food IS a theme park
It’s a BIG DAY for Mickey and Minnie around here!
Mickey and Minnie!
Earlier today, FastPass+ became available on My Disney Experience for the upcoming Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway attraction, which will make its debut in Disney’s Hollywood Studios on March 4, 2020. And today is also the day we get to show you the new Cherry Almond Cupcake at Gasparilla Island Grill in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort which puts the spotlight on the happy couple! [Read more…]
Today we’re headed to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort to check out the newly renovated Gasparilla Island Grill!
This counter service spot, tucked in a corner off of the first floor lobby, offers counter service fare.
Open 24 hours a day, it’s a great amenity for guests who arrive early or late in the day for their Disney visit. It’s also a good option for revelers who are enjoying late or early Extra Magic Hours!
The big news regarding Gasparilla, however, is the recently completed refurbishment that has changed the spot up a bit.
Gasparilla Sign
Let’s head in to see what has changed about this counter service oasis amid the finery of one of Disney’s most expensive resorts.
The Grand Floridian is undergoing lots of construction and refurbishment lately. In addition to the new Disney Vacation Club villas being built and the Beach Pool Bar undergoing updates, Gasparilla was closed from late summer 2012 until early this year, as the space (and the name!) was given an overhaul.
From the outside, however, it still looks very much the same as before. You enter the restaurant through doors from an outside terrace.
Terrace Leading to Gasparilla Island Grill
One complaint guests had about the previous incarnation of this spot was the “Grill and Games” combo. An assortment of arcade games shared space with the seating area. Though convenient for parents, it could get a little loud at times.
The arcade has now been relocated to an adjacent space where the Grand Floridian’s kids’ club used to be. With the arcade gone, the restaurant has been rechristened “Gasparilla Island Grill.” As with many spots around the Grand Floridian, this one takes its name from a Florida locale, Gasparilla Island, a gulf barrier island located on the state’s southwest coast.
Gasparilla Island Grill Entrance
Guests familiar with the old layout of Gasparilla will immediately notice the change to the restaurant’s look. The green and burgundy palette has been replaced with a simpler, more modern green and blue combination.
The seating has been greatly expanded as well, although the actual ordering area remains very similar.
View of the Restaurant Through the Seating Area
Ornate touches remain, however, and these chandeliers are a nice new (almost steampunky) touch. Check out the [Read more…]
Gasparilla Grill and Games overlooks the marina at Disney’s Grand Floridian. Open 24-hours (!!!), this quick-service restaurant makes a great late night stop when leaving the Magic Kingdom. Dinner items are served until 11:30 p.m., then late night snacks are available overnight.
Dining indoors can be a bit noisy since this space also functions as the arcade. For a view of Cinderella’s Castle (and a quieter atmosphere) in the distance, dine at an outdoor table.
View from Gasparilla Grill
You can check out our full review with more atmosphere pics here! But let’s take a look at Chantel’s reviews of some very popular Gasparilla dishes…
If you’re not staying at the Grand Floridian, this dish is worth a trip to the resort! The Lobster meat was small, not chunked. And the gruyere cheese blend had a nice creamy texture.
Lobster Mac and Cheese
Served on a wheat bun, this sandwich had a nice flavor (obviously marinated) and not dry! The salad was [Read more…]
Tucked into one of Disney World’s most iconic resort hotels — The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa — Gasparilla Grill is one of the only restaurants open 24 hours in Walt Disney World!
Gasparilla Grill is the the counter service location at the Grand Floridian and is sandwiched between the Grand Floridian Cafe and the Grand Floridian Kids’ Club.
It offers both hot and cold (grab-and-go) items as well as bakery items and soft-serve ice cream.
Gasparilla Entrance
Gasparilla Food Area
You’ll find plenty of seating inside and outside. Outdoor seating has a fantastic view of [Read more…]
Disney Food Blog’s own The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2013 e-Book — offers great insight into dining at WDW! Today, I’d like to share one of my favorite late night dining tips from the DFB Guide!
If you find yourself in WDW needing to refuel late at night (this happens a lot with late flights!), there are actually a few locations around WDW that are open late, or even 24 hours!
For example, the Gasparilla Island Grill at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort is open all day and all night! It’s also a convenient stop on your way out of the Magic Kingdom. Take the resort monorail or a boat launch to the Grand Floridian before heading back to your parked car at the Transportation and Ticket Center.
Late night options include a 16″ pizza, which you can customize with toppings! Or choose from individual flatbread pizzas and sandwiches. Dine in or take your food outdoors to a table overlooking the marina (and Cinderella Castle).
Want to know more about late-night and 24 hour dining in Walt Disney World?
Where do you curb your late night hunger? Let us know in the comments below!
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