Three Great Lunch Places Just Outside The Magic Kingdom

Meal time can be a busy time at the Magic Kingdom. Especially during the extra-busy periods around holidays and during the summers, large crowds and long lines at restaurants are common occurrences. And heading off of Disney property isn’t always a good idea – by the time you get back to your car, drive at least 20 minutes to find a place, wait to be seated, eat, and then repeat the travel process to get back to the Disney park, you can spend lots and lots of time.

Fortunately there are three great choices for lunch that are still on Disney property and are very close to the Magic Kingdom. And each of them allows you to experience a fun form of Disney transportation to get from the Magic Kingdom to these interesting dining locations.

Let’s look at three great places for lunch that are close to the Magic Kingdom:

1 – The Wave

The Wave is a restaurant at Disney’s Contemporary Resort – and it’s a short monorail ride from the Magic Kingdom. The restaurant is located on the bottom floor of the hotel near the check in desk. If you arrive on the monorail, you will need to head downstairs using the escalators. This dining location, not surprisingly, has a modern feel. Lunch items include a beef burger and grilled chicken breast. It’s definitely a step up from your typical burgers and fries in terms of both quality and cost.

The Wave in Disney's Contemporary Resort.
The Wave in Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

2 – Kona Café

Kona Café is a restaurant located in Disney’s Polynesian Resort. It too is just a quick ride on the monorail from the Magic Kingdom. You can also take a resort boat from the Magic Kingdom. This location features pan-Asian food, but it’s not too adventurous so even pickier eaters are sure to find something they like. The menu has items like teriyaki steak and fried chicken, served with sides like rice and pasta. And it’s located just off the grand open lobby on the second floor.

The Kona Cafe in Disney's Polynesian Resort.
The Kona Cafe in Disney’s Polynesian Resort.
The interior is open and inviting.
The interior is open and inviting.

3 – Whispering Canyon Café

Whispering Canyon Café is located inside Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. You can get to the Wilderness Lodge by boat from the Magic Kingdom. Overall the lodge itself is quiet and peaceful – it feels like a million miles away from the hustle and bustles of the Magic Kingdom. However, the “whispering” in the restaurant name must refer to a canyon since it definitely doesn’t refer to the ambiance of the restaurant itself. It’s an open, sometimes loud, and fun place to enjoy a meal. This restaurant is all about BBQ and meat. Be sure to come hungry.

The Whispering Canyon is a fun place to eat.
The Whispering Canyon is a fun place to eat.

Do you like eating at the Disney Resorts near the Magic Kingdom?