The Best of Walt Disney World: Restaurants & Bars

There are a plethora of lovely drinking and dining experiences to be had in Walt Disney World but it takes a little know-how to find those secret gems away from the crowds. Trust me, the most magical place on earth is an absolute foodie’s dream – you just have to know where to look…

Best Restaurants

California Grill is high on the list for spectacular food and an unparalleled view. Enjoying a delectable meal overlooking the best view of Cinderella’s Castle doesn’t get much better until… the lights dim and you step out onto their private rooftop to watch the fireworks – music and all.

Alex’s secret tip: reservations are hard to get, so do this instead: Go right up the elevator and plop down the bar! It’s lovely, comfortable and you can eat from the full dinner menu. Plus, even with sitting in the bar area, you are allowed to head out to the private rooftop for the fireworks over Cinderella’s castle once they begin each evening. But shhhhhhh, don’t tell anybody.

If you happen to be feeling famished and you find yourself in the middle of The Magic Kingdom, but you don’t want to partake in a churro or turkey leg, there is a fantastically magical place with amazing food – The Be Our Guest Restaurant. Not only will you get to meet Beast in his own castle but the food is really delicious – get the wine flight and the scallop entrée – wonderful! Be sure to request the Rose Room in order to get the most awesome table in the house. Trust me, you won’t be sorry.

Another option is the San Angel Inn in the Mexico pavilion. This one is an oldie but a goodie. You must get a waterfront table. Feasting on scrumptious fajitas and spicy margaritas is delish but the view is everything – watching the charming boats of The Three Caballeros float by and into the tunnel of love makes this an absolutely idyllic spot.

Alex’s secret tip: when you check in and ask for a special waterfront table, they will tell you to wait – and you should – the wait is never as long as they tell you and it is so worth it. Use those spare minutes to browse the marketplace for some of the cutest keepsakes at Epcot!

Another classic, is the epic adventure of The Biergarten Restaurant in Germany at EPCOT. The beers are huge and the sausages are huge-r. There’s oom pah pah bands and lederhosen galore! And this place has a sausage buffet that would make Heidi say “Ya!”

Lastly, for the ultimate splurge, throw on some high heels and head over to Victoria and Albert’s at The Grand Floridian. The word of the day here is: indulgence. Order champagne, caviar, the tasting menu and prepare to be swept off your feet.

Best Bars

Obviously to truly make this happiest place on earth, cocktails are in order… and Disney has more than stepped up to the challenge. But just like all things in this magical land, the drinks are bigger, better and sprinkled with fairy dust. There are so many fun, exciting bars in Disney World, where do I even begin? Well, let’s start with themed bars!

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The magic bar, Abracadabra on the Boardwalk, has all the nostalgic mystery of an old timey Houdini haunt. Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto and Tiki Bar at The Polynesian, has volcanos that explode every few minutes and drinks big enough to fit your head in, so be sure to map out your way home. Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar tasting bar in Italy Pavilion is an Italian wine lover’s paradise while Jelly Rolls dueling piano bar, on The Boardwalk, will have you and your partner belting out Sinatra.

If you need a break while in the park, try The Brown Derby’s outside patio bar at Hollywood Studios – this spot not only has spectacular cosmopolitans but you can order the famous cobb salad while indulging in the BEST people watching anywhere.

Alex’s secret tip: Whether you’re waiting on Pandora or Everest, I found the most perfect little hidden gem to have a quick cocktail and snack: The Restaurantosaurus Lounge in Dinoland at Animal Kingdom – they have great cold drinks and a fantastic cheese dip. Nom nom!

But my hands down absolute favorite, no questions asked, MUST do place to drink is… World Showcase at EPCOT! This is THE experience not be missed when visiting WDW. It has the best of the best and a little bit of everything, for everyone. In fact it’s so involved I did an entire blog post about it. But basically it gives the feeling of being able to explore some of the most exotic and entertaining countries in the world and sample their best cocktails – all while doing AMAZING people watching. And whether you start in Mexico or Canada, you can’t go wrong.

Alex’s secret tip: my absolute favorite spot is Les Vins des Chefs de France at the France Pavilion – you must get the Grey Goose Citron Lemonade Slush, it is so delicious and refreshing. Lastly, be sure to take a seat right next to the kiosk for the most romantic and peaceful view of the lake and Spaceship Earth. Heavenly!

So there you have, my list of the best places to get fat and tipsy at the mouse’s house! Now, go forth and indulge!

xoxo, 

Alex