Debating dinner at Garden Grill

[jacknsally19]

I see a lot of positive feedback for Garden Grill for breakfast. We aren't big breakfast people so I've booked a dinner for Garden for my 6 year old and I on our August Mom / daughter trip. My DD was excited by the idea of a rotating restaurant. But I'm considering switching to another restaurant like Coral Reef or Nine Dragons or something else. Given that its just my DD and I, I am more focused on fun restaurants for her vs. meals for my benefit.

My concern being that its a bit pricey (paying OOP) and very heavy food to eat in the dog days of Summer. Recent experiences on the value? Thoughts on what you would do? Love getting feedback b/c its hard having planning conversation with a 6 year old!

 

[GBBTomorrow]

I'm a big fan of Garden Grill, though I've heard a lot of people who say they don't like it. Here's why my family goes again and again:

• I don't know why, but we always end up laughing a lot when we're there. Lots of happy memories!
• We like the rotation through Living with the Land, which is one of our favorite rides.
• We like that some of the food comes from the greenhouse, and we enjoy the menu a lot. Something for everyone, and you can ask for more of what you like best.
  
• We enjoy the family-style serving.
• We've had great servers.
• Character interaction is the most interactive I've had at any WDW restaurant, consistently. They spend a lot of time with you and are quite playful.

I would say, though, be sure to ask for a booth on the lower level and say you'd be happy to wait for it. The restaurant loses a lot of its charm on the upper level, in my opinion.
You're right that it is pricey, but I don't find the food all that heavy. Good luck with your decision!

 

[SaintsManiac]

Dinner there is great. The food is fresh and yummy. I didn't find it too heavy.

 

[pattyw]

We love Garden Grill- and all adults here! We think it's fun and relaxing in that we can sit and watch the Land ride below, the characters visit us, and the meal is great!! I don't think it's too heavy of a meal - even in hot weather!

 

[Bostonbeans99]

Last year was our first time at Garden Grill and we enjoyed it. Unfortunately we didn't bring our appetites so we were a little overwhelmed by the amount of food.
Characters were awesome and I didn't feel rushed or that they were rushed. We loved when Pluto surprised us by showing up behind us and rested his big old face across my shoulder-great picture moment.

 

[DISNEYSQUIRRELS]

I agree with you. The rotating design & characters make this very appealing but it is a very pricey restaurant. The all you can eat concept is awesome if you have big eaters but otherwise you will probably leave feeling that you overspent for what you ate. If she has a favorite character that is scheduled to be in WS, maybe you could time your dinner around her meeting that character & then going directly to dinner, either table or quick service whichever is more to your liking & budget. Have fun

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I see a lot of positive feedback for Garden Grill for breakfast. We aren't big breakfast people so I've booked a dinner for Garden for my 6 year old and I on our August Mom / daughter trip. My DD was excited by the idea of a rotating restaurant. But I'm considering switching to another restaurant like Coral Reef or Nine Dragons or something else. Given that its just my DD and I, I am more focused on fun restaurants for her vs. meals for my benefit.

My concern being that its a bit pricey (paying OOP) and very heavy food to eat in the dog days of Summer. Recent experiences on the value? Thoughts on what you would do? Love getting feedback b/c its hard having planning conversation with a 6 year old!

The food is heavy and not great, IMHO. Last time DS and I went, our bill was about $70 and we barely ate anything because it just wasn't very good. But the restaurant is fun and the character interaction is great. If you are looking for something fun in EP without the character meal price tag, consider Biergarten (atmosphere is great, live music, but you will be seated with others at tables for 8 - 10) or Restaurant Marrekesh (to see the belly dancers). Coral Reef is also fun with the aquarium and doesn't come with the GG price tag.

 

[jacknsally19]

The food is heavy and not great, IMHO. Last time DS and I went, our bill was about $70 and we barely ate anything because it just wasn't very good. But the restaurant is fun and the character interaction is great. If you are looking for something fun in EP without the character meal price tag, consider Biergarten (atmosphere is great, live music, but you will be seated with others at tables for 8 - 10) or Restaurant Marrekesh (to see the belly dancers). Coral Reef is also fun with the aquarium and doesn't come with the GG price tag.

This is helpful - I think I would really be happy with the restaurant in January. But the menu seems a little 'comfort foody' for August. Its been awhile since I've eaten at Biergarten..... that is a possibility. I've never eaten at Coral Reef - I've heard heard some not great things about it. But it looks really neat.

We ate at Marrekesh on our last trip and its a lot of fun!

 

[disneyeek]

We went for the first time this past October(dinner). It will now be a go to for us on future trips. The character interaction was so great. My DS(6) had a blast. We thought the food was delicious, but I can see where it might be "heavy" for the summer. Though it was in the upper 90's for our whole trip in October, so...lol.

 

[mastermind307]

Garden Grill has been our arrival day dinner tradition over the past 3 trips (DD was 5, 6, and 9). I have it booked again for our arrival day for our upcoming mother/daughter trip, although this time it's for a late lunch since our flight lands early. It's a nice relaxing meal since the characters come to you. The character interaction is good, one year Dale sat down and tried to have dessert with us. We enjoy it, DD11 is a very picky eater and she likes to eat there. I was debating whether or not to book it because she's a Disney adult now and it's a lot to pay when I know she won't eat a lot, but I think it's worth it for the overall experience. Plus, I've been saving up gift cards to pay for our meals and it's our arrival day traditionl.