One of many delightful, welcoming cast members at the Grand Floridian Café.
Almost hidden in the northeast corner of the Grand Floridian’s lobby, the Grand Floridian Cafe serves as the resort’s go-to restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with the most afforadable table-service prices at the Grand Floridian. The Cafe evokes Victorian-America with white-washed walls, formal floral arrangements, iced tea spoons, and pastel-colored furnishings. Its large windows are framed in white wood which adds to the cozy but somewhat formal ambience. A casual elegance pervades here with homey and familiar choices on the menu. These include French Onion Soup, Caesar Salad, and Reuben sandwiches. Cascades of flowers and fabric add to the “ladies who lunch” atmosphere.
Once home to the best Reuben sandwich and Cobb Salad at Walt Disney World, the Cafe has slipped on our last few visits. Portion sizes have shrunken. Preparation and presentation are also slipping. Service was once impeccable as well, with refills and condiments appearing without being requested, but apparent staff changes and some language barriers have eroded this once seamless service. The changes are not a deal breaker, but the Grand Floridian Cafe is no longer a must-dine for us.
The Seasonal Salad appetizer…a generous offering.
The famous Grand Cobb Salad.
Seasonal Cream of Mushroom Soup.
We are happy to report after numerous recent visits in July, August, September, November, and December of 2013, that the Grand Floridian Café has once again regained its favored place with us. Service has once again become close to impeccable and food quality and portions are much more even now. Both the seasonal soup and salad were exceptional. The salad features a hearty portion of heirloom tomatoes over local greens in a zesty dressing. Soups highlights included butternut squash and parsnip and the ever-popular French Onion. The Rueben, although not quite as grand as it used to be, still pleases. Served along with some of our favorite French fries on property, the Rueben makes a great lunch. The Cobb and Nicoise salads both serve as a light, delicious lunch. We have also grown fond of the Shrimp and Grits at dinner. Back to its former glory, the Grand Floridian Café certainly warrants a visit!
