Only Disney World Experts Eat at These 9 Restaurants

Choosing your favorite Disney World restaurant is like picking your favorite child — you might secretly have a top pick, but you love them all!

With so many restaurants in Disney World, it can be hard to decide which spots are worth your precious time. Disney World trips aren’t cheap, after all! Today, we’re sharing some of the restaurants that only the experts visit in Disney World so you know where to find some of the best food that may be off your usual path!

Nomad Lounge

What’s so great about a little lounge in Disney’s Animal Kingdom? The answer is simple — EVERYTHING. Nomad Lounge is a favorite among Disney World experts for many reasons!

While Animal Kingdom itself has many peaceful areas, we feel the most zen when sitting on the Nomad Lounge patio. You may even catch a character flotilla during your time there! There is also indoor seating available.

The food is also delicious. This lounge is attached to Tiffins so you’ll find some of the same high-quality food. It’s also on the more unique side so you’ll probably try a snack or drink that you’ve never had before! You’ll never look at a regular Disney churro the same way after trying these ones.

Nomad Lounge does not accept reservations, but you can join the walkup waitlist on the My Disney Experience app to get a table.

Jiko

Right down the street at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, one of our favorite restaurants is hiding — it’s Jiko!

If you need another excuse besides the gorgeous lobby, the view of animals on the savanna, or the breakfast buffet at Boma, Jiko is it. This is a signature dining experience and it is probably one of the fanciest meals you’ll have at Disney World.

This is another spot with unique food like Botswanan Seswaa Short Rib, Côte d’Ivoire Octopus Salad, and Moroccan Snails. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, this is a great spot to do so! It’s an opportunity to get outside your comfort zone and try something new, but they do have some other options like grilled chicken.

Jiko takes dining reservations and since they are only open for a few hours for dinner, we highly recommend making them as soon as possible. There is also a walkup waitlist you can join if you don’t have a reservation!

Dahlia Lounge

Want gorgeous views while relaxing with a snack and a cocktail? We highly recommend Dahlia Lounge at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort!

This spot serves Spanish-style food and is a more upscale lounge. While you won’t necessarily find a full meal here, there are plenty of tapas to order to create a full meal or just have a snack.

Dahlia Lounge does not use dining reservations or a walkup waitlist, so you can show up and grab a table whenever you like! It’s typically open from 5PM to 12PM so it’s an option if you get hungry later in the night.

Geyser Point

It’s time to head over to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge! No, we’re not going to Whispering Canyon (although we do love and recommend that restaurant), but we’re going to Geyser Point!

Don’t let the fact that it’s near a pool deter you from Geyser Point. There is some seriously delicious food hiding here! You’ll find different flavors of chicken wings, specialty flatbreads, burgers, and salads.

No reservations needed here. Just join the walkup waitlist or you can Mobile Order food from here to-go on the My Disney Experience app! If you’re staying at this hotel or you want to have a picnic elsewhere, consider grabbing your food to-go.

Olivia’s Cafe

The older Disney Vacation Club resorts can often get overlooked, but Olivia’s Cafe at Disney’s Old Key West Resort is a destination on its own!

Olivia’s menu is best described as comfort food with Southernmost Buttermilk Chicken, West Indian Tofu and Coconut Curry, and Slow-Cooked Prime Rib.

Don’t skip dessert here — try Olivia’s Bananas Foster or the Key Lime Tart!

They also have a brunch option, something that not many Disney hotel restaurants have. Try savory options like Shrimp and Grits or sweet entrees like the Banana Bread French Toast (is your mouth watering yet?).

Snag a reservation for Olivia’s Cafe as soon as possible to eat at one of our favorite Disney World hotel restaurants!

Three Bridges Bar & Grill

We’re staying at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, because as Disney World experts, we find ourselves visiting Three Bridges all the time!

This waterside restaurant offers great views and classic bar-and-grill food with a twist. On the menu, you’ll find burgers and dips, but you’ll also find things like these Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns. Spots like this make us forget that we’re at Disney World!

Just like Geyser Point, Three Bridges has a to-go option where you can Mobile Order food on the Disney World app. If you want to dine in, join the walkup waitlist.

Rosa Mexicano

Have you noticed a theme? Disney World experts LOVE hotel restaurants and we’re continuing that trend with the newest restaurant on this list — Rosa Mexicano!

This restaurant opened in early 2023 and is located at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin. This is some of our favorite Mexican food in all of Disney World, so this restaurant is a very welcome addition! Along with delicious menu items like these Birria Quesatacos, you can get fresh-to-order guacamole with a variety of toppings.

Reservations are accepted here however there is usually a good amount of availability last minute. If you want a break from the hustle and bustle of EPCOT, take a quick hike over here for a relaxing meal!

Wine Bar George

Disney Springs is FULL to the brim with amazing dining locations. That’s why we had to bring Wine Bar George to your attention!

Not only does the restaurant host special events with Master Sommelier George Miliotes, but the regular menu keeps us coming back again and again. I mean, where else can you get cheese that’s on fire?!

Reservations go quickly here, so if you see one, grab it! This can be a fun night out with friends, on a date, or just because.

Topolino’s Terrace

Topolino’s Terrace is becoming more and more popular, but we still don’t think enough people know about it! Located at the top of Disney’s Riviera Resort, Topolino’s Terrace offers a character breakfast and a charming dinner option.

For breakfast, Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy wear outfits unique to Topolino’s and there is a prix fixe price. You’ll be able to choose an entree and the meal comes with some adorable pastries!

At dinner service, the meal is on the more upscale end! Starters include Red Pepper Bisque and Grilled Octopus, while entrees have Sea Scallops and Filet Mignon. Finish off the meal with a Vanilla and Citrus Crème Brûlée or Warm Chocolate Cake!

We highly recommend grabbing reservations as soon as possible for this spot. Our favorite hack? Try to get a reservation around the same time that fireworks will be going off at EPCOT. You’ll have an awesome view!

So if you want to eat like the Disney World pros, try one of these restaurants on your next trip! Keep following AllEars for more tips from the experts.

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Have you been to any of these restaurants? Let us know your favorite in the comments!

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