You’re missing out on some seriously good food if you’re only eating in the parks.
Disney hotel restaurants don’t always get the spotlight they deserve, but some of the best meals on property are hiding just a short walk, boat ride, or Skyliner trip away from the parks. If your must-eat list is full of character dining or whatever you could snag last-minute in the app, you might be sleeping on some hidden gems. Here are six underrated Disney World hotel restaurants you keep forgetting to add to your list — and why they absolutely deserve a spot.
Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White (Disney’s Wilderness Lodge)
If you want character dining without the chaos of Chef Mickey’s, this is your spot.
Tucked inside the rustic-cabin-meets-luxury-vibes Wilderness Lodge, Story Book Dining gives you a quiet, fairy-tale escape — and a chance to meet Snow White, Dopey, Grumpy, and the Evil Queen. But because it’s not in a park and doesn’t scream “Instagram buffet,” it gets overlooked constantly. The menu leans hearty and earthy (think beef stew, roasted chicken, wild mushroom bisque), and it’s plated beautifully.
Also? The Evil Queen is a total scene-stealer — in the best way.
For our most recent review of Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White — Click Here
Boma – Flavors of Africa (Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge)
Boma has been around for a while, and those of us who know it? We love it.
But for some reason, it just doesn’t make the average guest’s radar. Maybe it’s the location (Animal Kingdom Lodge isn’t exactly next door to the parks), maybe it’s the buffet format (which gets dismissed as outdated), but skipping Boma is a mistake. This is one of the most flavorful and adventurous buffets on Disney property, and still manages to please picky eaters.
We’re talking carved meats, African-inspired salads, Bobotie (don’t knock it till you try it), and the cult-favorite Zebra Domes. It’s not a quick bite, but it’s 100% worth the detour.
For our most recent review of Boma – Flavors of Africa — Click Here
Olivia’s Café (Disney’s Old Key West Resort)
Olivia’s is the kind of spot that feels like a Disney secret, mostly because it kind of is.
Unless you’re staying at Old Key West or happen to wander in while exploring DVC resorts, this one flies completely under the radar. It’s cozy, it’s low-key, and it serves comfort food that just hits. It’s not flashy or trendy — but it’s the kind of place you walk into and instantly feel like you’re on vacation.
For our most recent review of Olivia’s Café — Click Here
Steakhouse 71 (Disney’s Contemporary Resort)
Sitting just off the main lobby of the Contemporary (literally steps from the monorail station), Steakhouse 71 feels like it should be a dining staple.
But with California Grill right upstairs stealing the thunder, most guests don’t even know it’s there. That’s a mistake. The breakfast here is excellent, the lunch is underrated, and dinner is a full-on steakhouse experience without the signature price tag. And the burgers are seriously next level.
If you’re park hopping around the Monorail resorts or looking for a post-Magic Kingdom bite, this one should be on your radar.
For our most recent review of Steakhouse 71 — Click Here
Three Bridges Bar & Grill (Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort)
Most people don’t think of Coronado Springs as a dining destination — and that’s exactly why Three Bridges stays so low-key.
But here’s the deal: if you’re looking for a chill vibe, waterfront seating, and killer small plates, this is the place. You’ll find dishes like roasted corn dip and poke bowls — not to mention a solid cocktail menu. It feels like a break from the Disney bubble in the best way possible. Grab a table at sunset and thank us later.
For our most recent review of Three Bridges Bar & Grill — Click Here
Whispering Canyon Café (Disney’s Wilderness Lodge)
Yes, we’re looping back to Wilderness Lodge — because it actually has two overlooked spots.
Whispering Canyon is known for its rowdy antics, but that reputation can turn some people off. Which is a shame, because the food is solid. The all-you-can-eat skillets are hearty and satisfying, especially after a long park day, and the atmosphere is way more fun than stressful if you lean into it.
Don’t let the chaos scare you away — it’s a great meal with a big personality.
For our most recent review of Whispering Canyon Café — Click Here
Look, there’s nothing wrong with sticking to the hits — ‘Ohana, Chef Mickey’s, Boma — but if you want to shake things up, these five spots deserve your attention. Whether you’re looking for a low-key brunch, a great steak, or a dinner with a view, there’s something here that’ll surprise you in the best way.
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Boma was opened by our god-daughter, Bertina, from South Africa. It really is a great buffet. The only downside, I agree, is the location; off the beaten path, in the Animal Kingdom Lodge. The desserts, however, make the trip worthwhile.
“Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White ”
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We used to love Artist Point, back before it became Character Dining. Their smoky portabella mushroom soup was excellent, and we copied it for our own kitchen. However, with no youngsters in our party, anymore, we’ve stopped going to Artist Point.
“Steakhouse 71 (Disney’s Contemporary Resort)”
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This will always be The Wave for us. We don’t go into the main dining room, but totally love Steak House 71 (Wave) Lounge. The Stackhouse burger is wonderful, as is the mac-n-cheese.
Steakhouse 71 would be on our list more if 1) it had seating for more than groups of 4, and 2) it had any kind of atmosphere. It’s like eating at Luby’s!
Olivia’s? Disappointing since 1991.
We always wanted to try this one but you said it best: “Whispering Canyon is known for its rowdy antics, but that reputation can turn some people off. Which is a shame, because the food is solid.”. Sorry but we cannot tolerate noise and rude antics by waitresses while dining!!!
We love AK Lodge eateries, agree with OG OKW about Olivia’s, not interested in character dining or expensive steak houses or happy hour type pubs…..
Perhaps there is good reason why these are not as heavily populated. And for those of us who enjoy any of these, I hope they remain a quiet, delicious secret!!!