Review: Why Maya Grill Should Be On Your Disney World Must-Do List
There are many options when dining at Disney. However, some Disney restaurants get more attention than others. This not-so well known restaurant is one you should add to your must-do list for your next Disney World vacation.
Disneys Coronado Springs Resort
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort opened in August 1997. It is a sprawling moderate resort and is split into three different villages inspired by cities and neighborhoods of Mexico and the American Southwest:
- Casitas - inspired by cities and villages all over Mexico
- Ranchos - ranch houses of regions of Northern Mexico and the American Southwest
- Cabanas - small fishing villages on the Mexican coast
Next to these three villages, guests can find Gran Destino Tower, which opened to guests in 2019. Gran Destino is named after Disney's animated film, "Destino," and surrealist artist Salvador Dali. The relationship between the two historical figures is interesting and is definitely worth checking out! Walt Disney clearly admired the artist, and the influences of his artwork can be seen throughout the resort.
Check out our complete guide to Disney's Coronado Springs HERE.
Dining at Coronado Springs
There are many options for dining at Disney's Coronado Springs. Options range from quick service, table service, and lounges. Guests can choose from the following locations:
- Toledo - Tapas, Steak & Seafood
- Three Bridges Bar & Grill at Villa del Lago
- Rix Sports Bar & Grill
- Dahlia Lounge
- Barcelona Lounge
- Siestas Cantina
- Maya Grill
- Cafe Rix
- El Mercado de Coronado
- Laguna Bar
Maya Grill
Maya Grill is located inside the main building at Coronado Springs. Here, guests can enjoy Mexican cuisine where "our home is your home."
Guests are greeted by ancient Mexico vibes with the dining room that features Mayan motifs of sun, water, and fire.
There is something for everyone on this menu. There is, of course, Mexican, but items for those who are less adventurous. The price ranges from $15 to $34.99 per adult. Maya Grill is only open for dinner, which starts at 5 pm.
Beverages
As Maya Grill is a Mexican restaurant, I was looking forward to a margarita. I also always try to take recommendations from the server for trying popular and/or seasonal items.
Our server stated the Prickly Pear Margarita was one of their most popular. This margarita is described on the menu as, "Experience the unique allure of our prickly pear cocktail, where the subtle sweetness of prickly pear pairs perfectly with our Milagro Blanco tequila, citrus rum, and orange liqueur."
This margarita is bright and colorful! It was the perfect balance of sweet and sour with the prickly pear, citrus rum, and orange liqueur. This is not an overly sweet drink, but it was a delicious and refreshing margarita. There is no denying it is a pretty drink too!
Starters
There are many options for starters at Maya Grill, but we opted for a classic: chips and salsa. You can get this with queso or guacamole for an upcharge of $4. We chose to go with plain chips and salsa.
The chips are made fresh and served with a fresh salsa. The salsa is blended well, as it's not a chunky pico de Gallo. It provided lots of flavor and a bit of heat.
The chips were so delicious and offered the perfect crunch with a bit of salt. I was a bit sad that they were not unlimited, but there were more than I expected in the basket.
Kids Meals
The kids' menu offered both traditional Mexican food items along with kid-loving favorites. As my children are not adventurous eaters, they went for traditional kid favorites.
One of my kids opted for chicken tenders and French fries, which are your traditional Disney chicken fingers and French fries. There is nothing particularly special about these, but they are consistently good.
My other child got the macaroni and cheese. The macaroni and cheese was creamy, cheesy, and deliciously gooey. It wasn't your traditional boxed macaroni and cheese either. This macaroni and cheese was one of his favorites of the trip.
We ordered the kids' meals to come out about the same time as our appetizer, and they were easily able to accommodate our request.
Entree
I got the steak fajitas. The steak was cooked to a perfect medium, and the seasoning was perfection. There was an abundance of Mexican flavor and seasoning without too much heat.
The fajitas were served with a corn salsa, fajita veggies, and rice and beans on the side. A small plate of shredded cheese, sour cream, and pico de gallo was also served to accompany the fajitas.
The steak was tender and delicious. The fajitas are a MUST-GET.
My husband got the chicken quesadilla. This was served with a side of rice, sour cream, and pico de gallo.
The chicken was tender, and the quesadilla was perfectly grilled. The chicken was moist, delicious, and perfectly seasoned without too much heat. This is another delicious option, and I highly recommend.
Final Thought
The service was fantastic and the ambience was great.
When we were heading out of the restaurant, there was even live music. I loved the ease of getting the reservation, and it was a perfectly paced table service meal. We never felt rushed throughout our dining experience.
Maya Grill was delicious, and an easy to get same-day reservation.
Maya Grill has now been added to my MUST-DO rotation when visiting Walt Disney World Resort. It may not be one of the most well-known restaurants at Disney World, but it is worth the trek to enjoy this delicious meal.
Have you been to the Maya Grill? Will you visit on your next Disney vacation? What's your go-to Mexican restaurant at Disney World? Let us know in the comments below, and be sure to share this post with your friends.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Heather loves all things Disney! She loves visiting her "home" as a Disney Vacation Club Member or participating in a runDisney event!
