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Recommended Disney restaurants for Sunday brunch

Whether Mom needs a break from cooking or there's a special occasion that needs celebrating, head out for Sunday Brunch at a Walt Disney World restaurant! You'll find unique dining rooms and delicious menus when you venture over to the Mouse's House. I can suggest an impressive menu designed by a celebrity chef, a sweet entree that is likely to be memorable, a quiet respite inside a modern eatery, and a wild adventure in an African-inspired resort. Let's look at some of my recommendations for your Sunday Brunch...

Dine On Celebrity Chef Creations at the Boardwalk Resort

Many guests forget to look beyond the standard theme-park fare to the restaurants at Walt Disney World that serve cuisine created by celebrity chefs. Here's a top tip: one of my favorite places to eat breakfast in Disney World is

, which has recipes created by Cat Cora of Iron Chef fame.

The restaurant, overlooking Crescent Lake at the Boardwalk Resort, boasts an appealing menu and a welcoming atmosphere. Savor Mediterranean dishes and family-pleasing recipes -– the new

and Mascarpone Waffles are favorites of mine –- while you enjoy the attentive staff and the sights and sounds of the open show kitchen.

Find a Tropical Hideaway at the Polynesian Resort

When the guests of Disney hotels head out for another ride on Space Mountain, visitors to the Polynesian Resort can soak up the South Seas ambiance! It'll be quiet later in the morning, so make your Advance Dining Reservation for after 10:00 a.m.

From the first "Aloha," you'll feel your stress melting away at this Tahitian location.

has warm woods, colorful mosaics, and tropical artifacts in a cheerful dining room. After you order a French Press pot of Hawaiian Kona coffee, the menu will entice you with hearty options.

I recommend the signature dish –

– thick sourdough French Toasted bread stuffed with bananas, then rolled in cinnamon sugar. The classic Steak and Eggs is another filling entree! After your meal, walk around the serene atrium and outdoor gardens.

Enjoy Modern Relaxation at the Contemporary Resort

Focusing on a sustainable menu supported by local products,

offers a wide variety of seasonal ingredients.

I can highly recommend the breakfast buffet. I enjoyed the Multi-grain Mickey Waffles and the sweet potato pancakes with pecan honey butter that were offered on my visit. You can also order from a seasonal a la carte menu; the omelets are fantastic! Savor the fresh, high quality of the dishes!

The quiet restaurant and sleek, but comfortable modern decor will lead to a relaxing brunch. After your meal, take a round trip monorail ride or browse through the shops on the fourth floor concourse.

Have a Wild Time at the Animal Kingdom Lodge

Delicious cuisine with an African flair is served at

, a buffet restaurant in Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Your adventure begins the moment that you arrive at this exotic resort and take in the splendor of the lobby. Dark woods and thatched roofs create a welcoming atmosphere in this restaurant.

The bountiful buffet (served from pods) is extremely popular with menu items such as pastries, omelets, pancakes, french toast, bacon, sausage, carved ham, breakfast potatoes, cereal, oatmeal, scrambled eggs, and bobotie — a type of quiche. Be sure to try some of the specialty juice as well -- a mix of fruit juices and flavors, this is always a memorable part of the visit.

After your meal, visit the animal viewing areas from Arusha Rock, tour the lobby, and stop by the unique gift shop for souvenirs.

Restaurants at resort hotels offer the chance to have a memorable meal without needing park admission into a Walt Disney World theme park. For an extra-special Sunday Brunch, utilize valet parking and wander the resort after your dining reservation.

AJ Wolfe is the owner and executive editor of The Disney Food Blog, a website covering all things food and drink in Walt Disney theme parks and resorts. AJ also authors The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining e-Book, a 250-page resource with tips, expert insights, and information about eating in Walt Disney World. The Disney Food Blog is not affiliated with the Walt Disney Company.