Nothing says vacation quite like an alfresco meal near the water , made more magical by the sunset reflecting off a mirror-still lake , the soothing sound of a waterfall , or the passing interest of boats floating by . The serene , impeccably themed spots on this list offer some of the most peaceful and atmospheric dining experiences at Walt Disney World — and you don ’ t need a reservation to visit most of them .
THREE BRIDGES BAR AND GRILL AT VILLA DEL LAGO Disney ’ s Coronado Springs Resort Take a sunset stroll across one of three long bridges at Disney ’ s Coronado Springs Resort to the open-air restaurant that seemingly floats atop the placid Lago Dorado . Seating is a mix of traditional tables as well as sofas and low lounge tables that invite you to linger .
Start things off with a Sangria Flight and the popular plant-based Roasted Corn Dip , or the Spanish tapas classic Pan Con Tomate , garlicky toasted bread topped with crushed tomatoes and flavorful olive oil . Main-course selections are all over the map ( literally ): Choose from hearty salads , a Latin take on Steak Frites with chimichurri sauce and smoked paprika fries , Poke Bowls , and the Three Bridges Signature Burger , topped with Manchego cheese , crispy potato , roasted garlic-lemon aïoli , arugula , and tomato .
GEYSER POINT BAR & GRILL Disney ’ s Wilderness Lodge Perched on the shore of Bay Lake and inspired by turn-of-the-century National Park lodges of the American Northwest , Disney ’ s Wilderness Lodge surrounds you with natural beauty and the sounds of cascading waterfalls and even an occasional spouting geyser .
OPPOSITE , TOP : Visit Three Bridges for delicious bites and spectacular views . ABOVE : The Three Bridges Sangria Flight is especially noteworthy . PHOTO BY DANNY SHUSTER OPPOSITE , BOTTOM , L-R : Three bridges has comfy lounge seating , and Geyser Point has a legendary burger . PHOTOS BY COURTNEY RENOLDS Trader Sam ’ s has some of the best Tiki drinks on the planet . PHOTO BY ANDY SANCHEZ
At Geyser Point , the resort ’ s waterfront , open-air eatery , low tables and cushy sofas surround a center bar with TVs playing sports — yet somehow not killing the outdoorsy vibe . Time it right and you can catch the Electrical Water Pageant as it makes its circuit around Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon , as well as fireworks with accompanying soundtrack from Magic Kingdom ’ s nighttime spectacular , Happily Ever After .
On the menu , shareable “ Small Bites ” like Cheesy Barbecue Brisket with housemade chips , an impressive Cheese and Charcuterie platter , and Crispy Salmon Croquettes make great starters or an accompaniment to drinks if you ’ re headed elsewhere for dinner . “ Rustic Fare ” entrées include the Bison Cheeseburger ( in the running for best burger on property ), the Grilled Portobello Salad , and the apropos Roasted Salmon — you ’ re in the Pacific Northwest , after all .
There ’ s no shortage of craft cocktails on the menu , but this feels like a spot for brews , and there are plenty of drafts , cans , and bottles to choose from . Staying on theme , wines come mostly from Washington and Oregon .
TRADER SAM ’ S TIKI TERRACE Disney ’ s Polynesian Village Resort The outdoor offshoot of cult favorite Tiki bar Trader Sam ’ s Grog Grotto at Disney ’ s Polynesian Village Resort , Trader Sam ’ s Tiki Terrace is a gorgeous spot for a waterfront meal . A boat ride away from Magic Kingdom or a short walk from the Transportation and Ticket Center , this casual Table-Service patio is first-come , first-served and offers lovely views of the Seven Seas Lagoon and Cinderella Castle . The indoor portion of Trader Sam ’ s is famously difficult to get into ( and worth the attempt ), but the outdoor terrace area has its own relaxing charm . Enjoy the sounds of a trickling waterfall — and , if you time it right — island tunes courtesy of a live singer / ukulele player , as well as Magic Kingdom ’ s Happily Ever After music and fireworks .
Trader Sam ’ s famous Tiki drinks are the stars of this menu . Our favorites are the Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Rum , Zombie , HippopatoMai-Tai , and the Polynesian Pearl ( read our review , page 29 ). To eat , share small plates like sushi , dumplings , flatbread , and lettuce cups .