Disney Imagineers are fantastic at just about everything, and theming is definitely one of their strengths. As a result, there are plenty of dining locations in Walt Disney World that are over-the-top in a wonderful, colorful, thematic way that only Disney can pull off! But, let’s face it, sometimes we all need a break from all of that over-stimulation, and when you’re seeking a calm, elegantly casual retreat from what can be a chaotic vacation, Ale & Compass Restaurant is the fix you need.
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1. Location
The first thing to love about Ale & Compass is its location. It’s located in the Yacht Club Resort, where the former Captain’s Grille used to be. We adore this resort for its upscale, nautical charm! And the best part about the location is that it’s a quick boat ride away from Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios, and only a short walk to Epcot’s World Showcase.
2. Calming Decor
Ale & Compass was designed with a nautical theme to fit into the Yacht Club Resort, but it’s not an overdone theme that hits you in the face as soon as you enter. Instead, the theme comes across in the calming blues and greys of the restaurant, and the many circular windows. With plenty of elegant architectural details like wainscoting and arches to add interest, the overall effect is a wonderfully minimalistic, upscale backdrop that lets the food take centre stage, and lets you unwind!
3. Breakfast
We never start a day without breakfast at Walt Disney World! And Ale & Compass is a great place to enjoy the most important meal of the day. If you’re looking for something light, there’s fruit, yogurt, granola and fruit smoothies. Or start the day right with a hearty homemade hash, cornbread waffles, omelets, blueberry-bacon pancakes, or salted caramel-apple French toast – yum!
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4. Complete Vegan Meals
Vegans in your party won’t have to scour the menu at Ale & Compass to find a salad or entree they can eat. There are plenty of options here, so no settling required! Try the Grilled Vegan Plant-based “Bacon Cheeseburger”, which comes with caramelized onions and mushrooms as well as chipotle mayo. We love that vegans and non-vegans alike enjoy this meatless take on a classic!
5. Seafood
Seafood lovers, you’ve come to the right place! Ale & Compass has everything you could ever hope for in a seafood restaurant. You can dine on tantalizing Maine lobster rolls, oven-roasted oysters, clambake, or pan-seared trout. Younger guests, or those who prefer old favorites, can opt for the familiar fish and chips. You can’t go wrong here!
6. Ale & Compass Lounge
There’s a lounge adjacent to the restaurant that bears the same name, and this is a great place to stop in while you’re waiting for a table, or after dinner for a cocktail. The Ale & Compass Lounge shares the theme of the restaurant, and you’ll feel like you’re on a ship or in a lighthouse, albeit a sophisticated one! There are a few food items available here too, if you’re peckish.
7. Hearth Oven Viewing
It’s always fun to see how your meal is prepared! And luckily, when you dine at Ale & Compass, you’ll have a view of the hearth oven in the open kitchen. While you won’t see full meals being prepared here, you will be able to view meals in the last stages of prep, being fired in the oven and plated for guests to enjoy.
8. No Crowds
One of the best things about Ale & Compass is that it’s not an overly popular restaurant. This not only means that if you haven’t made a dining reservations months in advance, there’s a good chance you can still eat here – they may even have spots available on a walk-in basis, which is pretty rare in Walt Disney World! The lack of crowds here means that you’ll be able to wind down and enjoy a relaxing, peaceful meal, whenever you choose to dine.