We all know which restaurants are popular at Walt Disney World. They’re the table-service ones that are nearly impossible to get an advance dining reservation at or the counter-service spots that never have any tables open so you end up eating your food on top of a nearby trash can (no judgment — we’ve all done it!).
But what about some lesser-known Disney World dining options? We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite underdogs; the restaurants and menu items that most park guests often overlook. Here are our top 5 things that people aren’t eating at Disney World, but oughta try!!!
The Gibsons Sandwich King Cheeseburger At Disney Springs’ BOATHOUSE
Walt Disney World is home to many over-the-top eats, but The Boathouse’s Classic Cheeseburger is simplicity done right. You see, The Boathouse is managed by the Gibsons Restaurant Group, an iconic Chicago-based steakhouse, and these guys know a thing or two about meat.
The all-beef burger is made from a custom blend exclusive to The Boathouse. And while you may think this fancy steak and seafood restaurant doesn’t fit into your budget, the Gibsons Sandwich King Burger won’t make you delay your next mortgage payment!
An excellent beef burger is topped with pepper jack, fried peppers, and more fixin’s along with a spicy aioli that makes this one of our favorite burgers on property…and that’s saying something!
The Baseline Tap House California Cheese And Charcuterie Plate At Hollywood Studios
Tucked away between Muppets 3D and the ever-popular Sci-Fi Dine-In Restaurant, the unassuming BaseLine Tap House often gets passed by. The small-ish taproom boasts a fantastic outdoor patio which usually has plenty of seating available, and the $10 Charcuterie Board is not to be missed.
You’ll receive a generous portion of California-produced cheeses and meats including chorizo and calabrese salami accompanied with cornichons, grapes, and toasted baguette slices. The board is a perfect size for sharing or can be made into more of a light meal with the addition of one of Baseline’s soft Bavarian Pretzels and Californian Craft Beer Flights!
You can check out our full BaseLine Tap House review here!
“Hardy Har Char” Siu Pork At Magic Kingdom’s Jungle Navigation Co.’s Skipper Canteen
While this table-service restaurant hasn’t been a smash hit with the majority of parkgoers, its become a cult-favorite among more adventurous eaters.
The flavor profiles are not what you typically expect to find in theme park cuisine and the restaurant itself is a feast for the eyes, offering three unique dining rooms — The Mess Hall, The Falls Family Parlor and the Society of Adventurers and Explorers (S.E.A.) secret room.
The Jungle Cruise’s distinct brand of humor is told throughout many visual gags, props, decor, and artwork. In addition to all the comedic details you’ll see, you’ll be served by your very own rib-tickling skipper!
As for eats, the delicious “Hardy Har Char” Siu Pork has notes of sweet chili, soy, and seared garlic.
If you don’t dine on swine, “Tastes Like Chicken” Because It Is features a pile of chicken and vegetables served over a bed of fried rice with a mouth-watering hoisin sauce.
The Skipper Canteen also does an amazing job at preparing veggies. Often the side vegetables are so perfectly cooked and well-seasoned, they’re as delish as the main entree!
Take a look at our full Skipper Canteen reviews here to see if its a must-go place for your family!
Brunch At The Grand Floridian Café
While just a short monorail ride away from the Magic Kingdom and Epcot, not many park guests think to grab a quick bite at The Grand Floridian before hitting the parks. It’s a shame because this quiet, tranquil restaurant would become their instant favorite if that were the case.
The caliber of food at The Grand Floridian Café can’t be overstated enough and the menu’s prices are an excellent value given the food’s quality.
We’ve filled up many times on the Buttermilk Fried Chicken and Waffles — a moist piece of chicken hand-dipped in tangy buttermilk batter and drenched in crispy cornflakes served over a soft, warm waffle with hot honey-like syrup — yum! This isn’t on the menu right now — so you may need to ask to see if they can make it for you!
Or for an even more kicked-up brunch, enjoy the upgraded Mickey Waffles! These aren’t just your regular Mickey-shaped waffles. Your upgrade includes a specialty syrup and three additional toppings combinations to choose from such as sugar cookie crumbles with whipped cream, strawberries and strawberry sauce, or mandarin oranges with chantilly cream, craisins, and citrus-pecan syrup just to name a few!
And the trio of benedicts ain’t half bad, either!
Check out our Grand Floridian Café breakfast review here!
Bread Service
You may have walked right by Nomad Lounge on your way to Pandora: The World of Avatar without ever even noticing it was there! This sleepy little bar has a super-comfy vibe from its plush outdoor patio furniture to its cozy and intimate indoor seating. Since the bar serves as the lounge for Tiffins, Nomad Lounge offers many of the same signature Tiffins cocktails and small plates. This is a great way to try a Tiffins drink or dish without spending a fortune.
A fantastic option for a snack is the Tiffins Signature Bread Service which costs $11 and features a variety of flatbreads served with Indian-spiced tomato chutney, spicy coriander yogurt, and fig tapenade.
If you enjoy this tasty appetizer, we recommend you check out the Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Sanaa Indian-style Bread Service. At $17 you’ll be feasting on an even wider selection of breads and spreads with great up-close viewing of Animal Kingdom Lodge’s resident zebras and giraffes!
We hope you’ve enjoyed our journey off the beaten path and will explore some of these less familiar places on your next Disney World vacation. And if you can’t get into your must-do restaurant, don’t forget to check out our video all about alternatives to Disney World’s most popular restaurants here!
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Do you have a dining recommendation that didn’t make our list? Let us know which restaurants you think are underrated at Walt Disney World in the comments below!
Andrea says
Jungle Skipper Canteen is my favourite WDW restaurant. The food is delicious, the theming is fun, the staff are lovely and it’s lack of popularity makes it a peaceful relaxing place for lunch.
Chris Lange says
Always like listening to you, Joey!
Becki V. says
We had the bread service at Tiffins last week! It was really good! Everything at Tiffins was excellent! My 7 year old said it was his favorite place to eat!
DFB Sarah says
Becki, how great!