The deluxe hotels at the Magic Kingdom have so many places that fit the bill for outstanding fare. You could easily go to one a night on your trip there and have a wonderful meal experience every night of your vacation.
Contemporary Hotel
California Grill
Price: $$$
Location: Contemporary Hotel: top floor
Need reservations: Yes
Why we love it:
- extensive wine list
- amazing food
- incomparable views of the whole Magic Kingdom area
- firework views
- renovated a few years ago to open, airy classic decor with clean lines
The Wave…of American Flavors
Price: $$
Location: Contemporary Hotel: bottom floor
Need reservations: Probably not
Why we love it:
- SUCH a hidden gem that can usually get you in pretty quickly
- tasty, healthy, unique breakfast buffet (sweet potato pancakes OMGG)
- delicious dinner menu focused on healthy and veggie-rich options
- great cocktails
The Polynesian
‘OHana – warning: this may not be for everyone
Price: $$$
Location: Upstairs floor of lobby
Need reservations: Yes
Why we love it:
- the open-flame cooked meat is really tasty
- the bread and dessert are fantastic
- lots of veggies between salad and side dish
- easy access via monorail
Why you might not love it:
- it’s family-heavy, so it does get loud
- if you’re not big on meat – this is the centerpiece of their entree
- it’s a set, family style menu
- the noodles are “eh”
Kona Cafe
Price: $$
Location: Upstairs floor of lobby
Need reservations: for breakfast, yes, dinner tends to be not as crowded, but gauge based on overall crowd levels
Why we love it:
- hidden gem! it’s a fairly casual and low-key looking place, but the food is delicious every time we go
- all three meals have a variety of options to appeal to anyone
- for instant heaven, treat yourself to the Tonga Toast at breakfast
- easy access from monorail – you walk right into the Polynesian’s upstairs and it’s to the left
Grand Floridian
Narcoosee’s
Price: $$$
Location: Contemporary Hotel: top floor
Need reservations: Yes
Why we love it:
- great water views, set right on the water at the end of the docks facing the Magic Kingdom
- firework views & Electric Water Pageant goes right by it at night
- delicious, solid seafood offerings
Citrico’s
Price: $$$
Location: Contemporary Hotel: top floor
Need reservations: Yes
Why we love it:
- Mediterranean-American fusion with some classics and inspired twists
- Lovely decor and nice views
- Attentive staff
- Upscale feel & dress code (if that’s your thing)
Grand Floridian Cafe
Price: $$
Location: Just off the lobby
Need reservations: Not usually
Why we love it:
- Hidden gem for a quiet bite to eat
- Less flashy than the other restaurants, but staff is wonderful
- Food is always reliably tasty, and not fussy
Victoria & Albert’s
Price: $$$$$$$$$ (….$$$)
Location: Just off the lobby
Need reservations: Yes, and you may not get one.
Why we love it:
- AAA Five Diamond Award Recipient since 2000
- Named #2 Restaurant in the US by TripAdivsor in 2017
- Best dining experience in Disney, and often said to be the best in FL
- French menu in an exquisite Victorian setting
- Frequent changes in menu options
- Extremely high end wine list