Dining
Crispy free range chicken with handmade cavatelli pasta, porcini bolognese, ramps, and confit tomato. Braised buffalo short ribs with parsnip-potato gratin, glazed leeks, and red wine jus. Provencal crusted double lamb chops, tian of grilled vegetables, Provence olives, and sun-dried and fresh tomato with port reduction. Swahili curry shrimp with East African curry sauce, artichokes, and coconut rice. Just a sampling of some of the incredible meals found at Walt Disney World® Resort restaurants where a remarkable culinary transformation has taken place since the mid- 1990s. Extraordinary cuisine is especially evident in renowned dining establishments like California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Flying Fish Café at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, and the AAA Five-Diamond, award–winning Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
Top-notch chefs are now the norm, creating exciting menus at some of the highest-rated restaurants in the country. First-rate sommeliers (almost 300 on Disney property, more than any other company in the world) have fashioned outstanding wine lists, particularly at Victoria & Albert’s, California Grill, Citricos, Jiko - The Cooking Place, and Flying Fish Café. In fact, Disney sells more than a million bottles of wine every year if you count Disney Cruise Line.
Even Disney’s reputation for dreadful theme park food has changed. Once just a hot dog and hamburger haven, it’s now quite possible to find pleasurable choices ranging from fine dining to more-than-palatable quick-service food. Though you’ll always find burgers and chicken tenders, you’ll also discover restaurants with outstanding cuisine and unique ambience. My only complaint is the non-atmospherically lit dining rooms that are sometimes so bright you’ll feel as if you’re in the operating room. Children are always treated as special guests; almost every restaurant along with all quick-service spots offers a menu just for kids. Meals are delivered quickly, so if a speedy dinner is not your cup of tea, stretch it out a bit by ordering an appetizer only and then your entree when you are finished with that first course.
Disney certainly gets a gold star in my book for its efforts to add whole grains and healthy choices to dining menus, and in particular, the elimination of trans fats from children’s and eventually adult food (also implemented at both SeaWorld® Orlando and Universal Orlando® Resort). Those in need of vegetarian meals will find something for them in both full-service restaurants and many counter-service spots where at least one vegetarian option is usually available. Those with special needs -- such as low-fat, no sugar added, low-carb, and kosher, as well as special dietary requests regarding allergies to gluten or wheat, shellfish, soy, lactose, peanuts or other substances -- will be accommodated at all full-service restaurants. Disney prefers a 24-hour notification by calling 407-WDW-DINE or (407) 939-3463. Perhaps it would be best to do this when making your Advance Dining Reservations. Address any questions to the Allergy Hotline at (407) 824-2634.
Those who plan on eating all their meals exclusively on Disney property should consider one of the Disney vacation packages that includes a dining plan.
As for dress code, “casual” is the word. Theme park restaurants are extremely informal; however, you’ll find that in many resort restaurants, dress is a bit more sophisticated. Smart casual clothing is usually fine.
Reservations, particularly in busy season, are very important. Advance Dining Reservations are available at the theme parks, resorts, and most Downtown Disney® Area full-service restaurants by calling (407) WDW–DINE, or (407) 939–3463. Same-day reservations may be made at each park, at the restaurant itself, through Guest Relations, or by picking up any public phone at Disney and dialing *88. Those staying in a Disney concierge room or suite may make reservations through the concierge staff. Those not on a concierge floor can utilize the Lobby Concierge at each Disney resort.
