Where on property could I meet my mom for lunch?

[NancyIL]

My mom lives in Cocoa - about one hour from WDW. I'll see her for a few hours on my arrival day next month, while waiting for my son's plane to arrive later that afternoon. I want to see her again when my son is with me, so I'm thinking of asking my mom and brother (who would be her driver) to meet us for lunch somewhere on WDW property. We did that last April - and ate at Beaches and Cream. However, my mom doesn't walk well, and complained about the long walk from the back of the Beach Club to the restaurant. Are there other resort restaurants that don't involve much walking between passenger drop-off and restaurant entrance? My mom said that NEXT time they'd pick me up and we'd go off prorperty, but I would rather NOT do that!

 

[DMRick]

If your mom has a handicap sticker, and plans on eating in a restaurant on property, or even if she doesn't, she can still use the service) she can park for free with just a tip, valet. I just recently found out that is for anyone, not just people staying on site. That means she could go to any of the deluxes. GF is nice for lunch. I don't know if the Irish Pub near Pleasure Island has lunch, but parking distance isn't too bad for that.

 

[NancyIL]

My brother dropped her off right at the back entrance to the Beach Club, but she still had a bit of a hike to Beaches and Cream. She's used to going from the parking lot right into a restaurant, and not having to do much walking. I tried telling her it was good exercise - to which she replied, "I don't need the exercise!" She is 80.

 

[NancyIL]

As I recall, Whispering Canyon Cafe is pretty close to the front entrance of Wilderness Lodge...correct? Wonder if my mom could stand the wackiness?

Another idea is Kona Cafe at the Poly, but I've never been there and have no clue about its location.

 

[Disneemomee]

Why dont u meet at the contemporary ,she could park right in front and you could take the monrail and everyone can eat at Chey MIckey's

 

[ElizabethB]

If you valet park at the GF, she'll be right at the front of the Grand Floridian lobby, and will only have to walk through the lobby to get to the Grand Floridian Cafe, which is a lovely lunch spot -- tasty food, pretty setting, not too noisy.

Granted it's a big lobby, but that's the closest I can think of for an on-property lunch spot without too much walking.

One other thought -- you could book tea in the Garden View Lounge at GF at 2 p.m. or so. It's very nice, with tea sandwiches, scones, and the like. Your mom might really enjoy it. They have cheese plates, etc. with a little heartier fare for the men. This also involves only a walk across the GF lobby from the main entrance if you valet park.

 

[NancyIL]

If you valet park at the GF, she'll be right at the front of the Grand Floridian lobby, and will only have to walk through the lobby to get to the Grand Floridian Cafe, which is a lovely lunch spot -- tasty food, pretty setting, not too noisy.

Granted it's a big lobby, but that's the closest I can think of for an on-property lunch spot without too much walking.

One other thought -- you could book tea in the Garden View Lounge at GF at 2 p.m. or so. It's very nice, with tea sandwiches, scones, and the like. Your mom might really enjoy it. They have cheese plates, etc. with a little heartier fare for the men. This also involves only a walk across the GF lobby from the main entrance if you valet park.

I was also just thinking about tea at the Grand Floridian! However, my brother and son might not be too thrilled, but I'll take a look at the menu.

Disneemomee - I don't believe Chef Mickey's serves lunch. As I recall, there's quite a bit of walking from the front entrance of the Contemporary to the restaurant.

Thanks for all the suggestions!

 

[NancyIL]

I just called my mom with my brilliant idea, and she wasn't too pleased! My brother just started a new job and she isn't sure when he works. And - she didn't think THEY should have to be the ones doing the driving to see us! Then she called back and said maybe they could meet us on Sunday afternoon, but NOT at a WDW hotel restaurant!! She said it would have to be a place like TGI Friday's (at the Crossroads across from Downtown Disney) so she can get out of the car and walk right into the restaurant - no walking through hotels to get to the restaurant. Oh well...if she and my brother will do that, I guess we can leave Disney property for a few hours.

 

[WillCAD]

Well, if Mom must not go to a WDW restaurant, you can suggest the Chevys Fresh Mex at the Crossroads. Nice location, close to Downtown Disney, and excellent food and service.

 

[NancyIL]

Well, if Mom must not go to a WDW restaurant, you can suggest the Chevys Fresh Mex at the Crossroads. Nice location, close to Downtown Disney, and excellent food and service.

Thanks, Will.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Olivia's at OKW. Drop her off at Bell Services, right at Hospitality House. Olivia's is opposite the lobby, no more than a 30 foot walk - aka, no further than pretty much any restaurant anywhere.
Another option is - any resort, if your mom doesn't mind being pushed in a wheelchair. You should be able to borrow one from Guest Services/Lobby Concierge at any resort.

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

I love Kona!
If she gets out right in front of the GCH, she has to walk to the back of the building to the elevators and take one right upstairs to Kona, which is just a few yards away.

 

[BCV23]

The Sand Trap at Bonnet Creek Golf Club is another idea. You could drop her off at the door which is probably 20 feet if that from the restaurant. It has good food and is very quiet since it is off the beaten path except for WDW golfers.

 

[2giddy4wdw]

Olivia's at OKW. Drop her off at Bell Services, right at Hospitality House. Olivia's is opposite the lobby, no more than a 30 foot walk - aka, no further than pretty much any restaurant anywhere.

That was going to be my suggestion. And the food there is really good!!!!

 

[NancyIL]

Hmmmmm...Olivia's just might work. Of course, I expect a great deal of complaining from my mom. I may just mouth off and tell her to quit being a PITA!

 

[2giddy4wdw]

Hmmmmm...Olivia's just might work. Of course, I expect a great deal of complaining from my mom. I may just mouth off and tell her to quit being a PITA!

I think at one point in our lives we all want to do this!!!! But remember you are in the Happiest place of earth!!! Besides, it's not like it's a whole trip!!! Good luck! And Olivia's is very nice!!! Let us know how it turns out!!! for good luck!

 

[NancyIL]

I think at one point in our lives we all want to do this!!!! But remember you are in the Happiest place of earth!!! Besides, it's not like it's a whole trip!!! Good luck! And Olivia's is very nice!!! Let us know how it turns out!!! for good luck!

Thanks for your good wishes! I haven't heard anything from my brother yet, so don't know if they'll be over to WDW at all. If not, I'll wait until my son's plane gets in, then visit my mom for a few hours before going to WDW for the rest of the week.

 

[2giddy4wdw]

Just think happy thoughts!!! And even if you have to go meet them, at least after you still get to go to WDW!!!!!!! Can't wait to go back!!

 

[Eeyore2003]

Another vote for Olivia's. You could definitely drop her off at one of the resort doors, but those resorts are still pretty large. Olivia's is not only nice for her but also for you guys parking and the food is excellent. The guys would like the atmosphere too. They also have tables outside if you'd like.