3 Cast-Member Approved Disney Springs Restaurants

Over the course of its long history, the area now known as Disney Springs has been home to many favorite restaurants, and that continues to this day. There is a litany of options, from massive chain restaurants to upscale eateries and local favorites, and choosing between them all can be overwhelming.

Duck Duck Razz

That’s why it can come in handy knowing where those who know Disney World best — CAST MEMBERS — go to grab a bite. We asked the former Cast Members on our team where they liked to chow down at Disney Springs, and these were some of their favorites.

Polite Pig

Priding itself on featuring a menu “inspired by the best seasonal food that Florida has to offer, bringing new twists to local flavors and BBQ,” Polite Pig offers a stacked menu of barbecue sandwiches including pulled pork, brisket, fried chicken, and turkey, as well as a selection of smoked options, which include jalapeño cheese sausage, chicken, ribs, pork, and brisket.

Time for a feast!

These barbecue favorites can be paired with traditional sides including grilled street corn, baked beans, mac and cheese, and burnt ends chili. Beyond those traditional offerings, the restaurant also offers dishes slightly outside what one would expect from a theme park-adjacent barbecue restaurant, including smoked cedar-plank salmon and a unique take on duck wings, drizzled with sweet tea glaze and pecans. Those meals can be paired with a large selection of beers on tap, as well as great modern barbecue dining options, perfect for a non-park day.

The Polite Pig

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Summer House on the Lake

Summer House on the Lake is — as the name would imply — a lakeside eatery well known for California vibes, with well-known lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch menus including flavorful salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and more made with seasonal Florida ingredients.

8th Street Frita Burger

Plus, the restaurant is also home to the Summer House Cookie Bar, a sweet-in-every-way location that offers a selection of freshly baked cookies, including Chocolate Chip, Snickerdoodle, Birthday Cake, S’Mores, Lemon, German Chocolate, Cookies N’ Cream, Red Velvet, Apple Oatmeal, and more. Colombe coffee roasters and iced coffee beverages, fresh-churned soft-serve ice cream, and Cookie Shakes are also served here!

COOKIES from The Cookie Bar

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The BOATHOUSE

Let’s wrap up with one of Disney Springs’ most popular restaurants, the BOATHOUSE. The maritime-themed eatery offers a full menu of seafood, including a raw bar, plus steak, chops, pasta, sandwiches, burgers, lobster rolls, and veggie options, in addition to a full bar and dessert options

PLENTY of lobster!

In addition to the menu, the restaurant features nautical ambiance, including three outdoor bars and dining rooms linked by a boardwalk.

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And of course, the BOATHOUSE is the access point for the Dreamboat Experience, a 20-minute guided tour on the waters of Lake Buena Vista while riding in a vintage Amphicar vehicle.

Disney Springs

Next time you’re planning to grab a bite at Disney Springs, keep these Cast Member recommendations in mind. Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney World tips.

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