Dining options at Walt Disney World can be totally overwhelming. If you’re a first time (or repeat visitor) it can feel a little stressful making sure you get those must-have reservations. If you spend any time online in Facebook groups or reading some of the sites that create the hype – you would think that your vacation will be ruined if you don’t get the coveted Be Our Guest, Cinderella’s Royal Table or Chef Mickey reservation. Nothing could be further from the truth!
It is incredible how many delicious places there are to eat at Walt Disney World, and some of my favourite Disney table services are the ones that you can typically get reservations for at the last minute. These places are like the best kept secrets – and I’m now going to tell you about one, the Grand Floridian Cafe.
This overlooked restaurant sits next to the entrance to 1900 Park Fare, but it is often not even noticed in the hustle to get to the character dining. It is elegant, yet unpretentious and you’re welcome to dine in your park attire. It’s casual, yet classy – with the roses on the table and great views of the grounds, the atmosphere is relaxed and warm.
I have eaten at the Grand Floridian Cafe a few times now, and have never NOT enjoyed my meal. I’ve had breakfast once, but dinner multiple times and am often conflicted about booking a breakfast and dinner on the same trip at the same restaurant. #TooManyGoodChoices
The dinner menu at the Grand Floridian Cafe has quite a variety of dishes. From steak to meatloaf, salmon or grits, there is something for everyone. We took our time enjoying our drinks with the bread and butter while deciding on the menu.
My friends decided on the sirloin and scallops and miso-glazed salmon
Sirloin and Scallops
Salmon
I had to have the buttermilk fried chicken. It just sounds delicious – buttermilk fried chicken, doesn’t it sound mouth watering? Well – I can tell you, it WAS very tasty! It was so juicy, but seasoned and crispy on the outside. There was even KALE on the plate, and I ate it.. which if you knew me, you would know that it must have been REALLY good for me to eat the kale!
Buttermilk chicken
When the waiter came by to show us the dessert menu, we all said we couldn’t… but then we did. The menu had a dessert sampler for 2 – but there were 4 desserts and 4 of us. It worked out perfectly that we each wanted a different one! We were stuffed, but managed to eat our individual desserts as they were the perfect size for just a little taste.
The dessert sampler
Next time I’ll make sure to leave more room for a full size dessert, because I do love my desserts! Maybe I should cut out the salad starter? That would help…
Looking for a hidden gem quick service? Check out this place here.
