Searching for a Walt Disney World restaurant with outside seating, a waterfront view, or al fresco ambiance? On this publish, we’ll share the most effective eating choices for consuming exterior in Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom, with suggestions for what you’ll be able to anticipate from the expertise. (Up to date November 20, 2023.)
There’s one thing serene about having fun with the Sunshine State’s outside ambiance, pairing recent air with recent meals for a incredible expertise. That is very true with a view, whether or not it’s of Cinderella Fortress, Expedition Everest, World Showcase Lagoon, or another massive lake at Walt Disney World.
After all, that is solely the case when it’s not sweltering exterior, as Florida’s warmth and humidity could make eating exterior a non-starter for a lot of the yr. From Could by September (and generally past), eating outdoor could not precisely be the aforementioned nice experiences.
Consuming outdoor will not be solely a nice expertise at Walt Disney World throughout the winter months, but it surely’s additionally a means of mitigating threat. As mentioned in our Tricks to Keep away from Getting Sick at Walt Disney World, we attempt to dine exterior as a lot as doable this time of yr. Actually, it’s our #1 piece of recommendation and one of the simplest ways to scale back the possibilities of catching a respiratory virus.
The U.S. flu season is already underway, and the CDC has posted new flu knowledge exhibiting very excessive exercise final week within the South, together with Florida. This could hardly come as a shock, as respiratory sicknesses are seasonal and are sometimes fueled by household gatherings and congregating indoors. So whenever you break bread over Thanksgiving dinner, a meal won’t be the one factor you’re sharing!
Based mostly upon all of that, many guests to Walt Disney World would possibly think about eating outdoor as a method to get recent air and cut back the possibilities of a respiratory sickness ruining their journey. It’s the only finest method to mitigate threat of airborne transmission if you happen to’re visiting Walt Disney World throughout the winter months when these viruses usually tend to unfold.
We initially put this record collectively based mostly upon the restricted variety of eating places that may be working at Walt Disney World upon reopening. Within the years since, we’ve finished many outside meals–together with in summer season and fall when the climate was scorching and unsightly.
Not too long ago, extra eating places have reopened at Walt Disney World and readers have requested for an up to date record of suggestions. There’s actually not a lot to talk of–Disney’s outside eating roster is pretty underwhelming, and largely unchanged within the final a number of months. With that mentioned, we’ve tweaked our recommendation and added extra Desk Service To-Go choices, which have expanded of late.
Accordingly, listed below are our picks for the most effective outside and waterfront eating at Walt Disney World as of Christmas 2023…
In-Park Eating places
Animal Kingdom: Nomad Lounge/Tiffins – Each of these spots on the trail in direction of Pandora – World of Avatar are open at Animal Kingdom. Just one–Nomad Lounge–affords outside seating. We’ve had hit and miss outcomes ordering from the Tiffins menu whereas at Nomad Lounge, however even if you happen to can’t, the small plate choices at Nomad Lounge are fairly strong.
Failing that, just about each counter service restaurant at Animal Kingdom affords outside seating. Our apparent selection right here is Flame Tree BBQ, which affords a waterfront view of Expedition Everest. Satu’li Canteen is an alternative choice, however the outside seating space right here will get crowded.
Hollywood Studios: BaseLine Faucet Home – There are not any desk service choices at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, however that is the closest. This lounge is a superb choose for drinks and light-weight bites–I’m an particularly massive fan of the Espresso-rubbed Rib-Eye Beef Puff.
On the counter service entrance, there are a number of choices. We like Backlot Specific for the large outside seating space, however the menu leaves one thing to be want. Docking Bay 7 Meals & Cargo has considerably higher meals, however that outside seating space is small and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is well-liked.
EPCOT: Spice Highway Desk – One in all our greatest eating experiences at Walt Disney World within the final yr has been at Spice Highway Desk. The breeze off World Showcase Lagoon, the waterfront and promenade views, and the distinctive menu all make it a winner. (Learn our most up-to-date overview.)
Our “honorable point out” for the #1 slot at EPCOT is Through Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria within the Italy pavilion. When the park first reopened, Through Napoli was not utilizing its outside seating space. It’s now…generally. That’s dependent upon staffing, which normally signifies that it’s accessible throughout the day (particularly on weekends) however they normally cease seating outdoor by round 6 pm. That makes reserving an ADR right here a chance, however you’ll be able to at all times cancel and go elsewhere in the event that they received’t seat you exterior.
EPCOT: Rose & Crown Pub – One other strong choice at EPCOT with World Showcase Lagoon view tables is Rose & Crown Pub’s patio. We’re together with this as a result of it’s extra crowd-pleasing consolation meals, and one of many extra relaxed spots in all of Walt Disney World.
Stable counter service choices at Epcot with outside seating embody Katsura Grill and Regal Eagle Smokehouse. The previous is serene, secluded, and small. The latter is far busier…but additionally larger.
Magic Kingdom: ??? – Decide your poison. If you need desk service eating, your solely choice is Tony’s City Sq. Restaurant. In our Evaluation of Tony’s City Sq. Restaurant, we referred to as it “advantageous eating for canines” and put it within the backside 10 eating choices at Walt Disney World. Nonetheless, we’ve dined right here since reopening and had a significantly better expertise–and downright redeeming–expertise.
Any counter service restaurant is a possible different, as you’ll be able to Cellular Order, take your meals, and go. Of those,
Pinocchio Village Haus might be the least-bad choice due to its outside seating space and simple menu decisions. We favor each Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe and Pecos Invoice Tall Story Inn and Cafe, however neither are providing their toppings bars.
Disney Springs
The Boathouse – The most effective total outside eating expertise at Walt Disney World is certainly on the Boathouse, which is positioned at Disney Springs. There’s an array of lined patio seating, plus the Dockside Bar on a pier surrounded by boats, nautical decor, and amphicars.
No matter your price range or tastes, the Boathouse is nice. Suffice to say, we extremely suggest doing dinner on the Boathouse after the parks shut!
Chef Artwork Smith’s Homecomin’ – One other crowd-pleaser is Homecomin’, which has a newly-expanded outside seating space because of its “Shine Bar + Social” patio bar.
We’re big followers of brunch right here, Chef Artwork’s signature fried rooster, and the legendary Shine Cake. You actually can’t go flawed with a lot of something on the menu, although. Creative and impressive consolation meals that by no means disappoint!
STK – After giving it some guff the primary couple of years after it debuted, we’ve come to like STK, eating right here for his or her lunch and joyful hour specials with frequency of late. Actually, STK is the Disney Springs restaurant at which we’ve dined most within the final two years.
We’ve dined at STK as soon as lately, returning for his or her best-value lunch in all of Walt Disney World. STK doesn’t have an enormous outside seating space, but it surely’s not very talked-about (particularly in the summertime) so scoring a desk shouldn’t be an issue.
Resort Accommodations
Bar Riva – Positioned alongside the promenade at Disney’s Riviera Resort, this is a superb choice if you wish to escape the crowds and chaos of Disney’s Hollywood Studios or EPCOT, because it’s solely a brief Skyliner flight away from each.
Don’t let “bar” within the identify idiot you, both. Bar Riva is yet one more family-friendly lounge at Walt Disney World, comparable in fashion to a number of of the bar & grill entries beneath. Whereas we wouldn’t suggest sitting with kids on the precise bar, there are many tables each below cowl (it’s an open-air restaurant, so air flow will not be a priority) and utterly exterior. We’re big followers of Bar Riva–it’s an awesome place for a refreshing and healthy-ish meal!
Banana Cabana – A brief stroll (~5 minutes) from Disney’s Riviera Resort is Banana Cabana at Caribbean Seaside Resort. The setup right here is nearly an identical–a lined open air pool bar that’s truly household pleasant.
The tremendous energy of Banana Cabana is with the ability to order a lot of the finest menu dishes served at Sebastian’s Bistro, which is one our favourite locations to eat in all of Walt Disney World. There are additionally just a few new dishes as of Late 2023–just like the Banana Cabana Burger–which can be glorious and unique to this “bar.”
Geyser Level Bar & Grill – Positioned alongside the waterfront at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, that is each a counter and desk service restaurant. We suggest sitting down for the total menu, which features a wonderful Bison Cheeseburger with Garlic Aïoli and Marionberry Barbecue Sauce.
The meals is great, however the serene and secluded environment on the shore of Bay Lake takes this to the following stage, and makes it really feel such as you’re truly within the wilderness at Walt Disney World. (We’ve seen armadillo within the brush right here–twice.) That’s, till the Electrical Water Pageant floats on by–full with its fiftieth Anniversary finale! Right here’s our post-reopening overview of Geyser Level.
Three Bridges Bar & Grill – Positioned at Coronado Springs Resort, this one is similar to Geyser Level above in that each are hidden gems and neither settle for Advance Eating Reservations. (The previous is at the least partially due to the latter.)
We extremely suggest the Three Bridges Signature Burger, Harissa Lamb Chops, and the Heat Churros are a must-order for dessert. You actually can’t go flawed right here.
BONUS: Ravello – Positioned at 4 Seasons Orlando, which is tucked away on Walt Disney World property close to Golden Oak and Fort Wilderness Campground is Ravello. It is a trendy Italian restaurant and, whereas good, is one thing most visitors received’t (and shouldn’t) usually hunt down.
Nonetheless, it’s house to the one character meal at Walt Disney World proper now that has outside seating. Learn our Good Morning with Goofy & Buddies Modified Character Meal Evaluation for particulars, together with whether or not it’s definitely worth the excessive price ticket.
BONUS: Cellular Order Desk Service To-Go – This function is accessible by way of the My Disney Expertise app, and lets you order to-go meals from choose desk service eating places. Which means you’ll be able to take your meals and eat it wherever–outside counter service seating areas, in your resort room balcony, and so forth.
Cellular Order Desk Service To-Go is to this point accessible on the following places:
- Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village
- Kona Cafe at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
- Steakhouse 71 at Disney’s Modern Resort
- Olivia’s Cafe at Disney’s Previous Key West Resort
- Three Bridges Bar & Grill at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
- Geyser Level Bar & Grill at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Ale & Compass Restaurant at Disney’s Yacht Membership Resort
- Trattoria al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
We’ve had plenty of nice experiences with Desk Service To-Go at Walt Disney World and extremely suggest it!
WILD CARD: Chef Mickey’s – This location is technically indoors, however positioned within the open-air Grand Canyon Concourse of Disney’s Modern Resort, and instantly beneath two massive openings within the constructing by which the monorails glide (and together with them, breezes of recent air). It’s positively not as well-ventilated because the actually outside eating places, but it surely’s significantly better than fully indoor ones.
For now, that’s the extent of our record. It’s price noting that there are a selection of excellent choices at Disney Springs not listed right here, together with however not restricted to Frontera Cocina, Paddlefish, Terralina–even Blaze Pizza and D-Luxe Burger. Virtually anyplace you go there has some extent of outside seating. Within the parks and on the resorts it’s a distinct story, so plan accordingly!
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Study accommodations on our Walt Disney World Accommodations Evaluations web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Evaluations. To save cash on tickets or decide which kind to purchase, learn our Suggestions for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets publish. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys publish takes a singular have a look at intelligent gadgets to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Experience Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, the most effective place to begin is our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information for all the pieces you must know!
YOUR THOUGHTS
Will you attempt to dine outdoor in your subsequent go to to Walt Disney World, or would you quite simply stick with the consolation of air-conditioned indoor seating areas? Want extra WDW eating places would supply outside seating? Another suggestions that didn’t make our record? Will you be trying to go to Walt Disney World this vacation season, or are you ready till 2023 or past? Do you agree or disagree with our commentary? Any questions we will help you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even whenever you disagree with us–is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!