8 Restaurants with the Best Views at Walt Disney World

There are plenty of factors to consider when choosing restaurants in Walt Disney World.  Is location your top priority?  Perhaps kid-friendly, familiar dishes, or great value for your money?  Ambience is always one of our considerations, and having a view definitely earns a restaurant serious bonus points!  A view can mean different things to different people.  Whether you’re looking for sweeping views of the Magic Kingdom, a waterfront vantage point, or even a panoramic vista across an African savanna, there are views galore waiting for you at WDW restaurants.

  

1. Cinderella’s Table

If you’ve never visited this treasure of a restaurant in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, it’s high time you booked a table!  Located inside Cinderella Castle, Cinderella’s Table enjoys prime real estate, and the gorgeous atmosphere and yummy food inside match the exquisite location; you’ll feel like royalty, and be fed like it, too!  You’ll have unparalleled views of WDW’s Fantasyland from this bird’s eye spot, which alone makes a trip worthwhile.  If you really want to upgrade your experience, though, dine here during the evening fireworks show and try to snag a window seat!

2. California Grill

Another restaurant with panoramic views of Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is California Grill, located inside Disney’s Contemporary Resort.  Even though the restaurant isn’t in the park itself, the views here are legendary!  They’re especially perfect for fireworks viewing.  You’ll have spectacular views from the dining room, lounge and the observation deck.  Of course, dinner at a window table during the fireworks is the dream, but if you’re dining at California Grill before or after fireworks, you’ll still be able to come in outside of your reservation time to catch the show.

3. Sanaa

Unless you’re staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, you’ll have a bit of a hike to get to Sanaa – but that’s what WDW’s complimentary bus system is for!  Sanaa offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, and whether you want to experiment with tasty African dishes or stick to familiar favorites, there’s something here for everyone.  But the main draw for visitors to Sanaa is its location – where else can you look out onto the savanna from your dinner table, and watch giraffes, zebras, gazelles stroll by?  You’ll enjoy excellent views of African wildlife, plus of course the peaceful serenity of the idyllic savanna itself.

4. The BOATHOUSE

Located on the waterfront at Disney Springs, The BOATHOUSE is one of our favorite spots for lunch or dinner.  Not only is the food to die for, the upscale yet comfortable atmosphere extends onto the deck and beyond, with relaxing views of Lake Buena Vista.  If you want to get an even closer look at the lake, hop on board a retro Amphicar for a cruise, or take an Italian water taxi ride; you can even take a spin on Lady Rose, a 19th-century steamboat – and enjoy chocolate-covered strawberries and champagne.

5. Space 220

While it isn’t open quite yet, the much-anticipated, space-themed, table-service restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Epcot has Disney fans buzzing!  Opening in 2020, this futuristic restaurant, located between Mission: SPACE and Test Track, will offer views unlike any other on property – of space itself!  This new restaurant will tempt intergalactic travelers with a variety of internally-inspired dishes and craft beer, and it will be run by the Patina Restaurant Group, which also operates other successful restaurants in Walt Disney World.  So if you’re looking for a dining experience that’s out of this world, look no further!

6. Flame Tree BBQ

This unassuming quick service restaurant in Disney’s Animal Kingdom is known for its tasty barbeque fare (friends of ours were so enamoured with the signature BBQ sauce that they gave it as gifts to wedding guests).  And while the food alone makes this gem worth a visit, the view here is also something to write home about!  Located on Discovery Island, Flame Tree BBQ boasts lovely waterfront views and even an impressive view of Expedition Everest – it’s hard to find a better vantage point at any dining spot in Animal Kingdom!

7. Coral Reef Restaurant

Not your typical view, Epcot’s Coral Reef Restaurant doesn’t look out onto park panoramas, African savannas, or fireworks.  But what it DOES look out on is just as amazing: a gigantic aquarium full of thousands of sea creatures!  Dine while gazing at The Seas with Nemo & Friends – we bet you’ve never seen a bigger aquarium (it holds the same amount of water as 54 Olympic swimming pools).  Every table has a brilliant view of the action, and you’ll watch turtles, sharks, rays, and colorful fish gliding by as you eat.  If you’re like us, you may be almost too distracted to eat!

8. Toledo

This new restaurant is part of the new Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort which opened in July 2019.  The exciting and ambitious reimagining of this resort has a lot of people talking! Toledo is situated on the Tower’s rooftop, which means it has killer views of all of Walt Disney World. Toledo is a haven for anyone with an artistic flair, as it’s inspired by surrealist art. Dine on tapas and other delicious Spanish dishes while enjoying the view!