When staying at a Deluxe Disney Resort with your DVC points, there is no shortage of great food options. Let’s dive in and check out our top five favorite DVC Resorts for dining in 2024!
#5 BoardWalk
Not only is BoardWalk walking distance to the fantastic dining options at EPCOT and Swan & Dolphin (not to mention Yacht & Beach Club), but it also has some great dining right at the resort. Flying Fish is a fantastic signature restaurant serving great seafood. In addition to Flying Fish, the BoardWalk boasts Trattoria Al Forno, Big River Grill, and the soon-to-be Cake Bake Shop. There are also a decent amount of quick service/food stand type offerings like BoardWalk Deli, Carousel Coffee, Pizza Window, BoardWalk Ice Cream, BoardWalk Joe’s, the Funnel Cake Cart, and soon will host Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs, which we are very excited about.
#4 Grand Californian
Because it’s on the West Coast, Grand Californian is an overlooked resort for many. The truth is, we own here, and sometimes I forget to include it on my favorites list. We love Grand Californian, and the food scene here is fantastic. Aside from the fact that you are within easy walking distance to not only Downtown Disney, the parks, and Disneyland Hotel, where you can indulge in all the amazing food Disneyland Resort offers. And despite the fact you are also within walking distance to so many local eateries (if you haven’t tried Puesto at The Westin yet, I suggest you check it out).
Grand Californian also offers up its own unique dining experiences. For starters, GCH Craftsman Grill is one of the best Disney quick-service restaurants. Just outside of the quick service, you will find GHC Craftsman Grill, where you can dine on many of the quick service favorites poolside, along with some additional offerings. Also, in Grand Californian, you’ll find Hearthstone Lounge, which has great drinks and some tasty appetizers. Storytellers Cafe is a buffet with a variety of homestyle options. If you’re looking for a signature experience, Napa Rose provides upscale Californian cuisine and wines.
#3 Riviera
Sitting on the shores of Barefoot Bay, Riviera offers easy access to one of my favorite Disney World restaurants, Sebastian’s Bistro, at Caribbean Beach Resort. If you take Caribbean Beach out of the equation, Riviera houses some amazing dining options. Bar Riva is a great place to stop for drinks and appetizers. You can also order anything from the menu from the quick service next door. The quick service at Riviera, Primo Piatto, is starting to become a favorite of mine with pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and more. Near the lobby, you will find Le Petit Cafe with a selection of coffees, drinks, and pastries. On the 10th floor, the amazing Topolinos Terrace is one of our favorite Italian places on property, with sweeping views of the parks and an elegant rooftop terrace.
#2 Animal Kingdom Lodge
I had some trouble deciding on which order to put our last two top DVC resorts for dining. I almost had Animal Kingdom Lodge as my number one, but decided it belonged in second place. This resort is one of my favorite food destinations. All three main restaurants here top my list. I love Boma for both breakfast and dinner. I can’t get enough of the special mustard and corn chowder. Sanaa has always been great. The Indian Bread Service is one of the best appetizers on property. Jiko is a fantastic signature restaurant. In addition to these powerhouse restaurants, the quick service and lounge offerings at The Mara, Victoria Falls Lounge, and the pool bars add to the variety and options for this resort.
#1 Grand Floridian
Although I almost listed Grand Floridian as second place in our top DVC resorts for dining, the more I thought about all the options here, the more I felt it belonged at number one. For starters, Gasparilla’s Island Grill is one of my top quick service locations. The pool bars here (Beaches Pool Bar and Courtyard Pool Bar) have amazing snacks (hello, lobster sliders). You’ve got Enchanted Rose and Citricos Lounge, where you can grab drinks and some of the best snacks around. Grand Floridian Cafe is a nice casual table service for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Aside from all that, you have an award-winning restaurant that is Victoria & Alberts, and two awesome signature restaurants, Citricos and Narcoossee’s, the latter being one of my favorite restaurants on property.
I’m interested in hearing what resorts would make your top five. Let us know in the comments below. Stay tuned to dvcfan.com for the latest on all things Disney Vacation Club. Join in the conversation in the DVC Fan Facebook group. For exclusive content, check out our Patreon at patreon.com/dvcfan.
Janet
January 16, 2024Top 5 DVC resorts for dining for me are: 1-Wilderness Lodge (Copper Creek), 2- Animal Kingdom lodge, 3- Riviera, 4- Polynesian, 5- Grand Floridian.
Lauren
January 16, 2024Agree with AKL and Boardwalk for sure! We rented Poly for our upcoming trip, and I’m having second thoughts just because I have such fond memories of Jiko and Sanaa.
Although it’s not a DVC resort, our many stays at Coronado Springs have spoiled me as the food there is top notch and very easy to access without having to plan too far in advance.