After spending MANY weekends in Orlando for Disney Races…..I’ve got my race routine down. This last Princess race weekend, I stayed at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hotel (this was my 4th race weekend there, I absolutely LOVE it!). One of my favorite things about the property? The Swan and dolphin restaurants are TOP NOTCH and have amazing options for race weekend fuel right in the heart of the walt disney world resort.
On a side note, I know I’ve shared about the hotel itself before….but it is just lovely (and bonus the Swan just updated all their guest rooms)!
On a side note, I know I’ve shared about the hotel itself before….but it is just lovely (and bonus the Swan just updated all their guest rooms)!
If you’re heading to Walt Disney World for a RunDisney race weekend and staying at the Swan and Dolphin Resorts or close by, you’ll want to plan your meals strategically.
Whether you’re carb-loading before the race, grabbing a quick breakfast before your VERY early wake-up call, or celebrating your finish with a well-earned meal, the right restaurant choice can make all the difference.
Here’s MY guide to the best swan and dolphin restaurants to try during a race weekend.
Swan and dolphin restaurants :
One of my favorite things about the Swan and Dolphin resort is how walkable the property is. You can easily stay at either building and walk over to the other for more food options with a very reasonable effort for a race weekend. There are also coffee shops in both the Swan and the Dolphin hotels and some unique cocktails options. No need to worry about which building you are staying in….the walk between the two is literally three minutes or less.
Pre-Race Dinner (Carb-Loading & Light Protein Meals)
A good pre-race dinner should provide you with plenty of carbohydrates, moderate protein, and minimal fats to ensure optimal energy storage without digestion issues. Here are the best spots to fuel up before race day:
Il Mulino New York Trattoria (Swan Hotel)
This is where I had my FIRST pre race dinner during my first stay at the hotel and I loved it. The service is amazing and it’s got great ambience, plus it’s one of the best fine dining venues and best italian restaurants in the area!
- Why? This upscale Italian restaurant is perfect for classic carb-loading with high-quality pasta dishes.
- Recommended Dishes: Gluten-free or regular pasta, chicken parmigiana, grilled salmon with a side of rice, if you visit post race they also have some great fine wine options. Il Mulino also does special holiday menus including a race weekend special usually!
- Reservations Recommended? Yes, as it can be quite busy, especially on race weekends. I have grabbed spots to eat at the bar a few times, but if that’s your plan….go early. You’ll want to eat early anyways on a race weekend (since you get up at 2 am)!
Rosa Mexicano (Dolphin Hotel)
This tends to be my go to these days for the night before a race. They also offer to go orders at the bar, so if I want a little quiet and rest before a big run, I pick up my favorite tacos to go and eat in my room. Warning, they do NOT take to go orders over the phone….you’ll need to go in person to the bar to place your food order (the bar is a great spot to wait for your order and to enjoy some chips! They DO have some custom-crafted cocktails that are pretty awesome as well. )
- Why? This modern Mexican restaurant offers rice-based dishes and lean protein, great for pre-race fueling.
- Recommended Dishes: Pollo Asado (grilled chicken with rice and beans), shrimp tacos with corn tortillas. Also the chips are STELLAR!
- Reservations Recommended? Yes, especially for dinner.
Swan and Dolphin restaurants for an Early Breakfast (Pre-Race Fueling Before a 2 AM Wake-Up Call)
Important to note: The coffee shops are NOT open until 6 am on race morning. So you need to pick up your breakfast option the night before and have it in your room!
With races starting before dawn, you’ll need a quick, easy, and light breakfast to sustain you through the course.
These are the best grab-and-go spots at the Swan and Dolphin:
Fuel (Dolphin Hotel – Quick Grab & Go)
- Why? Has easy-to-digest breakfast options and coffee.
- Recommended Items: Oatmeal, yogurt, bananas, protein bars. They also have bento boxes for runners you can pick up the night before that contain a bagel, banana and few other items!
- Reservations Recommended? No, it’s a walk-in counter-service spot.
Java (Swan Hotel – Quick Grab & Go)
- Why? Perfect for coffee and a small bite before heading to the race.
- Recommended Items: Gluten-free muffins, fresh fruit, almond butter packs. They have the runner boxes as well!
- Reservations Recommended? No, it’s a walk-in counter-service spot as well as a convenience store with snacks and drinks
Post-Race Recovery (Protein-Packed & Comfort Meals)
After crossing that finish line, it’s time to replenish your energy with a mix of protein for muscle recovery and a well-deserved treat.
Pro tip: after the race and before dinner, visit the hot tubs and resort pools ….. a soak will do wonders for your muscles and recovery process
Here are my favorite post-race dining options:
Shula’s Steak House (walt disney world dolphin)
- Why? A high-protein meal is essential for recovery, and Shula’s offers premium steak and seafood options, it’s a great high-end steak house
- Recommended Dishes: shula’s serves filet mignon with vegetables, grilled salmon, baked potato.
- Reservations Recommended? Yes, especially for a celebratory post-race dinner and if you have a larger number of people in your party
The Cake Bake Shop (the Boardwalk)
So this isn’t TECHNICALLY at the Swan and Dolphin hotel but it is walking distance (the Boardwalk is less than 5 minutes away). If you aren’t interested in taking ANY extra steps, you can also take the Friendship Boats (the resort water taxi driven by a disney cast member ) to the Boardwalk and they will drop you off VERY close to the Cake Bake Shop.
- Why? This iconic bakery is the perfect venue for a post race treat, it’s a new restaurant to the disney theme parks and a really fun addition, even the most most passionate foodie in your group will be excited about this one!
- Recommended Dishes: cake cake cake, and yes THEY HAVE A GLUTEN FREE CAKE AND IT IS AMAZING!
- Reservations Recommended? The bakery counter is a walk up, but there is usually a line for the sweet treats and fancy coffee drinks
Planning where to eat during your RunDisney race weekend is just as important as your training. Be sure to make reservations early, stay hydrated, and choose meals that balance carbs, protein, and recovery-friendly nutrients. Whether you’re fueling up, grabbing a quick bite before your race, or celebrating at a delicious post-race dinner, the Swan and Dolphin have fantastic dining options to enhance your race weekend experience. Happy running and happy eating!
Are you running a RunDisney race soon? Share your favorite pre- and post-race meal traditions in the comments!
