Walt Disney World may be known for Mickey Mouse and castles, but it’s time to add cuisine to that list. In 2024, Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa became the first Michelin-starred restaurant in a theme park, showcasing what Disney gourmands already knew, that Walt Disney World is a spot to indulge in culinary magic.
With over 400 options featuring everything from breakfast with Mickey to a restaurant with dishes from culinary legend Chef Paul Bocuse, dining at Florida’s Walt Disney World is magical. Whether you’re looking for a taste of New Orleans or to eat across multiple countries in Africa, these are the best Walt Disney World resorts for the epicurious.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Home to the Michelin-starred Victoria & Albert’s, Grand Floridian is the resort hotel for gourmands. It’s home to 11 different dining experiences from luxurious lounges to waterfront dining. At Enchanted Rose lounge, guests can sip a Lavender Fog cocktail under a sparkling chandelier inspired by Belle’s gown in the film Beauty and the Beast. Coastal cuisine, like butter-poached lobster and Merlot-glazed salmon, are served with impressive views of the Seven Seas Lagoon at Narcoossee’s. Star-worthy culinary magic is in every bite at Victoria & Albert’s. The restaurant offers three different dining options including the world-class service of the Dining Room, the refined elegance fit for a royal in the Victoria Room, and the one-of-a-kind feast in the kitchen with the culinary team at the Chef’s Table. This is a three-hour experience of magical morsels and tasting samples, paired perfectly with sommelier-curated wines or zero-proof pairings.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
For truly unique and exciting dining experiences, Animal Kingdom Lodge is the place to stay. With nine different dining options from a wine lounge to a gourmet restaurant with gorgeous bright blue ceilings and dishes with tantalizing flavors, this resort is an epicurean paradise. A stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge is an adventure with rooms on the savanna providing views of zebras, giraffes, and flamingoes. At the nearby Kidani Village building, a separate building from the Animal Kingdom Lodge itself, indulge in East African cuisine like savory, juicy butter chicken and the Indian-style bread service served with warm naan, perfect for soaking up the nine different accompaniments. Enjoy all this while giraffes and zebras saunter by on the picturesque sunset savanna. Experience new flavors at Jiko – the Cooking Place. A blend of African, Indian, and Mediterranean cuisines combine for unique dishes like Braai’d wild boar tenderloin and Malva pudding. End the evening at the Cape Town Lounge and Wine Bar with rare pours of South African wines.
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World
Experience the luxury Four Seasons is known for within Walt Disney World. The Theme Park View lush rooms feature a deep soaking tub, perfect for unwinding after a day in the parks, and a balcony for watching the nighttime fireworks. Complimentary transportation is provided to all the parks via a luxury motorcoach. Eight different dining options range from a character breakfast with Goofy at Ravello to house-made pastries and gelato at Lickety Split to poolside dining from PB&G at Explorer Island water park or the adults-only pool, The Oasis. The Michelin-starred rooftop restaurant Capa (featured image at top of page) brings Spanish flavors together with steakhouse classics in delectable dishes like pulpo a la gallega (octopus), patatas (potatoes), and jamon de Bellota (pork). Don’t miss the churros de Madrid or the Delicia Exotica for dessert. Finish the night at the adults-only speakeasy, Epilogue. Sipping Prohibition-era crafted cocktails require checking in at the lobby bar, finding a key card, and locating the secret entrance.
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
Operated by the Marriott Autograph collection, Swan Reserve is a new hotel near the Swan and Dolphin hotels. These hotels are conveniently located on Crescent Lake and are a short boat ride away from Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. Swan Reserve features many suites with modern styling and subtle pops of color – blue walls, yellow chairs, playful artwork. With only subtle Disney nods, it can be an escape from the magic. Between the three hotels, there are 23 dining locations offering everything from sushi with karaoke at Kimonos Lounge to Palomas and Negronis on the terrace at Il Mulino Lounge to crab nachos at the award-winning Todd English’s bluezoo. Foodies in the know love these resorts for its Food & Wine Classic. Smaller than the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, this annual event is only two evenings and stretches along a picturesque walkway. Instead of walking 1.2 miles around World Showcase to sample all the dishes, there are 16 booths offering over 40 different dishes in one area. Previous years’ bites have included harissa-spiced lamb sausage, grilled oysters, and a mandarin-cream beignet.
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Throughout the resorts at Disney World, there are luxurious suites that can only be booked through a special travel agent. The Captain’s Deck Suite at the Yacht Club Resort features lush blue velvet seating, marble countertops, a chess board, walk-in closet, and private patio. The Yachtsman Steakhouse’s airy dining room with an open kitchen features classic steakhouse dishes like shrimp cocktail, wedge salad, and premium steaks with sides like truffle macaroni and cheese. With its deep blue walls and extensive cocktail list, Ale & Compass Lounge is the perfect spot to unwind after a day in the parks. What epicureans love is walking from Yacht Club right into the culinary magic of France in EPCOT. Indulge in the gourmet dining experience of Monsieur Paul, serving classic French dishes. The eight-course prix-fixe dégustation menu features seasonal flavors with a selection of savory amuse bouche, fresh fish en croute, choices of lamb, chicken, or boeuf, a fromage course, multiple desserts, and more. Time the meal to enjoy dessert with views of the night time fireworks show on the Seven Seas Lagoon before the picturesque walk back to the resort.
Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Coronado Springs is one of Walt Disney World’s convention hotels. The Gran Destino Tower is a popular spot for business travelers with its muted color palette, large rooms, Spanish architectural details, unique Dali artwork, and extensive dining options. Between Gran Destino Tower and the rest of the Coronado Springs Resort, there are eight different dining options, including Barcelona Lounge. Late-night dining at Disney World can be tricky to find, and Barcelona Lounge is one of the only spots in the entire resort that is open until midnight. Three Bridges Bar & Grill is located in the middle of a picturesque lake with the tower glowing in the distance and is host to the perfect adults-only activity, Sangria University. Don’t miss the views of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge from the rooftop bar Dahlia Lounge, located next door to the Tapas restaurant, Toledo. The beauty and clever plating of dishes like the seasonal gazpacho and Toledo Tapas Bar dessert perfectly complement the stunning architectural details and magical rooftop views.
Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter
Grab a Sazerac and wander the stunning grounds bursting with New Orleans details – gurgling fountains, flickering street lamps, and wrought-iron balconies along buildings of soft blue, mauve, buttery yellow, and mint green. Port Orleans French Quarter, the smallest Disney World Resort hotel, is the hidden gem Disney fans love for its newly refurbished rooms, picturesque grounds, and fried-to-order melt-in-the-mouth beignets. Enjoy the beignets while listening to live jazz at Scat Cat’s Club or have them as a late-night snack after enjoying gumbo or jambalaya from Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory. French Quarter may not be bursting with dining options but just a relaxing boat ride away is Disney Springs with 64 different places to tempt the taste buds. Savor salty rare Paletilla ibérica ham at Jaleo by José Andrés, watch Wagyu beef sizzle tableside at Morimoto Asia, or much on Church Lady Deviled Eggs at Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’. In true Disney fashion, dining at Disney Springs can be an experience – from lobster corn dogs on Paddlefish’s rooftop terrace to a cake decorating experience at Amorette’s Patisseries to Cracklins’ while an aerialist dangles overhead at The Edison.