With a only handful of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Parties left, that can only mean one thing; holiday celebrations at Walt Disney World are on deck (the halls)! With oodles of families planning a Thanksgiving or Christmas vacation at the resort, choosing just the right spot for a big holiday meal is a Disney must-do. The time for those coveted reservations is now, so I thought I would spare you the research and share my top picks for a holiday meal at the resort’s newest dining mecca- Disney Springs. Conveniently, all three are located in The Landing district.
** Updated November 15, 2018
Top Meals at Disney Springs for the Holidays
Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’
Officially my favorite Disney Springs restaurant, nothing says “home for the holidays” like Chef Art Smith’s comfort food! His home style goodness includes the best fried chicken I have ever tasted; it is aptly named “Art’s Famous Fried Chicken!” Though designated Casual Dining, everything about this establishment feels mighty Fine to me.
Fried Chicken and Doughnuts
Other tasty vittles include Shrimp & Grits, Fried Catfish, and Momma’s Mac and Cheese. Burgers (The Art Burger) and sandwiches (such as The Country Club) are available for both lunch and dinner. Not only is everything I have sampled here down-home delicious, it is also an economical meal, with entrees ranging from $22 to $32. A classic turkey dinner will be offered on Thanksgiving Day; Smoked Turkey with Mashed Potatoes, Turkey Gravy, Green Beans, Cheddar Dropped Biscuits, Cranberry Sauce, Cornbread Dressing, and Signature Pumpkin Bread Pudding will be offered for $38 (Adult) and $16 (Child). For Christmas, it’s a Southern ham dinner with stuffing and carrot souffle!
I don’t often say this at Walt Disney World, as snacks and temptations are everywhere at every turn, but dessert at this restaurant is essential! Art Smith is renown for his Hummingbird Cake and Shine Cake, but my must-have is his Auntie’s Chocolate Cake. Those doughnuts were pretty darn special too.
Oh, and in case you’re thirsty, the chef has multiple varieties of custom Moonshine just for you!
Wine Bar George
This Disney Springs newcomer is not ALL about the wine. (Though it is a central player.) It is Disney legend and Master Sommelier George Miliotes who is the main event here, and his influence is felt as host and visionary in every element. Including the food; it is casual, and adult, and delicious.
In the past, Wine Bar George served up a Thanksgiving meal. Turkey and fixings will be served up for $32 (Adults) and $16 (Children). With Pumpkin Pie for dessert! And let’s give thanks for the wine!!
For Christmas Day, they will serve Santa Carota Short Ribs, Red Wine Braised Half Chicken and Chocolate Ginger Cake with house-made peppermint ice cream. Of course, their regular menu and 140 wines will also be available!
The BOATHOUSE; Great Food, Waterfront Dining, Dream Boats
For Signature Dining, this waterfront spot is always a great choice – I have never had a bad meal here. Perhaps it is the beauty of the setting, or the adventure of watching the flotilla of American Amphicars, lunch or dinner here is a full-on experience.
Amphicar
Known for its surf and turf menu items, you may dine inside in one of three nautical dining rooms, or outside on the expansive dock overlooking Lake Buena Vista. (You can read my full review at the link above.)
A multi-course holiday meal here can pack quite the price tag; the Original Lobster Bake for Two costs $60, and the Porterhouse (28 ounce) for Two is $62. Shareable side dishes are an extra cost. There will be a specifically-designed Thanksgiving and Christmas menu offered here. If “special” is what you are searching for, The BOATHOUSE is a perfect choice.
Paddlefish
Last on this list is this novel restaurant afloat on a paddleboat. Also serving lunch and dinner, this Signature Dining restaurant specializes in fresh seafood of many varieties. From the standard Lobster Roll ($29), to varieties of chilled and raw oysters, crab, and shrimp, to its famous Build-Your-Own Seafood Boil ($45 to $85), this spot will strongly appeal to seafood aficionados, but less so landlubbers. prices are steep, and all side dishes come with an additional cost. BUT, we are talking holiday… Read my full review at the link above.
Your choice. Which of my top meals at Disney Springs will you be savoring this Holiday?
Ho Ho Ho!!!
Great recommendations! Our check-in day the week before Christmas finds us at Art Smith’s Homecoming. I can taste the Fried Green Tomatoes now. Mmmmm….
Both Homecomin’ and The Boathouse are on my to-do list for future trips. Both look so good especially at the holidays.
Homecomin’ would be perfect for a holiday meal! We still haven’t been to The Boathouse. I’m hoping we can visit soon.
I know you will Melissa!! 😀
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