• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About/Hire Me
    • About Me
    • Hire Me
    • Contact
    • Family
    • Faith
    • FAQ
    • My Running Story
    • Recipes
  • Disney
  • Fitness
    • runDisney Information Page
    • Fitness
    • Races
  • Parenting
  • Travel

Through Heather's Looking Glass

  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • family
  • About Me

Top 5 Walt Disney World Resort Restaurants

April 17, 2013 | Disney, food

**Updated 2020 post on Disney World Resort Restaurants ***

Recently, I wrote a post about my favorite Disneyland resort restaurants. It was such a hit, I had people asking me to do the same for Walt Disney World resort restaurants. There are so many great places to eat in Disney World that I decided to break the post into my top five favorite places to dine in the resorts, and then another post with my top five favorite restaurants in the theme parks. Also, keep in mind these are all sit down or “table service” restaurants in this particular review. Enjoy!

Top 5 Walt Disney World Resort Restaurants

1.) Trails End Dinner Buffet

Trail’s End is one of those places I always knew existed but knew it didn’t get a lot of hype. Luckily, I went out on a limb and booked it, in an effort to try something new. This place is now a must go-to for my family and a hidden gem among Disney World resort restaurants! It’s a good old fashioned country buffet with all the comfort foods you could imagine. Not to mention, the price point is great for a Disney buffet since there are no characters. For sweet tea drinkers: this is the real deal. It’s the only place on Disney property that makes tried and true “homemade” sweet tea. They have everything from pizza, to fried chicken, to mac and cheese, green beans, corn, mashed potatoes, and cornbread. For dessert, there is red velvet cake, banana pudding, and soft-serve ice cream with toppings like gummy bears and hot fudge, as well as some other southern favorites. You won’t leave here hungry and the servers are very friendly. Also a great place for a birthday celebration! They will have the whole restaurant help wish you a good one and will bring out a special dessert (in our experience).

*Please note there is NO PARKING at the restaurant. You have to park at the front of Fort Wilderness and take an internal bus to the back. We like to eat here on Magic Kingdom day and take the boat to Fort Wilderness from the park. They also have a full bar for those wondering! Another plus, they have a nice playground right outside of the restaurant that Emma Kate loves to play on after we eat. They also have rocking chairs on the big front porch. So relaxing!

Disney World Resort Restaurants

Disney World Resort Restaurants

2.) Citricos

This has been a long time favorite of mine at the Grand Floridian. Beautiful, elegant, and delicious are a few words I would use to describe Citricos. It has my favorite steak, as well as a great drink menu. The sweeping views of the grounds are relaxing, and the open kitchen is fun to watch. It is a great “fancier” meal while not being stuffy. It is on the second floor of the Grand Floridian, so you can stand at the railing and listen to the orchestra or pianist at night while you wait for your table, or grand a drink in the nearby lounge. So romantic!

Tip: Ask for a table by the window for beautiful views! We like to dine here earlier in the evening/while it’s still daylight so we can see out.

Disney World Resort Restaurants

3.) California Grill

Situated on the top floor of the Contemporary, California Grill is the place to be when the sun goes down to watch the fireworks show. There is even a private viewing deck outside for diners to visit. If you love sushi, you have to try the food here. I personally don’t eat sushi, but the husband loves this restaurant, and I enjoy the steak. It has a fun lively atmosphere, with wall to wall windows looking out over Bay Lake. It can get a little loud, but the food and views make up for it. If you dine before the fireworks begin, all you have to do is show your receipt at the desk and they will let you back up to view the fireworks.

*Check-in for the restaurant is not on the top floor, please follow directional signs to check in.

4.) Ohana Dinner

This place is pure fun, and we always leave so full! Ohana serves food family-style at the Polynesian resort. They bring a huge portion of different menu items in big bowls or platters, and you can eat as much as you want. For the meats, food is brought around on giant skewers and then pieces are put onto your plate. The noodles are to die for, as are the views of the lake and castle. Be sure to save room for dessert, the bread pudding is delicious! For those with little Mouseketeers, there are fun games going on during meal times, and celebrations like birthdays and anniversaries are always acknowledged with your “cousins”.

Stay for fireworks (music piped in) or walk down to the beach for a great view after dinner.

5.) Cape May Café Breakfast

Cape May is a character buffet (at breakfast only) at the Beach Club resort and serves your standard breakfast fare, but plenty of it! I love that the characters come around to your table for photos, and really seem to take time with you, even if you are a “big kid” like me. The restaurant is beautiful and open, and the food is plentiful. Emma Kate loves the waffle toppings bar (I mean chocolate syrup and candy, yes please!). It’s a great way to start your day before heading off to the parks.

Tip: We like to eat here on EPCOT day and just walk over to the park after we eat. I have seen Minnie, Goofy, and Donald in their adorable beach gear here.

DSC_0596

RELATED: Tips for an Adults Only Disney Trip

QOTD: What are your favorite Disney World resort restaurants?

Like this:

Like Loading...

Sign up for my newsletter

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Erica @ For the Sake of Cake says

    April 17, 2013 at 4:10 am

    The only place I’ve been to on this list is California Grill, and the food was great! Have you ever eaten at Kona Cafe in the Polynesian? I was there for the first time during Disney Princess and I’ll definitely be going back!

    • Bobby says

      April 17, 2013 at 12:06 pm

      Yes, we have been to Kona. I think that is the place where she get the Konga Toast, which is like eating a dessert for your meal.

    • Heather says

      April 18, 2013 at 5:07 pm

      I have had breakfast there but not dinner!

  2. Kelly H Russo says

    April 17, 2013 at 4:33 am

    We love Yachtsmen Steakhouse and have never had a bad meal there.

    • Bobby says

      April 17, 2013 at 12:07 pm

      That would be on my top 5 as well. I love the Ribeye there.

    • Heather says

      April 18, 2013 at 5:06 pm

      We love it too, I just didn’t want to have too many signatures on my list lol!

  3. Miz says

    April 17, 2013 at 6:05 am

    and Im FINALLY GOING 🙂

    • Heather says

      April 18, 2013 at 5:04 pm

      You are going to have a blast!

  4. Jen says

    April 17, 2013 at 6:11 am

    SO glad Ohana dinner made the list! Definitely my favorite 🙂

  5. Jennifer says

    April 17, 2013 at 5:31 am

    We ate at ‘Ohana for a character breakfast during Wine and Dine weekend. It was my 2 year old’s first trip to Disney, and the breakfast was the first time her, my husband, and I had ever had a character breakfast (and I’m a Central Florida native and have been going to Disney all of my life). We will be making a return trip to ‘Ohana because the food was good, the characters come to each table for interaction/pictures (Mickey, Pluto, Lilo and Stitch), and they have pog juice, which was the first time we’d found pog outside of our honeymoon in Hawaii 4.5 years ago.

    • Heather says

      April 18, 2013 at 5:05 pm

      fun!

  6. Karen :0) says

    April 17, 2013 at 5:43 am

    Trails End was so much fun!! Definitely a must-do again! Love Ohana…yum!! :0)

  7. Mindy @ Road Runner Girl says

    April 17, 2013 at 6:58 am

    I’ve never eaten at any of the restaurants at the resorts…only the ones inside the parks. These all sound amazing!!!

  8. Lesley says

    April 17, 2013 at 7:03 am

    From that list, I’ve only eaten at California Grill, but it was really good. The family’s home resort is the Boardwalk, so if we eat on property, it’s usually there.

  9. Monica says

    April 17, 2013 at 6:39 am

    I’ve been to the California Grill once and we had a great experience. I’ve never even heard of Citricos or Captain May Cafe-isn’t that funny? I mean I’ve been to DW a LOT. But I guess I went when my son was younger and it’s a whole different experience with young kids. Love the Ohana and the Kona, we use to stay at the Polynesian so ate there often. Is the Trail’s End Buffet the one where the waitress act ‘rude’ and do things like bring you 10 bottles of ketchup if you ask for one? If so we’ve been there a few times too. Sometimes you start posting about DW and it makes me want to hop on a plane and go down there-like at this very minute!!

    • Bobby says

      April 17, 2013 at 12:18 pm

      I think the one you are talking about is Wispering Canyon Cafe at Wilderness lodge; though i dont think they are rude, just goofy. If you ask for “a little more” drink, they bring you a tiny cup or if you drink a lot they bring a HUGE mason jar.
      Trail’s end is at the campground, near Hoopty Doopty Review (sp?)

  10. Krysten Siba Bishop (@darwinianfail) says

    April 17, 2013 at 6:51 am

    Your post make me want to go to Disney so badly!! Must get down there for a race asap!

    • Heather says

      April 18, 2013 at 5:04 pm

      yes!

  11. Kelly says

    April 17, 2013 at 6:54 am

    Citricos and Ohana are high on our list to get reservations for when we are there in January! The only one we’ve been to on this list is California Grill which was great!

    • Heather says

      April 18, 2013 at 5:04 pm

      you must try those!

  12. Lauren says

    April 17, 2013 at 8:07 am

    I’m going to Disney in a month so this was a perfect post for me to read! I’m eating at Ohana I know for sure already, but I’ll have to check out the rest!

    • Heather says

      April 18, 2013 at 5:03 pm

      yes!

  13. Kierston @candyfit says

    April 17, 2013 at 8:12 am

    I have no idea!!! Thanks for sharing these!

  14. Angie @ Big Bear's Wife says

    April 17, 2013 at 8:46 am

    Ohana! One of my favorites! We’ll be at Disney in less than a month and we are staying at the Grand Floridian, so I’ll be sure to check out the restaurants there and the ones at the Contemporary!

    • Heather says

      April 18, 2013 at 5:02 pm

      my favorite! Love the Grand. I will be there next week!

  15. Kristen @ The Smith Summary says

    April 17, 2013 at 8:23 am

    When we were there in January for Marathon Weekend we had lunch at Trails End since we had taken our girls to see the horses – it was SO good! And our after-race celebration was at O’Hana on Sunday night – I figured I had earned every bite!

    • Heather says

      April 18, 2013 at 5:03 pm

      absolutely!

  16. Mackenzie@runwithitblog.com says

    April 17, 2013 at 9:24 am

    Ohana is one of my favorite places. I have only been for breakfast, but we are going back in october for the tower of terror 10 miler and we booked it for dinner!! I can’t wait!

  17. Liz @SouthernCharm says

    April 17, 2013 at 9:59 am

    I have not been to any of these places … I guess that means this girl has to get back to Disney!!

    • Heather says

      April 18, 2013 at 4:26 pm

      yes! SO many good places

  18. Kira says

    April 17, 2013 at 10:31 am

    I’ve been to Ohana for breakfast, but I definitely want to have dinner there! Right now my favorite dinner location at a resort is Boma.

  19. Erin @RunandLaughThruLife says

    April 17, 2013 at 10:39 am

    I LOVE Ohana!! I remember going there as a kid and loved the hula hoop competition. Last time I was at Disney we did the Spirit of Aloha dinner show which was amazing!! My brother was picked to get up on stage to dance.. so hilarious.. I will keep that video for later blackmail use…

    • Heather says

      April 18, 2013 at 4:26 pm

      haha good idea!

  20. Kat says

    April 17, 2013 at 9:45 am

    I haven’t gotten to explore a ton inside of the resorts yet! I’m on it though 😉

  21. Shannon says

    April 17, 2013 at 11:33 am

    Love Trails End! A recent (as in for the past two years, ha) favorite is Boma at AKL.

    • Heather says

      April 18, 2013 at 4:26 pm

      I like Boma breakfast!

  22. Ami says

    April 17, 2013 at 12:03 pm

    We ate at Sanaa in Animal Kingdom Lodge-Kidani Village last summer and loved it! Would recommend it for something non-traditional, as it’s African cuisine with Indian flavors.

    • Heather says

      April 18, 2013 at 4:25 pm

      I ate there in Feb it was good!

  23. Rob Zakrzewski says

    April 17, 2013 at 6:13 pm

    Have you been to Landscape of Flavors at Art of Animation yet? The selection is amazing and thw prices are pretty reasonable.

  24. Crystal says

    April 17, 2013 at 6:42 pm

    I haven’t been to a whole lot of restaurants in resorts at WDW, but currently my new favorite is Boma…ate there in January after the full…yum

  25. Kristina @ Blog About Running says

    April 17, 2013 at 7:25 pm

    Citricos has been my absolute favorite for over a decade. Their menu never gets old and is always delicious. Even the bread they bring pre-meal is seriously just so good.

    My parents rave about Victoria & Albert’s also in the Grand Floridian. It’s definitely out of my price range for a typical meal on vacation, but they say the service and food absolutely meets the five star standard.

    • Heather says

      April 18, 2013 at 4:24 pm

      I hear ya, Love citricos! Hubby wants to do V and A’s so badly but I am such a picky eater and it’s so expensive!

  26. Kristin says

    April 17, 2013 at 9:27 pm

    Citricos is one of our must haves on every trip. We also really enjoy an evening at Bongos. We like The Wave (stay at Bay Lake Tower) but prefer the bar over the dining room. What are your thoughts on Narcoossee’s?

    • Heather says

      April 18, 2013 at 4:24 pm

      Narcoossees used to be my all time fave. It’s still top ten, but they got a new chef and it’s not quite as good as it used to be but still good!

  27. Nicole G says

    April 17, 2013 at 10:14 pm

    This makes me so jazzed for my first trip to Disney World! Can’t wait to getting into the planning more!

  28. Carissa @Fit2Flex says

    April 18, 2013 at 7:22 am

    Fave resort restaurant…hmmmm..I like Kona at the Poly because it’s not too expensive and they have a great chocolate lava cake!

    • Heather says

      April 18, 2013 at 4:23 pm

      Love lava cake!

  29. Scott says

    April 18, 2013 at 8:52 am

    Definitely +1 for California Grill If you are looking for a good alternative, I would also recommend The Flying Fish Cafe. You’ll find the same wine list and great seafood. And for the very special occasion, Victoria & Albert’s should be at the top of any list.

    • Heather says

      April 18, 2013 at 4:22 pm

      Love flying fish too but didn’t want to have all signature places in my top 5. ;0)

  30. Beth Barbara says

    April 18, 2013 at 3:40 pm

    These are my top five as well-although I’d have to add Sci-Fi at Hollywood Studios as well. I could eat sushi morning, day and night-and the sushi at California Grill is amazing. And I would say the bread pudding at O’hana’s is one of my most favorite desserts in all of Disney World!

    • Heather says

      April 18, 2013 at 4:22 pm

      these were just favorite resort restaurants I will do another one for parks 🙂

  31. Valerie says

    April 18, 2013 at 2:47 pm

    Uggggh we had reservations at Trail’s End after the marathon this past January but canceled them and went to Crystal Palace instead so our friends wouldn’t have to leave MK. I regretted it then (Crystal Palace was fine, but not worth the price) and now I regret it more!

    We haven’t been to many sit down restaurants at Disney, but the Cantina at Epcot has never been a bad choice.

    • Heather says

      April 18, 2013 at 4:22 pm

      LOL be sure to go to trails end next time!

  32. Danielle says

    April 22, 2013 at 6:29 am

    The Wave at the Contemporary is probably my favorite. I feel like it’s such a good kept secret, never busy but the food is all fresh, organic and amazing (especially their bread!).

  33. AMANDA says

    March 8, 2014 at 3:02 pm

    HI, I HAVE A QUESTION. WE ARE PLANNING OUR FIRST TRIP TO DW THIS SUMMER & I WAS WONDERING THE PRICE RANGE AT THE RESTAURANTS, WE ARE DEBATING ON GETTING THE PACKAGE WITH MEAL PLAN WHICH IS $100. PER PERSON FOR THREE MEALS A DAY OR JUST PAYING AS WE’RE THERE, ANY FEED BACK WOULD BE APPRECIATED. THANKS IN ADVANCE =) 2014

    • Heather says

      March 8, 2014 at 3:14 pm

      If you google “disney menus” you can find exact prices. I would be able to help you more if you book your trip with me 🙂

Trackbacks

  1. runningwithsass says:
    April 17, 2013 at 1:16 am

    Top 5 Walt Disney World Resort Restaurants…

    A couple weeks ago, I wrote a post about my favorite Disneyland restaurants. It was such a hit, I had…

  2. Top 5 Disney Restaurants in the Parks | Through Heather's Looking Glass says:
    April 22, 2013 at 10:31 am

    […] week I wrote a post on my favorite restaurants at the Disney resorts. Now it’s time for my favorites in the […]

Primary Sidebar

I am Heather Montgomery, a 30 something southern girl living in Knoxville, Tennessee with my husband Bobby, 10-year-old daughter Emma Kate, and our goldendoodles Dolly and Luna. I’m just a regular girl who likes to workout, travel, hang with my family, text, and eat chips and queso. Be sure to check out my “about me” page for more info!
Thank you for visiting, and feel free to contact me with questions, (or for PR inquiries or press trip invites) at Support@HeathersLookingGlass.com.

Please, no guest post requests. 🙂

More about me

Privacy Policy

You can also find me here:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Recent Posts

  • Family Fun in Tuscaloosa: Your Ultimate Getaway Beyond Game Day
  • 5 Reasons to Try a New Way of Travel
  • Experience Superhero-Sized Fun at Gaylord Opryland DC Summer
  • Digital Nomads: Safely Working Remotely While You Roam
  • Tips for Surviving (and Thriving) as a Travel Ball Mom

 

Search

How to Start a Blog

How to start a blog
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • Family
🌴 GIVEAWAY ALERT!🌴 Ready to escape to para 🌴 GIVEAWAY ALERT!🌴 

Ready to escape to paradise? I spent a few dreamy days at Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers, and I’m giving YOU the chance to win 2 FREE nights at this beachfront oasis! 😍☀️ #margaritavillepartner

Here are 5 things I didn’t expect to love so much (but totally did):
1️⃣ Fins Up Beach Club — live music, great drinks, and cabana vibes for days!
2️⃣ The Rooms — bright, coastal decor and ocean views that make you feel like you’re living inside a vacation postcard.
3️⃣ The Spa — a total hidden gem. My massage was next-level relaxation.
4️⃣ The Restaurants — from casual beachfront bites to more elevated dining, the food alone is worth the trip.
5️⃣ The Vibe — laid-back luxury with the perfect mix of fun and relaxation. It’s always 5 o’clock here! 🍹

✨ Whether you’re staying overnight or popping in with a day pass, Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach is pure island bliss.

🎉 Now YOU could win a 2-night stay!

🏖️ Prize: Complimentary Two-Night Stay at Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach
⚠️ Blackout dates apply.

How to Enter:
✅ Like this post & follow both @HeathersLG and @margaritavillefortmyers
✅ Tag at least 2 friends in the comments (extra comments = extra entries!)
✅ Comment: Are you a pool or beach person?

🌟 BONUS (not mandatory) for 5 extra entries: SHARE this post on your stories and TAG me so I can see it!

Good luck — and remember, it’s always island time somewhere! 🌊🍹

Redemption Details:
Winner must book by August 31, 2025
Valid for travel between August 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026

Must be 18+ to enter
Giveaway closes midnight July 25, 3025. Not sponsored by Instagram. 

#MargaritavilleResort #FortMyersBeach #BeachClubVibes #CabanaLife #SpaDay #BeachGetaway #ResortGiveaway #FinsUp
I’ve had an interesting first few days of being I’ve had an interesting first few days of being in my 40’s. A bit of a nerve wracking medical week I guess you could say. 

Have you ever had an MRI? Do you suffer from hearing loss? 👂 

#thisis40 #hearingloss #mri #inmy40s #40andfabulous
✨ This is what radiance looks like ✨ #ad Sin ✨ This is what radiance looks like ✨ #ad 

Since turning forty, I’ve been all about simple changes that help me feel strong, healthy, and confident — inside and out. 

Adding Organixx Collagen to my coffee each morning has been one of the easiest ways to support my skin, hair, and joints while juggling busy mom life. It blends right in and makes me feel like I’m doing something good for myself every single day. 

Because for me, it’s not just about looking good — it’s about feeling my best, staying active, and showing up for the people and moments that matter most. 
Radiance starts from within, and @organixxco helps make it part of my everyday routine.

🤩Use code HMONTGOMERY to save 10%! Link is in my bio.

 #organixx #organixxcollagen #CollagenRoutine #GlowFromWithin #BusyMomLife #ThisIsWhatRadianceLooksLike
I LOVE @disneyphotopass photographers! We have met I LOVE @disneyphotopass photographers! We have met some of the kindest most fun cast members while getting our pictures taken. 

If you don’t get pics taken with them often you probably won’t get this reel, and that’s ok. IYKYK. It’s all in good fun! 💚

What did I miss/forget?😆

#disneyphotopass #photopassphotographer #disneypics #disneyfunny #disneymeme
Follow me for more parenting hacks. 💁🏻‍♀ Follow me for more parenting hacks. 💁🏻‍♀️

#backtoschool #parentinghack #backtoschooltips #backtoschoolshopping
I turned 40 today. 🎉 Hitting a milestone like t I turned 40 today. 🎉 Hitting a milestone like this has me reflecting—not just on what I’ve accomplished, but on who I’m becoming.

I’ve always been driven to achieve, to push, to prove. But lately, I’ve been learning to celebrate presence over performance, connection over perfection.

Today wasn’t about checking a box or hitting a goal—it was about pausing, feeling grateful, and eating a ridiculous amount of cake with people I love. And honestly? That feels like growth.

Here’s to 40: more aligned, more grounded, and still a little extra. 😉

#thisis40 #40andfabulous #thankyoujesusfor40years #birthdaygirl❤️ #40andoverclub
Turning 40 tomorrow. 🎂 Big milestones always Turning 40 tomorrow. 🎂 

Big milestones always make me pause and ask:
What am I proud of?
What needs to shift?
Am I becoming the woman I want to be?

💡 As an Enneagram 3, I’ve always been wired to achieve — and for a long time, that meant shaping myself into whatever version I thought people would like best.

There are tables where it’s clear I’m not welcome — and that used to wreck me.
But at 40? I don’t do cliques. I don’t do shrinking or contorting to be accepted. 👀

I’ll always be kind. I’ll always be respectful. But I’m done dragging a chair to tables that were never built for me.

I’m moving over. Making space.
Creating my own table.

✨Who’s in?

#ThisIs40
#OwnYourStory
#ReelTalk
#Over30Club
#ChristianWomen
#PersonalGrowthJourney
#enneagram3

Copyright © 2025 · Through Heather's Looking Glass · Theme by Bella Creative Studio

 

Loading Comments...
 

You must be logged in to post a comment.

    %d