My most recent trip to Walt Disney World was not my typical visit. I mostly travel with the family, so it was rather exciting to be traveling with my husband – just the two of us! Since he was attending a conference during the day, we decided to not buy park tickets. Normally, we are park commandos, so it was a fun new challenge to find things to do that we might otherwise overlook.
We decided to chose the Grand Floridian Café for lunch and it was fantastic! Here are five reasons why we loved this hidden gem.
Location
It is easily accessible. We were staying at Disney’s Polynesian resort and it was a pleasant walk over, allowing us time to explore both resorts on the way to the restaurant. Otherwise, it is a quick ride on the highway in the sky from the Magic Kingdom, Epcot or any of the monorail resorts.
Seating
Although we had a reservation, others were able to walk up and get seated, even if they didn’t have an ADR. It felt like a quiet little tucked away escape that is overlooked by many. We didn’t feel rushed, so we could sit back and enjoy our meal without feeling guilty about taking our time.
Service
We had a fantastic server. Yes, I know, generally the cast members are fantastic, but our server really did go above and beyond. She provided descriptions of entrees and made recommendations that were spot on. Best of all, she made great conversation with us. She asked us about our trip and told us about other Disney positions she has held. She genuinely loved what she was doing and you could tell that she loved meeting everyone. To me and many others– this is so much of the Disney experience that I love.
The food
Yum – just yum. Since it was just the two of us, we relaxed and enjoyed everything. Our appetizers (shrimp cocktail and the house-breaded mozzarella) were tasty enough I could have made a meal of them on their own. Our entrees did not disappoint either. The spinach-ricotta ravioli with kale was a flavorful vegetarian option. The lobster “thermidor” burger was a pleasant surprise – unique and one of the best burgers we have tasted on property.
Dessert and drinks
It’s hard to believe that with the size of our meal that we were able to make room for desserts and drinks. While we enjoyed dessert, we didn’t find it anything that we would go out of our way for. Although, both the Key Lime Pie and the Apple Crisp were a great way to top off the meal, neither was showstopper. We did however enjoy our drinks. The Cold Brew XO and the Grand Mimosas were a perfect end to the meal.
Overall, this was a great experience – very relaxing and comfortable. I will definitely be returning to the Grand Floridian Café when I feel the need to get away from the crowds.
Do you have a favorite restaurant you would consider a hidden gem? What’s your goto quiet meal? Tell me about it below or on Facebook.
I enjoyed reading this review and look forward to visiting GFC.
Keep those reviews coming!
well it WAS a quiet, hidden gem, but now all of Kenny’s followers know about it! :(
:)
We have reservations there for supper on Christmas Day. Wanted to try something new away from the crowds.
It is beautifully decorated for Christmas….very magical
Wow thanks for the info. Will have to add this to our Disney bucket list. Can’t wait to try the lobster.
You will have to let me know how you enjoy it
Will have to add this to our Disney bucket list. Thanks for the info. Can’t wait to try the lobster.
Will definitely have to add this to our Disney bucket list. Thanks for the info.
Thanks for the detailed review and the great pics! I appreciate the food descriptions and recommendations (and thanks especially for including dessert!). Made me want to give this place another try soon (it’s been years since we’ve eaten here). It’s great to mix things up a little each time you go to Disney and it sounds like this place might be next on our list :) Thanks again!
Hope you try it again. Sounds like it might be time to plan your next trip :)
One of my favorite places – the food is always amazing and you can almost always get in! LOVE!
So true!
Yum! Those ravioli’s look amazing! I will keep this place in mind for our next trip :)
And they tasted even better than they looked :)
Food looks delicious!!
It really was! I can’t wait to go back.
I love Yak & Yeti at Animal Kingdom!
That’s another great restaurant! What do you like best about it?
I was in Orlando for a conference and my mom and I decided to go to GFC for dinner. We liked that we easily got an ADR a few hours before the meal and we loved the burgers! The hotel atmosphere is quaint and we enjoyed walking around the resort!
Glad you had a great experience too!
Thanks for the great review. I will be there in March for the Flower and Garden Festival and staying at the Polynesian Villas. Had considered the Grand Fl. Cafe and now I know it’s a done deal. Appreciate your experience and descriptions of the meal and your waitress. Do you have her name? I’ll ask for her when I go. Thx again. LAN
Thanks for the kind words. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Have you stayed at the Poly before? I LOVED it.
Make sure you try to visit Trader Sam’s.
That would be great if you got the same waitress. Let me look through my things tonight. I’m pretty sure I still have her name somewhere. If I do, I’ll post it tomorrow here in the comments :)
We love the crews cup lounge next to yachtsman at ya hat club. They share a kitchen and I love the lobster bisque. It’s always dead in there!
Honorable mention: the wave, just bc I love the lounge and the bread so much
I agree with you and can’t go wrong with that lobster bisque -yum!