Leave MK for lunch?

[CSLucas]

I would go to the Contemporary if you just want something quick - it will be easy for the grandparents to hop on the monorail and meet you there if they don't want to walk, and it is a very quick walk for anyone walking (plus it has its own screening and security area so it's not nearly as much of a hassle as you might think). Last time we were in MK (September), it POURED on us right at noon and I was able to go back to the Contemporary with a 5 yr old, get fresh socks and masks for everyone, and be back for a 12:30 lunch reservation inside MK.

If you're trying to get in some quiet time and don't need to hurry back, I would go GF. We did that one our first trip to MK and it was SUCH a good decision. It gave us a much-needed break from heat and crowds. The walkway wasn't open at that time so transportation was annoying and shot a good portion of our afternoon. With the walkway it is probably better.

 

[DeeBee3]

I'd say no problem but aim for Contemporary. Easy to get to and plenty of options.

 

[Miffy]

Keep in mind that if you do leave MK to have lunch at CR or GF, your lunch break is going to be 2.5 hours long, minimum, and maybe more like 3 hours. Because you have to leave MK--which can easily be a 20-minute walk, depending on where you are in the park--get to your destination (walk? boat?), have lunch, then get back to MK. If you don't mind giving up 3 hours to have lunch, then you're good. If that seems excessive, then stay in MK and have a QS meal and have dinner at GFC or the Wave.

It seems like this shouldn't take this long and I'm sure people do it in less time, but we often have a leisurely lunch at GFC and we enjoy taking the boat, which can sometimes be a 20+-minute wait.

Also, you've got 8 people. Unless you're all speed walkers, you are burning up a lot of park time.

 

[kwdw]

When park hours are long, or when I don’t care about maximizing my time at MK, I frequently leave the park for a meal at GF, Poly, CR, or WL. I judge it takes 2 hours barring no transportation issues and quick seating at the restaurant. Maybe a little less if I am solo and everything moves along like clockworks. With a party of 8, I would agree with a prior poster this is likely 2.5 hours. For me, the time away from a busy park and the opportunity to see another area of WDW is calming and rejuvenating. I return to the park ready for the rest of the day.

But, this is TIME. I would not do this during a short trip with only one day at MK during short park hours. If you have at least two days at MK planned, a nice meal one day can be nice family bonding time.

 

[Leight19]

I’ll add to the consensus that it depends on how you are traveling. If you’re fast paced, limited time in parks it could be 1 to 2 hrs lost on an already shortened day. In this case it may not be worth the time lost in park.

However if you’re going to be around multiple days with slower pace, magic kingdom IMO has biggest gap between dining in park vs nearby resorts. I’d also add navigating monorail/boat transport and security was much easier mid day then beginning or end of day so trip isn’t too bad. Paired with potentially longer wait times mid day I was huge fan of these lunch breaks when I traveled in January.

 

[LovesTimone]

Yes... It is worth it for us...

Take a boat ride over to the Grand Floridian and have lunch or dinner at the Grand Floridian Cafe... Check out the lobby it is so beautiful, before Covid there would be someone playing the Piano, not sure if that's back in play or not yet... It a nice spot to relax and re-group.

 

[gharter]

It depends on park hours.
During "normal times" with long park hours, it would be worth it.
With current shortened hours, i wouldn't want to spend 2+ hours for a meal. Whether you walk or wait for transportation, get to the restaurant, order and come it will be close to that.
Ultimately, it depends on your group, how much they want a break from the park, how many days you'll be at MK, crowd size and park hours.

 

[LeeLee'sMom]

I 100% do this almost every MK visit. We love the GF Cafe. you can hop on the monorail and relax and in mins you are there or even take the boat over to GF. Lovely atmosphere and food. It's a well deserved and needed break in AC, plus the resort is beautiful. The pic in my profile is the boat over to GF Cafe.

 

[LiveLifeLoud]

With that size group I’m not sure. I would probably stay in the park. We love midday breaks but always go back go the resort. Except for our first park day we do stay all day.

Next trip it’ll just be myself and DD. Our first day in the parks will be MK. We’re always so excited that we stay all day and usually do an early dinner ADR as our “break.” Next trip I’m planning on doing Geyser Point for our lunch and a little break. Dinner will most likely be snacking or QS.

I see plenty of people on the boards that go to the monorail for lunch on their MK day. They enjoy the little break.

 

[BVarn]

We rode the monorail to The Wave and back for our MK day. We liked the menu better there and it was a nice mid day break. I would definitely recommend it.