When the weather allows for it, it can be pretty nice to have a meal in the great outdoors — especially right now while we’re in the midst of a global pandemic.

Health officials, including the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, consider dining outdoors to be a lower risk activity than dining indoors. Lucky for us, Disney has a lot of GREAT outdoor dining options, so you don’t have to feel limited. Let’s take a look at all the best places for that sunshine-y meal!

We’ve got LOTS of picks for you to choose from, and you can check them ALL out in our INFOGRAPHIC! Then, read on to learn WHY we chose these favorites!

Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom doesn’t have a TON of outside dining, especially for sit-down meals, but we do have a few picks that can make for a pleasant outdoor meal!

Pinocchio Village Haus

If you’re looking for easy and crowd-pleasing, head to Pinocchio Village Haus for some classics like flatbreads and salads.

There is a patio area with covered outdoor tables to the righthand side of the restaurant, making it a good spot to get some fresh air and people watch in Fantasyland while you chow down.

Click here for a full review of LUNCH at Pinocchio Village Haus!

Sleepy Hollow

We love Sleepy Hollow for their creative takes on waffles (Mickey and non-Mickey shaped!). Our favorite waffles here, though, come stuffed with crispy spicy chicken or Nutella and fruit. YUM.

Sleepy Hollow has outdoor tables to the side of the location, and some of them are mostly shaded. Try to time your visit just right (Sleepy Hollow is quite popular and can have a pretty long line at times!), then grab a waffle sammie or a corn dog and find a seat overlooking Cinderella Castle.

Love Sleepy Hollow’s Ice Cream Sundaes? Click here!

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe over in Tomorrowland has a pretty big outdoor seating area, and it’s covered by a big concrete ceiling so you can even eat outdoors in the rain without getting soaked!

Keep in mind, some things are different at Cosmic Ray’s since the reopening. For instance, you won’t be seeing that giant toppings bar for the time being! Instead, guests will select their toppings on Mobile Order, which is the HIGHLY preferred method of placing orders in Disney World right now.

To see a reopened Cosmic Ray’s, click here!

EPCOT

EPCOT has bunches of options, so you’ll definitely have your pick. There are even a few table-service options here!

Spice Road Table

We’ve had a really nice time when we’ve sat down at Spice Road Table recently. There’s plenty of outdoor seating right on the water in the Morocco Pavilion.

As a note, there WAS another pleasant outdoor dining spot in Morocco when Disney World reopened, but it closed again shortly after. We miss you, Tangierine Cafe! If you plan to visit Spice Road Table in the future, keep in mind the restaurant is not accommodating reservations starting December 10th.

Click here to see what we like about Spice Road Table!

Rose & Crown Pub and Dining Room

Speaking of on-the-water dining, check out Rose & Crown Pub next time you’re looking for a good sip and a table outside.

This, along with Spice Road Table, are some of the few table-service meal options right now in EPCOT with open-air tables. We recommend a Black and Tan with their yummy Fish and Chips (note that if you’re not looking to sit for a full meal, you can get quick-service Fish and Chips from our other favorite fish stop located just outside, Yorkshire County Fish Shop). Do note that outdoor seating is pretty limited here.

Want to see the latest menu updates from Rose & Crown? Click here!

Regal Eagle Smokehouse

Our newest pick on this list! Regal Eagle Smokehouse just opened this year. There are plenty of spaced-out picnic tables for you to choose from right in the heart of the American Adventure Pavilion.

Bonus! You’ll be accompanied by the restaurant’s giant smoker, so get ready for some REALLY good free smells ;).

To check out some Regal Eagle MERCH, click here!

La Cantina de San Angel

We told you World Showcase was a paradise for outdoor diners! Looking for Mexican food? Look no further than La Cantina de San Angel in the Mexico Pavilion.

Most of the seating at this restaurant is outside, so grab your delicious Mexican eats and enjoy your waterfront meal. There are lots of tables, so you should be able to find a seat!

Click here for the latest menu update from La Cantina de San Angel! 

Katsura Grill

You can also opt to head to Katsura Grill in the Japan Pavilion. We love the outdoor dining here because this Pavilion is straight-up gorgeous.

The gardens, koi ponds, and vegetation make it easy to grab a moment of zen while you chow down! Plus, whether your game is sushi or teriyaki, you’ll be able to find a good option at this spot.

Want to see what’s new at Katsura Grill? Click here!

Via Napoli

Looking for one of our favorite places to grab a bite in EPCOT? Head to the Italy Pavilion!

Via Napoli has yet to disappoint with their stellar handmade pizzas. Even better, the location has a small patio so you can dine on your ‘za al fresco! Don’t bet on sitting outside though as outdoor table options are limited.

To hear what Via Napoli owners had to say about the park closures, click here.

EPCOT Festivals

So, yes, all of these spots are great in their own right, but can you really beat eating your way around an EPCOT festival? That’s basically outdoor dining perfected! Right now you can snack your way around all of the Festival Marketplaces at the Taste of EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. Then, you’ll be able to try out the fare at Festival of the Holidays and THEN Festival of the Arts! 

As long as you are actively eating or drinking while stationary, you can remove your face mask and there are plenty of tables set up alllll around World Showcase where you can park it and chow down.

Click HERE to see ALL Epcot Food and Wine Festival food booth menus and SO many food photos!

Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom might just be our FAVORITE place to grab a meal in the great outdoors!

Nomad Lounge

First off, we have our winner for the whole list. Nomad Lounge has an absolutely gorgeous outdoor dining space plus delicious drinks and yummy small plates. Bonus points for awesome views of the characters as they float by on the river throughout the day.

This spot was the bomb BEFORE the reopening so — no surprise here — it’s still awesome. Plus, it’s a sit-down, full-service experience unlike most of the other locations on our list! Grab a small sip or a whole meal — up to you!

Wondering about more Animal Kingdom hidden gems? Click here!

Flame Tree Barbecue

Another great option is Flame Tree Barbecue on Discovery Island. You might wonder where all the seating is, but wander through the trails a little bit to the left side of the ordering area and you’ll find a TON of gorgeous spots where you can enjoy your barbecue (and maybe fight off a few hungry birds waiting for scraps!).

The best place to sit (in our humble opinion) is right on the water across from Expedition Everest!

To see one of our old favorite bites at Flame Tree, click here!

Satu’li Canteen

This one is more a winner for the food rather than the seating area but it’s a good choice if you’re looking for a unique meal with outdoor seating.

Satu’li Canteen has a number of tables situated outside of the entrance to allow for outdoor dining. Grab a bowl or, our favorite, those awesome Cheeseburger Pods, and people watch everyone coming off of Flight of Passage!

Click here to make Satu’li’s famous Cheeseburger Pods for yourself!

Yak and Yeti Counter Service

Yak & Yeti Counter Service, formally known as Yak & Yeti Local Foods Cafe, is a somewhat underrated spot in Animal Kingdom. If you’re looking for some quick and easy Asian-style takeout eats, this is your go-to! 

The seating for Yak & Yeti Local Foods Cafe is right around the corner from the registers. It’s out of the way, so if the restaurant itself isn’t too busy, you can have a really quiet and pleasant meal. Plus, the seating is COPIOUS. If you don’t find somewhere to sit, keep walking around — the area stretches back pretty far!

Does a Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich sound good to you? Click here!

Hollywood Studios

There are some pretty sweet spots to grab an outdoor table in Hollywood Studios too!

BaseLine Tap House

BaseLine Tap House is a SUPER underrated spot in Hollywood Studios. If you know what’s good for ya, run there to try that pretzel!

The outside seating here is also fairly abundant and makes for a great spot for people-watching all the folks heading to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Not gonna lie, we could sit here for hours. 

To check out the newest beers at BaseLine, click here!

The Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge

When dining at The Hollywood Brown Derby proper, your only option is to eat inside. But, the patio of this restaurant serves as The Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge. NORMALLY, we love to sit on their great patio and enjoy a cocktail and maybe a Cobb Salad, but for the time being, the location is only serving to-go drinks with a few tables available.

Still, they make some pretty great drinks at this spot, and the view of the Chinese Theatre and folks rushing to and fro is one of our favorites.

Click here to learn more about The Hollywood Brown Derby itself!

Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo

This one is kind of limited but it’s also one of our favorite spots to eat outside when in Hollywood Studios. Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has a lovely little outdoor seating area! 

Keep in mind though, Galaxy’s Edge can be a pretty busy area, so it might be more difficult to nab that outdoor table.

Want to see how Galaxy’s Edge stacks up when it comes to snacks? Click here!

Disney Springs

The parks aren’t the only place you might be grabbing a meal! Let’s take a look at the best places to dine outside in Disney Springs!

Homecomin’ by Chef Art Smith

Here’s another big winner for us! We’re talking TASTY Southern food and COMFY outdoor seating! That’s right, we’re headed to Homecomin’ by Chef Art Smith!

Plus, there’s the all-new Shine Bar and Social patio which adds even more outdoor space!

To check out the new BAR at Homecomin’, click here!

Paddlefish

Does a Lobster Corn Dog sound good to you? Then Paddlefish might be a good place to chart your course towards!

Paddlefish has limited outdoor seating but the seating it DOES have is pretty great. Rooftop lounge, anyone?

Click here to see how you can get a DEAL at Paddlefish!

The Boathouse

As you may know, we love waterfront dining. Disney Springs has a lot of great options but the patio at The Boathouse is actually ON the water.

It’s time for fresh air, seafood, and yummy sandwiches! Plus, you might get to watch some folks launch in the Amphicars!

Want to know how to get the boat table? Click here!

Ghirardelli Soda Fountain

When dessert rolls around, you’ll probably want a solid outdoor seat too. Lucky for you, Ghirardelli Soda Fountain has a seating area in the great outdoors!

The hardest thing you’ll have to deal with here is which sundae to get!

To check out one of our favorite sundaes in Disney Springs, click here!

Chicken Guy!

And our last choice in the Springs is gonna have to be Chicken Guy! We go crazy for dipping sauces, so the number of options here is an absolute dream for us.

Plus, there’s a pretty good number of tables outside so you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a seat.

Click here for our latest review of Chicken Guy!

Disney World Resort Hotels

Depending on where you stay, you might have a good option for outdoor dining at your Disney World resort. Here are some of our favorite spots!

Geyser Point Bar & Grill

Our number one spot for outdoor dining in the resorts is Geyser Point Bar & Grill at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort.

The whole restaurant/bar is open air and you’ll get some waterfront views too! Sometimes, they even light the fireplace in the evenings.

Want to eat at Geyser Point? Click here for the latest!

Captain Cook’s and Pineapple Lanai

This duo of spots is the best combo evaaaaa for outdoor dining at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Head to Captain Cook’s for Polynesian specialties as well as approachable fast-food favorites, then grab a classic Dole Whip from Pineapple Lanai!

Plus, your gonna be seated out in the tropical greenery overlooking the hotel’s awesome Volcano Pool. What could be better?

To see one of our favorite options at Captain Cook’s, click here!

Everything Pop Food Court

And last but certainly not least, if you’re hanging at Disney’s Pop Century Resort, there’s an option for you too. 

Head on over to the Everything Pop Food Court and snag whatever you want from the wide range of options! There are a few outdoor tables you’ll be able to choose from to enjoy your meal.

Click here for the latest menu updates at Everything POP!

Do note that resort hopping isn’t like it used to be, so unless you are staying at one of these resorts, don’t bet on dining there. Often times, if you place a Mobile Order or have a dining reservation, a Cast Member will let you in. But this is not always the case, so please keep that in mind.

Read more about resort hopping in Disney World here.

Looking for more? We gotcha covered! We made a list of all the outdoor dining locations around Disney World you can download below (click the picture to grab the full-size version!).

And there you have it! Those are our favorite places to grab an outside table in a reopened Disney World. Hopefully, this is helpful when you’re making the dreaded “Where’s lunch?” decision! As always, stay tuned to DFB for all of the latest tips and advice for a post-closure Disney.

Looking for tips for exploring Taste of EPCOT International Food and Wine? Click here!

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What is your favorite place to grab an outdoor bite in Disney World? Tell us in the comments! 

The post INFOGRAPHIC! The Ultimate Guide To The BEST Outdoor Dining in Disney World! first appeared on the disney food blog.