If there is one thing about being locals that has really changed us, we have definitely become more spontaneous. If Paul and I aren’t visiting Disney with friends or family, we don’t always make dining reservations when we spend the day at the park. Why? Because it’s fun and we don’t have to tie ourselves down. We usually either hop on My Disney Experience or Open Table to see what’s available last minute, get on an online walk-up waitlist, check out quick service, or visit a lounge.
Disney lounges are some of the most underrated dining establishments on property. They are small and usually offer small menus and sometimes food from the adjoining restaurant if applicable (always be sure to ask for specials and other offerings not listed). The best part is they don’t require pre-planning. The lounges at the resort are my favorite as they tend to be less hectic compared to lounges in the parks. If you’re open to trying the food on a small menu, they can be a great option. Here are five of my favorite lounge spaces to stop for a last-minute dinner or snack.
Special Note: While parking can be tricky at some of these resorts we recommend either parking at Disney Springs or a theme park (if an annual pass holder) and taking free Disney transportation.
Enchanted Rose, Grand Floridian
Enchanted Rose is not only my favorite Disney lounge on property, it has some of my favorite food at Disney World as well. We have been here multiple times to grab a drink. But one night, we visited for a late dinner and left very happy. The menu is small but packs a punch. We ordered three of the five food items which not only left us full but left us looking forward to going back. The truffle fries had such a depth of flavor with real shaved truffles. The flatbread was savory and the brisket sliders stole the show. The onion marmalade and blue cheese went perfectly together. Enchanted Rose also has some fun drinks, even non-alcoholic ones. The B&B and Rosemary Cooler are both fantastic. You can check out a full review of Enchanted Rose here!
Martha’s Vinyard, Beach Club
Martha’s Vinyard has a super small menu online. However, in our experience, they also offer daily specials. When we went, they also had fish tacos and a specialty burger. Not only was the food tasty, but we were also very impressed with the service. We received great service just as you might at a normal table service location. Also, our food came out hot and fresh and was tasty. Unfortunately, we ate our food so quickly here that we forgot to take a picture. This is usually a quiet and calm Disney lounge to spend time in.
Sanaa Lounge, Animal Kingdom Villas (Kidani Village)
If you’re like me and could fill up on Indian Bread Service, the Sanaa Lounge is the place to be. The Samosas and salad sampler can also be very good. Pair those things with some good drinks. Then, head out to the savanna for some animal gazing while you digest. I love the atmosphere and food at Sanaa, but if you can’t get a reservation, the lounge is a great alternative.
Citricos Lounge, Grand Floridian
Citricos Lounge currently displays the entire Citrico’s menu. This is a great option if you weren’t able to score a reservation at this newly reimagined restaurant. We have spent time at the lounge prior to its refurbishment and enjoyed sitting by the windows in comfortable chairs and relaxing. The new-look has only elevated the space even more.
Territory Lounge, Wilderness Lodge (Copper Creek & Boulder Ridge)
Territory Lounge is inside Wilderness Lodge. It’s a warm and cozy space just off the lobby. Something we loved about this lounge was they had Annual Pass-themed drinks. It was just a cute touch and something fun to take a picture of. Their food menu seems to be always changing which can be great if you like to visit often.
There are a few Disney lounges that didn’t make the list, but I wanted to mention. First, the lounge at California Grill can be a good place if you didn’t get a reservation there. Unfortunately, last we checked, they were using the space as overflow for the restaurant which requires reservations. Hopefully, it reopens as a lounge soon. I am also like the lounge at Steakhouse 71. I didn’t add it because of my lack of experience there, but it definitely looks like an awesome lounge space with decent menu items.
I’m curious to hear your thoughts. What are your favorite Disney lounges to grab a bite to eat or just sit and relax with a drink? I’d love to know your favorites!
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We love the Crew’s Cup Lounge at the Yacht and Beach Club. Last time we were there, however, they were offering only the full Yachtsman’s Steakhouse menu rather than the pub menu that we have enjoyed in the past. I hope this changes in the near future! We especially liked their prime rib sliders.
You can’t park at any of these places without reservations for dining or accommodations. It’s a big ask for someone to park somewhere else and then have to make the round trip via some other form of transportation, sometimes more than one, in order to sample what is typically overpriced food. Disney seems to go out of their way to discourage people from trying/spending money in their hotel restaurants/lounges.
It really depends on the Security Guard at the gate; and true, that can be hit or miss. We also park valet and there is usually no question.
Lounge hopping on the monorail during the holidays was a favorite evening for my family. Without parking we will take an Uber. Hope that will work
What happened to the Moving to Orlando podcast?
Hi Matt! They are still putting up the videos. They just did one three days ago and the day before that. I think maybe it’s not made it to the audio-only version yet though. Here is the channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/MovingtoOrlando/videos