If you're anything like me, one of the biggest questions you’ll face before visiting Disney Springs is: Where should I eat? With so many options — some amazing, others not so much — it can be overwhelming to make a choice. That’s why I’ve put together my honest list of all the restaurants at Disney Springs — not a comprehensive directory, but a short list based on where I’ve actually eaten, what was memorable, and what I wouldn’t go back to.
Whether you're staying nearby at a hotel within walking distance to Disney Springs or just planning a day visit, this list will help you navigate your dining options with confidence.
Key Points
- Make reservations for table-service restaurants you really care about — especially during weekends or holidays.
- Some restaurants are better for snacks or drinks than full meals, so go in with the right expectations.
- Don’t rely on the hype. A popular place isn’t always the best fit for your group or vibe.
Full List of All the Restaurants at Disney Springs that Are Worth It
Here’s my honest take on a few spots we’ve actually tried — both the hits and the misses.
The BOATHOUSE
This is a winner. It’s not just about the seafood (which is great) — it’s the overall experience: the waterfront setting, the Amphicar tours, and the relaxed upscale vibe. We loved the lobster roll and the truffle fries. Great for a nice lunch or date night.
Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’
This place lives up to the hype. The fried chicken is ridiculous, and the mac and cheese is pure comfort food. It’s definitely on the heavier side, so we usually share a few things. Their moonshine cocktails are also surprisingly smooth.
Planet Hollywood
Honestly? It was a miss for us. The menu felt all over the place, and while the atmosphere is fun if you're into celebrity memorabilia, the food didn't live up to the prices. It’s loud and chaotic, maybe fine for a rainy-day stop with kids, but we wouldn’t go back.
T-REX Cafe
If you're traveling with kids — especially dino-obsessed ones — this place is worth a stop. The atmosphere is wild (think Rainforest Cafe but with animatronic dinosaurs), and it’s definitely more about the experience than the food. That said, the menu is huge and portions are generous. We shared the nachos and a burger, which were both decent. It’s not gourmet, but the theming is a hit for families, and the gift shop is surprisingly fun.
Gideon’s Bakehouse
Believe the hype — these cookies are insane. Rich, massive, and totally worth the virtual queue. The peanut butter cold brew is one of the best coffee drinks I’ve had at Disney Springs. Just don’t try to eat a whole cookie in one sitting unless you’re ready for a sugar coma.
Blaze Pizza
Fast, customizable pizza that’s reliable. It’s nothing fancy, but if you want something quick and satisfying, this is a good bet. We’ve gone here when we’re too tired to make decisions and just want something easy.
Polite Pig
This one really surprised me. I’m not usually a huge BBQ person, but the brisket sandwich here was phenomenal. The sauces are what really set it apart — we ended up buying a couple bottles to take home. Their sides are elevated too (try the roasted Brussels sprouts if they’re on the menu). It gets busy, but the line moves fast.
Wine Bar George
We went here on a date night and it’s now one of my top picks. Don’t be intimidated by the wine-forward branding — the servers are friendly and happy to make suggestions. We shared small plates and a wine flight, and it felt both special and relaxed. A good pick if you want to feel a little fancy without going full fine dining.
Wine Bar George
This one really surprised me. I’m not usually a wine bar person, but the atmosphere was welcoming, and the staff was happy to help us choose something we’d actually enjoy. The small plates were great for sharing — especially the crispy mac and cheese bites. It’s one of the few places at Disney Springs where I’d go just to sit, relax, and hang out for a bit.
Polite Pig
This was a big hit with my group. It’s counter service, but don’t let that fool you — the food is legit. We tried the pulled pork, ribs, and Brussel sprouts, and everything had great flavor. The sauces are the real star here, so be sure to try a few. It does get busy, so go early or be ready to wait a bit for a table. It’s nothing fancy, but if you want something quick and satisfying, this is a good bet. We’ve gone here when we’re too tired to make decisions and just want something easy.
A Few Disney Springs Restaurants I’d Honestly Skip
I try not to be overly harsh when it comes to food — after all, taste is subjective, and sometimes a place just has an off day. But I also know how frustrating it can be to spend good money on a mediocre meal, especially somewhere like Disney Springs where the choices are overwhelming and the prices aren’t exactly cheap.
So here’s my honest take on a few places I wouldn’t go back to, and why:
Planet Hollywood
I touched on this one earlier, but it deserves a spot on the skip list. The food felt like it came from a frozen menu with fancy descriptions — overpriced burgers, underwhelming fries, and a vibe that felt more like a loud chain restaurant than a special Disney experience. It’s fun in theory with all the movie memorabilia, but the volume was cranked so high we couldn’t really talk, and it just didn’t feel relaxing. We left kind of wondering why we didn’t just grab pizza or tacos somewhere else.
Rainforest Cafe
I get the appeal — it’s loud, colorful, and full of animatronic animals — but that’s kind of where the fun stops. It’s the same Rainforest Cafe you’ll find in mall food courts or other cities, and the food is just… fine. Not bad, but not memorable. We went once for nostalgia’s sake and haven’t had the urge to return. If you’ve got kids who are obsessed with animals and don't mind basic chain-restaurant food, it might be worth it for the spectacle. Otherwise, there are so many better, more unique places to eat.
Paradiso 37
This one bummed me out a little because it has such a great location right on the water, and the menu sounds like it should be a win — Latin-inspired dishes, fun cocktails, outdoor seating. But the food just didn’t live up to the promise. Everything we ordered felt bland and kind of thrown together, and our server seemed more interested in disappearing than checking in. It wasn't awful, but it felt like we wasted a meal on a place that could’ve been great. I’d rather grab something from Polite Pig or Wine Bar George and sit by the water nearby.
Splitsville Dining Room
If you're going here to bowl and need a quick bite, it serves its purpose. But if you're looking for a proper meal, I’d skip it. The menu is huge — sushi, burgers, pizza — but none of it really stood out. It’s kind of like trying to do everything and excelling at none of it. The vibe is casual and fun, but I found the food forgettable. It’s not a total loss if you're there for the experience, just don’t expect to rave about the food afterward.
STK Orlando
I really wanted to like this one. I’m a sucker for a good steak, and the photos online made it look like a chic, upscale night out. But the reality? It was loud in a “trying-too-hard-to-be-a-club” kind of way, the tables were packed uncomfortably close together, and the food didn’t justify the high price point. The steak was fine, not amazing. Honestly, we felt out of place, like we’d wandered into a Vegas nightclub instead of a Disney Springs restaurant. If you’re looking for a relaxing date night or a memorable meal, I’d suggest BOATHOUSE or Wine Bar George instead — both are way more enjoyable and worth every penny.
Other Tips for Dining at Disney Springs
If you’re looking for a broader guide to the area, I highly recommend checking out the rest of my Disney Springs articles. That post breaks down everything I wish I had known before my first visit, from where to park without getting stressed, to how to plan your day if you’ve got little kids or are juggling shopping, dining, and entertainment.
One thing I learned the hard way: not all restaurants are owned by Disney, and that can really impact your experience. For example, some spots don’t accept the Disney Dining Plan or certain discounts. A few didn’t offer mobile ordering, which threw us off when we were trying to beat the crowds. I now make it a habit to check the restaurant’s website or call ahead if I’m unsure. It’s a small step that’s saved me a lot of last-minute frustration.
What restaurants in Disney Springs accept the dining plan?
Many do, but not all. Generally, Disney-owned restaurants like D-Luxe Burger and The BOATHOUSE accept the Disney Dining Plan. Always confirm when booking.
What is the new restaurant at Disney Springs?
The newest addition is Summer House on the Lake, a breezy, beach-house-style spot with California-inspired eats and a sunny vibe.
Does Disney own all the restaurants in Disney Springs?
Nope! Several popular spots like Wine Bar George, The BOATHOUSE, and Homecomin’ are owned and operated by third-party vendors.
What restaurant replaced Bongos in Disney Springs?
Bongos was replaced by Beatrix, a fresh market-style concept with healthy-ish food and a bakery counter. It’s still under construction as of my last visit.
What happened to Wolfgang Puck at Disney Springs?
Wolfgang Puck Express closed in 2020, but Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill is still open and serves a more upscale menu.
What happened to the Cuban restaurant in Disney Springs?
You’re probably thinking of Bongos. It closed a few years ago and, as mentioned, Beatrix is set to take its place.