Planning a Disney World trip for 2027? Where you eat may matter more than ever. Starting in June 2026, Disney permanently requires guests to show a hotel or dining reservation before boarding the buses or boats departing Disney Springs — a policy that had previously only applied during peak periods. That means a dinner reservation now doubles as a transportation pass, and certain restaurants are rising to the top of booking lists for exactly that reason.
On the Monorail loop, Steakhouse 71 at the Contemporary Resort stands out for its retro-1970s feel and a menu of Walt Disney favorites — think Prime Rib, Dry-aged Bone-In Pork Chops, and Walt's Prime Rib Hash at breakfast. The Grand Floridian Cafe, after a lengthy 2026 refurbishment, is expected to reopen in October of that year, making it fully available throughout 2027. Both resorts sit on the Monorail line.
Near the Disney Skyliner, the Cake Bake Shop at the BoardWalk Inn has become one of the hardest reservations to score on property, offering everything from afternoon tea to decadent layered cakes. Also close to the Skyliner, the Yacht Club's Yachtsman Steakhouse — a New England-style steakhouse that closed for refurbishment in spring 2026 — is expected to reopen by summer 2026 and be available all of 2027.
Rounding out the list is Boatwright's Dining Hall at Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, which serves Louisiana staples including jambalaya, hickory-smoked ribs, and shrimp pappardelle. The Port Orleans properties sit along the Sassagoula River watercraft route connecting to Disney Springs, making a dinner at Boatwright's a practical as well as flavorful choice.
This roundup was originally reported by the Disney Food Blog.
