A date at Walt Disney World is most magical when there's delicious dining involved. Now, thanks to new restaurants and dining experiences at Walt Disney World Resort, you have even more choices. Some restaurants are brand new, and others offer refreshed menus and new experiences. So, where should you eat at Walt Disney World?
Whether you're looking for casual burgers or fine dining, read on for a listing of new Walt Disney World restaurants and changes to longtime favorites. And we've included tips on which ones are best for each type of occasion.
Below you'll find some of the latest new restaurants and dining experiences at Walt Disney World.
New Lounges at Walt Disney World
The Beak and Barrel
Location: Magic Kingdom Theme Park
Best for: Highly themed pirate experience
Yes, you read that right: there is a bar inside Magic Kingdom now. The Beak and Barrel is a pirates-themed louge inside the theme park, right next to the “Pirates of the Caribbean” ride! Reservations are required, enabling you to set sail on a 45-minute adventure, and a two drink maximum. Light bites are available for purchase, and the menu highlights specialty drinks fit for sea-faring folk.
The Perch
Location: Disney's Grand Floridian
Best for: Sophisticated sips to start a romantic Disney date
Located in the heart of the beautiful and oh-so-fancy lobby of the Grand Floridian, this new lounge at Disney World is a great addition. Perch pays homage to the birdcage motif throughout the lobby. The beverage menu is limited, focusing on sophisticated sips that serve as a quick stop to unwind before embarking on a large, romantic Disney date.
Garden View Lounge
Location: Disney's Grand Floridian
Best for: Girls' day out, special occasions
Reopening on March 19, just in time for spring, the Garden View Lounge will be the ultimate afternoon tea experience. Adults can enjoy the full tea experience, including plant-based items if preferred, and kids will have a children's tea experience just for them.
This proper British afternoon tea experience incorporates “Alice in Wonderland” themes and is presented in partnership with the legendary Twinings tea company from London.
New Restaurants at Walt Disney World
GEO-82 Lounge
Location: EPCOT
Best for: Special occasions, date night
Step inside a sophisticated lounge inside a theme park that only admits adults 21 years old and older. GEO-82 is gorgeous adults-only lounge located *inside* Spaceship Earth. While you may not be stepping inside the ride itself, this lounge is indeed located within the walls and building of the iconic geodesic sphere.
Boasting a cocktail menu that draws inspiration from chefs and culinary combinations, and a small bites menu of global infusions, GEO-82 is a fantastic Disney date night. As you might expect, this exclusive spot is pricey so save it for a special occasion.
Bourbon Steak – A Michael Mina Restaurant
Location: Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
Best for: upscale dates and celebration dinners
Bourbon Steak Orlando is the newest fine dining destination at the Walt Disney World Dolphin, led by celebrated Chef Michael Mina. The restaurant brings a modern, sophisticated energy to the classic steakhouse experience. Signature starters like tuna tartare and duck fat fries set the tone, while entrées include premium steaks, tableside presentations, and standout seafood options like miso sea bass and Maine lobster pot pie.
With a polished atmosphere and indulgent menu, Bourbon Steak is perfect for a romantic date night or special celebration. Elegant desserts, an exceptional wine list, and crafted cocktails round out the experience.
The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers
Location: Disney's BoardWalk Resort
Best for: special occasions, girls' night
This whimsical full-service restaurant features sweet and savory eats, dreamy desserts, and a lavish afternoon tea service. It's pricey, but most folks who have been among the first to visit Cake Bake Shop at Disney's BoardWalk are saying it is worth it.
Stop in for a sweet bite and a glass of French bubbles in the pastel-hued tea room. The Cake Bake Shop features dozens of desserts made with the finest ingredients. All cakes are made in-house daily, and you can also order pies made from scratch, cheesecakes, cookie bars, french pastries, and ice cream. Pair your treats with champagne, elegant specialty cocktails, or imaginative espresso drinks.
The shop even has its own exclusive blend of French rosé bubbles, created in partnership with Jean-Charles Boisset! Try Gwendolyn’s Famous Earl’s Court Chocolate Cake, an award-winning signature recipe beloved by the likes of Dick Van Dyke, Ina Garten, and Elton John.
Wailulu Bar & Grill
Location: Island Tower at Disney's Polynesian VIllas & Bungalows
Best for: Casual dining and a fireworks view
Situated along the serene shores of Seven Seas Lagoon, Wailulu Bar & Grill offers stunning waterfront views. The ambiance is enriched with exclusive Polynesian-inspired artwork, including floating tropical fish sculptures crafted from recycled materials and reclaimed fishing nets, creating a unique and eco-friendly dining environment.
All of the outdoor dining and seating at the bar overlooks the Seven Seas Lagoon with Cinderella Castle in the distance. This means Wailulu Bar & Grill offers a Magic Kingdom fireworks view! Reservations are now accepted here and parking is restricted. Securing a reservation is your best bet for a seamless date night.
Shiki-Sai Sushi Izakaya
Location: EPCOT
Best for: Casual dining and a fireworks view
The incredibly beautiful and peaceful Japan Pavilion now has a new restaurant that is perfect for fans of Japanese cuisine. Shiki-Sai Sushi Izakaya brings a traditional sushi bar and izakaya experience to EPCOT.
The dining room honors the freshness of each season. Sushi lovers will marvel at a first-hand look at sushi being made behind the counter. For an authentic izakaya experience, select from a variety of izakaya-style delicacies, including savory skewers, crispy tempura, succulent sushi rolls, and hearty okonomiyaki.
Read our review of Shiki-Sai at EPCOT.
Coming soon to Disney Springs is Six Ravens, a savory quick bites spot from the same team as Gideon's Bakehouse.
How to Plan Your Disney Dining Date
- Make a Dining Reservation, they can fill up fast
- Food allergies and special requests: Let your server know right away
- Plan your budget; experiences marked “special occasion” can run $55 – $90 per person
- Dress code: All Disney restaurants are pretty relaxed when it comes to dress code, still, it's nice to dress up a little once in a while
