Here Are My Favorite Disney Hotel Restaurants

Over the past few weeks, I’ve discussed the Disney restaurants where I’m most likely to dine.

My family has been visiting Disney for many years now, which means we’re relatively set in our ways.

As you’re about to read, we sometimes do change our minds over time, though.

So, here’s a current list of my favorite restaurants at Walt Disney World hotels.

As an FYI, I’ve focused primarily on Table Service restaurants this time, because the menu options are similar across most of the hotel Quick Service eateries.

‘Ohana, Disney’s Polynesian Resort

The fascinating part of this conversation is how this list is always evolving and changing.

In past years, I probably would have listed Kona Cafe instead of ‘Ohana.

Alas, the repeated menu changes have eroded what I once loved about Kona Cafe.

Please keep in mind this is merely one person’s opinion, but the place no longer holds the same mystique for me.

Conversely, my appreciation for ‘Ohana has grown over the years.

The Best Friends Breakfast featuring Lilo & Stitch charms me with its genial spirit.

The breakfast components also fit my strange dietary preferences.

At dinner, we lose Lilo and Stitch, but it’s a noble sacrifice because the bottomless skillets of Polynesian cuisine delight the taste buds.

It’s no accident that ‘Ohana is wildly popular. It’s the gold standard in Disney dining.

Beaches & Cream, Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Here’s a somewhat divisive choice as not everyone loves Beaches and Cream the way that my family does.

However, my brother’s family and mine often stay at Disney’s Beach Club Resort.

When we do, we make sure to eat here at least once, if not multiple times, during our vacation.

We treasure the throwback atmosphere, which intentionally mimics Arnold’s Drive-In from Happy Days.

I love that retro vibe.

Also, the energy of this place is memorable, especially when someone orders the Kitchen Sink.

Cast members sound an alarm – literally – and alert everyone in the restaurant that someone’s about to eat 80 gallons of ice cream for dessert.

The ridiculousness of it creates a euphoria that always makes me smile.

Boma Flavors of Africa, Animal Kingdom Lodge

I had graham crackers for a snack today. That’s how dull my palate is.

So, authentic African cuisine sounds like a culinary mismatch for me, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Africa’s the cradle of civilization, which means that societally, every taste that foodies love comes from there.

I find the rich flavor profiles dramatic and addictive.

Then, we have the best part of the meal – the Zebra Domes.

I start every Disney dessert list with this goodie because I believe it’s the tastiest thing at Walt Disney World.

You actually don’t need to eat at Boma to buy these, but I’m definitely not skipping this robust meal.

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

When I’m on vacation, I like being reminded of home.

In my case, that’s my mother’s cooking, as she is an absolute rock star in the kitchen.

One of her signature dishes is buttermilk fried chicken, which the Grand Floridian Cafe serves, and they even throw in a waffle to make it more decadent.

That’s the great thing at this restaurant, which you’ll find just past the lobby of Disney’s most luxurious hotel.

You wouldn’t expect home cooking here, but that’s what you’ll get.

In fact, the restaurant plays into this concept by offering many breakfast options until 2 p.m.

So, it’s a soothing Sunday brunch with a deep roster of entries, making it ideal for large traveling parties.

You’ll find fancier dining options at the Grand Floridian, but I relish the simplicity and inviting nature of the Grand Floridian Cafe.

Primo Piatto, Disney’s Riviera Resort

I never feel more Italian than when I try to say “Primo Piatto.”

Also, people never judge me more for my horrible Southern accent than when I try to say “Primo Piatto.”

I’m not going to stop saying it, though, because I love this place.

In fact, I love hanging out at the Riviera in general.

The multi-floor lobby here is inviting and decidedly European in that it encourages congregation.

People lounge in the comfortable seating, nurture a beverage, and eat something delicious.

The meals here are about what you’d expect – hot and cold sandwiches, lasagna, and something called a Colossal Meatball.

Honestly, I rarely eat at the restaurant itself, though.

This is a grab-and-go place for me. I get lunch here and then roam the breathtaking Riviera campus.

Steakhouse 71, Disney’s Contemporary Resort

I was a huge fan of The Wave… of American Flavors and fully prepared to dislike Steakhouse 71.

After all, Disney didn’t even give me the restaurant rumors had suggested, which was The Incredibles Steakhouse.

I could have gotten behind an Incredibles character meal.

Instead, we got a modified version of a now-closed Disneyland Hotel restaurant called Steakhouse 55.

Don’t get me wrong. I quite like steakhouses, but the decision felt uninspired… until I ate here. This place is exquisite.

The first time I dined here with friends, the five of us cleaned our plates.

That’s not even an exaggeration. There wasn’t a scrap of food left on any of our plates when we were done.

I went from grudgingly ordering the bread service, which used to be free, to thinking, “Wow, that was totally worth $12.”

Steakhouse 71 is robust, and the giant stack of chocolate cake will leave you smiling as you walk out the door.

Also, the atmosphere here remains just plain cool.

I love walking into the Contemporary Resort lobby, heading past the escalators, and then turning left into the restaurant.

It always reminds me that I’m at Walt Disney World at the first official Disney hotel ever built.

Whispering Canyon Cafe, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

It’s probably come across that I don’t pick restaurants for the food.

Yes, I know that’s weird, but I’m a shameless tourist who is in it for the experience.

That’s why I relish character meals. I’m a sucker for anything where Pluto grabs my phone, puts it on top of his nose, and starts snapping selfies.

When I’m at Disney, I want loud, silly, over-the-top fun.

That might as well be the marketing slogan for Whispering Canyon Cafe.

This restaurant somehow marries campfire flavors with improvisational hijinks.

Cast members deliver a bottomless skillet of ribs, pork, chicken, sausage, and brisket.

Also, the place serves all-you-can-eat cornbread that tastes like pound cake.

So, I eat here for the meal anyway.

It’s the pranking that keeps bringing me back, though.

Servers engage in a series of well-orchestrated shenanigans.

The most famous of them is when you ask for ketchup.

They will try to bring you literally every bottle on every other table in the restaurant.

It’s utterly absurd and also extremely loud.

These meals get so rowdy that Disney tried to tone them down a few years ago.

Fortunately, those attempts proved unsuccessful because the energy at Whispering Canyon Cafe is undeniable.

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Feature Photo: Disney