Determining a budget for your Disney vacation is a great way to divide your priorities and spend money towards what will make your trip magical for you. For many guests, food is less of a priority for spending whereas things like Lightning Lane, souvenirs, and other upgrades are more worth splurging on. But are there any dining experiences that are worth the splurge? Park dining can be great, but DVC resorts are also home to their own restaurants and dining experiences. There are several dining experiences throughout the DVC resorts, with some being more of a splurge than others. If you are planning your budget for your 2026 vacation then here are some DVC resort dining experiences worth splurging on.
‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Resort
Located at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, this deluxe resort features DVC villas and bungalows that celebrate the Polynesian culture. ‘Ohana restaurant serves breakfast and dinner, and it is a place to go where everyone is treated like family. For breakfast, guests are joined by Lilo and Stitch and friends as they enjoy a family-style Hawaiian-inspired breakfast. For dinner, no characters appear but guests are treated to a family-style meal full of delicious meat and other Hawaiian foods. Guests get a great view of Magic Kingdom from across the lake, and during the fireworks the restaurant plays the soundtrack as guests watch from the distance.

Cape May Cafe at Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Located at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Cape May Cafe serves breakfast and dinner. This restaurant is a character dining experience for breakfast as guests are joined by Minnie, Daisy, and other friends who are all dressed in their beachy best. Guests enjoy a breakfast buffet full of classics including their signature “Beach Buns”. For dinner, no characters appear but guests are treated to a delightful seafood buffet full of goodies from land and sea.

Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort
Another restaurant that is a character dining experience for breakfast is Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort. For breakfast, guests are joined by Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy as they enjoy entrees like eggs benedict, quiche, French Toast, and waffles. For dinner, this restaurant features no characters but becomes a Disney Signature Dining Experience. Topolino’s Terrace serves flavors of Europe with pasta dishes and so much more.

California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Located on the 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, California Grill is a Disney Signature Dining Experience worth splurging on. The menu here is prix fixe and chef’s choice, so the menu items will vary. This is one of the most popular spots to watch Magic Kingdom’s fireworks. There is an outdoor viewing platform where guests can watch across the lake, or they can watch through the many tall windows located throughout the restaurant.

What dining experiences are a splurge for you and your family? Have you ever experienced any of these restaurants? We want to hear from you in the comments below!
Featured Photo: Emily Murray.
