The Best Dining Values at the Deluxe Resorts Part II

Dining is a huge part of any Walt Disney World vacation, but it can also be one of the most expensive and overwhelming! The goal of today’s article is not to list the cheapest restaurants at Disney World’s Deluxe Resorts, but rather the restaurants and quick service locations offering the most for your money.

Note: The prices listed in the article are accurate to the date the article was written. Also, Disney changes their menus quite often so certain menu items mentioned in this article may not be available when you visit.

Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Beaches & Cream Soda Shop – Table Service

This old-fashioned soda shop is tucked between the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts and adjacent to the Stormalong Bay. The menu is typical diner food; but honestly, everyone’s here for their ice cream concoctions, right?

Beaches and Cream’s shakes and sundaes, along with its seaside, 1950s vibe, offers an experience with your meal. This is especially true for those who order the Kitchen Sink! (For those who don’t know, the Kitchen Sink serves four guests, includes every topping imaginable, and is literally served in a sink. Those ordering this ultimate splurge should expect some fanfare as well.)

Guests looking to maximize their money should know the sundae sizes are definitely shareable; and if you’re not wanting a burger or hot dog, the Beaches and Cream grilled cheese and tomato bisque generates rave reviews. Do keep in mind that seating is limited so an advance dining reservation is recommended. However, if you can’t get an Advance Dining Reservation for Beaches and Cream, check out the Beaches and Cream To Go Window. The menu is limited in comparison to the restaurant itself, but it’s ideal if you’re on the go or looking for a treat by the pool.

Note: This dining venue is scheduled to be closed temporarily from Monday, August 26, 2019, to January 2020.

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Crew’s Cup Lounge – Lounge

Located next to the Yachtsmen Steakhouse, the Crew’s Cup Lounge offers delicious signature dishes without the need for an advance dining reservation. The menu includes Prime Rib Sliders, Lobster Bisque in a bread bowl, and baked cheese dip with pretzel bread!

As always, Disney lounges are family-friendly and offer a selection of non-alcoholic beverages for teetotalers.

Disney’s Boardwalk Inn

Ample Hills Creamery – Quick Service

Located outside of New York City for the very first time, the Ample Hills Creamery on the BoardWalk serves up unique flavor creations made the old-fashioned way! Flavors range from Ooey Gooey Butter Cake to Chocolate Milk ‘n Cookies to Strawberries ‘n Cream to Cotton Candy. If you’re like me and find it hard to choose, consider an ice cream flight for just $9.99. With this option, guests choose up to six different flavors. Talk about a great value! Also, the BoardWalk’s Ample Hills Creamery features a flavor exclusive to Walt Disney World: Sally Sells Seashells! Personally, I don’t think you can go wrong with house-made salty chocolate seashells.

BoardWalk Bakery – Quick Service

Finding a light yet truly delicious meal is a challenge in the parks. When spending the day at either Epcot or Hollywood Studios, I often slip away to the BoardWalk for lunch or dinner to get something I actually want without sitting down at a restaurant.

While the BoardWalk Bakery does have a selection of pastries and specialty cupcakes, this locale also serves lobster and shrimp sandwiches, grilled cheeses, a chicken and apple salad, and even a Gobbler Sandwich stuffed with turkey, dressing, and cranberry mayo and gravy! Most meals are priced at around $11.00 to $12.00. Do be aware that there’s little to no seating, but the bakery will box your items up to go.

Disney’s Old Key West Resort

Olivia’s Cafe – Table Service

A true hidden dining gem, Olivia’s Cafe serves up Florida fare for breakfast, brunch (Saturdays and Sundays 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.), lunch, and dinner! Since Old Key West was the first Disney Vacation Club (DVC) resort, photos of DVC Members cover the walls. The restaurant itself is made to feel like your Florida home away from home.

I love Olivia’s for its home-cooked seafood and Southern-inspired menu and specialty breakfast items. Many Disney World regulars, myself included, regard Olivia’s Southernmost Buttermilk Chicken as the best fried chicken on Disney property. I can also say that the Seven Mile Sea Scallops are some of the best I’ve ever had. Oh, and if you too love real Sweet Tea, Olivia’s Cafe is one of the few places on property who knows what they’re doing.

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort

The Artist’s Palette – Quick Service

With all of the dining options across the lake at Disney Springs, I usually don’t think of Saratoga Springs when it comes to restaurants. But those staying or simply visiting at the resort, The Artist’s Palette offers a truly great menu with both healthy and hearty choices. Here guests can enjoy a Cobb Salad, a turkey and brie sandwich, a calzone, a cheese steak sandwich, wraps, and a selection of thin crust pizzas. Also, at the time of posting, almost everything on the menu is under $11.00!

Those are some of our picks for the best dining values at Walt Disney World’s Deluxe Resorts Part II. What restaurants, meals, or treats do you consider to be a great value at the Deluxe Resorts? Let us know in the comments.