With the theme parks at Walt Disney World closing earlier than usual, you may find that eating dinner after you leave the park is more time efficient than using park time for meals. But where should you go to find the best options? We’re here to help!
Disney Springs
Disney Springs has a lot of great options, though it may be busier since more guests (and locals) will gather here after the parks close. Here are a few of our favorite quick service spots:
Chicken Guy! – The menu is simple, the accompanying sauces are not! Chicken tenders, either grilled or fried dominate the menu and you can choose from 2 of the 22 sauces to go with your meal. Additional sauces are 50 cents each.
Polite Pig – Upscale barbeque, with fantastic side dishes (you can even choose a meal of 3 side dishes). This is also where you can find the legendary Gideon’s Cookies, after 4pm. (Gideon’s Bakehouse is an Orlando staple, and will have their own flagship store in Disney Springs sometime this fall.)
Earl of Sandwich – As the name implies, this location is all about the sandwich. They have salads and other things too, but that’s not what you’re there for!
Looking for a more relaxing, sit down experience? We’ve got you covered there too!
Raglan Road – This Irish pub is a Disney Springs classic! The food is wonderful, and the lively entertainment is straight out of Ireland with dancing and music. Maybe not the most relaxing place in Disney Springs, but it is fun for all ages. Tip from Roxann – Save room for the Ger’s Bread and Butter Pudding for dessert, and thank me later!
Wine Bar George – Quickly becoming a Disney Springs staple, Wine Bar George is THE place to go for a relaxing atmosphere, the best wine list, and delicious food. Owned by Master Sommelier, George Miliotes, who can be found quite often in the restaurant. This location is also known for their weekend brunch menu.
Homecomin’, by Chef Art Smith – Known for their fried chicken and extensive moonshine collection, you will also want to be sure to try their Church Lady deviled eggs.
Wolfgang Puck Bar and Grill – This restaurant opened recently in Disney Springs and has an extensive menu with some great options for appetizers and entrees.
Walt Disney World Resorts
You don’t have to stay at a resort to dine there! If you are driving, you will need a dining reservation to be allowed to park at a resort. If you are leaving a park, take a bus to the resort where you would like to dine. With the parks closing early, Disney transportation may not be available after your meal, but Uber and Lyft are readily available in the area.
Best Quick Service
Quick service dining is very different right now, but still enjoyable. You will have to mobile order using the My Disney Experience app on your phone and wait outside the restaurant until your order is ready. Menus are severely limited at this time as well, so be sure to look them over before deciding on a dining location. Mobile ordering can take some time in the evenings, we recommend ordering while you are still making your way to the resort to avoid long waits.
Gasparilla Grill at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort – The Grand Floridian is one of the “monorail resorts” just outside the Magic Kingdom. It’s very easy to get there by monorail from the Magic Kingdom, or take a bus from the other parks.
Captain Cooks at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort – Another option on the monorail, Captain Cooks has some great options for everyone to enjoy. You can also stop by the Pineapple Lanai to get a Dole Whip for dessert!
Roaring Fork at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – Take a relaxing boat ride from the Magic Kingdom to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Roaring Fork has great outdoor seating as well.
Boardwalk Bakery at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn Resort – In the Epcot area, this location has great sandwiches and desserts.
Table service restaurants at the Disney resorts are a great option for an evening outside of the parks. Most of these will need a reservation, even if you make it on the same day.
The Wave at Disney’s Contemporary Resort – This is possibly one of the most underrated restaurants in Walt Disney World. Located on the ground floor just past the check in desks, the Wave can easily be overlooked. The food is locally sourced and beautifully prepared. Tip from Roxann – Get the Bacon and Eggs appetizer! It’s not always on the menu, so you may have to ask if it’s available.
Whispering Canyon at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – Whispering Canyon is a really fun location with family style meals. If you are ready to have some fun, be sure to ask your server for ketchup!
Beaches and Cream at Disney’s Beach Club Resort – Known for their amazing sundaes, they also have over the top milkshakes at the walk up window. The food has a diner style feel to it, and their signature item is the Kitchen Sink – 8 scoops of ice cream (vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, cookies and cream, and mint chocolate chip), and topped with every topping available, including an entire can of whipped cream! (There is also a chocolate or Neopolitan version).
Be sure to check out our podcast Episode #20 “Different Seasons at WDW, Dining Outside of the Parks”, find us on Facebook and Instagram @ears4youpodcast!
