Grand Floridian Cafe

[southernbohemian]

Since most of the restaurants we are leaning towards are either character dinners or more family-oriented (Ohana, WCC), I wanted to do one dinner at a more elegant restaurant we can dress up for. I'm gravitating to the GFC because of our schedule and the menu looks really nice. Plus I'd like to have an excuse for going into the GF since it's doubtful we'll ever stay there. Would GFC be a good choice? I'm not looking for a Signature restaurant, but would like something we wouldn't get weird looks at for coming in ties and dresses. The other choice would be in DTD, but I'm not crazy about any of the DDP participating restaurans there. Suggestions?

P.S. I did some searches and kept coming upon a dessert at GFC called the Cinderella Slipper. Is this still offered (not on the menu I saw) and what is it?

 

[ms_missy66]

I'm not under the impression that it's any more upscale than any other TS restaurant, though with that said you get folks dressed to all extremes! Tank tops and flip flops through dresses and ties. If you want to get dressed up, you should! You'll look fantastic and the pictures will be beautiful.

We've never eaten there and are scheduled too in December, so I'm interested in hearing others' replies, especially about this slipper dessert!

Have fun!

 

[septbaby]

Since most of the restaurants we are leaning towards are either character dinners or more family-oriented (Ohana, WCC), I wanted to do one dinner at a more elegant restaurant we can dress up for. I'm gravitating to the GFC because of our schedule and the menu looks really nice. Plus I'd like to have an excuse for going into the GF since it's doubtful we'll ever stay there. Would GFC be a good choice? I'm not looking for a Signature restaurant, but would like something we wouldn't get weird looks at for coming in ties and dresses. The other choice would be in DTD, but I'm not crazy about any of the DDP participating restaurans there. Suggestions?

P.S. I did some searches and kept coming upon a dessert at GFC called the Cinderella Slipper. Is this still offered (not on the menu I saw) and what is it?

The weirdest looks you'll probably get are from the teenagers in your group!

 

[Lynn5700]

Have you looked in Narcoose's??

 

[Lynne M]

I don't think you'd look completely out of place in ties and dresses at GFC, but you'll probably be the only people there who are that dressed up. Your fellow diners will be in their theme park clothes - shorts, t-shirts, flip-flops, etc. It's the most casual TS restaurant at GF, and while it's very nicely decorated, I wouldn't call the atmosphere 'elegant'.

Narcoosee's and Citricos are more likely to have the atmosphere you're looking for.

 

[southernbohemian]

I didn't really want to do a Signature Restaurant because my kids aren't gourmets and would probably be put off by the menu and end up all ordering PB&Js (nice use of 2TS). I was hoping GFC was a more upscale casual place because of the setting I guess. You know, like a Cheesecake Factory versus a Chili's - still nothing fancy but good for nice occasions. Are there any TS restaurants that are like this? I expect most people not to be dressed up - we certainly won't be the rest of the week - and I'm talking Sunday best here, no ballgowns or anything.

And I have the perfect way to get the kids to go along with the entire thing - going to DTD afterwards to shop! They're pretty easily bribed.

Any word on the slipper?

 

[Lynne M]

Ah, OK, now I see what you're looking for. I think the GFC would be just fine for your group. It's certainly a much nicer setting than the Cheesecake Factory, and the food is far superior.

I know that the slipper has to be special ordered in advance, but that's all I know about it. I'm sure others who've ordered it will be along shortly to give you the details.

 

[Lynn5700]

Then just go there..I don't know about the slipper.

 

[mrzrich]

I found Wolfgang Puck Cafe (The TS, not the CS) to be place that's both kid friendly, and a step above Chili's or Applebees. We've been there dressed nicely for an evening on the town before PI.

 

[jcriket]

I know Jiko's at AKL is also a nice place to go if you want to dress up.YC has a nice steak place too

 

[nicoleakr]

i personally love this resturant. I found it quiet and relaxing. The steak was very good. We ate there for lunch and dinner. Enjoy!!!

 

[ROEDISNEY]

Since most of the restaurants we are leaning towards are either character dinners or more family-oriented (Ohana, WCC), I wanted to do one dinner at a more elegant restaurant we can dress up for. I'm gravitating to the GFC because of our schedule and the menu looks really nice. Plus I'd like to have an excuse for going into the GF since it's doubtful we'll ever stay there. Would GFC be a good choice? I'm not looking for a Signature restaurant, but would like something we wouldn't get weird looks at for coming in ties and dresses. The other choice would be in DTD, but I'm not crazy about any of the DDP participating restaurans there. Suggestions?

P.S. I did some searches and kept coming upon a dessert at GFC called the Cinderella Slipper. Is this still offered (not on the menu I saw) and what is it?

It is a very nice place to eat. So I say it's a good choice.

 

[BELLE AND BUZZ]

We ate there for lunch a couple of years ago and loved everything about
it -- the atmosphere, the decor, the waitstaff, the food, desserts, etc.!!
The slipper dessert is white chocolate in the shape of Cinderella's slipper with either white or chocolate mousse in it. It does come on a plate all decorated and we loved the presentation. We ordered one slipper dessert and two mini castle cakes for the three birthday girls at our table. Each of these desserts were scrumptious!! You do need to order this ahead of time; it's absolutely worth it!!

 

[Brer Shay]

We really enjoy the GFC. I agree with your reasoning of going just to have an "excuse" to spend time in the hotel. You won't get strange looks for being dressed up, but don't expect others to be. I think it does tend to be a bit quieter than other restaurants. It made it to our list of "returns" for our trip this fall.

 

[Kae]

Ah, OK, now I see what you're looking for. I think the GFC would be just fine for your group. It's certainly a much nicer setting than the Cheesecake Factory, and the food is far superior.

I know that the slipper has to be special ordered in advance, but that's all I know about it. I'm sure others who've ordered it will be along shortly to give you the details.

What she said, We also love GFC & try to go there at least once per trip. I like breakfast also. And there should be a thread on dis about the glass slipper dessert. I believe you have to call the GF bakery.

Kae