REVIEW: Should You Leave Magic Kingdom for Brunch at Grand Floridian Cafe?

Alright, friends, we’re here today with another visit from a SUPER underrated (IMO) restaurant in Disney World. So, hop on that monorail and cruise on over for lunch with us!

Grand Floridian Cafe

We’re headed to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa to visit a table-service option with some serious charm — Grand Floridian Cafe! This relaxing spot may not be as flashy as some of the other restaurants at this hotel like 1900 Park Fare and Citricos, but it does have yummy and moderately-priced (!!!) eats!

Grand Floridian Cafe serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day. It’s not the most well-known spot so it’s typically possible to grab an Advance Dining Reservation on shorter notice.

Grand Floridian Cafe

We typically appreciate this restaurant for its peaceful vibes and convenient location (even if you’re not staying at Grand Floridian). Let’s see if our recent experience was more of the same!

Atmosphere

Head into that gorgeous lobby of the Grand Floridian and you’ll want to head straight back and to your left on the ground floor.

Grand Floridian Lobby

We always love a good stroll through the Grand Floridian.

Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

In fact, one of the big perks of this spot is its location. Because it’s at the Grand Floridian, it’s only a quick monorail ride (or walk!) away from Magic Kingdom.

Grand Floridian Cafe

As we’ve mentioned, the atmosphere at this table-service spot is calming, partially thanks to the lovely, light-handed Victorian theme in the restaurant. This spot perfectly encapsulates the vibes of this hotel with its creamy whites, florals, and warm lighting.

Grand Floridian Cafe

There are multiple dining areas with a big dining room…

Grand Floridian Cafe

…and some outside tables.

Outdoor seating at the Grand Floridian Cafe

Plus, Grand Floridian Cafe is currently using overflow seating from 1900 Park Fare while that spot remains closed.

Outdoor Seating at the Grand Floridian Cafe

One especially fun detail is that this space sometimes houses culinary art creations, like the current Ratatouille Chocolate Sculpture on display.

Chocolate Sculpture

You’ll find that the seating is a mix of tables and chairs and booths.

The Grand Floridian Cafe is so pretty

And at your table, you’ll be greeted with a cloth napkin and utensils.

Table Setting

But enough about the atmosphere, let’s eat!

Eats

As is the case at most table-service restaurants in Disney World right now, your menu is available via QR Code on the table. The menu varies for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Our visit this time presented us with the lunch menu!

Grand Floridian Cafe Menu

You’ll notice that throughout the appetizers and entrees, there are several brunch-style options. That’s why we consider this spot a pretty killer brunch stop! That Lobster ‘Thermidor’ Burger is a fan-favorite. That glorious chicken and waffle is on the menu still (you’re welcome! We hacked this guy long before it was on the menu!).

Grand Floridian Cafe Menu

Kids have a nice variety as well with some brunch options (We see you, Mickey Waffles!) and the more lunch-geared Grilled Chicken Breast.

Grand Floridian Cafe Menu

There is no shortage of drink options at Grand Floridian Cafe. This portion of the menu is just dedicated to Non-Alcoholic Mocktails and Twinings of London Teas. Yep, a TEA menu. This makes more sense when you realize the location is a few steps away from the Garden View Tea Room!

Grand Floridian Cafe Menu

There are more standard Non-Alcoholic Specialties too plus coffee and smoothie options. And, a fairly extensive beer list is here too with over a dozen options.

Grand Floridian Cafe Menu

But the beer list is NOTHING compared to the wine list. Whether you’re into Sparkling Wines, White Wine…

Grand Floridian Cafe Menu

…Rosé Wines, Red Wines, or Sweet Wines; Grand Flo Cafe has you covered.

Grand Floridian Cafe Menu

And FINALLY, we’re getting to the equally extensive cocktail menu with Anytime Cocktails (AKA brunchy type drinks) and Signature Cocktails.

Grand Floridian Cafe Menu

Plus a LONG menu of Specialty Cocktails.

Grand Floridian Cafe Menu

We opted to swing for a simple Iced Tea this time. Unsurprisingly, it was a pretty standard unsweet tea and we enjoyed it.

Iced Tea

For our appetizer, we went with the Heirloom Apple Salad for $12. This app is made with Organic Baby Lettuce, Heirloom Apples, Sharp Cheddar, Pecan Brittle, and Crispy Prosciutto with a Honey-Apple Vinaigrette.

Heirloom Apple Salad

This was a very tasty salad! It was light and that housemade dressing was the perfect accompaniment. The candied nuts had a great crunch and the crispy prosciutto added a good salty contrast to the sweetness from the apples.

Heirloom Apple Salad

We might call this the perfect starter! Now, it’s probably not enough to hold up as a meal, but our server let us know that you can add a protein like grilled chicken or shrimp. We thought one potential improvement could’ve been a stronger cheese like goat or gorgonzola. Regardless, this was a bright, fresh start to our meal we enjoyed. If you like a nice salad before your meal, you will likely enjoy this!

Heirloom Apple Salad

As for our entree, we went with the Buttermilk-fried Chicken and Waffle for $24. We know we know…you’re shocked. This item is a LONG term DFB favorite and is made with Hand-breaded Chicken Breast and Malted Waffle with Sriracha-Honey Drizzle.