I've visited every restaurant in Disney Springs, and some are better than others.Amanda Adler
- After visiting more than 60 restaurants in Disney Springs, I know which are and aren't worth it.
- Themed restaurants, like Rainforest Cafe and Planet Hollywood, don't get my recommendation.
As an Orlando resident, Disney Springs is located just a few miles from my home.
Unlike Disney's theme parks, entry into the entertainment, dining, and shopping complex is free.
Disney Springs has more than 60 restaurants, and over the years, I've tried them all at least once.
Here are the spots I think you can skip and the ones you shouldn't miss.
I skip the Rainforest Cafe — its themed environment can be overwhelming.
I'm not a fan of Rainforest Cafe's immersive atmosphere. Amanda Adler
Eating alongside animatronic elephants and screeching monkeys fits right in at Disney World.
But with fake thunderstorm audios echoing from every corner, dining at the Rainforest Cafe can be overwhelming after a day of busy theme parks.
The loud environment can also make having a conversation or a peaceful meal difficult.
Rainforest Cafe is also a chain, so if you want to check it out, maybe go to a location outside of Disney.
Planet Hollywood at Disney Springs has an underwhelming atmosphere.
Planet Hollywood at Disney Springs isn't worth it in my opinion. Joseph Hendrickson
Planet Hollywood is another themed chain that isn't really worth it. What was once a '90s hot spot backed by Hollywood legends now offers little excitement when I visit.
The restaurant resembles an observatory, but it doesn't seem to keep up with modern Hollywood decorations.
Although its American-style bar food offerings are OK, nearby eateries offer very similar menus that I enjoy more.
Frontera Cocina has good drinks and appetizers, but I'm not a fan of its main courses.
Frontera Cocina is another restaurant in Disney Springs that I think you can skip. Amanda Adler
Disney Springs has many celebrity-chef restaurants, including spots from Wolfgang Puck and Guy Fieri. Although I enjoy most of them, Rick Bayless' Frontera Cocina falls short for me.
As a huge fan of Mexican cuisine, I'm surprised that my experiences at Frontera Cocina have been pretty inconsistent.
The restaurant's guacamole and margaritas are delicious, but its main courses haven't impressed me enough to return.
Although I won't be going back to Disney Springs' Frontera Cocina, Bayless' Frontera Grill in Chicago offers the best brunch I've ever had.
STK has a loud environment that isn't worth the hassle to me.
I skip STK when deciding where to eat when visiting Disney Springs. Amanda Adler
Although STK opens early, the eatery plays loud synth sounds that remind me of a nightclub, which I'm not a fan of.
Basic meals are offered at high prices, like $25 Caesar salads and steaks that soar past the $100 mark with $12 butter to add on.
I've noticed that other high-end steak restaurants have similar prices, but STK feels and tastes less original to me.
It's also a chain you can visit elsewhere if you really wanted to.
Paradiso 37 underwhelms me with its food but I'd go there for a drink.
Paradiso 37 doesn't have the best food, in my opinion, but I like its happy-hour drinks. Amanda Adler
Tables always seem to be available at Paradiso 37, but the restaurant seems to sell pricey, Latin-Carribbean-inspired food that often leaves me underwhelmed.
But Paradiso 37 impresses me with its happy hour and decent drinks. So, although I wouldn't suggest it for dinner, it's a good spot to enjoy a drink while waiting for a reservation nearby.
On the other hand, my go-to restaurant suggestion at Disney Springs is Wine Bar George.
I visit Wine Bar George often when I visit Disney Springs. Amanda Adler
Master Sommelier George Miliotes' wine bar offers more than 200 wines by the glass or ounce, making it a great spot to try something new.
Wine Bar George's food menu is equally satisfying. It's my favorite spot to bring friends and loved ones to split succulent steak or comfort food like crispy mac-and-cheese bites.
Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto's restaurant, Morimoto Asia, blows me away every time.
Morimoto Asia is a great spot at Disney Springs. Amanda Adler
Morimoto Asia was one of the first celebrity-chef eateries to open at Disney Springs, and it remains a favorite after countless visits.
I can't dine here without ordering spareribs and a glass — or a pitcher — of sake sangria. I've yet to find a menu item that I don't like.
If you're looking for a quick snack, the restaurant also features an outdoor food window that serves delectable eats in a quick-service setting.
The Boathouse offers a fun environment and delicious food.
The Boathouse is another great Disney Springs restaurant. Amanda Adler
At The Boathouse, I love to sit by the water while I enjoy fresh surf and turf and drinks with rubber-ducky garnishes.
The restaurant's interior is just as fetching, with a charming oyster bar and unique seating, like booths made from actual boats.
The honey-glazed yeast rolls are one of my favorite items on the menu.
My favorite themed bar at Disney Springs is Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar.
I love visiting Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar during the holiday season. Amanda Adler
Made to resemble an airplane hangar and named after a character from "Raiders of the Lost Ark," Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar offers items with catchy names, like a Cool Headed Monkey cocktail.
I love visiting the bar during the holidays because it's even more vibrant with lights, rows of garland, and other festive decor.
Gideon's Bakehouse has a delicious cookie menu that's always changing.
Although there's usually a line, waiting for a treat from Gideon's Bakehouse is worth it. Amanda Adler
The line of people waiting to step inside Gideon's Bakehouse is often long enough to rival Disney's popular theme parks, but it's worth the wait.
The Orlando-based bakery serves decadent cookies that are so good you'll want to skip dessert elsewhere. New flavors are added each month, which gives visitors an excuse to keep returning.
Be sure to pair your cookies with Gideon's amazing peanut butter cold brew.