Photo by Disney

Welcome to the fifth article in my Where in Walt Disney World Can I Find? series! To date, I’ve posted  The Drinks & Snacks: Park Edition, The Counter Service Parks Edition, The Table Service Parks Edition and, in honor of National Ice Cream Month, there was The Cool Treats Edition. Next up in this series is Where in Walt Disney World Can I Find? The Table Service Resorts Edition!

First, I’ll cover some basic information and get that out of the way. Then, we can move on to drooling over some food pictures.

The intent of my Where in Walt Disney World Can I Find? series is to assist you in deciding where to eat and, even better, what to eat when you visit Walt Disney World. Today, I’m going to be talking about the table service restaurants found in the Walt Disney World on-site Resorts.

As I stated in the previous articles and, as I will reiterate here and in the future, some of the information written here is the same as in previous articles. This is for informational and clarity purposes only. Rest assured, the food list in this edition is all new.

On the Disney Dining Plan? Most items listed are considered a table service credit or are served at signature dining restaurants.

Members of the Magical DIStractions team often write about our dining experiences in the Walt Disney World theme parks, Resorts and Downtown Disney (also referred to as Disney Springs).  You  may notice that some of the food choices listed in this edition have pictures and/or links to those articles and are highlighted in pink.  Just click on the link and it will take you to the full review. I’ve done my best to make it simple for you to find the articles and to navigate the Magical DIStractions website.

While the main focus for most people visiting Walt Disney World is the theme parks, every once in a while it’s nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of the Parks and enjoy a sit down meal with family and friends.  Booking an Advance Dining Reservation for one of the Resort restaurants is a great way to do so.

The Walt Disney World Resort provides free transportation for Guests staying at one of their on-site Resorts.  So even if you aren’t staying at one of the Resorts featured below, you can get there via Walt Disney World Resort transportation. Having said that, it would be wise to do a bit of research on the ins and outs of how to travel around “the World.” I can attest that getting to and from your destination using Disney transportation is very doable. Despite the fact that we have a car at our disposal, we never drive anywhere on property and always let Disney do the driving for us.

Now that I have the “basic information” out of the way, I’m ready to start talking about some great restaurants and fantastic food!

 Where in Walt Disney World Can I Find: The Table Service Resorts Edition!

Afternoon Tea at the Garden View Tea Room: Experience a traditional afternoon tea, served in grand British style. Sip from a collection of international teas, while dining on a selection of sandwiches, cakes and other delicacies. Signature offerings include Princess Kate Tea, The Grand Tea, Prince Edward Tea and Buckingham Tea. For children, Mrs. Potts Tea is also available. The Afternoon Tea at the Garden View Tea Room is located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

Delicacies

Buffets:  The Walt Disney World Resort recognizes the need for restaurant menus that include something for everyone in the family. For those wanting variety, you will be thrilled to know that the Walt Disney World Resort has plenty of buffets. One of the Resort restaurants that features a buffet is Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Included on the buffet are the delicious and almost too-adorable-to-eat  chocolate mousse bites. You’ll notice that I said “almost”.

Catch of the Day: At Olivia’s Cafe, Guests can savor hearty home cooking with a taste of the Florida Keys. Olivia’s Cafe is a hidden gem of a restaurant at Disney’s Old Key West Resort. The menu at Olivia’s Cafe includes such delicious entrees as Shrimp & Grits, steak and Catch of the Day which features a seasonal fish. One of the fish served as the catch of the day is sea bass. The fish is served over a spinach salad with a bacon dressing. Tucked beneath the salad are a few fingerling potatoes.

Olivia’s Cafe: Where Guests Can Sample the Flavors of the Florida Keys, was written by Magical DIStractions team member Lisa Mc. and it posted to the site in June 2015.

Olivia’s at Old Key West Resort-Picture by Lisa McBride

Diver Scallops:  Seared Diver Scallops with creamy fregola pasta, tomatoes, delta asparagus, pancetta and garden herbs.The scallops are one of the delicious dishes served at Artist Point restaurant at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort. The cuisine served at Artist Point is reflective of Washington State, Oregon and British Columbia flavors. While the menu changes seasonally, it traditionally focuses on fish, poultry and game such as venison and buffalo.

A full review of the restaurant, Enjoy a Culinary Palette at Artist Point, was posted to the site in February 2015.

WDW Artist Point – seared diver scallops with butternut squash risotto – Photo by Claudette Edwards

Grilled Wild Boar:  One of the appetizers on the menu at Jiko is the Grilled Wild Boar with Mealie Pap, Chakalaka, Truffle Oil and Micro Cilantro. Jiko is tucked away on the ground floor of the Jambo House at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and it’s a truly magical culinary destination. In Swahili, “Jiko” means “The Cooking Place.” The menu includes appetizers and entrees with proteins such as wild boar, chicken, steak, scallops, and lamb but in some cases with spices such as saffron, curry, cinnamon and sides such as couscous, Chakalaka (a spicy south African dish of onions, tomatoes and beans), mealie pap (similar to very soft grits) and cassava-potato puree (cassava is a starchy root vegetable, also referred to as yucca).

Jiko-A Taste of More Than Just Africa, a great review of the restaurant, was posted to our site in December 2014.

Grilled Wild Boar Tenderloin

Honey Coriander Chicken Wings: We all know that Ohana means family, but at Walt Disney World it also means great food and lots of it!  At Ohana, Guests can hang loose with Stitch and friends at breakfast and enjoy games, storytelling and a Hawaiian-style feast at dinner. The all-you-care-to-enjoy dinner meal includes Ohana’s famous pork dumplings, honey coriander chicken wings, grilled meats, vegetables and more!  Adults will enjoy the music played by the Aunt or Uncle and the kids will have fun participating in the coconut races. Ohana is located in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

For a full review of Ohana, be sure to check out All-You-Care-To-Eat Meat on a Stick at Ohana, by Karen L.

‘Ohana Pork Dumplings and Honey-Coriander Chicken Wings

Indian Style Bread Service: Experience the art of African cooking with Indian flavors, as exotic animals roam the Sunset Savanna before you at Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village. Sanaa’s cuisine is a melting pot of tastes from the islands of the Indian Ocean that all are part of Africa – Zanzibar, the Seychelles, Comoro Islands, Mauritius and Madagascar. One of the several appetizers on the menu is the Indian Style Bread Service: Choice of Three Breads – Traditional Naan, Garlic-Ginger Naan, Spiced Naan, Onion Kucha, or Paneer Paratha. Choice of Three Accompaniments – Red Chile Sambal, Cucumber Raita, Coriander Chutney, Mango Chutney, Tomato-Date Jam, Garlic Pickle, Spicy Jalapeño-Lime Pickle, Roasted Red Bell Pepper Hummus, or Tamarind Chutney.

Magical DIStractions team member Danielle M. posted her review of the restaurant, Sanaa-a Unique Meal With a Wild View, in May 2015.

Indian-style bread service at Sanaa-Photo by Danielle Meyer

Jambalaya: Looking for southern hospitality in a casual but creative setting overlooking the Sassagoula River? You’ll feel as if your ship’s come in when you dine at Boatwright’s Dining Hall at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort. Boatwright’s Jambalaya is a New Orleans dinnertime favorite! Slow-cooked Shrimp, Andouille Sausage, and Chicken in a spicy Sauce served over Rice. Bon Appetite!

Flavors of N’awlins at Boatwrights Dining Hall was written by Magical DIStractions team member Jennifer C. in May 2015.

Jambalaya

Kids’ meals: When thinking of kids’ meals, most think hamburgers, hot dogs, pizzas and french fries. Those are included on some menus but there are also other options available for the kids in the group. At Captain’s Grille at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, the chicken nuggets are served with healthy sides of vegetables like sliced carrots and green beans.

Captains Grille Kids Chicken Nuggets

Lobster Eggs Benedict:  In the words of Magical DIStractions team member, Christen F., “This spin on the traditional Eggs Benedict is amazing. Fluffy biscuits covered with a lobster Hollandaise Sauce and perfectly poached eggs. Trust me when I say – even if you don’t like poached eggs, THIS dish is worth the taste test.”  The Lobster Eggs Benedict is served at 1900 Park Fare in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. At 1900 Park Fare, Guests will delight in breakfast and dinner buffets, plus a merry afternoon tea party, each hosted by Disney characters.

Christen’s review, Supercalifragilistic Breakfast at 1900 Park Fare, posted to the site in January 2015.

Niman Ranch Lamb: Searching for an elegant, upscale yet relaxing location for dinner? Well then, your search is over – look no further than Victoria & Albert’s restaurant at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.  Classic Victorian elegance meets haute American cuisine at Victoria & Albert’s, a AAA Five Diamond Award recipient since 2000. One of the five fifth course items on the menu is the Oak Ash Crusted Niman Ranch Lamb with belly and beets.

Guilty Pleasure Dining at WDW: Victoria & Albert’s posted to our site in April 2015.

Niman Ranch Lamb with Baby tomatoes, artichokes and olive pesto

Potato Wrapped Red Snapper: The Flying Fish Cafe at Disney’s BoardWalk has one item on the menu that never changes and that’s the Idaho Potato-Wrapped Red Snapper. Served with Creamy Leek Fondue, Veal Glace de Viande-Red Wine-Cassis Butter, the Idaho Potato-Wrapped Red Snapper is their signature dish and is always on the menu. The Flying Fish Cafe is a signature/fine dining establishment and Guests are asked to adhere to the dress code at this experience.

Magical DIStractions team member Mary S. wrote a full review of the restaurant, Flying Fish Cafe-Restaurant Review, in January 2015.

Idaho potato-wrapped Snapper, photo by Disney Parks

Reuben Sandwich:  At Beaches & Cream Soda Shop, you’ll find yourself in “burger heaven” with a menu full of comfort classics such as their grilled cheese and tomato bisque. You can feast on “hot off the grill” items like burgers and hot dogs, or opt for the Reuben Sandwich. The Reuben Sandwich is made from thinly Sliced Corned Beef, Sauerkraut, Swiss, and Thousand Island Dressing on Rye Bread with House-made Pickle and choice of fresh Fruit or French Fries. Beaches & Cream Soda Shop, located at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, isn’t very large but it’s very popular so you’ll want to make sure that you make your Advance Dining Reservation as soon as you possibly can.

Reuben Sandwich at Beaches & Cream-Picture by Lisa McBride

Sushi: California Grill, in Disney’s Contemporary Resort,  has one of the best selections of sushi on Walt Disney World Resort property. The Dragon Roll (Spicy and Tataki Tuna, Shrimp Tempura, Avocado, Dragon Sauce, Hijiki-Shirataki Salad) and Spicy Kazan Roll (Crab, Shrimp, Scallops, Tuna, Fireball Sauce) are culinary experiences one will never forget! One of the only things that can top a meal at California Grill is the view.  Guests dining at California Grill will savor the finest in Californian cooking while taking in the sights of the Seven Seas Lagoon and Magic Kingdom park.

Christen G. of the Magical DIStractions team wrote of her experience at California Grill. California Grill, Great Food, Gorgeous View! posted in June, 2015.

Photo by Kent Phillips

Tex-Mex: Tex-Mex cuisine that serves up a harmonious blend of New and Old World influences (excerpt from the Walt Disney World website). Guests dining at the Maya Grill at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort will have a variety of delicious items to choose from. Guest can order traditional platters, Chef’s specialties, and American dishes. You’ll want to save room for dessert! The menu includes such  sumptuous desserts as Coconut Flan, Chocolate Abuelita Panna Cotta and fruit sorbets!

Maya Grill at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort-Picture by Disney

Vegetarian Specialties: Vegetarians asked and the Walt Disney World Resort delivered! The majority of restaurants at the Walk Disney World Resort have vegetarian meals/options on their menus and on the buffets!  One such place is the buffet at Boma in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. At Boma, Guests can watch chefs prepare the food in the onstage kitchen. Entrees include grilled seafood, roasted meats, vegetarian specialties, fresh salads and house-baked pastries.

Boma – Picture by Disney

Warm Banana-Chocolate Torte: Wrought-iron railings resemble vineyard grapevines, while Old World furnishings and mosaic-tiled floors contribute to the warm décor at Citricos in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. After dining on mouthwatering specialties like braised veal shank, pan-roasted chicken and oak-grilled filet of beef, choose from one of the decadent desserts on the menu. The Warm Banana-Chocolate Torte is served with Vanilla Ice Cream and Handcrafted Belgium Couverture Chocolate Crown.

Citricos-Restaurant Review was written by Magical DIStractions team member Mary S. and was posted to the site in January 2015.

Warm Banana-Chocolate Torte with Vanilla Ice Cream – Photo by Disney

Yachtsman Chocolate Mousse: Within the airy dining room at Yachtsman Steakhouse, mouthwatering cuisine awaits you! Guests can select from entrées like prime New York strip steak with peppercorn-brandy sauce,  pan-roasted chicken or the “Catch of the Day.”. The dessert menu offers such selections as creme brulee, chocolate peanut cake and the Yachtsman Chocolate Mousse.

Yachtsman Steakhouse is located at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. At this Signature Dining experience, Guests are asked to adhere to a dress code.

Yachtsman Steakhouse chocolate mousse

There you have it folks, the Where in Walt Disney World Can I Find? The Table Service Resorts Edition! The food items that I listed are a very small sample of the choices available to you while on vacation at the Walt Disney World Resort.  Magical DIStractions is dedicated to providing our readers with the most accurate and up-to-date information that we can. Walt Disney World is a continuous work in progress and is constantly expanding and changing. There is a possibility that you might not find some of the items listed when you arrive at Walt Disney World. But, I would bet dollars to donuts that you’ll find another delectable alternative no matter where you dine.

Don’t forget that this is a continuing series. You’ll want to stay tuned for more of the Where in Walt Disney World Can I Find? articles. Please take a moment to sign up for the Magical DIStractions newsletter, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Google+, so you can be kept up to date on all the latest news and articles! Our YouTube channel features videos taken by our team and new videos will be added soon. Believe me when I say, you don’t want to miss a single thing!

Feel free to post your comments or questions below. We love hearing from our readers!