Believe it or not, 2027 is already on the horizon, and Disney World fans are already planning their trips. That includes targeting where they want to eat, and for various reasons, the restaurants they’re choosing are topping many lists… though not only because of food.

Beginning in June 2026, Disney made a major change to their transportation offerings. Specifically, guests now need to show a hotel or dining reservation in order to use the buses or boats leaving Disney Springs. This rule has been enacted before during busy times of year, but now it is becoming permanent. So, in addition to wanting to dine at some of these restaurants, guests are booking them strategically in order to access Disney World hotels and transportation methods.

Steakhouse 71

Let’s begin with Steakhouse 71 at the Contemporary Resort. This restaurant, named after Disney World’s opening year, offers a menu based on some of “Walt’s favorites,” including Walt’s Prime Rib Hash for breakfast and classic dinner offerings, such as French Onion Soup, Prime Rib, 6-oz Filet Mignon, or Dry-aged Bone-In Pork Chops. The restaurant and its connected lounge include a portfolio of Disney family wines and cocktails reminiscent of the 1970s.

Being at the Contemporary, a reservation at the restaurant offers access to the Disney World Monorail. The same can be said for reservations at the Contemporary’s other restaurants like California Grill and Chef Mickey’s, as well as those at the Polynesian Village Resort and the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

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Grand Floridian Cafe

Speaking of Monorail Line restaurants, guests will also be flocking to the Grand Floridian Cafe at the Grand Floridian (what a coincidence). The popular eatery has been undergoing a refurbishment for most of the second spring and summer of 2026, though it is scheduled to reopen in October, meaning that it should be available for all of 2027.

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Cake Bake Shop

Known for its menu of breakfast classics, upscale brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, cocktails, and, of course, given the name, decadent desserts, the Cake Bake Shop has become one of Disney World’s most popular eateries… and toughest reservations to get.

In addition, the Cake Bake Shop’s location at the BoardWalk Inn puts it within walking distance of not only EPCOT, but also the Disney World Skyliner. Other restaurants on — or close to — the Skyliner route include Beaches and Cream between the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, Sebastian’s Bistro at the Caribbean Beach Resort, and Topolino’s Terrace at the Riviera Resort.

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Yachtsman Steakhouse

Another restaurant close to the Skyliner is also going to be open in refurbished form in 2027. The Yacht Club’s popular, New England-themed Yachtsman Steakhouse has been closed since the spring, with an estimated reopening for the refreshed restaurant in the summer of 2026, meaning it should be available for guests throughout all of 2027.

Which of these restaurants is best for you? Our Guide to Disney World Dining pulls it all together so you can stop stressing and focus on the fun without feeling like you’re missing a thing!

Boatwright’s Dining Hall

Located at the Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, Boatwright’s offers a menu of Louisiana favorites including the Bayou All-You-Care-To-Enjoy Platter (featuring hickory-smoked ribs, barbecue spice baked chicken, beef brisket, mashed potatoes, macaroni & cheese, and a seasonal vegetable with sauteed corn and bacon), shrimp pappardelle, roasted prime rib, and Boatwright’s signature jambalaya. For dessert, you can enjoy bourbon chocolate cake or take a quick walk to the Scat Cat’s Club for the famous beignets.

The Port Orleans Resort is on the Sassagoula River, which features watercraft that link Disney Springs to the Port Orleans Riverside, Port Orleans French Quarter, Old Key West, and Saratoga Springs resorts. Other restaurants at those aforementioned hotels also offer guests the opportunity to board the boats now.

When it comes to Disney World dining in 2027, we’re expecting these popular hotel restaurants to be some of the most in-demand restaurants on property. Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney dining thoughts.

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Where are you thinking of eating at Disney World next year? Let us know in the comments below.