort hotels offer exclusive merchandise and souvenirs that you won’t find in the parks.

Plan Your Perfect Disney Dining Experience

On your next Disney vacation, step away from the hustle of Magic Kingdom for a meal at one of these resort restaurants. With easy transportation options and incredible dining experiences, these alternatives will enhance your trip and offer a refreshing break from the theme park crowds.

Whether you opt for ‘Ohana’s Hawaiian feast or savor a refined dinner at California Grill, you’ll be glad you explored beyond the park gates. Take advantage of the opportunity to relax, indulge, and make magical memories while enjoying the best of Disney dining.

Victoria Mills

Victoria is a Disney-loving, tea-drinking, Math teacher from Liverpool, England. Her motto is 'work hard, Disney harder'! Having taken part in the Disney College Program back in 2010, Victoria's love and appreciation for Walt Disney World only grew, and it's the place where she feels most herself - it's home!

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