Disney World Planning

Where Should You Eat on a Non-Park Day at Disney World?

The best places to eat on a non-park day at Disney World come down to two areas: the Disney Resort hotels and Disney Springs. Whether it’s your arrival evening, a rest day during your stay, or an evening after the parks, our top recommendations below cover both.

The choices below represent our top recommendations for those looking for a convenient meal outside the parks. With that said, the list certainly is not exhaustive so if you don’t see exactly what you are looking for you can click here for a full list or, better yet, reach out to your Mouse Counselor for some guidance!

Disney Resort Hotels

Character Dining

Make plans for a delicious meal that comes with appearances by some of your favorite Disney Characters, and be sure to bring your camera and autograph book!

Our Recommendations

1900 Park Fare

Grand Floridian Resort

Breakfast & Dinner: Tiana, Prince Ali, Mirabel and Cinderella

Cape May Cafe

Beach Club Resort

Breakfast: Minnie, Donald, Daisy & Goofy

Chef Mickey’s

Contemporary Resort

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Pluto & Goofy

‘Ohana

Polynesian Village Resort

Breakfast: Mickey, Pluto, Lilo & Stitch

Dinner: Snow White, Evil Queen, Grumpy & Dopey

Topolino’s Terrace

Riviera Resort

Breakfast: Mickey, Minnie, Donald & Daisy

Rooftop dining room at Topolino's Terrace at the Riviera Resort
Topolino’s Terrace

Unique Dining Experiences

If character experiences aren’t on your agenda, there’s still plenty of fun to be had dining at Disney. These spots are particularly good if you have children of different ages in your party. The younger kids will be having a great time, even if their older siblings are “too cool” for characters. We have focused on restaurants that have entertainment and shows along with spots that have entertaining waitstaff and themes.

Our Recommendations

Beaches and Cream Soda Shop

Beach Club Resort

Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue

Fort Wilderness Resort

‘Ohana Dinner

Polynesian Village Resort

Sanaa

Animal Kingdom Lodge, Kidani Village

Whispering Canyon Cafe

Wilderness Lodge

Window seats overlooking the savanna at Sanaa
Sanaa

Signature Dining

Signature dining restaurants offer experiences that typically feature a high-end menu and décor. You’ll find fancier touches in these restaurants, and often a higher level of service. For those who have opted for a Disney Dining Plan, this option will cost two (2) table-service dining credits.

Our Recommendations

California Grill

Contemporary Resort

Flying Fish Cafe

Boardwalk

Jiko – The Cooking Place

Animal Kingdom Lodge, Jambo House

Topolino’s Terrace

Riviera Resort

Yachtsman Steakhouse

Yacht Club Resort

Diners at California Grill with fireworks visible through the windows
California Grill

Disney Springs

Unique Dining Experiences

At Disney Springs, there’s plenty of dining fun to be had for the whole family. These spots are particularly great if you have children of different ages in your party. The younger kids will be having a great time, even if their older siblings are “too cool” for characters. We have focused on restaurants that have entertainment and shows along with spots that have entertaining waitstaff and themes.

Signature Dining

Signature dining restaurants offer experiences that typically feature a high-end menu and décor. You’ll find fancier touches in these restaurants, and often a higher level of service.

Waterfront dining at The BOATHOUSE at Disney Springs
The BOATHOUSE