food IS a theme park
When it comes to change, we see a LOT of it happening ALL THE TIME at Disney World restaurants.
Grand Floridian Resort
Not only are restaurant menus always being updated, but we also see a lot of snacks come and go. However, a NEW menu change at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa reflects a BIG change that is happening ALL across Disney World.
We’re tackling another question from the DFB Reader mailbag! And today, it’s all about breakfast.
The Samoan at Kona Cafe
Our reader asks:
Where can we get a good breakfast if we are NOT into characters or buffets?
There are lots of spots to enjoy a terrific breakfast at Walt Disney World — even if you prefer not to have characters, and you’d rather order a la carte.
We’ll break down a few of our favorites below, and share why these spots are tops for starting your Disney Day.
If you are crunched — for time, money, or both — then consider some of Disney’s best Counter Service Breakfast options.
Deluxe resorts are some of my favorite spots for counter service eats. Roaring Fork at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge offers Mickey Waffles with a variety of toppings. We love the Bananas Foster option!
Wilderness Lodge Waffles
And at Captain Cook’s, located in the Polynesian Village Resort, you can indulge in an iconic Disney breakfast — Tonga Toast — without paying table service prices!
Great news if you’re a fan of California Grill, Sunday Brunch — or both!
Coming on the heels of the announcement that Narcoossee’s at the Grand Floridian would begin offering a Sunday brunch, now we are hearing that California Grill will do the same.
The popular signature restaurant, which sits atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort, has been a dinner-only spot since opening in the 1990s. But as Disney World continues to expand hours in table service restaurants across property, it looks like California Grill will soon join the trend.
The experience promises to be a hybrid of sorts. If you’d like, you can choose to begin your meal with something to drink. Options include both mocktails and cocktails, or indulge in a trip to the Bloody Mary Bar.
Bloody Marys from the Bloody Mary Bar
Guests begin their meal with house made Breakfast Pastries and Breads. Assortments will include Caramel Apple Monkey Bread, Cranberry Pecan Scones, and Tillamook Cheddar Biscuits, accompanied by Jam made from scratch and Orange Blossom Honey Butter. [Read more…]
I know I’m not alone in considering the Grand Floridian Cafe to be a hidden gem among resort restaurants.
Located in one of Walt Disney World’s most beautiful hotels, the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, this moderately-priced table service restaurant is rarely so busy that you can’t score a walk-up table. That has held true for me at even the busiest times, such as spring break.
A while back we experienced a delightful dinner at Grand Floridian Cafe, and I had been anxious ever since that time to get back for breakfast.
On a recent trip, we finally had an opportunity to take in our morning meal there.
The atmosphere at the Grand Floridian Cafe is a little on the nondescript side. It’s not that it’s uncomfortable or unattractive; it’s just that bumped up against all the over-the-top themeing in many Disney spots, this one pales by comparison.
Sign at the Restaurant's Entrance
What you will find is a really beautiful, bright, cheerful spot that melds the Victorian with the Floridian perfectly.
At breakfast, you’ll find plenty of guests sitting back, sipping coffee, and reading the paper. It’s just screams “relaxed,” which may be exactly what you need during a busy Disney vacation.
Seating in the Main Dining Room
It does feel a little on the dated side…but that kinda makes sense, since you’re supposed to feel like you’re surrounded by the 19th, not the 21st, century.
Mirrors give the space a larger feel, and the heavy marble and iron tables remind me a bit of the sunroom seating at Tony’s Town Square in Magic Kingdom. It’s a nice tie-in to the Main Street U.S.A. vintage feel.
There’s also mixed banquette and chair seating here, so everyone can have the seat they prefer.
Mixed Seating and Decor
The view through the windows onto the [Read more…]
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