Lunch on MK day. GF Cafe? Contempo Cafe? Somewhere else?

[Bostonjetset]

Just eleven more days until we’re at WDW!!
For our day at MK I was thinking it may be nice to have a sit down lunch somewhere to escape the heat for a little bit. Whilst part of me wants to go go go to maximize Genie+ and rides, I really hate the heat and feel like 90 min or so at a restaurant mid-day might be a a good idea. We have a 8.30 dinner at ‘Ohana that night so don’t need anything huge (sorry Whispering Canyon. You look great but two AYCE meals in one day is too much). I was thinking about just going to the Contemporary and having a QS lunch at Contempo Cafe as it wouldn’t take up too much time and we could explore the atrium there a bit. Steakhouse 71 was my first thought but they have no ADRs left for lunch now. Grand Floridian Cafe does have an ADR available though they seem to put lobster on a lot of stuff and I don’t eat lobster lol. Are their other options good? Any recommendations from the forum? Thanks in advance!

 

[Schneewittchen37]

A few things we've done at lunch time to escape the MK heat and chaos:
Contempo Cafe at Contemporary
Gasparilla Island Grill at GF
Kona Cafe at Poly
Capt. Cook's at Poly

I really recommend Gasparilla Island Grill, the pizza is actually really decent. And get an entree sized salad to share family style. Good stuff.

 

[FunnyLady1966]

I would monorail hop over to either the Poly or Contemporary. There are some good places to grab a nice lunch. Kona is always a must do.

 

[Ursula J]

I adore the Skipper Canteen in the park. It's some of the most creative food available, and a laid-back, fun atmosphere. However, I do think they'll probably be gently nudging you out before 90 minutes.

 

[FunnyLady1966]

I adore the Skipper Canteen in the park. It's some of the most creative food available, and a laid-back, fun atmosphere. However, I do think they'll probably be gently nudging you out before 90 minutes.

I've never been. Where is it located?

 

[Ursula J]

It's across from the Jungle Cruise--the "story" is that it's the old canteen for Jungle Cruise Skippers. Listed in app as "Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen." It's lesser known, and a lot of people seem to avoid it because of the more exotic food, so it's possible an ADR will open up or you could do walk-up? But definitely take a look at the menu. It's a must for us, but my sister's family was a hard "no"

I've never been. Where is it located?

 

[k5xs]

Skipper Canteen gets my vote too.

It’s located in Adventureland across from the Treehouse.

 

[FunnyLady1966]

Ohhhhh now I know where it is. I've never tried it but will add it to my list of new paces to eat! Thanks

 

[FunnyLady1966]

Skipper Canteen gets my vote too.

It’s located in Adventureland across from the Treehouse.

I'm sure I've passed it a million times

 

[k5xs]

Ohhhhh now I know where it is. I've never tried it but will add it to my list of new paces to eat! Thanks

Ask to be seated at the Butterfly table. And be sure to walk around and read the titles on the books on the shelves. Great humor!

 

[FunnyLady1966]

Ask to be seated at the Butterfly table. And be sure to walk around and read the titles on the books on the shelves. Great humor!

Butterfly table??

 

[Bostonjetset]

Thanks for all the replies. Skipper Canteen was another consideration as some of you recommended but they also have no reservations available now. Kona is out as I don’t want to go to the Poly for lunch AND dinner lol. I like to have an ADR if possible but if Contempo or Gasparilla are really a lot better then GF Cafe I would be okay winging it with quick service.

 

[k5xs]

Butterfly table??

I’ll see if I can find a photo. One of the tables (more of a booth, really) has dozens of framed GORGEOUS butterflies as wall hangings around it. Worthy of any natural history museum.

 

[FunnyLady1966]

GooI’ll see if I can find a photo. One of the tables (more of a booth, really) has dozens of framed GORGEOUS butterflies as wall hangings around it. Worthy of any natural history museum.

Great info! Thank you

 

[tguz]

We always eat at the GF Cafe because that is where we got engaged and we love it there. We also discovered Capt Cooks at the Poly on our Dec 2021 trip and the pulled pork nachos are awesome. It will forever be on our dining list now.

 

[tguz]

We always eat at the GF Cafe because that is where we got engaged and we love it there. We also discovered Capt Cooks at the Poly on our Dec 2021 trip and the pulled pork nachos are awesome. It will forever be on our dining list now.

 

[Eastern]

I like Contempo Cafe for a snack/breakfast/lunch and it's usually not crowded. And there are good gift shops in the CR. You could definitely get 90 minutes of good AC with low stress.

 

[Stargazer65]

Steakhouse 71 was my first thought but they have no ADRs left for lunch now.

If you really want Steakhouse 71 you don't need an ADR, you can Mobile order. The menu is more limited, but we did it for lunch one day when we were staying at BLT. It takes a little longer than Contempo Cafe from ordering until it's ready (about 10-15 minutes until it was ready for us to pick-up) but is better food. You could eat at a table in the Marketplace/Contempo Cafe area.

 

[LeeLee'sMom]

Grand Floridian Cafe is always our must when at MK, easy enjoyable boat ride over (or monorail or walk) and lovely resort. Food is very good too..we've had almost everything on their lunch menu and nothing has disappointed. My fav is the chicken and waffles....so bad but sooooo good

 

[kevind2112]

Cap'n Cooks at the Poly is a must for us. We try to stretch it to mid/late afternoon. Head there for some late lunch then a Dole Whip while relaxing on the beach for a bit. Then back to the old MK grind!