Disney World’s best restaurants to dine at without a reservation

Some people are planners and like to know exactly which park they will be in each day, which attractions they’ll ride and what restaurants they’ll be dining at. Others, like to be spontaneous and take it as it comes. For those guests, we have a list of Disney World’s best restaurants to dine at without a reservation. Some of these restaurants offer great food and wonderful atmospheres, others are just average, but they do give spontaneous guests a chance to enjoy a meal and service.

At the Parks

The Plaza Restaurant at Magic Kingdom – This Main Street U.S.A. restaurant is small, but is often overlooked because of it’s location. It sits around the corner on the walkway to Tomorrowland Terrace, a restaurant that has long since been a shell of its former self. The Plaza Restaurant offers several sandwiches, a salad and meatloaf. The prices are reasonable too!

Restaurant Marrakesh, Epcot at Morocco Pavilion in the World Showcase – Restaurant Marrakesh is tucked away in the back of the pavilion. It highlights the flavors of this unique cuisine. Guests are entertained by musicians and a belly dancer.

Biergarten Restaurant, Epcot at Germany Pavilion in the World Showcase – The Biergarten’s availability has nothing to do with its location or lack of delicious food. The restaurant has an abundance of communal tables! The great food, entertaining band and fun atmosphere make it a wonderful restaurant.

Nine Dragons Restaurant, Epcot at China Pavilion in the World Showcase – This restaurant is almost always available for walk-ups, even during the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. Nine Dragons has your typical Chinese food with higher than normal price points, making it less than popular. However, it’s great for those wanting to sit down, enjoy a meal and be taking care of.

Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano, Disney’s Hollywood Studios – This is another off-the-beaten-path restaurant. It’s located past Muppet Vision 3D in an almost hidden corner of the park. The food here is pretty good too.

Rainforest Cafe, Disney’s Animal Kingdom – The large restaurant is located outside of the park, so there is no need for admission to dine here. Since many guests think about dining while inside the park, it’s often overlooked.

Outside the Parks

Big River Grille and Brewing Works at Disney’s BoardWalk – Big River Grill and Brewing Works doesn’t accept reservations, so it’s a perfect location to enjoy a meal and house-brewed beer.

Captain’s Grille at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort – This restaurant keeps a low profile with guests. We’ve never figured out exactly why that is. The times we’ve dined there we’ve had good service and good food.

Grand Floridian Cafe at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa – The Grand Floridian Resort is full of excellent restaurants from Victoria & Albert’s to 1900 Park Fare, so we think that is why the Cafe is often overlooked. The food here is pretty good and not as pricey as the other restaurants at this resort.

Kona Cafe at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort – This restaurant is very popular for breakfast because of their famous Tonga Toast. For lunch and dinner we’ve been able to walk up and get a table without a problem.

Maya Grill at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort –  Coronado Springs is located on a stretch of Disney road that has light traffic. We think this is why the restaurant isn’t busy. We really enjoy the food here.

Olivia’s Cafe at Disney’s Old Key West Resort – There is a simple explanation for why this restaurant isn’t busy, it’s a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Resort and is located near Downtown Disney. Many guests forget about the dining options at this resort because it’s the resort isn’t in a high traffic area. Try the Po’ Boy, it’s one of our favorites!

The Turf Club Bar and Grille at Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa – Just like with Olivia’s, Turf Club is located at a DVC Resort so most guests don’t think about it for dining. It’s located at the far end of the resort by the golf course, so it’s kinda hidden on the property.

Trail’s End Restaurant at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campgrounds – Adjacent to Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Review sits Trail’s End. This buffet features good ‘ol American food at an inexpensive buffet price.

Fulton’s Crab House in Downtown Disney – This two-story seafood restaurant looks like a boat sitting out on the water. For seafood lovers, this restaurant has everything you could want. Not into seafood? No worries. The menu also has steak, chicken and ribs.

Raglan Road Pub and Restaurant in Downtown Disney – Want to dine at an Irish pub without leaving the country? Try Raglan Road! It’s the brain-child of Master Chef Kevin Dundon, from Dunbrody, Ireland. He not only has created the menu for this fantastic restaurant, but he owns it as well. It’s a very large restaurant, so getting a table here can be easy. Unless it’s St. Patrick’s Day… then may the luck of the Irish be with you.

If you’re in the park and decide you want to dine at a restaurant, stop by the podium and ask if they have any available seating, visit Guest Relations, call (407) WDW-DINE or check on the My Disney Experience app (available for Apple and Android devices).

Where do you dine when you don’t have a reservation? We’d like to know if YOUR best restaurant to dine at without a reservation made our list!