Late night dining GF

[ToffPrincess]

DH, DS (3) and myself arrive pretty late to Grand Floridian next week. We tend not to eat airoplane food and i know we will be starving. DH said we should book dinner so we dont have to mess around with room service trolleys etc when we want to sleep.

Pretty good availability for all on site restaurants..

What is better for a 8.30pm/9pm time slot?
-Grand floridian Cafe
-Citricos
-Narcoossee’s

DS is 3 but well behaved and loves eating out like a grownup so thats one small mercy!!

 

[TheSouthernBelle]

I cannot speak to Citricos or Narcoosee's for food as I haven't eaten at either but have eaten at GF Cafe. The Cafe is ok, nothing special at all, simple, american food that is good but nothing special. However after a long day of traveling, I agree with your DH I wouldn't want to mess with having to decide what/where to eat at that time. If I were you, I would do the cafe. Understated, easy and not as expensive as the other two. I would not want to spend the money on signature dining. We drive into WDW when we go and we did 1900 park fare at the GF for our first night. Easy and simple but a little pricey. The buffet and characters were fun but our reservation was 8:20pm, we weren't seated until 9pm so just be aware that your ADR is not a guaranteed seating time. We were not happy campers.

 

[BriLovesDisney]

GFC is okay. Nothing remarkable but it's good. I've only eaten at Narcoosee's once and did not like it. I've never eaten at Citricos but have heard amazing things.

 

[tannerandcatesmom]

We have only tried Citricos, but, is was fabulous!! Narcoossee’s does have fireworks viewing if you wanted to start the trip off with a bang! Enjoy your trip!

 

[j4disneyworld]

My fiance and I stayed at the GF every year for the past 7 years. We think the Cafe is really good. The lobster burger is so good. There have been times were the food was just meh/Okay--it can be hit or miss. I believe the Cafe closes at 9pm though.

As for Narcoossees, it is one of our favorite restaurants. Delicious food and a great view of the water and MK. If you can get a reservation there during the fireworks, it's a beautiful site to see. It's not a fast meal though. The first time I took my daughter there was when she was about 4. She's well behaved too but needed some toys and coloring books to keep her occupied through the long meal.

If you're just looking for something quick after your flight and don't want to eat a huge meal before bed, the pizza at Gasparilla Island Grill Quick Service is actually delicious. We ventured there many, many, many times after getting back from the parks at night. Just an idea so you can hop into bed and relax before your day in the parks.

 

[illinidp]

With a 3yo I would go with Narcoossee's, esp since the time likely lines up with the fireworks. They have standard steaks and seafood entrees. Nothing creative, but very good.

Citricos is a more creative menu which is great but has no view and can bee a little stuffy and boring for little ones.

You probably wouldn't need a reservation for the Cafe at that time, so if that's the way you are leaning I would probably not make a res so you could make a last minute decision between there or Gasparilla (or Capt. Cook's at the Poly for that matter) as both of those quick service have easy access to fireworks viewing as well.

 

[ToffPrincess]

Thanks for all the replies. Just checked and no fireworks at that time which is such a bummer as the timing would be amazing!! What a pity they arent every night

 

[Nancyg56]

Thanks for all the replies. Just checked and no fireworks at that time which is such a bummer as the timing would be amazing!! What a pity they arent every night

Check the time Hallowishes is scheduled for the night you arrive. The regular show does nt happen but the party fireworks do.

I also think you may want to consider counter service the evening you arrive. That way you have no stress if you run late.

 

[tannerandcatesmom]

I am almost 100% positive fireworks are every night unless they cancel for weather. The schedule may not be out yet, could be a MNSSHP night. If you wanted to see them from Narcoossee’s book the ADR just don’t tell the family they will see fireworks. Then if for some reason they don’t have them there will be no disappointment.

 

[Nancyg56]

I am almost 100% positive fireworks are every night unless they cancel for weather. The schedule may not be out yet, could be a MNSSHP night. If you wanted to see them from Narcoossee’s book the ADR just don’t tell the family they will see fireworks. Then if for some reason they don’t have them there will be no disappointment.

Hallowishes is never published in the regular park schedule, but unless there is inclement weather they go off during every party.

 

[tannerandcatesmom]

Hallowishes is never published in the regular park schedule, but unless there is inclement weather they go off during every party.

I didn’t word that well. I meant, it could be a party night so that is why the fireworks schedule wasn’t posted. Sorry for any confusion.

 

[Nancyg56]

I didn’t word that well. I meant, it could be a party night so that is why the fireworks schedule wasn’t posted. Sorry for any confusion.

Oh no apologies are needed. I was just supporting your post.

 

[ToffPrincess]

Good to know! I tried to google the schedule and it was quite inconsistent when it came to if they are nightly or not