Now that select Disney World Resort hotels and restaurants have reopened, we’re here to check out the experience and report back!
We headed to Grand Floridian Cafe to see how the new restaurant procedures are being implemented. Let’s take a look inside!
Check-In
If you are not staying at the Grand Floridian, you must provide your dining reservation details, including the name on the reservation, to the Cast Member at the entrance to the parking lot.
Once you arrive at Grand Floridian Cafe, we used the new Mobile Dine Check-In by scanning a QR code in the lobby of the restaurant. You can also check-in using My Disney Experience!
Learn more about the new Mobile Dine Check-In here!
Seating
As we were brought to our table, we noticed that the restaurant was pretty empty!
Despite seeing a few other parties in the restaurant, this definitely wasn’t your typical brunch shift that we are used to seeing at Grand Floridian Cafe! There didn’t seem to be any fewer tables than usual, but not every table was available for seating.
We were also given a paper bag to hold our mask while we dined. Do note that this might not be standard for every restaurant because we didn’t receive a mask bag when dining at Topolino’s Terrace at Disney Riviera Resort this morning.
We immediately noticed Cast Members cleaning and sanitizing various surfaces.
Then it was time to take a look at the menu itself!
Menu
At Grand Floridian Cafe, a QR code menu was available.
Our server brought us a paper menu and noted that the QR menu seemed to be running a little slow.
At other locations, we needed to request a paper menu, but since the QR menu was experiencing some lag, we didn’t need to ask for a paper menu. Keep in mind however that this may not always be the case!
We noticed many menu items that we have enjoyed in the past, like the Floridian Pancakes and the Lobster Thermidor Burger, but today it was all about the QUICHE. Do keep in mind that they are offering a limited menu at this time and that beloved favorites like the Chicken and Waffles are currently unavailable.
Food
We ordered the Roasted Tomato and Feta Quiche for $15 and it was DIVINE. It comes with spinach, feta, and roasted tomatoes.
The quiche is also served with a little side salad along with a couple slices of watermelon.
And of course, if you’re having brunch, a Bloody Mary is a necessity! Their Chipotle Bloody Mary for $14 is a scrumptious mixture of house-made chipotle-infused Vodka and comes garnished with jumbo shrimp, chorizo, and a lime-salted rim.
Put it all together (including their delicious biscuits with homemade citrus butter!) and you have the makings of a fine brunch.
The real standout for us today was the quiche! It’s a great serving size if you aren’t looking for something that’s too filling, but super flavorful at the same time! And the biscuits with the homemade citrus butter is always such a great touch to any meal at Grand Floridian Cafe.
Payment
Grand Floridan Cafe uses the same disposable check holders that we saw this morning at Topolino’s Terrace. Each of these holders are disposed of after use.
Overall, Grand Floridian Cafe is spreading guests out, using QR menus (when it’s working properly), and offering guests face mask bags. Changes may occur over time as everyone, including Cast Members, adjust to these new health and safety measures.
Click here to learn more about the changes to Disney World dining experiences you can expect this summer!
Disney Park Reopening Details and Info
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What do you think about the changes to Grand Floridian Cafe? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Keith Hill says
Please, Please can someone inform me if there will be free dining plans next year for UK visitors. We have been planning a party of 10 family members to visit in August 2021. If the free dining plans are omitted , we shall not be coming but want to book an alternative holiday.Surely Disney must know by now.
DFB Sarah says
Keith, we really don’t know. Hopefully Disney will release info about DDP and other things that have been changed/cancelled soon, but we expect it will take time.
Carol says
I recently read that only the villas would be open at the grand floridian. The restaurants would only be open for the NBA players. It sounds like this isn’t true. Can we hope that Victoria and Albert’s will soon open?
DFB Sarah says
Carol, no word on V&A. These are the four restaurants listed for guests at GF: Beaches Pool Bar & Grill, Enchanted Rose, Grand Floridian Cafe, and Gasparilla Island Grill.
Cindy says
Can you still pay so that it’s charged to your room (as if you are using a magic band)? It was so convenient to have all charges on a final statement that was emailed after your stay.
DFB Sarah says
Cindy, yes, you can still use a MagicBand to charge to your room.
Ret says
I’m hoping that, as time goes on, GFC’s Signature item, the Cafe Sandwich, will find its way back onto the menu. Please?????
Patiently waiting to enjoy my favorite meal at my favorite WDW restaurant, sometime in the future when it’s safe again.