PSA: Do not listen to this episode hungry. It’s time for the Grand Floridian dining review show. Chad chats and chews with Sam Schapmann, My DVC Points first-timers Pamela Schapmann and Christy Gerken, and DVC Resale Market’s Scotty Kauffman. We’ll cover everything you want to know about dining at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, from quick-service options to the finest dining at Walt Disney World. Episode 202
Don't listen to this episode hungry. It's time for the Grand Floridian dining review show. We'll cover everything you want to know about dining at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. We discuss quick-service options for some of the bougiest food at Walt Disney World. Chad chats and chews with Sam Schapmann, myDVCPoints first-timers Pamela Schapmann and Christy Gerken, and DVC Resale Market's Scotty Kauffman.
We start at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa's quick service location, Gasparilla Island Grill. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Gasparilla Island Grill was a 24/7 operation. Unfortunately, it has not returned to that operation schedule as we have emerged from the pandemic. The food at Gasparilla Grill gets mixed reviews from our panel, being a favorite for some before the pandemic closure but not as highly rated today. Suppose you're celebrating a special occasion and want a fancy treat. In that case, custom cupcakes are often available at this Grand Floridian quick service location. Other dessert options have included a fresh bakery in the past. Still, it's now more standardized than the rest of Walt Disney World bakery options in the present day. Disney Vacation Club members have a lot of choices, and you can find some great sandwiches and other non-standard Disney food. Gasparilla Island Grill is within the top 5 quick service options at Walt Disney World for our panel.
Plunging into the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa's pool bars, you have two choices on where to grab a beverage and a snack while enjoying the sunshine. The Grand Floridian's Courtyard Pool Bar has some standard park fare like chicken tenders and hot dogs. You'll find this off the new Disney Vacation Club Villas at the Grand Floridian building. On the other side of the new DVC Grand Floridian building, you'll find the Beaches Pool Bar and Grill. The Grand Floridian's Beaches Pool Bar and Grill have a more robust menu, featuring delicious offerings like lobster sliders and portobello mushroom wraps. You can find great cocktails and mocktails at Disney's Grand Floridian pool bars befitting an adult palate.
Next, on our dining stops at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa dining tour, we'll stop in for a lovely cocktail at the Enchanted Rose. Enchanted Rose, after Disney's Beauty and the Beast, boasts a chandelier, a balcony, and some truffle fries that you won't want to miss. You'll find a higher price tag in the Enchanted Rose than other places you can grab a drink on Walt Disney World property. Still, the ambiance might make up for it if you enjoy a bougie cocktail. Suppose you're a Disney and Walt Disney World history buff. In that case, you might notice that the Enchanted Rose lounge replaced a mercantile, another bar, and a house band's performance location. The Enchanted Rose in Disney's Grand Floridian also has a decent wine list if cocktails aren't your thing. Whatever drink you seek, the Enchanted Rose in Disney's Grand Floridian offers one of the most sophisticated lounges on Walt Disney World property.
Time for table service. Mostly a simple, American fare-based restaurant, your mileage may vary depending on which meal period you want to dine. The Grand Floridian Cafe on the first floor of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa sports bougie burgers, including lobster and parmesan. If you are searching for one of the few places on Walt Disney World property, you can nosh on a large, whole plate-sized Mickey Waffle at the Grand Floridian Cafe.
Next to the Grand Floridian Cafe, you'll find character dining at 1900 Park Fare. Disney's Grand Floridian has not reopened this 1900 Park Fare location for dining, but it is typically a character buffet. If you love Cinderella, go for dinner because the two step-sisters might make your meal a comical one. If you're more of an Alice in Wonderland person, the Mad Hatter and Alice herself might appear at breakfast. Practically perfect, Mary Poppins may also pop in for breakfast at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa's 1900 Park Fare restaurant. Another location yet to return is the Garden View Tea Room. We used to love the option to have tea time with the Mad Hatter, and we hope he comes back for our unbirthdays soon.
Signature dining at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa includes Narcoossee's and Citricos. Disney's Grand Floridian restaurant Narcoossee's just went under refurbishment. Still, before, it had seafood options with a view of Disney's Seven Seas Lagoon. The Narcoossee's lobster bisque happens to be a to-die-for option. Don't miss the lobster bisque, and make sure you eat Narcoossee's scallops. If you love desserts, the almond-crusted cheesecake at Narcoossee's will make the perfect end to your meal at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. If you happen to be dining during fireworks, Disney will play the music from the fireworks inside the restaurant.
Let's go upstairs to the second level of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa to talk about Citricos. Themed after Disney's Mary Poppins returns, our panel disagrees on whether Narcoossee's or Citricos has better food. You'll find a range of offerings at Citricos that are delightful dishes. Still, wallet beware. It's easy to spend upwards of $80 per person. The theming and the atmosphere makes everything about Citricos in Disney's Grand Floridian feel elegant and sophisticated. If you want to celebrate a special occasion or have a date night, Citricos might meet your needs.
The bougiest of the bougie at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is the glorious Victoria and Albert's. This is a pricey one. You're going to spend some serious money here. This AAA 5 Diamond award-winning restaurant uses a prix fixe menu pricing structure. This is not just a meal. It's a Disney dining experience. If you really want to go for it, try to book the Chef's table for a truly magical Disney dining experience. Executive Chef Scott Hunnel leads the culinary team at Disney's Grand Floridian's most upscale dining experience. Expect multiple servers, a trained sommelier, and some of the best food you'll ever eat anywhere in the country. This sophisticated environment has a minimum of 10 years old, so leave the littlest ones with a babysitter. There's a dress code, so leave your Walt Disney World theme park attire behind and put on your Sunday best. We can't gush about Victoria and Albert's enough, but there are no discounts available here. You will be pampered here.
We all love food, and whatever your budget allows, you'll be able to eat well at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. That's enough food talk, we've got to eat!
- Chad Pennycuff – Host and Curator of Magical Stories at My DVC Points
- Sam Schapman – Episode Producer
- Pamela Schapmann – Guest
- Christy Gerken – Guest
- Scotty Kauffman – Guest
- Derek Sasman – Audio Editing
- Jill Creighton – Show Notes
- Christine Urias – Cover Art Photo Credit. ed by Creative Common’s license.
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