Non-Park Days at Disney World: Dine at Another Resort
On Walt Disney World Property there are 32 resorts. At these 32 resorts you’ll find 149 dining experiences. Making up just over a third of the restaurants at Walt Disney World. These restaurants range from Signature to Quick Service, accommodating for guests on any dining plan or any budget. One of my favourite things to do on a non-park day is enjoy a meal at one of these resort restaurants. By doing this we have been able to explore other resorts and find out where we may want to stay on our next vacation. I like to do this on non-park days because it can take planning and time to get from the resort you’re staying at to the resort you want to eat at. I also like to save these adventures for non-park days so we’re not rushed through our meal and we have the luxury to explore the resort’s property and maybe even fit in some pool hopping. It was by doing this on one vacation that I fell in love with Wilderness Lodge and knew we had to come back there someday. We ventured over to enjoy a meal at Whispering Canyon Cafe on our Goofy Vacation and were in awe of the grand lodge. We would have never known how impressive this place was if we hadn’t dined there.
You don’t have to dine at a resort table service restaurant. Although not every resort has a table service restaurant, every resort DOES have a quick service. As mentioned in previous posts not every quick service offers the same food. Which means going to another resort to dine will give you a variety from the daily offerings at the resort you’re staying at. This is a definite must for those staying at resorts that have neighbours and can easily access other dining offerings. (Which gives me an idea for another post, stay tuned friends for a post on resorts that are connected to other resorts).
Now there are two ways to decide where you want to dine for these meals. One, pick a restaurant you want to try. You hear Chef Mickey’s is a must do, or your friends say they never go down to Walt Disney World without going to Cape May Cafe. Done. You’ll head to the Contemporary resort to enjoy Chef Mickey’s and you’ll make your way to the Beach Club Resort to enjoy a meal at Cape May Cafe. The second way you can pick your restaurant is choose a resort you want to spend time in. That’s how we ended up at the Whispering Canyon Cafe. I was so curious to see what the Wilderness Lodge was like and eating there was the perfect opportunity to finally see it for myself.
Below is a list of all the resorts by resort area with a description of how to get to the resort. Under each are their dining options by name. Arranged top to bottom by table service, quick service and lounge. Or take a leap down the page with these links.
Wide World of Sports Resort Area.
Magic Kingdom Resort Area
Make your way to the Grand Floridian by the boat at the entrance of the Magic Kingdom, or take the monorail from the Magic Kingdom. It is the last stop on the monorail. You can also access this monorail at the transportation and ticket center. Or you can take a Grand Floridian bus from any of the other parks, water parks or Disney Springs.
Citricos.
Signature Dining and Lounge. Dinner. 2 Table Service Meal Credits.
Narcoossee’s
Signature Dining. Sunday Brunch and Dinner. 2 Table Service Meal Credits.
Victoria & Albert’s
Signature Dining. Dinner. No Meal Credits Accepted.
Character Dining and Buffet. Breakfast and Dinner. 1 Table Service Meal Credit.
Grand Floridian Cafe.
Table Service. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. 1 Table Service Meal Credit.
Beaches Pool Bar & Grill.
Quick Service and Pool Bar. Lunch and Dinner. 1 Quick Service Meal Credit.
Courtyard Pool Bar.
Quick Service and Pool Bar. Lunch and Dinner. 1 Quick Service Meal Credit.
Gasparilla Island Grill.
Quick Service. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. 1 Quick Service Meal Credit.
Mizner’s Lounge.
Lounge. Noon until Midnight.
*Unique*
Garden View Tea Room.
Offering Afternoon Tea on select days.
Polynesian Village Resort
If you are staying on the monorail this resort is only stops away. If you’re staying at the Grand Floridian you can simply walk over. Any other guests can hop on the resort monorail from the Magic Kingdom, take the resort boat shared between the Grand Floridian and Polynesian from the Magic Kingdom or take a bus from any other park.
Spirit of Aloha.
Dinner Show. Dinner. 2 Table Service Meal Credit and Pay Ahead Dining.
Table Service. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. 1 Table Service Meal Credit.
‘Ohana.
Character Dining- Breakfast Only. Served to you all you care to enjoy. Breakfast and Dinner. 1 Table Service Meal Credit.
Capt. Cook’s
Quick Service. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. 1 Quick Service Meal Credit.
Kona Island.
Quick Service. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. 1 Quick Service Meal Credit.
Oasis Bar & Grill.
Quick Service and Pool Bar. Lunch and Dinner 1 Quick Service Meal Credit.
Barefoot Pool Bar.
Pool Bar. Noon until Midnight.
Tambu Lounge.
Lounge. morning until evening.
Lounge. Evening until Midnight.
Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace.
Lounge. Evening until Midnight.
*Unique*
Only place to get DOLEWHIP outside of the Magic Kingdom on property. Pineapple Lanai at the Polynesian Village Resort.
Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower.
Access this Deluxe resort and Disney Vacation Club property by making your way to the Magic Kingdom and then all you have to do is follow the pathway to the Contemporary. Or once you arrive at the Magic Kingdom jump on the resort monorail. Contemporary is your first stop.
California Grill.
Signature Dining and Lounge. Dinner and Sunday Brunch. 2 Table Service Meal Credits.
Character Dining. Buffet. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. 1 Table Service Meal Credit.
The Wave…of American Flavors.
Table Service and Lounge. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. 1 Table Service Meal Credit.
Contempo Cafe.
Quick Service. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. 1 Quick Service Meal Credit.
Contemporary Grounds.
Snacks and Coffee.
Cove Bar.
Lounge. Lunch and Supper. 1 Quick Service Meal Credit.
Outer Rim.
Lounge. Noon until 10pm.
The Sand Bar.
Pool Bar. Quick Service Lunch and Supper. 1 Quick Service Meal Credit.
Top of the World.
Lounge. Exclusive Disney Vacation Club member lounge.
Wilderness Lodge
You can get to Wilderness Lodge by going to any park and taking the next Wilderness lodge transportation bus you find or go to the Magic Kingdom and take the boat. The Wilderness Lodge boat is directly in front of the park entrance. If you are facing the water it’s to the right of the Ferryboat. This boat stops at the Contemporary Resort first and then at Wilderness Lodge.
Artist Point.
Signature Dining. Dinner. 2 Table Service Meal Credits.
Table Service. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. 1 Table Service Meal Credit.
Geyser Point Bar & Grill.
Quick Service. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. 1 Quick-Service Credit.
Roaring Fork.
Quick Service. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. 1 Quick-Service Credit.
Territory Lounge.
Lounge. Evening until midnight.
Fort Wilderness
This resort has campsites as well as cabins. It is also the home to many great dining options. Find your way by bus from any park or Disney Springs. If you make your way to the Magic Kingdom you can take the boat that is shared between the Contemporary, Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness.
Mickey’s Backyard BBQ.
Dinner Show. Plays on select nights. 2 Table Service Credits and Pay Ahead Dining.
Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue.
Dinner Show. Plays on select nights. 2 Table Service Meal Credits and Pay Ahead Dining.
Trail’s End Restaurant.
Buffet. Breakfast and Dinner. 1 Table Service.
Meadow Snack Bar.
Quick Service. Lunch and Dinner. 1 Quick Service.
P & J’s Southern Takeout.
Quick Service. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. 1 Quick Service.
Crockett’s Tavern.
Lounge. Early evening until 10pm.
*Unique*
The Chuck Wagon is located at Chip’n’Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long, offering a variety of easy grab food and necessities for making s’mores. Only open in the evening.
Epcot Resort Area
Beach and Yacht Club Resort.
These two resorts are within walking distance or a boat ride from Hollywood Studios and the World Showcase entrance of Epcot. Making it fairly easy to get to. If you’re staying at any of the neighbouring resorts then you are actually steps away from dining at these resorts. Easiest way to get here is to take the Hollywood Studios bus from your resort and then walk or take the boat to the Beach and Yacht Club.
Yachtsman Steakhouse.
Signature Dining. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. 2 Table Service Meal Credits.
Yacht Club.
Character Dining (Breakfast Only). Buffet. Breakfast and Dinner. 1 Table Service Meal Credit.
Beach Club.
Beaches & Cream Soda Shop.
Table Service. Lunch and Dinner. 1 Table Service Meal Credit.
Beach Club
Beach Club Marketplace.
Quick Service. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. 1 Quick Service Meal Credit.
Beach Club
Crew’s Cup Lounge.
Quick Service. Lunch and Dinner. 1 Quick Service Meal Credit.
Yacht Club.
Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar and Grill.
Quick Service and Pool Bar. Lunch and Dinner. 1 Quick Service Meal Credit.
Beach Club.
The Market at Ale & Compass.
Quick Service. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. 1 Quick Service Meal Credit.
Yacht Club.
Martha’s Vineyard.
Lounge. Evening until Midnight.
Just like the Beach Club and Yacht Club, this resort is very easy to get to. Simply take transportation to Hollywood Studios and then walk or take the boat.
Flying Fish.
Signature Dining. Dinner. 2 Table Service Meal Credits.
Trattoria al Forno.
Character Dining-Breakfast Only. Table Service. Breakfast and Dinner. 1 Table Service Meal Credit.
ESPN Club.
Table Service. Lunch and Dinner. 1 Table Service Meal Credit.
Big River Grille & Brewery.
Table Service. Lunch and Dinner. 1 Table Service Meal Credit.
Boardwalk Bakery.
Quick Service. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. 1 Quick Service Meal Credit.
Leaping Horse Libations.
Quick Service and Pool Bar. Lunch and Dinner. 1 Quick Service Meal Credit.
Belle Vue Lounge.
Quick Service Breakfast and Lounge. Morning and Evening. 1 Quick Service Meal Credit.
AbracadaBar.
Lounge. Evening.
*Unique*
Pizza Window. The To-Go Cart. Ample Hills Creamery. BoardWalk Joe’s Marvelous Margarita’s. Funnel Cake Cart.
All located on the Boardwalk. All accept the dining plan, either using snacks or quick service meal credits. Generally open from lunch time until 10ish.
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphins Resort
Connected to the Epcot Resorts by bridge. You can make your way to these resorts restaurants by walking from Hollywood Studios or by boat. You can also use bus transportation. None of these restaurants accept Disney Dining Plans.
Fresh Mediterranean Market.
Table Service. Breakfast and Lunch.
Garden Grove.
Character Dining on select days. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Il Mulino.
Table Service. Dinner.
Kimonos.
Table Service. Dinner.
Shula’s Steak House.
Table Service. Dinner.
Todd English’s Bluezoo.
Table Service. Dinner.
The Fountain.
Table Service. Lunch and Dinner.
Cabana Bar and Beach Club.
Quick Service and Pool Bar. Lunch and Dinner.
Picabu.
24 Hour Quick Service.
Splash Terrace.
Quick Service and Pool Bar. Lunch and Dinner.
Caribbean Beach Resort
To reach Caribbean Beach you must get transportation from a park, water park or Disney Springs. If you are looking to stay at a moderate resort on your next vacation then this is a great spot to explore during a non-park day. All the choices for dining are quick service but that pairs nicely with a day enjoy their magnificent pool. Just make sure to get off at the Centertown bus stop.
Centertown Pavilion.
Quick Service. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. 1 Quick Service.
Centertown Food Truck.
Quick Service. Breakfast and Dinner. 1 Quick Service.
Island Markets.
Quick Service. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. 1 Quick Service.
Centertown Bar.
Lounge. Noon until 11pm.
Disney Springs Resort Area
Old Key West
Take transportation to Old Key West from any park, water park or Disney Springs. Be sure to get off at the hospitality house. You can also take the boat from Disney Springs, your stop will be after Saratoga Springs. Just a heads up, it is a lengthy boat ride.
Olivia’s Cafe.
Table Service. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. 1 Table Service Credit.
Good’s Food To Go.
Quick Service and Pool Bar. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. 1 Quick Service Credit.
Gurgling Suitcase.
Quick Service and Pool Bar. Lunch and Dinner. 1 Quick Service Credit.
Turtle Shack Poolside Snacks.
Quick Service and Pool Bar. Lunch and Dinner. 1 Quick Service Meal Credit.
Saratoga Springs.
A short boat ride away from the West Side of Disney Springs, or you can walk from the West Side of Disney Springs. There’s also a walkway leading from the Marketplace. Or take a bus from any park.
The Turf Club Bar and Grill.
Table Service. Dinner. 1 Table Service Meal Credit.
The Artist’s Palette.
Quick Service. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. 1 Quick Service Meal Credit.
The Paddock Grill.
Quick Service and Pool Bar. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. 1 Quick Service Meal Credit.
Backstretch Pool Bar.
Quick Service and Pool Bar. Lunch and early Dinner. 1 Quick Service Meal Credit.
On the Rocks Pool Bar.
Pool Bar. Noon until Evening.
Port Orleans-French Quarter
Take the boat from Disney Springs or hop on a bus from your closest park to come enjoy what this resort has. Fellow Port Orleans guests at Riverside can walk or boat to this neighbouring resort.
Mardi Grogs.
Quick Service and Pool Bar. Lunch and Dinner. 1 Quick Service.
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory.
Quick Service. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. 1 Quick Service.
Scat’s Cat Club
Lounge. Evening until Midnight.
Port Orleans-Riverside
This Disney Springs resort can be accessed by bus or by boat. It’s a large resort so you can expect a bit of a drive. Or get off at your first stop and walk around to see all the different buildings and areas of the resort.
Boatwright’s Dining Hall.
Table Service. Dinner. 1 Table Service.
Riverside Mill Food Court.
Quick Service. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. 1 Quick Service.
Muddy Rivers.
Pool Bar. Noon until Evening.
River Roost.
Lounge. Evening until Midnight.
Animal Kingdom Resort Area
Animal Kingdom Lodge.
The only way to access these resorts is by bus. Even when you’re at the Animal Kingdom you must take a bus from that park to this resort. The only way you can go by foot is between the two resort buildings: Kidani Village and Jambo House. But, the beauty of the resort is well worth the extra time and effort it takes to get here. So head to any park, Disney Springs or water park and take an Animal Kingdom Lodge bus from there. If you are dining at Jambo House make sure to get out there and not at Kidani. The bus driver will tell you which building you’re at.
Jiko- The Cooking Place.
Signature Dining. Dinner. 2 Table Service Credits.
Jambo House.
Boma- Flavors of Africa.
Buffet. Breakfast and Dinner. 1 Table Service.
Jambo House.
Sanaa.
Table Service Lunch and Dinner. Quick Service Breakfast. Lounge. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. 1 Table Service or 1 Quick Service.
Kidani Village.
Maji Pool Bar.
Quick Service. Lunch and Dinner. 1 Quick-Service Meal Credit.
Kidani Village.
The Mara.
Quick Service. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. 1 Quick-Service.
Jambo House.
Cape Town Lounge and Bar.
Jiko-The Cooking Place’s Lounge. Evening.
Jambo House.
Uzima Springs Pool Bar.
Quick Service. Lunch and Dinner. 1 Quick-Service.
Jambo House.
Victoria Falls Lounge.
Lounge. Evening until Midnight.
Coronado Springs
With the most dining options at a moderate resort this place will have you coming back for more. Pick up a bus at any park and make your way to Coronado Springs.
Las Ventanas.
Table Service. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. 1 Table Service.
Maya Grill.
Table Service. Dinner. 1 Table Service.
Cafe Rix.
Quick Service. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. 1 Quick Service Meal Credit.
Laguna Bar.
Quick Service and Pool Bar. Noon until midnight. 1 Quick Service Meal Credit.
Pepper Market.
Quick Service. Breakfast, Lunch and Supper. 1 Quick Service Meal Credit.
Siestas Cantina.
Quick Service and Pool Bar. Breakfast, Lunch and Supper. 1 Quick Service Meal Credit.
Rix Lounge.
Lounge. Evening until Midnight.
All-Star Sports
The first on the property of the three All-Star resorts, you can get here by taking a bus from any of the four parks. If you are staying at All-Star Music or All-Star Movies simply walk over to try some different cuisine.
End Zone Food Court.
Quick-Service. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. 1 Quick-Service Meal Credit.
Grandstand Spirits.
Lounge. Noon until Midnight.
All-Star Music
To get to All-Star Music Resort you will have to get to one of the four parks or Disney Springs. From there take an All-Star Music Resort bus.
Intermission Food Court.
Quick-Service. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. 1 Quick-Service Meal Credit.
Singing Spirits Pool Bar.
Pool Bar. Noon until Midnight.
All-Star Movies
To get to All-Star Movies Resort you will have to get to a park and take a transportation bus from there. If you are staying at another All-Star resort you’ll be able to walk using the connectors between the three resorts.
Silver Screen Spirits Pool Bar.
Pool Bar. Open Noon until Midnight.
World Premiere Food Court.
Quick-Service. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. 1 Quick-Service Meal Credit.
Wide World of Sports Resort Area
Pop Century
Guests of the Art of Animation can walk over for a change of the pallet. Otherwise guests need to take a bus from any park, water park or Disney Springs.
Everything POP Shopping and Dining.
Quick Service. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. 1 Quick Service Meal Credit.
Petals Pool Bar.
Pool Bar. Noon until Midnight.
Art of Animation
If you are staying at the Pop Century simply walk over to the Art of Animation. Otherwise, guests will need to take bus transportation from a park or Disney Springs. Anyone who has littles who love cars should make there way here on a non-park day because the cars area of this resort will make your little or big feel like they are in the movie. Stick around for lunch or dinner after taking some great pictures by the Cozy Cone Motel.
Landscape of Flavors.
Quick Service. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. 1 Quick Service Meal Credit.
The Drop Off Pool Bar.
Pool Bar. Noon until Midnight.
As you can see there’s no need to save all your dining for the parks. There is plenty of cuisine to explore within the 32 resorts that fill up Walt Disney World property. So go and enjoy it. Happy Planning Friends.
