Grand Floridian Cafe and kids

[momimouse27]

Just made an ADR at the cafe for 5:15 before MVMCP, since we couldn't get into Park Fare.

We've never been there before and I have an 8 year old son. Is the atmosphere there okay for kids or is it a more "grown-up" restaurant? I mean, I know it's Disney, there are kids everywhere. But, some places are more serene and appropriate for adults than others.

 

[wcpamotm]

Next to 1900, GFC is probably the best TS restaurant for kids at that resort. I suspect it was conceived as the "coffee shop" type of restaurant for the Grand Floridian, though lately it has become somewhat more ambitious. I'd say, go for it!

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

The restaurant is great for kids. They have a kid'smenu and the GFC is filled with families. I don't think you will be disappointed.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Our Ratings of Grand Floridian Cafe: (10/08/2011)
. . . food price value: C
. . . food quality: B
. . . food quantity per serving: C
. . . food prep speed: B
. . . food selection: C
. . . seating quantity: B
. . . seating comfort: C
. . . eatery atmosphere: B
. . . eatery convenience: B
. . . staff friendliness: A
. . . staff attentiveness: B
. . . character interaction: n/a

NOTE: The Cafe is on the ground floor overlooking
the pool and courtyard. It is airy and light inside, with
a sophisticated coffee shop appeal. The food is tasty,
with quality well above average, but selections nothing
too out of the ordinary. Our service has been always
outstanding. Worth jumping to for breakfast or dinner.
However, the lunch menu has changed and now not
worth the journey. By the way, a good place to take
young kids to start them to learn manners.

 

[HunnyJar]

We dined at the Grand Floridian Cafe in September with our 2 year old, 1 year old and 15 year old. It was one of our favorite dining experiences this past trip. The food was very good, the service was great and the setting was just beautiful. The hostess made sure my 2 year old had enough crayons for coloring and was really interacting with both of our little ones.

The restaurant is lovely and my daughters loved looking around from their high chairs. They were both fascinated by the rosebud on our table. This is one of the restaurants my son (the 15 now 16 year old) is asking to go back to and one my husband definitely wants to go back to. Thinking about trying it for our first night dinner for next year.

 

[meggiebeth]

This was one of our favourite restaurants from our August trip. They are very friendly to children, and it is not that much of an 'adult' atmosphere. You'll love it!

 

[supersuperwendy]

The room is very pretty and fancy looking, but it's perfect for families! My kids enjoyed it a lot when the last time we were there. They were 9, 6 and 5 at the time.

 

[XGrumpy1]

I have never eaten there, but on some reviews on the podcasts the food was called overpriced and not very good.

 

[Ali]

The podcast review was not kind recently and I decided not to go based on that. I'd rather eat in the gasparilla games place and let my son play games while we eat.

 

[catne]

We have eaten there 3 times this year--January, February and September. Food and service was excellent all three times.

 

[MSSANDRA]

The restaurant will be fine for your child. I am however, not sure you will be happy with the time you have. It's going to put you trying to take the monorail back to the MK right as everyone not attending the party is leaving and those going to the party, are trying to get in.

When we did MVMCP we did an ADR for about that time 'INSIDE the MK. Worked perfect. If you do an outside place, you might want to consider a late afternoon ADR and then snack during the party. Just a thought.

 

[rcraw45425]

The restaurant will be fine for your child. I am however, not sure you will be happy with the time you have. It's going to put you trying to take the monorail back to the MK right as everyone not attending the party is leaving and those going to the party, are trying to get in.

When we did MVMCP we did an ADR for about that time 'INSIDE the MK. Worked perfect. If you do an outside place, you might want to consider a late afternoon ADR and then snack during the party. Just a thought.

They can always take the resort launch from GF to the MK. It's probably closer to gfc than the monorail station which is upstairs.

 

[momimouse27]

Thanks so much for the info, guys! Sounds great.

MSSandra, I did look for one inside the park first. This trip was kind of dropped in my lap by my husband(national sales mtg) pretty late...in early September. I'm certainly not complaining! But it narrowed my options alot.

We were thinking of possibly walking to MK from GF, if I'm not mistaken isn't there a walking path from the resort to MK? I am thinking that might keep us from waiting for a crowded monorail.

 

[MrsLS]

GF is not fancy or anything, pretty atmosphere/decorations but certainly not "adult". The food is just okay and the last few times the service wasn't good, mostly rushed, or the last time the server was pretty rude to us with his comments, he was condescending.
No, you can't walk from GF to MK, there is no path. You either need to take the monorail or the boat.

 

[momimouse27]

Thanks, MrsLS. I don't know why I thought there was a path..possibly because when we stayed in the Contemporary there was one and we walked to MK several times. I think in my head I just assumed there was also one for GF.

I'm thinking now that taking the boat might be the best option.

 

[AwkwardTurtle]

I ate there with my husband at the beginning of October, and it was full of families with young children, so I wouldn't worry. Our food was very tasty, but the service was slooooooooow.

 

[rcraw45425]

Thanks, MrsLS. I don't know why I thought there was a path..possibly because when we stayed in the Contemporary there was one and we walked to MK several times. I think in my head I just assumed there was also one for GF.

I'm thinking now that taking the boat might be the best option.

The boat is a great option but keep in mind it's a small resort launch, open air, so coats may be needed. I believe it seats about 30 or so at a time. Enjoy!