Walt Disney World [1] is known for so many things: their epic rides, their unmatched ability to recreate childhood magic, and the food. Oh, the food. While we are and will forever be obsessed with the creative and delicious park snacks [2], we also think the food you can get at the Disney hotels deserves so much more attention and respect! At Walt Disney World's many resort hotels, you'll find everything from zebra dome desserts to coconut rice to tonga toast [3]. Honestly, with so many irresistible things to try, you might want to plan a trip to Disney World just for the resort food (brunch bucket list, anyone?)! If you're ready to focus on the resort food just as much as your go-to park favourites, keep reading for 16 things you have to try during your next trip.
Glazed Donut French Toast at The Wave
The Wave is a hidden breakfast gem at Walt Disney World's Contemporary Resort, and the one thing you absolutely need to try there is the glazed donut french toast. The dish features two glazed donuts that have been griddled to perfection and topped with chocolate hazelnut spread, whipped cream, caramelized bananas, and salted banana caramel.
While The Wave is closing this summer for refurbishments [5] ahead of Walt Disney World's 50th anniversary celebration this fall, we really hope they keep this dish on the menu — it's just too good!
The Kitchen Sink at Beaches and Cream
For all of your post-dinner ice cream cravings, you're going to want to get over to Beaches and Cream [6] at Disney's Yacht and Beach Club to order the famous kitchen sink sundae [7]. The massive sundae is served in an actual sink and comes with eight scoops of ice cream, every topping imaginable, and a whole can of whipped cream! We've heard stories that one person was once able to finish the entire thing, but we suggest bringing a few friends or family members to help out.
Dinner Buffet at Boma
Dinner buffets can be hit or miss, but the one at Boma [8] at is a major hit! It features a rotating menu of soups and salads, incredible barbecue ribs, and, of course, tons of sweet desserts. Make a reservation for early in the evening then head outside to the savanna overlook at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge [9] to watch the animals.
Note: Boma's is still temporality closed, but check the website frequently for more updates on a reopening date!
Sushi at California Grill
California Grill [10] in Disney's Contemporary Resort is really known for two things: the view of Magic Kingdom and their impressive sushi. The options are limited but all rolls are made with extremely fresh fish, so every bite is amazing. We suggest ordering the Spicy Kazan Roll, which features crab, shrimp, scallops, tuna, and a fireball sauce.
Pulled Pork Nachos at Capt. Cooks
Lunch and a view of Magic Kingdom is a great combo, and it can all be found at Capt. Cooks [11] at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. The must-get dish here is the pulled pork nachos, which have barbecue pulled pork on a bed of wonton chips topped with salsa, cheese, and a spicy mayo. Take the plate outside to enjoy on the resort's beach!
Note: Disney's Polynesian Village Resort is currently closed for remodelling but is schedule to reopen this summer!
Crab Macaroni and Cheese at Enchanted Rose
For something a little more filling to go along with the incredible drinks at Enchanted Rose [12] inside Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, consider getting the crab macaroni and cheese. The cute little crock pot comes out filled with cheesy pasta with lumps of fresh crab meat — all topped with citrus breadcrumbs. Our mouths are watering just thinking about this one.
Cheesy Barbecue Brisket at Geyser Point Bar and Grill
A dish so indulgent it *almost* feels illegal to eat it is the cheesy barbecue brisket from Geyser Point Bar and Grill [13] at Disney's Wilderness Lodge. The dip is made with house smoked brisket that's been shredded, topped with gooey melted cheese, and served with house made chips. This and a drink from the bar is a great way to spend an evening after a full day in the parks.
Chicken and Waffles at Grand Floridian Cafe
Disney's take on the popular brunch dish chicken and waffles can be found all morning and afternoon at the Grand Floridian Cafe [14] at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. The waffle is made with large chunks of bacon mixed right into the batter, and the chicken is served hot and crispy with a sweet and spicy syrup. This dish is big enough to share, especially if you're ordering a side of bacon or potato casserole to go with it.
Taste of Africa at Jiko — The Cooking Place
You can't go wrong with anything you order at Jiko — The Cooking Place [15] at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, but the taste of Africa board is especially incredible. It comes with quite a few meat and cheese options, accompaniments like olives and pickled okra, and breads. Pro tip: if you sit at the bar where they make the appetizers and salads you can even talk to the chef who is creating your board for you.
Note: Jiko's is still temporality closed, but check the website frequently for more updates on a reopening date!
Tonga Toast at Kona Cafe
Tonga Toast from Kona Cafe [16] at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort has a cult-like following, and we totally understand why! This massive french toast is stuffed with bananas and rolled in cinnamon sugar for the ultimate morning sugar rush. Top it of with the strawberry sauce for a tart contrast to the sweet toast.
Note: Disney's Polynesian Village Resort is currently closed for remodelling but is schedule to reopen this summer!
Dinner Buffet at 'Ohana
'Ohana [17] at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort has been a fan-favourite for years. The restaurant is all you care to enjoy salad, chicken wings, fried dumplings, vegetables, noodles, and meats. While the meats are good, the bowl of sides is the real star and we could make a meal out of just those.
Note: Disney's Polynesian Village Resort is currently closed for remodelling but is schedule to reopen this summer!
Indian-Style Bread Service at Sanaa
Bread service might sound like a boring pick as a must-get, but ask any Disney fan and they will probably tell you just how good the one at Sanaa [18] at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is. It comes with five different types of bread, including traditional naan, garlic-ginger naan, spiced naan, and onion kulcha, and all different types of dips and spreads like hummus, spicy chili dips, and mango chutney.
Secret Menu Elote Dip at Three Bridges Bar and Grill
If there's one secret menu item to get at Disney, it's the elote dip at Three Bridges Bar and Grill [19] at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort. Corn is mixed with spices, cheese, and a creamy sauce to make an irresistible appetizer.
Sour Cream Waffles at Topolino's Terrace
Topolino's Terrace [20] at Disney's Riviera Resort is serving up great breakfast options, including their sour cream waffles, which are light, crispy, and insanely good. On top of the waffles you'll find roasted apples, Chantilly cream, orange maple syrup, and your choice of breakfast meats. If the sour cream waffles aren't enough to draw you here, consider that this is a character breakfast and you'll be able to meet Mickey and the gang in really cute outfits specific to that meal.
Zebra Domes at The Mara
One dessert that always brings people together is zebra domes. This dessert can be found at Boma for dinner, but it can also be found in packages at Animal Kingdom Lodge's quick-service restaurant The Mara [21]. The bite-sized desserts are layered with cake, an African liquor mousse, and covered in white chocolate ganache.
Veal Ravioli at Ravello
If carbs are what you're looking for, then you simply can't miss the veal ravioli at Ravello [22] at the Four Seasons. Thinly rolled out pasta is stuffed with veal, spinach, and ricotta cheese, and a sauce of wild mushrooms and truffle essence is poured lovingly over the top.