Here Are My Favorite Disney World Restaurants Overall
Over the past few months, I’ve discussed my favorite places to eat at the various parks and resorts.
However, the one thing I haven’t done is post a meta list of the eateries where you’re most likely to find me.
Photo:visitorlando.com
Here are my favorite Walt Disney World restaurants overall.
‘Ohana
My wife celebrated her birthday last week, but we didn’t spend this one at Walt Disney World.
That’s a rarity for us, as the time around our anniversary and her birthday has become a frequent vacation period for us.
Photo: Disney
Alas, the universe instead tormented me with many memories of how we’d spent past years.
Several of them occurred at ‘Ohana, the place where my wife would prefer to have breakfast on her birthday.
The Best Friends Breakfast featuring Lilo & Stitch is among her favorite things to do in Orlando.
Similarly, we love the multi-course dinner here as well. It’s not unusual for us to eat at ‘Ohana three or four times during a vacation.
The BOATHOUSE
One of my favorite Disney stories is that I may have booked the first reservation for The BOATHOUSE.
I was meeting friends from my previous website, and I wanted to treat them to a special meal.
During my writing, I learned that this restaurant would open at the perfect time to host our gathering.
So, I emailed the address I found. To my complete shock, Steven Schussler, the founder of Rainforest Café, replied.
Photo: Disney Springs
The restaurateur put me in touch with someone who ensured we’d have a table for six when we arrived.
Still, the remarkable demonstration of customer service a decade ago isn’t why we visit The BOATHOUSE today.
This restaurant’s menu and idyllic backdrop make it an ideal hangout spot, and I love the piano bars, too.
Casey’s Corner
Speaking of things I love, baseball is high on the list. Hot dogs are way up there as well.
So, a Disney restaurant with a baseball theme on Main Street, U.S.A. is pretty much my happy place.
Of course, it helps that the cost of a meal here is cheaper than most other places at Magic Kingdom.
That’s the happy bonus on top of the fact that I always have the time of my life walking around this place.
Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’
(Kent Phillips, Photographer)
I didn’t make the first reservation at Homecomin’, but I was definitely among the early adopters.
Before word spread regarding the excellent menu here, you could get a table fairly easily.
That last about…oh, three months. Ever since then, Homecomin’ has evolved into one of the most challenging places to dine.
Personally, my family hasn’t eaten here in three years because the pandemic was pretty much the only time it wasn’t packed.
Photo: @chefArtSmith
Still, as long as this place sells chicken, waffles, and donuts, I’m eating here.
Art Smith understands the art of southern home cooking better than any other celebrity chef, and those are the flavors of my youth.
Coral Reef Restaurant
Photo: Disney || Coral Reef Restaurant
I know, I know. Coral Reef’s reputation has taken quite the hit in recent years as tourists complain about the food and the price.
Still, I don’t care because the ambiance here warms our hearts.
Photo: Disney Daily Dime
We even developed a friendship with a manta over the years. I swear that this creature recognizes us.
During each of our past several meals, it has swam over to sit with us while we eat.
Photo: Disney
Fortunately, neither of us orders seafood when we’re here, so it’s not weird.
Disney does charge an arm and a leg for Coral Reef, but it can do that due to the place’s popularity.
Photo: DVC SHop
Similarly, as long as the desserts are delicious – and they really are! – I’ll continue to dine here.
Rose & Crown Dining Hall
Photo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvQ1e2hu4w4
Speaking of favorites, here’s one for me and mine. My older brother and his family have met us here on several occasions.
Each time, we target a 7:15 PM arrival so that we can grab a seat outside and watch the nighttime fireworks presentation.
Disney
Yes, we often spend two hours at Rose & Crown, something the staff expects. They even time the meal courses accordingly.
While I’m not much for British cuisine, my wife proudly traces her blue-blood heritage back to several kings (no, really) and loves dining here.
Image Credit: Disney
So, a good time is had by all as we relax by the World Showcase Lagoon and unwind after a chaotic day at EPCOT.
Some of my best Disney memories have happened at Rose & Crown.
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant
Photo: Disney || Sci-Fi Dine In
Did you know you can watch a Tom & Jerry cartoon on the big screen at Disney’s Hollywood Studios?
No, there isn’t some licensing agreement in place or anything. It’s just a small part of the drive-in experience here.
The best part is this dude, who doesn’t want to grow anymore:
Also, if you keep watching, you’ll realize just how much this dude haaaaaates needles. Mistakes were made.
Anyway, as someone who grew up on the ridiculousness of Saturday afternoon low-budget sci-fi, I’m hopelessly addicted.
Oh, and the cartoon where the secretary saves us all from space aliens is pretty great, too.
Woody’s Lunch Box
Photo Credit: Steven Diaz, photographer
Since I typically use the Disney Dining Plan on vacation, I don’t stress about value the way that many tourists do.
One entitlement is just the same as another to me, but that doesn’t mean I haphazardly discard good deals.
For instance, at Woody’s Lunch Box, my wife and I can usually eat for about $30, the same as we’d pay for a meal at Chick-Fil-A.
Remarkably, I eat better at Woody’s Lunch Box because the grilled cheese sandwich, tater tots, and Lunch Box Tart are so delicious.
I probably don’t need to sell any of you on the greatness and value of Woody’s Lunch Box.
Instead, I’m merely confirming that I agree with the masses. This place is spectacular.
Yak & Yeti Restaurant
Yak & Yeti
I am as far away from a foodie as the human condition allows. That’s why Yak & Yeti always surprises me.
Even though I rarely get excited over food, Yak & Yeti surprises me with the depth and ferocity of its flavors.
This restaurant almost feels out of place at Disney because it’s a high-quality fine dining experience residing in the middle of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Technically, this park offers multiple places like that, including Tiffins Restaurant.
Photo: Facebook/Yak & Yeti
I maintain that Yak & Yeti is better…and at half the price. My party has devoured five apps, entrees, and desserts here before.
In truth, that has happened multiple times. Nobody ever has a full belly at Yak & Yeti. People always find room to eat more.
Photo Credit: @mainstreetmargbar/Instagram
That’s why I love to dine here during a visit, and I’ll add that it’s another Steven Schussler eatery. That guy’s good.
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Photo: Boathouse
