3. Akershus

Image: DisneyElsa and Anna might not be real people from a real country, but the pavilion that hosts their attraction, Frozen Ever After, most assuredly is. And that nation, Norway, offers some of the most delicious meats and cheeses on the planet.

While the multi-princess character meeting at Akershus get all the attention, the food is phenomenal, too. The names of entrees here may look strange on paper, but you already know them. Tradisjonell Kjøttkake is Norwegian meatballs, Svinestek is marinated pork loin, and Kyllingbryst is chicken breast. Since these recipes use different spices and preparations, however, you’ll notice flavor variants that will pleasantly surprise you with their depth and richness.

Out of all the character meals at Walt Disney World, Akershus offers the best food.

2. Boma – Flavors of Africa

Image: DisneyI knew what the top two would be before I populated this list. Picking which one should win was a brutal exercise, though. Boma is worthy of a claim as the best AYCE restaurant on the Disney campus. The restaurant brags that it uses recipes from more than 50 different African countries in its food preparations. It also defers to more conventional palates by offering standard North American cuisine as well. The contrasting foods on your plate will make you feel adventurous even if you avoid the most exotic flavors.

What differentiates Boma from its peers is the spiced meat. Many of the proteins have explosive flavors that will blow your mind. And don’t even get me started on the desserts. Boma’s famous Zebra Domes are in such demand that Disney’s posted the recipe in a couple of their cookbooks. You can also watch an unofficial video here.

The impressive aspect of Boma is that its exotic flavors aren’t divisive. It’s almost universally beloved, a rarity for unconventional cuisine at Walt Disney World. Even the most popular restaurants at the World Showcase have their detractors, but Boma largely avoids that fate.

1. ‘Ohana

Image: DisneyI’ll start with an obvious statement. The food at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is ridiculously good. It’s the only place outside of a theme park where you can buy a Dole Whip, and the two other primary restaurants onsite, Captain Cook’s and Kona Café, are also spectacular. The best of the three, however, is ‘Ohana; it’s also the finest AYCE meal at Walt Disney World.

For those of you unfamiliar with the setup here, you sit down at a table overlooking the Magic Kingdom across the way. The glass window goes from the floor to the ceiling, giving you a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. As you gaze on the majesty of the inner sanctum of the world’s most popular theme park, a server brings you a plate of food. And then this keeps happening.

Anyone who likes meat will think of ‘Ohana as The Good Place. As long as you’re sitting at that table, you can just keep ordering proteins. The foods come in waves. One round, you’ll get Oak Grilled Chicken. Later, Spicy Grilled Shrimp arrives. The meats actually change from time to time, but you may get pork, or marinated sirloin steak, too. At the time of publication, steak is available, but the pork isn’t…which makes my stomach sad.

Before and after the meat portion of the meal, you’ll be treated to other delicacies. ‘Ohana serves the sides all at once. These include Lo Mein, stir fried vegetables, chicken wings, and wontons. The restaurant also serves the Polynesian’s beloved pineapple bread, although it doesn’t come with the spectacular butter that Kona Café offers.

As for dessert, you get the one buffet eatery item that can compete with Zebra Domes: ‘Ohana Bread Pudding with Caramel and Banana Sauce. It’s one of the most recognizable desserts on the Disney campus and a spectacular finish to an already incredible meal.

From start to finish, ‘Ohana provides a special dining experience. It’s one of the most hotly contested Advanced Dining Reservations, and for good reason. It’s clearly the best AYCE dining experience at Walt Disney World.