Grand Floridian cafe or the wave

[sam_rogers]

On one of our magic Kingdom days I thought it would be nice to go to a restaurant on the monorail loop for dinner. I have booked the grand Floridian cafe as it seems reasonably priced and the pictures of it look nice (I've never seen the restaurant in person) but looking at reviews, I'm wondering if the wave would be a better option? I'd love some honest opinions on both restaurants. There are things on both menus that me and dh will eat so there's nothing to worry about there! I know there are some great signature restaurants in the monorail hotels but we don't want to spend a small fortune on dinner.

 

[100acreHiker]

It's a tough call for me because I love the GF resort and visiting it is always special, but the Wave has better food. The ambiance is not good, though. GF cafe still has good food, so I would probably just do that because I feel like you can enjoy a visit there more and listen to the jazz band or pianist or grab a drink at Mizners, etc.

 

[Jennasis]

The Wave is one of our favorite restaurants.

 

[KevM]

I like the food at The Wave a lot. As said though, if you’re looking for ambiance there isn’t really any. I don’t mind that myself.

I haven’t eaten at GF Cafe, so can’t comment on it.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Honestly, they're both good! I would give GF Cafe a slight edge only because the resort is so beautiful and the restaurant has a more elegant, light and airy atmosphere.

 

[dachsie]

I love the GFC. I celebrated my new job offer there when I got it so it has a special place for me (As does Buzz Lightyear ride as I was on the ride when I got the call LOL) Its a beautiful setting and the food it good

 

[goofyintoronto]

The Wave is my fave restaurant and a hidden gem. I've been to both and I find the quality of food to be MUCH better at The Wave than at GF Cafe. I love the wave so much that ive eaten there 3 times last trip. Once for dinner and twice for breakfast.

 

[sam_rogers]

I'm now thinking maybe we should do both we're bound to want an impromptu ts dinner one night so I think I'll make a reservation for one and try and get a same day reservation for the other!

 

[TCRAIG]

Both are great - The Wave has the better food and a calm elegant vibe - Grand Cafe is very pretty and food is good as well

 

[KevM]

When are you going? I’ve never seen The Wave super busy, but I generally go in the Apr-May timeframe, so not sure what the summer might be like.

 

[sam_rogers]

When are you going? I’ve never seen The Wave super busy, but I generally go in the Apr-May timeframe, so not sure what the summer might be like.

We're going mid September so not at a crazy busy time of year.

 

[SSRFred]

I have eaten at both many times and like them both but for dinner I prefer The Wave. I like their food quality and variety better and I have always had excellent service at The Wave. Occasionally, service at GFC can be a bit slow.

 

[Pdollar88]

What is your favorite thing to order at The Wave for dinner?

I’m feeling like I’m skewing heavy on steak for my September trip. Steak 3 times in a trip isn’t bad, right?

 

[MusicalAstronaut]

I love the GFC. I celebrated my new job offer there when I got it so it has a special place for me (As does Buzz Lightyear ride as I was on the ride when I got the call LOL) Its a beautiful setting and the food it good

Lol did you answer the phone on the ride? I've done worse, but the background noise must be killer!

 

[Meglen]

Im gonna get flamed here.. but we did the wave 2 times last trip and I was not impressed at all. Was just a normal breakfast place with no disney feel. Didnt do dinner so no idea if the food for that is better.

 

[sam_rogers]

What is your favorite thing to order at The Wave for dinner?

I’m feeling like I’m skewing heavy on steak for my September trip. Steak 3 times in a trip isn’t bad, right?

You can never have too much steak

 

[Minnesota!]

GFC by a mile. Will not ever eat at The Wave again (for dinner..)

 

[Minnesota!]

Im gonna get flamed here.. but we did the wave 2 times last trip and I was not impressed at all. Was just a normal breakfast place with no disney feel. Didnt do dinner so no idea if the food for that is better.

It's like you are in the basement ballroom of a Hilton in the middle of any US City, correct? Bleh.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

Love the Wave! But I go to GF for the lobster eggs Benedict!

 

[Jennasis]

Our favorite dish at the Wave is the bacon and eggs app at dinner. I also really enjoyed the gnocchi and DH got the pork chop.