We already know that Disneyworld isn’t all about the kids. As seniors, whilst we may love the parks, the rides, and the parades, we often hanker for more than the usual theme park food. Somewhere with maybe less kids, less noise and attentive waiters? Are there many options for Disney World Dining for seniors? Luckly, Disney has the very things you need.
From world class fine dining to unusual and different places to eat; the mouse has got you covered. And fear not if you’re vegan, vegetarian, celiac, gluten intolerant, alcohol free or just particularly fussy about your food. You are sure to be well looked after both onsite and offsite.
In these lists, we’ll cross the boundaries from fine dining to quick serve, table service and outside the parks. If you have an significant birthdays, anniversaries, or more, these make great choices and you’ll be well looked after.
Let’s start at the top end.
Disney World Dining For Seniors – Victoria and Alberts!
Victoria and Alberts in the Grand Floridian is widely considered one of the best Disney World dining for seniors’ experiences in Florida, if not the USA. With its AAA Five diamond award since 2000, a Michelin star and a cabinet full of awards, this is the go-to place if you want the very top end of fine dining.
But of course, this level of award-winning dining experience doesn’t come without its challenges. First, it’s not cheap. Meals start at around $300 for the seven-course tasting menu and go upwards from there. A wine pairing is $155 and those of you who prefer to avoid the ‘sauce’ are catered here too with a zero-proof pairing at $114.
Secondly, it can be hard to get a seat. Disney restaurant allocations open at the 60-day mark, and these are often sold out in minutes. But keep checking, cancellations appear all the time.
This is a once in a lifetime meal, the level of service is exceptional, the food is amazing, and you have to dress to match, with the website saying, “Guests are expected to dress accordingly in semi-formal/formal attire that respects the restaurant’s elegant and opulent aesthetic.” So, expect sports jackets, shoes, no shortpants and smart or cocktail outfit for the ladies. This is not your tank top, shorts and sneakers kind of restaurant.
10/10 on the Fancy Scale
Right Next Door – Citrico’s
Right next door at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is Citrico’s, which is a lovely fine dining restaurant we both enjoy. Expect to pay closer to $100 a head for a 3-course meal, extra for wine. Great service, an intimate but smart atmosphere and you can wear shorts here.
Still fancy though with a good 8/10.
Disney World Dining for Seniors – California Grill
The California Grill is just a couple of stops away on the Monorail at the top of Disney’s Contemporary Resort is as hard to get into as V&A. Again, expect fab food, white napkins and table cloths, attentive service, and interesting dishes at around $125 a couple plus wine.
Choose your time right and you can go out onto the private terrace at 9 pm and watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from a completely different viewpoint, with the music piped in for you. Your table will be waiting for you when you get back.
As you’d expect, tables tend to get booked up early for this popular Disney World Dining for seniors . Reservations from 6 pm to 8:15 pm go quickly. But don’t worry, you can always watch before you sit down, and if you’ve eaten there early, they will generally let you go back just for fireworks. Again, check for cancellations or there’s a walk up wait list, and you can eat at the bar too. So, lots of ways to eat here.
I’m scoring this a 9/10 on the fancy scale.
Back to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – Narcoossee’s
For those who love fish, check out Narcoosee’s on the edge of Seven Seas Lagoon, part of the Deluxe Grand Floridian Resort.
Fine dining with a Greek flair and a view of the fireworks if you are lucky.
An 8/10 on the fancy scale.
Other Favorite Disney World Disney For Seniors Locations
Other great Disney World dining for seniors locations to eat in the world include:
- Toppelino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort. The only way you can park at Riviera without staying there. This French and Italian themed restaurant has a great selection of Pastas, Pizzas and more in a European setting. Mickey and Minnie will join you in their European outfits for a character breakfast and its fine dining in the evening. Expect to pay $35-$60 for breakfast with around $100 for your evening meal plus wine or drinks. Still fancy, but around a 7/10 on the fancy scale.
- The Toledo restaurant (pronounced tolado) within the Grand Destino tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort (we often get this muddled up with Toppelino’s). Tapa’s, steak and Seafood in a 1930’s inspired restaurant. Again, great food and service, and a terrace where you can watch fireworks around the world and elsewhere. 6/10 on the Fancy scale again but not classified as Signature dining so the prices are a little lower.
- Il Mulino – This one a bit different, as it’s not technically a Disney restaurant. You’ll find it at the Swan and Dolphin next to Epcot. So, if you drive, you can park here, eat dinner and go into Epcot or onto the Boardwalk to enjoy the fireworks. Fantastic Italian food, family friendly atmosphere and great attentive service. This is a bit more relaxed so 6/10 on the fancy scale, but the food is amazing!
- The latest in place is the Cake Bake Shop. Never paid $25 for a slice of cake? Now’s your chance. Apparently, they are amazing, but maybe worth just letting us adults enjoy them rather than wasting on little ones or is that me being unfair. 😊 Back up to 8/10 on the fancy scale
Don’t Forget About Numerous Disney Springs Restaurants
Finally for this piece about Disney World dining for seniors, Disney Springs. There’s a whole range of eateries there. For really cheap eats, we love Blaze pizza, have as many and as much toppings as you want for around $15, freshly cooked for you.
We also love the Polite Pig which (as its name suggests) specialises in meat. Though it has a great range of vegetarian dishes too. Both I’d put at 3/10 on the fancy scale. And don’t forget Gideon’s Cookies, worth cooking around 15 minutes for I reckon, but no more. Very fancy!
All the above places offer a great range of prices and service. You’ll be well looked after, they accommodate scooters in all restaurants and the staff will gladly bring the chef out to help with any food allergies, intolerances, or preferences. Somewhere nice to go after a day of parks and rides.
We’d love to hear your fave places to eat in the World. And what you think of the ones above. So, tell us, where’s your favourite place to eat at Walt Disney World.
If you want more recommendations on Disney World dining for seniors, here is a video showcasing 6 favorite Walt Disney World restaurants for seniors from a seniors’ perspective, from inside the Disney theme parks, to individual Disney resorts and back again to Disney Springs.
And, if you are a senior and are looking for non-dining experiences seniors might enjoy at Walt Disney World, then you may enjoy this article by a Disney luvin’ senior titled Walt Disney World Experiences for Seniors.
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David Tewkesbury, a UK-based Disney and Universal trained travel consultant, specializes in Disney vacations and cruises. He handles all aspects of planning, including searching for the best hotels and holidays, and offers tips for maximizing your trip. Find him on YouTube (Disney4Brits) and TikTok (Disney_David). Contact David at david@everbudstravel.co.uk
