Best time for Garden Grill?

[dimndgal1]

I'm so bummed GG is dinner only now - I loved going right at 1130 before hitting World Showcase. Our ADR window is about to open and I def want to make a rezzie for GG but was wondering people's opinions about when the better times are -- right after opening, midway through, or toward the end of dinner?

I'm looking for optimal character interaction and most attentive service -- we've gone 7 times in the past and loved the food, loved the characters but found service to be hit-or-miss.

Thanks so much!!!

 

[~Tonga Wingo~]

Chip and Dale are my favorite so this is a must do for me every time I have gone. I have gotten ADRs late the last two times I have gone. We ended up being one of the few in the restaurant at the end of the night and both times the characters all stopped by our table at the same time. I got some wonderful pictures of Chip and Dale together and they both stayed at our table for a good 15 minutes at the end of the night. The food was still wonderful along with service. I will now book this meal about 7:30 or 8:00 PM every time I go. Not sure if both times were a coincidence, but I'll find out in June I guess.

 

[RMulieri]

We like going for opening..Just seemed like we had better character interaction, they spent longer at the table and better attentive wait staff

 

[arcticdisneylovers]

We always book all our suppers for opening times. We loved GG last year and have already booked for our next trip.

 

[Eastern]

I usually go earlier. They stagger the seating times so that you get about a full revolution on average. If you go later, you might get seated in the back and then halfway around you get your main meal and you're sort of eating in front of everyone, like you're on a stage.

Did I explain that well?

 

[MickeyEars]

We like going at opening also. We have a reservation for June 5 and we're really looking forward to it!!!

Carla

 

[HollVoll]

We've been at opening 3 times. This last year, we couldn't get that time and I'll just say that I prefer opening.

 

[MrsLS]

I usually go earlier. They stagger the seating times so that you get about a full revolution on average. If you go later, you might get seated in the back and then halfway around you get your main meal and you're sort of eating in front of everyone, like you're on a stage.

Did I explain that well?

Since the restaurant revolves, it doesn't matter where you sit? We basically ended and started at the same point.

We were there a month ago, had 7pm ADR, waited about 15 or so mins to be seated. The service was attentive, the characters came around a few times. We only took pics once but we could have interacted 2 more times as they seemed to keep coming around.

 

[herb102211]

We love the Garden Grill, too. We always book between 7-8pm. We love that the characters spend a lot of time at our table, since it's not as busy.

 

[Eastern]

Since the restaurant revolves, it doesn't matter where you sit? We basically ended and started at the same point.

Exactly...

When you get there early, it seems that they sit you starting at the 'beginning' part of the rotation, open to the rest of the building. During this part, you are getting your drinks, waiting for food, etc. Once you are into the rotation, when the food starts arriving, it is more private.

If you arrive later and get seated farther along the rotation, because someone finished their earlier dinner in that particular spot, you may end up getting your main meal at the end where everyone congregates, vs finishing up dessert in that spot. So I feel like I'm eating on stage.

 

[DisneyFamily123]

Definitely go at opening 4pm or 4:30pm whichever it is. If you go later, it's possible Garden Grill will be backed up and you will have to wait. If your reservation is anywhere within 2 hours of illuminations (7-7:30), and you have to wait.... you might have to make the choice of eating quickly or missing illuminations.

We like early dinners - 4pm, 4:30pm, 5:30pm for signatures. Getting there at opening always has meant no wait for us. Plus, we get up early to avoid the crowds at the parks... and ready for a big meal early. Plus #2.... eating early means we are done before parades and special events (early Main St. electric parade, halloween and Christmas parties, etc....)