If you’re looking for a character meal at EPCOT, you’ve got a couple of options, but trust me-Garden Grill is the place you want to be. Sure, Akershus is great for a princess experience, but Garden Grill is where you get to hang out with the real stars- Mickey, Pluto, Chip, and Dale!
While we were at Disney to celebrate my daughter’s 4th birthday, we decided to check out the Garden Grill. Let me tell you- this meal is more than just food. It’s an experience, especially for our two little girls, who absolutely loved every second of it!
A Rotating Dining Experience
First off, the setting itself is magical. Nestled within EPCOT’s The Land Pavilion, The Garden Grill Restaurant is unique because it has a rotating dining room. Yep, you actually get to watch the scenes of the Living with the Land attraction while you eat! If you think seeing Mickey in overalls will be the best sight at this restaurant, you are mistaken. My girls were mesmerized by the change of views- the rotating tables made it feel like we were on an adventure as we dined. We journeyed through a desert, a rainforest, and a prairie.
Pro tip: Ask for the lower level when you check in. They can’t always accommodate, but it doesn’t hurt to ask, and the views are a little better. We were seated upstairs, and we had to stand multiple times to get a better view of the land below.
Our favorite part was not just experiencing the many views, but also the sounds, which added a special touch to the experience, eliciting a sense of tranquility and connection to nature. For example, during the farmhouse scene, you can hear the dog barking, thunderstorms, and you can see little details not visible to ride-goers down below. My daughters found the dog barking to be the best part of the changing scenes and giggled every time they heard it.
The Food: Delicious, Comforting, and Fun
Now, let’s talk food because Garden Grill definitely delivers. While we haven’t yet enjoyed breakfast here, I can confidently say the lunch and dinner options are delicious.
The meal starts with warm cornbread, which is almost impossible to stop at just one piece! Thankfully, this is an all-you-can-eat feast because we needed more right away! I loved the fresh garden salad and the carrots and celery that also came out as a starter. I usually feel so full after starters at most restaurants, so it was nice to enjoy a lighter assortment of foods that tasted fresh, as well.
The main course, also family style, was absolutely delicious. Now, I know everyone’s children eat differently, but for my two littles, grilled steak, and mac and cheese were at the top of their list! We had to ask for seconds, as my oldest devoured the steak, and my youngest wouldn’t share the mac and cheese. As soon as it hit the table, she grabbed the dish and took a big spoonful of the creamy mac and cheese. And from that point on, we couldn’t get the spoon or the plate away from her! While I loved the bold and flavorful taste of the grilled steak with chimichurri, the turkey with pan gravy was rich and comforting- it tasted like Thanksgiving with each mouthful.
No meal is truly complete without dessert, and the dessert- oh my goodness! The Farmer’s Seasonal Crumble was by far the highlight of the meal! My oldest doesn’t enjoy sweets but my youngest loved trying the ice cream and apple pie. Imagine warm apple pie filled with cinnamon-spiced caramelized apples, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts into a creamy, dreamy drizzle. Let’s just say we didn’t leave a crumb behind!
We were also pleased with how accommodating they were for guests who preferred the plant-based options and were very careful with those who had allergies, which, for me, was a big plus.
The Characters
But what really made this experience unforgettable was the character interactions. We have been to many character meals before, but this one was special. Mickey, Pluto, Chip, and Dale were absolute gems. Each character made sure to spend time with each of my girls, respecting their comfort levels but also making them feel like the center of the universe.
Pluto had my oldest daughter up on her feet, twirling and dancing around like a princess. Chip and Dale are sure to keep you entertained with their mischievous ways! Chip and Dale played peek-a-boo with my youngest, who was more interested in scarfing down the mac and cheese.
The characters didn’t rush through the table like we’ve experienced at other character meals. They took their time, made each interaction fun, and created magical moments that my oldest is still talking about. I’m sure my youngest would be, too, if she was old enough to talk about it!
Why It’s Worth the Price
Of course, when looking at character dining, the pricing is higher, but honestly, it’s completely worth it. Between the unlimited servings of food, unforgettable character interactions, and a rotating dining room, it was a memorable experience for the whole family. You definitely get your money’s worth in both food and experience.
For more information on the menu and pricing, check it out here!
Tips for Dining at Garden Grill
- Make Reservations Early: As a popular dining option, you will want to secure this dining reservation exactly 60 days before your visit.
- Best Time to Visit: Dine between 2 pm and 3 pm, when crowds tend to be lighter. This will allow you to have the best character interactions.
- Allergies and Preferences: The kitchen is extremely accommodating with dietary restrictions, so be sure to add this to your reservation when booking and remind your server when you check in.
A Disney Dining Gem
From the rotating restaurant, to the delicious food, to the truly magical character moments, Garden Grill made our Disney experience extra special. While my oldest is still gushing about Pluto’s twirls and Chip and Dale’s silly antics, I am still dreaming about every bite of that apple crumble. It’s one of those meals that makes you feel like you’re part of the Disney magic, and for us, it was the highlight of our trip.
If you want extra help navigating character dining experiences within Disney World, your Smart Moms Travel agent can assist you.
Not yet working with a Smart Moms Travel agent but looking for help planning your family’s upcoming Disney trip? Let me help you plan a vacation that incorporates all your family’s priorities, including meal options! You can enlist my help for free here.
