There are so many places to satisfy your hunger at Walt Disney World. Between resort eateries, theme park restaurants, snack stands, lounges, and the nearly 70 eateries at Disney Springs, they’ve got you covered. The MouseHouseNews.net team has been all over Disney World to eat, so we know a little bit about unique places to eat around the resort. Let’s face it, we’re Disney Adults and we don’t want to just eat hamburgers and chicken fingers every day. Therefore, I’m sharing with you my top three locations for finding unique meals at Disney World resort quick service restaurants.
Contempo Café
Whether you are staying at Disney’s Contemporary Resort or if you are monorail resort hopping, it is worth your while to grab a bite from Contempo Café. This quick service location is located on the 4th floor of the Contemporary right next to Chef Mickey’s. I really enjoy Contempo Café for their variety of baked goods and desserts. You can usually find unique items such as Churro Sugar Cookies, Banana Cream and Caramel Trifle, and a variety of croissant items.
The Bacon, Chive, and Cheese Croissant Twist is one example of how this location pushes the boundaries with its menu. For lunch and dinner, you have options including patty melts, a Buffalo Chicken Flatbread, and a number of salads. Of course you can find the usual items as well. A Warm Mickey Cinnamon Roll, Mickey-shaped Waffles, and chicken strips can also be enjoyed from Contempo just like other locations around Disney World. However, if you get tired of those options and you are in the Magic Kingdom area, a visit to Contempo Café might be on point.
The Mara
Unique offerings are certainly not a foreign concept at the next restaurant on my list. In fact, you will find some of the most adventurous food around Disney property concentrated right in the vicinity. The Mara is the quick service restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. In keeping with the spirit of the surrounding resort, you can find foods flavored with African spices on the menu here. When you order a burger at The Mara, you don’t get a regular burger. They kick up the flavor a notch! Their Signature-blend Cheddar Burger has a berbere spice blend for a flavor profile that you wouldn’t expect. You won’t taste a burger like it anywhere else across Disney World!
You can also find other flavor profiles in items such as the Harissa-spiced Beef Bowl, Chermoula-spiced Shrimp Bowl, and Tamarind Barbecue Pork Sandwich. MouseHouseNews.net also reported about the super-delicious Passion Fruit, Orange, and Guava Frozen Slush found at The Mara. If that doesn’t sell you on this restaurant, what if I told you that you can buy a 4-pack of the much loved Zebra Domes? You can at The Mara! The Mara may be a bit off the beaten path, but if you are staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge or visiting the savannas, don’t skip this restaurant!
El Mercado de Coronado
Last but not least, I’ve got a quick service restaurant that can satisfy any palate. Located at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, you will find El Mercado de Coronado. This expansive eatery is more of a cafeteria, as it has different food stations that you visit to get your food (much like at the value resorts). I have stayed at Coronado Springs a few times and have fallen in love with some food options unique to El Mercado. As the resort has Spanish, Mexican, and American Southwest theming, you know the food at El Mercado es muy bueno! For breakfast, you can’t go wrong with the Chorizo, Egg & Cheese Empanadas. You get two empanadas and two hash browns for only $10!
They also have other options such as the Frittata Mexicana and the Grande Fiesta Breakfast (Scrambled Eggs topped with Cheese & Green Onions, served with Hash Browns & Choice of Bacon or Sausage). For dinner, I always get the Market Nachos! At $14, I initially thought this price was steep until I saw the portion size. Bring a friend because they are sharable. You also may want to check out the Elote Street Corn or the Caprese Salad. This may surprise many, but El Mercado de Coronado is one of a few resort locations with Dole Whip! The flavor on hand varies, but I can vouch for the Pomegranate Dole Whip. Didn’t know it exists? You may want to visit El Mercado de Coronado!
Disney Adults can’t go wrong by visiting any of these quick service restaurants. I always visit while resort hopping in the area. This allows me to expand my dining options while at Disney World and not get tired of the same items. However, if you are in the mood for the usual menu items, these locations have those too. They don’t solely have unique items, so everyone in your group can have an enjoyable meal. These are the locations you’ll want to keep in mind when you want to branch out. Remember, you don’t have to just eat at the restaurant(s) inside your resort hotel! Break free and explore other resorts! With free Disney Transportation, you can easily hop between resorts and satisfy your hunger at the same time. Stay tuned to MouseHouseNews.net and we’ll bring you more information to help you plan your next trip to Walt Disney World.
