Breakfast in the Epcot area, Garden Grill vs Ale & Compass

[Staren]

For a split Epcot and HS day I had planned on Garden Grill for breakfast, but wasn’t originally able to snag it on ADR day. So I booked a 7:35am breakfast at Ale & Compass. I was just able to book an 8:30am Garden Grill ADR. On this day Epcot opens for EMH at 8:00am. I can’t decide which ADR to keep. I understand GG is a character meal so very different experiences.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

We really loved breakfast at Ale & Compass. Nice atmosphere, great variety of choices and good service. GG is your typical character breakfast where the food quality, IMHO, is a bit below the resort restaurant ala carte TS options. I would do A&C

 

[buckeyeguy1]

Not sure where you are staying, if your driving or utilizing Disney transportation, but something to consider is that if you are doing A&C, you will have to get to YC first. If not walk able from where you'll be at, travel might be a bit of a pain that early if using the bus system.

As far as BREAKFAST at both locations, I can't comment as I have only done lunch/dinner. Quite a price difference between the two though. Could cost some sleep too for the earlier reservation.

 

[kiford]

Ale & Compass (and its previous incarnation) is one of our favourite breakfast places. It's quiet, tends not to be too busy or chaotic so we find it's a great way to start the day. We used to like the buffet when it was Captain's Grill, but now the buffet comes with an entree and is a more minimal buffet but it's still way too much food for us so we just go a la carte. But I do like the menu.

If not walk able from where you'll be at, travel might be a bit of a pain that early if using the bus system.

We've had that issue a couple of times when staying at GF (same for any restaurants at S&D or on Boardwalk) so we were recommended to take the bus to HS and then either take the boat or walk to YC. This worked quite well. We usually ended up walking rather than waiting for the boat since it's a little slower and it was cool enough in the early morning to walk. Then we took the boat back to HS.

 

[Deb & Bill]

A&C tends to be quieter and you order off a menu. You can add the buffet (fruit, pastries, a few cold meats and cheeses) for a few dollars more. I enjoyed the buffet items added to my breakfast order.

 

[SG131]

If you have kids or are a party of people who are kids at heart definitely Garden Grill, it will be much more fun for them. And with an 8.30 am reservation you could rope drop soarin' then go to the restaurant if you choose. If there are no kids in your party and prefer a more calm, quiet meal, Ale and Compass.

 

[garris3404]

Go with Garden Grill. Rope drop and get in a ride on Soarin' before breakfast. Get your FP for Test Track.

 

[DLgal]

We really enjoyed Garden Grill last year. The food was far better than expected and the characters were a fun addition. The Ale & Compass was underwhelming and we had awful service (it was SO slow....we were there almost 2 hours for a simple meal).