Food is constantly on my mind and agenda when visiting Disney World. One of the best things you can do for your vacation is to carve out some time for Disney Springs. With so many choices for places to eat, how do you know what are the top Disney Springs restaurants?
I want to help give you some ideas of where to plan to eat there, as it has become a foodies paradise within Walt Disney World.
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Do you need reservations at Disney Springs restaurants?
Making reservations to eat here isn’t as crucial as it is for the theme parks, but it is definitely a good idea.
No matter when you visit Disney Springs in Walt Disney World (which I still sometimes call Downtown Disney), it is a whole experience. If you show up unprepared, the environment can feel overwhelming.
The 120 acre shopping and dining district is nearly 80% the size of the Magic Kingdom!
If you think you are going to just drop by for an afternoon without making any plans, especially when it comes to eating, be prepared to feel a little bit stressed.
Can you use Dining Plan at Disney Springs?
There are a couple of restaurants that don’t accept the Disney Dining Plan (DDP) within Disney Springs, but fortunately you will find that most of them do.
Actually the restaurants and wine bar within Disney Springs aren’t actually owned by the Walt Disney Company.
I recommend asking first when making a reservation or before you sit down to eat so you can confirm that they take the DDP.
What restaurants should you make reservations for at Disney Springs?
5 Top Disney Springs Restaurants:
Maria and Enzo’s
From an atmospheric perspective, this place is stunning. It’s a lot more classic than the modern feel of Splitsville, which is another great restaurant within Disney Springs I recommend you visit and also go bowling at.
Maria and Enzo’s hideaway airport theme and Art Deco inspired travel posters contribute so much to the Disney Springs story and to the overall restaurant environment.
The food is delicious and it includes authentic Italian cuisine, complete with homemade pastas. As an Italian restaurant, it is one of the best within Disney World.
Try them out for Sunday Brunch too because their pastry basket can’t be missed.
Art Smith’s Homecomin’
Art Smith’s Homecomin’ is a great local twist on southern home cooking from celebrity chef Art Smith. Did you know he used to be Oprah’s personal chef?
Not only is the construction and everything inside a love letter to Florida, but the inspired menu is some of the tastiest you will ever have, especially if you are partial to delicious fried chicken and comfort food.
Some of their other specialities are the Fried Catfish, Braised Short Ribs, the Art Burger, Mac and cheese and more.
For dessert I heard that the adult only Shine cake (buttercake soaked in moonshine syrup) is a must have.
Raglan Road
This restaurant has been a part of Disney Springs since before the drastic makeover (back when it was Downtown Disney).
Raglan Road is an Irish pub and restaurant with fantastic pub style food. They prove you don’t have to get fancy to have a great restaurant.
Raglan Road is a longtime favorite dining spot among many returning Disney guests. The first time I had their fish and chips (a long time ago), I was immediately hooked.
One of the best things about this restaurant is that its exceptionally allergy friendly.
If you want to learn more about eating gluten-free at Disney World then you must read my friend LaShawn’s post which has all kinds of tips and suggestions.
Morimoto Asia
If you are a foodie, you can’t leave Disney Springs without having something from the Original Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto.
For a delicious bite you can always drop into the Forbidden Lounge, or walk up to the counter at Morimoto Asia Street Food.
However, if you really want to get serious, you will have to get a reservation for lunch or dinner at the chef’s main restaurant.
This exciting signature restaurant features a variety of asian food and is actually also very kid friendly. Please don’t leave here without having their churro fondue for dessert.
Boathouse
The Boathouse is a unique place with a huge gift shop and convertibles that drive out onto the water. It might sound a little weird, but I promise you it’s cool.
They have delicious foods, a wonderful vibe and you can also find live music here too. This is one of my family’s favorite places to return to when we visit Disney Springs.
The Boathouse has consistently good service, a remarkable menu with a variety of foods, and incredible waterfront dining.
If you are a fan of oyster bars, sustainable fish, or steak, this is the best stop in Disney Springs.
What restaurants are quick service at Disney Springs?
With over 60 places to dine at now in Disney Springs there are many table service restaurants and quick service places to choose from along with new ones popping up almost weekly, like Guy Fieri’s Chicken Guy! which is right near Planet Hollywood.
It’s constantly evolving, similar to all of the changes being made at Epcot.
The Landing area (where the restaurants I shared above are located) offers the best waterfront views and fantastic theming, which makes this section of Disney Springs one of the most memorable, especially for food lovers.
The Marketplace, Town Center and Westside all have good restaurants of their own, particularly when it comes to counter service, ice cream shops, bakeries, food trucks and also delicious margaritas.
In addition to the top restaurants, the best tip I can provide is just make sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore Disney Springs in its entirety.
Check out these other Disney related posts for even more magic when you visit the Lake Buena Vista, FL area.
- Crowded Disney Park Strategies For The Best Experience
- 9 Unique Ways to Visit Disney on a Budget
- Disney World Rides Must Have Free Printable List
- 27 Awesome Gifts for Disney Lovers
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