The Best Disney World Resort Restaurants

Are you planning a visit to Walt Disney World? Perhaps you’ve heard whispers of delicious food there, whether within the theme parks or at its resorts.

The best resort restaurants at Disney World are worth a visit, even if you’re not staying at one of the Disney hotels.

Dining at Disney World resorts

Disney World sorts its resort hotels into three categories: deluxe, moderate and value.

While each property has distinct amenities, all provide dining options. Most of the dining options are good, but a few stand out as truly memorable — whether it's because the food is exquisite, entertainment is included or the experience is truly unique.

Here are some of the best. 

» Learn more: Perks of staying at a Disney resort

The best Disney resort restaurants

'Ohana

We’re starting off strong with 'Ohana, a fan-favorite and immensely popular restaurant at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. This is one of the three Deluxe resorts located along the monorail line from Magic Kingdom park, making 'Ohana easy to access even if you’re not staying at the property. 

Although it’s also open for breakfast, the dinner at 'Ohana is what truly shines. This is because guests can enjoy unlimited Polynesian-inspired food in a family-style environment. 

You can choose as many items on the menu as you’d like. Selections include beef, chicken, 'Ohana noodles, dumplings, salad, bread, shrimp, vegetables and bread pudding. There are also plant-based menus available.

You won’t get a full show while dining at 'Ohana, but there is music and an open kitchen so you can see the chefs at work. 

Prices for dinner are $59 for adults and $38 for children ages three to nine, plus tax and tip. 

Victoria and Albert’s

If you thought there wasn’t fine dining at Disney World, think again. Named after the famous British monarchs, Victoria and Albert’s is located inside Walt Disney World’s most expensive resort, the Grand Floridian.

This is no ordinary experience, and enjoying a meal at this award-winning restaurant requires you to do a little preparation. The dress code is formal/semi-formal — no jeans allowed — and you’ll need a reservation. 

Prices are $295 per person for either of the two available tasting menus, and you can also choose a wine pairing for an additional $150. There'll be an additional charge for tax and gratuities. 

» Learn more: The best Disney resort for adults

Sanaa

One of the most exciting Walt Disney World resorts is Animal Kingdom Lodge. Although it’s set away from almost everything else, the location is more than made up for by the scenery.

That is, of course, if you’re into watching wild animals roam the savannah while you enjoy your dinner. 

Animal Kingdom Lodge has a few spots that are good for this, and Sanaa is one of the best. The restaurant is open all day, but during breakfast, it serves as a quick stop rather than a more formal sit-down experience.

Lunch and dinner serve up African fare with Indian influences. 

The menu at Sanaa is a la carte, meaning you can pick and choose what you’d like to eat. Expect to pay from $23 to $36 for your entree, which you can chow down on in front of 30 different species of animal. 

California Grill

Do you like fireworks? How about stunning views of Disney fireworks from an uncrowded rooftop? California Grill, located inside Disney’s Contemporary Resort, provides fresh, flavorful food in a fantastic location. 

As with 'Ohana, it’s possible to get to the Contemporary Resort via monorail from Magic Kingdom, but there’s also a walking path from the park, which is scenic and can be faster. 

California Grill offered an all-inclusive brunch in the past, but that service has been suspended. Instead, guests can enjoy dinner every day starting at 5 p.m.

The restaurant provides a prix fixe menu from which you can select one appetizer, one entree and one dessert. 

Sure, you’ll appreciate the delicious food, but if you arrive at the right time, you’ll also have a tableside view of the fireworks at Magic Kingdom, with music piped in. 

The cost for dinner at California Grill is $89 per adult and $39 per child (ages three to nine), plus tax and gratuity. 

» Learn more: Cheapest ways to fly to Disney World on points

Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue

There are plenty of restaurants in Disney World resorts, but not all provide a show. The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue takes place three times per day at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.

This is a much more casual restaurant than some of our other options and includes all-you-can-eat barbecue, plus unlimited alcohol for those age 21 or older. 

You’ll be able to enjoy a two-hour show, during which cast members will sing, dance and perform comedy skits. 

The cost varies depending on where you’re seated; expect to pay from $66 to $74 for adults and from $39 to $44 for children ages three to nine, plus tax and tip.

Whispering Canyon Cafe

Our last selection is one loved by those “in the know” about Walt Disney World.

Why? Because on the surface, it looks like a perfectly normal restaurant. Like many of our selections, it features all-you-care-to-enjoy meals — in this case, Western fare featuring sizzling skillets and chuck wagon faves. The real gem here, though, is the staff, referred to as "cast members." They can get a little bit sassy. 

Ask them for ketchup or wear a hat from Universal and see what happens. Trust us. 

Located inside Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, prices will vary based on your order. Expect to pay from $26 to $38 for the all-you-can-eat skillets.

The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

» Learn more: How I did a 5-day, $4,000 Disney trip for just $1,600

Best Disney World resort restaurants, recapped

Sure, the best restaurants at Disney World also tend to be the priciest, but many (though not all) are also bookable on the Disney Dining Plan, which can sometimes be a more affordable way to have a meal there — particularly if you do like the pros do and are able to hack the Disney Dining Plan.

While the restaurants inside Disney World’s parks are top-notch, don’t be afraid to explore outside the parks too.

Dining at Disney’s resort restaurants can be a magical experience, and you don’t need to be a hotel guest to join in the fun.

The list of options is long, but we’ve gathered some of the best here for you. Do yourself a favor and try one — or all six — and enjoy the ride. 

(Top photo courtesy of Walt Disney World Resort)