There are over 200 restaurants on Disney World property, spanning theme parks, hotels, and the dining and shopping district known as Disney Springs. With so many options available, it can be hard to narrow in on the best place to grab breakfast, lunch, dinner, or anything in between.
Most Disney fans will have strong opinions on what they think is the best dining location, but if you want pure data and first-hand accounts from actual vacationers, look no further than TripAdvisor. That is precisely what The Family Vacation Guide did in their report of the top-rated Disney World restaurants, compiling a list of the dining locations across Disney World property with the highest overall rating from Trip Advisor reviewers.
Have you ever wondered what the top-rated restaurants are in Disney World? As it turns out, many of these beloved dining locations are not full-scale restaurants at all. Rather, many of these are the smaller walk-up stands you will find while strolling through the parks. Others are hidden gems that are found in hotels you may have never considered staying in before.
In this article:
Dole Whip Reigns Supreme
The number one highest-rated dining location in Disney World according to average ratings on TripAdvisor might come as a surprise to some, but if you are a fan of the iconic Dole Whip, then this will not shock you at all. Pineapple Lanai is located at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, solely dedicated to serving the popular frozen snack. It is one of a few places outside of Magic Kingdom where you will find Dole Whip, and if you are above the age of 21, you can even order yours with a rum floater at this location. It is hard to argue for the top spot when you see that Pineapple Lanai is the only dining location on the top ten list with an average score of above 95%. As one TripAdvisor reviewer puts it, Pineapple Lanai “never disappoints,” noting that the Dole Whip is “reasonably priced and large enough for two to share.” Demand for the Dole Whip variations offered here sometimes rivals even new Disney World rides.
Pineapple Lanai is not the only Dole Whip-centric dining location to make it into the top ten list. Aloha Isle, found in Adventureland in Magic Kingdom also received high ratings from reviewers. Essentially, if it sells Dole Whip, expect it to be a popular choice among frequent Disney vacationers.
A Restaurant For Every Budget
No matter your dining budget, there is a Disney World restaurant on this top ten list for you. It truly runs the gamut, including what is likely the most expensive plate of food you will find in Disney World, Victoria & Albert’s. The signature restaurant has been awarded the AAA Five Diamond Award since 2000, with three distinct and intimate experiences: the Dining Room, Queen Victoria’s Room, and the Chef’s Table. It clearly scores a ton of points from those who are able to book this extremely difficult-to-snag Disney World dining reservation. One TripAdvisor reviewer would certainly argue that prioritizing a reservation here is worth it, noting how “This is fine dining at its finest.”
For a more affordable dining option, Blaze Pizza in Disney Springs also ranks high. If you have a Blaze Pizza in your local area, then you are likely familiar with its made-to-order business model. The casual chain is one of the best places to grab a slice of pizza on Disney World property, especially if you are looking for a quick, easy, and affordable meal in Disney Springs. It just goes to show that no matter what your dining budget is, you can still find great options for your family.
A surprising category missing from the list is the Disney World character dining which is often considered an essential addition to a Walt Disney World trip.
Hidden Gems In Often-Overlooked Hotels
Disney World is home to dozens of resort hotels owned by the company, but there are several other on-site accommodations owned by third parties. Familiar brands like Mariott, Hilton, and even Four Seasons have resorts just minutes from the theme parks, and they all feature excellent dining options.
There are also a few full-serve restaurants on the list you may not be familiar with if you have never spent a night at Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. The resort hotel is located on Disney World property and includes restaurants La Luce and Zeta Asia, two of the top ten highest-rated restaurants according to TripAdvisor Reviews. One happy diner who visited La Luce shared on TripAdvisor “We have dined at La Luce for years, the food is always superb but the service is the turning point to an amazing experience.” Another slot went to Bull & Bear Steakhouse at Waldorf Astoria Orlando, also located on Disney World property.
Disney World Guests Love Their Snacks
Another huge takeaway: Disney fans love their snacks. Five of the top ten selections are dining locations devoted to snacks, two of which solely focus on Dole Whip-inspired treats (Pineapple Lanai and Aloha Isle). Over in Disney Springs, you are also sure to find artisanal baked goods and beautifully decorated chocolates at Amorette’s Patisserie, ice cream at Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop, and a refreshing beverage at Dockside Margaritas. The quick service and snack locations are a way that some guests avoid higher food costs as the cost of a Disney World vacation continues to increase. It just goes to show that you should leave no stone unturned when researching your potential dining options for your upcoming Disney World vacation – you never know where your next favorite restaurant or snack spot will turn up.
The full list of the ten highest-ranked dining locations, according to the TripAdvisor research, are as follows:
- Pineapple Lanai (Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort)
- Victoria & Albert’s (Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa)
- La Luce (Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek)
- Aloha Isle (Magic Kingdom)
- Bull & Bear Steakhouse (Waldorf Astoria Orlando)
- Blaze Pizza (Disney Springs)
- Amorette’s Patisserie (Disney Springs)
- Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop (Disney Springs)
- Zeta Asia (Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek)
- Dockside Margaritas (Disney Springs)
This article was produced and appeared on Disney Dose.
