Hello there, Christina!
Thanks for swinging by with a question for me today. You're certainly speaking my language when it comes to dining at Walt Disney World Resort. Lucky for you the Crescent Lake area is chock full of some of my favorite spots. Let's dig in, shall we?
Last summer my family stayed at
Disney's BoardWalk Villas and basically ate our way around the resort loop. We started our pool day with a table service breakfast at
Trattoria al Forno. I feasted on the Sunrise Breakfast Pizza while my husband savored the Tiramisù Bread Pudding. Both were delicious, as was the press pot coffee. I also dined here on a previous occasion and loved the Al Forno Eggs. I'd definitely recommend securing breakfast reservations at this not-so-hidden gem.
Ale & Compass Restaurant across the lake at Disney's Yacht Club Resort is another fantastic breakfast option. You can order the entrees a la carte or opt for the Breakfast Buffet which includes an entree and non-alcoholic beverage in addition to an assortment of pastries, fruit and yogurt at the buffet. In my opinion, this is one of the best values on property. I'd recommend the Salted Caramel-Apple French Toast, Crab Cake Benedict or the Shrimp and White Cheddar Grits. All delicious, hearty options at a great price!
I usually prefer snacking my way around World Showcase at EPCOT but you can't go wrong with lunch at
Beaches & Cream Soda Shop. If you're a peanut butter like I am, don't miss the
No Way José sundae. You can also order sundae and milkshake options to go at the walk-up window if you don't want to worry about advance dining reservations. We loved watching Cast Members whip up all kinds of sundae and milkshake creations, each with more toppings and sauces than the one before. The vibe here is relaxed and beachy- until the lights and sirens start heralding the arrival of a Kitchen Sink somewhere in the restaurant. This heaping creation is served in a sink replica and feeds 4 (but probably closer to 6). Best wishes if you decide you're up for the challenge!
The standout meal of our trip was dinner at
Flying Fish. This venue is gorgeous, the service was second to none, and every single dish we ordered was cooked and plated to perfection. It offers a romantic and high-end atmosphere, but don't be afraid to eat here with kids. Cast Members didn't hesitate to make our tweens feel like VIPs during our meal. For me, the Potato-wrapped Red Snapper was the star of this menu, but the Spanish Octopus is also not to be missed.
I haven't seen an official opening date yet, but
The Cake Bake Shop Restaurant by Gwendolyn Rogers is also on my watch list for 2024. The bakery area is set to feature a variety of pies, cakes and macarons right on Disney's BoardWalk, as well as tea service in the main restaurant space. While cake is always a good idea, I've also heard the venue might feature a champagne bar as well! I can't wait to see the space when construction is completed (hopefully sometime this year)!
I hope this helps give you some ideas for your visit, Christina. If I can offer any additional suggestions please pull up a chair right back at the planDisney table and let me know.
Magic and memories,
Amy