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The Secret Menu Item Most Disney Guests Miss

Guests have a vast choice of excellent dining experiences when visiting the Walt Disney World Resort. Whether you’re looking for character dining, signature dining, or something a little more casual, you can find what you want.

Portion sizes are generous too. So much so that sometimes you’d instead order a few dishes to share between your party. At times like these, a combination of appetizers and sides is a great option.

Disney Sides

Several sides, or appetizers, are served in the Walt Disney World Resort we love. These include:

  • Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup in Le Cellier Steakhouse at the Canada Pavilion, EPCOT
  • Indian-style Bread Service in Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
  • Mac and Cheese in The Polite Pig at Disney Springs
  • Braised Beef Short Rib Wontons in California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
  • Orinoco Ida’s Cachapas in Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen at Magic Kingdom Park
  • Gobi Manchurian in Tiffins at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
  • Grilled Marble Potatoes in Citricos at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Are any of these your favorites? It’s challenging to narrow the choices down. There are so many great options to enjoy when it comes to dining in the Walt Disney World Resort. 

Which locations spring to mind when you consider dining in Walt Disney World? Disney Parks is an obvious one. If you’re visiting Lake Buena Vista, it’s almost certain that you will be spending some time in a Disney theme park (or four!). Similarly, Disney Springs comes to mind. Previously known as Downtown Disney, Disney Springs is a great place to spend time. We love the restaurant choices available here, as well as the shopping and entertainment.

For many Guests, the Disney Resort hotels are where they will find some of their favorite dining experiences. With that in mind, we always visit one Walt Disney World Resort hotel when taking a Disney vacation – Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. Here’s why!

Disney's BoardWalk Inn
Credit: V Mills

Disney’s BoardWalk

Located just a short walk from EPCOT International Gateway and Disney Skyliner station, Disney’s BoardWalk is a must-visit for any Guest. It’s also easy to access from Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Guests can take the FriendShip Boat to Disney’s BoardWalk Inn.

Disney’s BoardWalk is a quarter-mile promenade that emulates turn-of-the-century boardwalks for which Atlantic City and Coney Island are known. During the day, it’s a quiet place to stroll and sit while enjoying a coffee from the BoardWalk Deli or Carousel Coffee. In contrast, Disney’s BoardWalk comes alive during the evening. The string lights twinkle against the night sky. Enjoy entertainment from street performers or join in midway games. Whichever time of day you decide to visit, you won’t be disappointed by the view just beyond the water’s edge of Crescent Lake.

Disney's BoardWalk
Credit: Visit Orlando/Orlando Date Night Guide

However, you shouldn’t just visit Disney’s BoardWalk for entertainment. It’s also the place to enjoy exquisite dining, unique shopping experiences, and exciting nightlife. In terms of dining, Guests will find full-service restaurants such as Big River Grille & Brewing Works and Flying Fish. If you are looking for a bar to spend the evening in, AbracadaBar serves up magical concoctions in a sophisticated social club. Alternatively, prepare to be entertained in Jellyrolls, Walt Disney World’s dueling piano bar.

Trattoria al Forno

There’s another full-service restaurant available to Guests at Disney’s BoardWalk – Trattoria al Forno. This cozy trattoria emulates a casual Italian eatery. Guests also have a view of the open kitchen from their table.

Trattoria al Forno Kitchen
Credit: Visit Orlando

Trattoria al Forno features an artisanal menu. Take a tour of Italy through your taste buds. You’ll find regional specialties and favorite classics. The menu includes dishes such as Oak-grilled Strip Steak Florentine, Lasagna al Forno, Parmigiana di Pollo, and Truffle Gnocci. There is also a selection of pizza to choose from. The menu also features appetizers and desserts.

Trattoria al Forno Rigatoni Bolognese
Credit: V Mills

If you enjoy a glass of wine, you’ll enjoy the extensive wine list offered at Trattoria al Forno. All of the wines served are Italian from the historic wine regions. Over 60 wines are available by the bottle, and by the glass, you can enjoy more than 25.

Dinner is served here from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. every evening. Walk-in availability may be available, but we recommend making an advance dining reservation if you plan on dining here. Guests can also enjoy breakfast in Trattoria al Forno daily, from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Trattoria al Forno
Credit: V Mills

The Secret Item

When visiting Trattoria al Forno for dinner, there’s one menu item that you shouldn’t skip. Listed as a side, the garlic bread at this Disney restaurant is a hidden gem. If you were to see this side as we did, you would expect a typical toasted bread topped with garlic butter and a sprinkle of mozzarella. However, be prepared to be wowed.

Trattoria al Forno’s garlic bread consists of a perfect combination of dough, mozzarella cheese, and marinara sauce. Rather than being made of one piece of dough, this garlic bread is made up of multiple smaller dough balls. This makes it easy to tear apart and share. Not only is it topped with mozzarella, but it’s also filled with it. There’s no shortage of cheese in this garlic bread. The garlic bread comes on a bed of warmed marinara sauce, finishing it perfectly. It tastes as good as it sounds!

The garlic bread from Trattoria al Forno is a perfect side to share. We certainly won’t judge if you want to enjoy it yourself! Available for $7, it’s also an absolute steal. You won’t be disappointed.

Trattoria al Forno Garlic Bread
Credit: V Mills

Have you tried the secret menu item at Trattoria al Forno yet? If you are yet to try, ensure you do so during your next Disney vacation.

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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