food IS a theme park
The best part of brunch, at least in our humble opinion, is oftentimes the cocktails.
We Checked Out the Grand Floridian After a Breakfast Reservation at Grand Floridian Cafe
Screwdrivers, Sangria, Bloody Marys, Mimosas — we love it all!
The Wilderness Lodge at Walt Disney World is a fabulous escape! Even if you’re not staying at this inspiring resort, we highly recommend making an Advance Dining Reservation for the Whispering Canyon Café. Today, guest author Rebecca Elliott shares a breakfast review.
We like to eat breakfast at the Whispering Canyon Café when we stay at the Wilderness Lodge. It’s convenient, the portions are hearty, and there’s usually no wait for a table. (Even so, get the Advance Dining Reservation – just in case! You never know!)
My family and I love staying at the Wilderness Lodge. The hotel is modeled after the Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone National Park, a historic landmark built in 1904. Its lobby is inspired by the Pacific Northwest and is absolutely stunning.
Like most of Disney’s deluxe hotels, the Wilderness Lodge has three levels of dining options: counter service, family-ish, and fancy schmancy. Whispering Canyon Café is the moderately priced (for Disney) family restaurant located just off the hotel lobby.
The View of the Breath Taking Wilderness Lodge Lobby
The Dining Features Graphics and Elements of a Child’s Playroom in the 50’s
The décor of the Whispering Canyon Café reminds me of a little boy’s bedroom in the 50’s. It’s decked out in a cowboy and Indian motif with a Lincoln log-like ceiling and a floor that looks like a homemade quilt.
The Chairs Are Adorned with Cowboys and Indians
Here Are the Cowboys and Lincoln Log Ceiling
The wait staff take on the persona of wayward cowboys out to have a good time. They encourage diners to take part in their hijinks, which include singing, pony races, and general tomfoolery.
Chandeliers are Adorned with Buffalo Cut Outs
Here’s where I am going to abide by the old honesty-is-the-best-policy rule: I’m not a huge fan of the wait staff’s antics. Many, many people (including my husband and daughter) love it. They play along and find the jokes entertaining. I hate to say it, but they’re just not that funny to me. Not all of the servers are good at improvisation, so watching a non-funny person trying to be funny can be uncomfortable.
When They Say Large, They Mean LARGE
The entertainment can also be physical, and some people don’t like that. The servers throw straws and napkins on diners; if you order ketchup, they bring you all the bottles in the restaurant; they also slap diners on the back and try their best to throw funny insults. The good news for me is, the shtick doesn’t start until after 8:45am.
Every time I’ve eaten breakfast there, it hasn’t been too crazy. I’ve heard that diners can ask not to participate in the hijinks, but I’ve also heard that can backfire and cause even more unwanted attention. Beware! (Editor’s Note: If you’d rather not take part in the antics, let the cast member know at check-in that your table wants to be left out of the “fun.” It’s not Disney’s goal to make their guests uncomfortable, and the cast member should pass your wishes on to your server.)
Ready for Service!
We’ve eaten breakfast at Whispering Canyon Café many times, and every time it’s been good. Drinks are served in mason jars and meals at lunch and dinner are served in cast iron skillets!
Despite my ambivalence about their style, the servers are all efficient, excellent at answering questions about the menu, and very accommodating of special dietary needs. Here’s what we had on our last visit:
My daughter ordered the Belgian waffle. We’re all huge fans of Mickey waffles, so we were thrilled to see it was a [Read more…]
Happy Dad’s DAY!!! We’re raising a glass to all of your dads out there and hoping you’re having a great Father’s Day!
Starbucks has officially come to Disney World!
This week, we’ve got some awesome news to share with you, including coffee updates (Starbucks has soft opened in Main Street Bakery!), Food and Wine Festival updates, and more…
Let’s take a look at the latest!
We’ve gathered this week’s food news from your favorite Disney destinations!
Of course, there’s more! Check out all the latest Disney Food News — even the stuff we don’t mention in posts on the blog! — on our Disney Food News Pin Board, including a New Egg White Omelet at the Kona Cafe and a Newly Erupting Volcano at the Rainforest Cafe in Downtown Disney Orlando.
If you find a fun new food — or other edible awesomeness — in or from Disney, share a photo with us on facebook or twitter so we can add it to our DFB Reader Finds each Sunday!
DFB Reader Janel sent us a “plate full of goodies” from Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. YUM!
Breakfast at Chef Mickey's!
If you’re hankering for some French Toast, DFB Reader Brian tempts us with this photo of the creme brulee version from the Pepper Market at Coronado Springs Resort. Also, watch for a DFB review coming soon!
Breakfast at Pepper Market.
The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2013
e-Book is fully updated for 2013 visits, and is now available for purchase and download to help you make the most of your dining opportunities while in Disney World.
The fully updated DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2013 e-Book is an instantly downloadable PDF guide, featuring over 400 full-color pages of photographs, information, and advice about our favorite things — food and dining in Walt Disney World.
It’s guaranteed to help you navigate your way to delicious dining on your next vacation! And if you’re ready to get yours now, head on over to DFBGuide.com to pick it up!!
Don’t Forget, use code: DAD2013 to get a $4 discount in honor of Father’s Day! And at the end of this post, we have details on even more savings!
If you purchased the 2012 Guide and would like to purchase the 2013 Guide, we’ve got a special discount for repeat purchasers. Email me here to get a limited-time, one-use, exclusive discount code to purchase the 2013 Guide at a $6 discount. Please include the email address you used to purchase the 2012 Guide in the body of your email.
For more detailed information and screen shots from the e-Book, head over to DFBGuide.com! With a 100% money-back guarantee, you have nothing to lose! 🙂
Walt Disney World for Grown Ups
names ten top Disney spots for sharing a beer with Dad!
Mickey Fix highlights an R2D2 bottle stopper!
Stuff from the Park shares a vintage 1950s menu for kids dining at the Disneyland Hotel.
AllEars shares details on an adult cooking class at the Portobello Restaurant in Downtown Disney Orlando.
Eighteen25 shares a super fun Disney savings jar with a snack-tastic surprise!
Mouse on the Mind finds a thrifty breakfast at Shades of Green’s Garden Gallery.
Disney Parks Blog shows us how to create Eggs Benedict courtesy of Steakhouse 55’s Chef Alle Thiam.
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
