5 Resort Restaurants You Don't Want to Miss!

These five restaurants often get overlooked, but I think they're worth visiting!

1.  Kona Cafe [Polynesian]

This is an awesome place to grab some sushi, have a beverage, and relax. If you aren't into raw fish, don't sweat!  There are lots of non-raw roll options and plenty of awesome entrees that won't force you out of your comfort zone.  I love the lump crab cakes and the sesame seared scallops are fantastic!

The Polynesian is a beautiful resort, so plan to come around 7 or 7:30 and eat, then head down to the beach to watch the fireworks over the Magic Kingdom.

2.  Sanaa [Animal Kingdom Lodge]

Come for the amazing view - the restaurant is surrounded by a savanna filled with wild animals (zebra, giraffe, ostrich, etc.).  The traditional Indian cuisine and fun wine flight pairings make dinner memorable.  Don't love Indian food?  Don't worry - there are lots of options for diners who aren't too adventurous and plenty of safe options for children!

Plan to stay after you eat and enjoy a free night vision goggle viewing session of the animals.  Ask your travel consultant to check the sunset time for your trip dates and schedule your dinner time for shortly before that time.  You'll see the animals when you arrive, eat while the sun sets, and then head out for the night vision viewing when your meal is done.  It's a fun way to spend the evening!

3.  Whispering Canyon Cafe [Wilderness Lodge]

This is a fun restaurant to eat at.  There are several complaints or requests you can make to your server that will likely result in a flurry of fun!  For example, asking for ketchup, complaining that your straw is too short, chewing gum, or even ordering soda for breakfast...  If you want the food, but don't like the attention, there are now signs that will help the servers identify you as a normal person who wants ketchup as opposed to a person who wants 15 people to bring you 15 bottles of ketchup...
No matter which level of service you prefer, don't leave without trying the caramel apple pie.  It's wonderful!

Finished up with dinner?  Hop on the boat over to the Magic Kingdom - it's a lovely, relaxing ride!

4.  Trattoria al Forno [Boardwalk]

The interior of this restaurant is beautiful and romantic!  It's still a safe option for the family and the food is excellent.  Traditional Italian cuisine, amazing pizzas, and a caprese salad worth fighting for make great menu options here.  My recommendation: get your own caprese salad and split an entree or a pizza! I recommend the eggplant rollatini!

Hang around after dinner and take a ride on the surrey - it's a bicycle that seats a whole family.  Kids can ride in the back or on the very front in a shopping-cart style seat.  The view as you ride around the Boardwalk-Swan/Dolphin-Beach Club-Yacht Club circle is beautiful and relaxing.  Our family shared some of the loudest laughter of our vacation on one of those surreys!  It's definitely worth the time and the money.

There's also lots of free nighttime entertainment on the Boardwalk!  You never know what you might see.

5.  Garden Grove Cafe [Swan Resort]

**Not on Disney dining plan
The Garden Grove is a beautiful restaurant - you feel as though you are eating in a gorgeous garden.  And it's a character meal at dinnertime!  Most nights, Goofy and Pluto are the hosts, but on Friday nights, Chip and Dale take over!  It's often overlooked because it is NOT on the Disney dining plan, but it's a lot of fun!  There are options for those who don't love meat, but also amazing meat selections!  A win for the whole family.