Resort hopping is one of my family’s favorite things to do during rest days on our Disney vacations. You can travel via monorail, Skyliner, or bus to several DVC resorts and spend some time exploring all they have to offer. Resort hopping is also fun if you are planning a resort-only vacation without any park days. Enjoying a sit-down lunch is a nice way to spend some time at the resort that you are exploring. Whether you wish to enjoy a table-service restaurant or a quick-service option, here are some DVC resorts with great lunch options.
Disney’s Polynesian Resort
The Polynesian Resort is the perfect destination for exploring and taking a mid-day break. Guests can take walks along the sandy beaches, enjoy Dole Whip at Pineapple Lanai, and do some shopping at stores with exclusive Polynesian merchandise. When it’s time for a meal break, Disney’s Polynesian has two fantastic lunch options to enjoy.
Kona Cafe is a casual sit-down dining location with a laid-back vibe. Reservations are usually easy to come by for Kona Cafe and the dining room is open, quiet, and located on the second floor of the main lobby building. Kona Cafe is great for sushi lovers with its onstage kitchen and large menu of sushi rolls and poke bowls. Main entrees include Kona stir-fry chicken, various noodle dishes, and burgers. Island-style desserts such as coconut tapioca and mango cheesecake are the perfect way to end your meal.
If a quick-service restaurant is more your style for lunch then check out Capt. Cooks. Capt. Cooks is located on the lower floor of the main building and has lunch options that are quick and can please anyone in your family. Capt. Cooks has options for all including a Korean chicken bowl, Thai coconut meatballs, Aloha Pork Sandwich, pulled pork nachos, as well as a variety of burgers and plant-based options. After your meal you can enjoy an assortment of Disney desserts, or even head outside for a Dole Whip.
Disney’s Riviera Resort
Hop on the Disney Skyliner and head over to the newest DVC resort for some great lunch options. Disney’s Riviera Resort is a wonderful resort to explore with its European-style theming and and beautiful artwork located throughout. This resort is a great lunch destination because of its quick-service restaurant Primo Piatto. Guests can enjoy pizzas, burgers, hot sandwiches, cold deli sandwiches, salads, lasagna, tomato soup, and a variety of Disney desserts. Primo Piatto also has a large snack menu; even a Charcuterie Plate.
After your meal you can explore the Riviera and its beautiful grounds and various activities and continue on the Skyliner route for more resort-hopping.
Disney’s Boardwalk Villas
One of the more exciting resorts to explore is Disney’s Boardwalk Inn. Disney’s Boardwalk is jam-packed with things to do and see, and also places to eat. There are several great options for lunch at Disney’s Boardwalk, and even more opportunities for snacking and fun.
For quick-service dining check out Boardwalk Deli and Pizza Window. Boardwalk Deli serves stuffed sandwiches, both hot and cold, as well as other favorites like salad, soup, and coleslaw. Pizza Window is located right on the boardwalk and sells whole pies and pizza by the slice. Alcoholic beverages and mini cannolis are also served at Pizza Window.
Another great option at Disney’s Boardwalk Villas is Big River Grille & Brewing Works. This working microbrewery serves intricate American favorites like a wagyu burger, blackened creole salmon, jalapeño-spinach cheese dip, and more. During your meal you can try one of several beers that are brewed onsite.
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Disney’s Old Key West Resort is Disney World’s original DVC resort. This resort is not only beautiful but also great for shopping for DVC merchandise. Old Key West is a large resort with bike paths and bike rentals, and a quaint small-town atmosphere.
Olivia’s Cafe is a wonderful option if you find yourself visiting during brunch hours. Brunch is served at Olivia’s from 7:30am to 2pm, and features delicious entrees like buttermilk chicken, buttermilk pancakes and eggs, crab-cakes benedict, and banana bread French toast. Guests love that Olivia’s Cafe feelings like a family-owned restaurant. The menu and the atmosphere bring guests back year-after-year.
Do you enjoy resort-hopping during your Disney vacation? Let us know in the comments below!
Featured Photo: Emily Murray.
Written by
Megan Woodard
Contributing Writer
Megan was born into a Disney family. Her first trip to Disney World was when she was only 18 months old. Now as an adult, Megan loves to share the magic of Disney with her two toddlers. Keeping up with Disney news and Disney World knowledge is a fun hobby for Megan. Disney World is her favorite place to be and continuously brings back her childhood joy.
