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Where To Eat at Disney Outside the Parks- Top Disney Resort Restaurants

Enjoying delicious meals is an essential part of the Walt Disney World experience. Whether you’re spending a day exploring the Disney Parks, strolling through Disney Springs, or relaxing at your resort, Disney ensures that incredible dining options are always within reach. While many guests focus on where to eat inside the parks, some of the most memorable and magical meals can be found at the Disney Resort Hotels.

If you’re planning a day outside of the parks or just want a break from the hustle and bustle, there are countless restaurants to explore at Disney Resorts. Here are some of the top dining spots to enjoy during your Walt Disney World vacation, whether you’re looking for a fun character meal, dinner with a view, or a full-fledged dinner show.


Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

For those looking to pair their meal with entertainment, Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground is a must-visit. This beloved dinner show combines old-fashioned entertainment with hearty, all-you-care-to-enjoy comfort food. The two-hour show features dancing, singing, and plenty of comedy, making it perfect for families and groups.

During the performance, you can indulge in Southern-style favorites like fried chicken, BBQ ribs, cornbread, and strawberry shortcake. Plus, soft drinks, beer, wine, and sangria are included! Shows run multiple times throughout the evening on select nights, so be sure to check the schedule when planning your trip.

A group of six lively performers dressed in colorful, old-time Western costumes are on stage in front of a richly decorated backdrop. As you enjoy dining at Disney Resorts, some play musical instruments such as a trombone and a washboard, while others smile and strike dynamic poses.
Credit: Disney

Tip: Arrive a bit early to explore Fort Wilderness Resort—it’s a beautiful and often overlooked Disney destination!


Dining with Stunning Backdrops

Looking for a meal with a magical view? Several Disney Resort restaurants offer breathtaking vistas, from watching fireworks over the Magic Kingdom to enjoying the sight of animals roaming the savanna. These unique dining spots allow you to savor delicious food while taking in some of Disney’s most beautiful sights.

Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind dining experience, Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is hard to beat. The restaurant is known for its savanna views, where you can watch giraffes, zebras, and other animals while enjoying your meal. This peaceful setting, paired with African-inspired flavors, makes for an unforgettable experience.

One of the most popular dishes at Sanaa is the Indian-style Bread Service, which comes with a variety of naan breads and flavorful dipping sauces. Whether you’re enjoying the butter chicken, biryani, or spice-crusted steak, the food here is always a hit—and the atmosphere is unmatched.

California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

For a more upscale meal with a view, California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a perfect choice. Perched on the 15th floor, this restaurant offers panoramic views of Magic Kingdom and the Seven Seas Lagoon. Time your reservation right, and you can enjoy the Happily Ever After fireworks show from the comfort of your table or from the outdoor observation deck.

A group of people sit indoors at a restaurant, looking out of large windows at colorful fireworks lighting up the night sky. Plates of food and drinks are on the table, and the diners appear engaged and entertained by the enchanting Disney celebrations unfolding outside.
Credit: Disney

California Grill serves a three-course menu, where guests can select an appetizer, entrée, and dessert. With options ranging from oak-fired filet of beef to seasonal sushi, the menu features high-quality ingredients and flavors inspired by California cuisine. It’s an ideal spot for special occasions or a romantic night out.


Characters and a Meal: Magical Character Dining Experiences

No Disney vacation is complete without a character meal! The best part? You don’t need a parking ticket to enjoy these magical meals, as some of the top-character dining experiences can be found at Disney Resort Hotels.

Topolino’s Terrace – Disney’s Riviera Resort

One of the top-rated character meals at Walt Disney World can be found at Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort. Located on the rooftop, this restaurant offers stunning views of Walt Disney World and delicious food inspired by the flavors of the Riviera.

During breakfast, guests can enjoy A la Art with Mickey & Friends, where Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy appear in adorable, artist-themed costumes. The prix fixe menu features breakfast favorites with a European twist, like quiche Gruyère, wood-fired butcher steak, and the ever-popular sour cream waffles. Not only is the food delicious, but the character interactions are top-notch, making this one of the best character meals on the property.

Storybook Dining at Artist Point – Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

For a fairy tale dining experience, look no further than Storybook Dining at Artist Point in Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Here, you’ll step into an enchanted forest where Snow White, Dopey, Grumpy, and even the Evil Queen make special appearances.

A family is seated at an outdoor restaurant table, enjoying an evening meal while dining at Disney Resorts. They are smiling and interacting with a person in a Grumpy costume from Snow White. The trees above are adorned with colorful, twinkling lights.
Credit: Disney

The prix fixe menu includes themed appetizers, entrées, and desserts that are not only delicious but beautifully presented. The atmosphere is cozy and charming, perfect for a whimsical celebration or just a special evening out.

Chef Mickey’s – Disney’s Contemporary Resort

For a lively character dining experience, Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a favorite among guests of all ages. Available for both breakfast and dinner, this family-style, all-you-care-to-enjoy meal features classic comfort foods with visits from Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Pluto dressed as chefs.

The fun, high-energy atmosphere is complemented by the view of the monorail passing through the resort, making it a great choice for families who want a character-filled meal in an iconic Disney setting.


Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

If you’re craving a family-style feast in a relaxed, tropical setting, ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is the place to be. For breakfast, you’ll enjoy a spread of Mickey and Stitch waffles, eggs, sausage, and potatoes, all while meeting Lilo, Stitch, Mickey, and Pluto.

In the evening, ‘Ohana transforms into a Polynesian-themed dinner with grilled meats, shrimp, and noodles served straight to your table. The warm, island-inspired atmosphere makes this a popular spot for families and groups looking to share a meal filled with fun and flavor.


Final Thoughts

Walt Disney World’s Resort Hotels offer some of the best dining experiences on the property, allowing you to enjoy delicious food, character interactions, and stunning views without needing a parking ticket. Whether you’re in the mood for an interactive dinner show, a meal with beloved Disney characters, or a fine dining experience with fireworks, there’s a perfect Disney Resort restaurant waiting for you.

So, the next time you visit Walt Disney World, don’t overlook the incredible dining options available at the resorts. From Hoop-Dee-Doo to Topolino’s Terrace, these restaurants offer unforgettable meals that add an extra dash of magic to your vacation.

Jennifer Retzlaff

Jennifer became a lifelong Disney fan during her first trip to Walt Disney World in 6th grade. From that moment, Disney became a big part of her life. She quickly started to introduce her love of Disney to her family with a Disney honeymoon and then family trips when her youngest was 18 months old. She loves the magic that Disney brings to people through theme parks, cruises, and adventures. As a teacher, she tries to bring Disney magic into her classroom to help kids believe that “If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It.” She is also part of the Magic Vacation Planner team as a personal travel advisor. With this team, she can now help others plan magical vacations. She loves bringing her love to Disney to readers with How to Disney.

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