If you’re looking for a serene escape from the whirl of Disney parks, brunch at Disney’s Grand Floridian Café is a real hidden gem.
Located within the elegant Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – one stop away from Magic Kingdom by monorail or a relaxing boat ride across the lake – this charming restaurant offers a moment of calm, a beautiful setting, and food that actually surprised us with its quality and flair.
We visited for my husband’s birthday, and the experience felt like a special treat from the moment we arrived. The dining space is light and airy, with large windows overlooking the Seven Seas Lagoon and the resort’s pristine grounds. There’s a timeless, slightly old-fashioned charm to the place that suits the Grand Floridian’s turn-of-the-century theme perfectly.
The serving staff welcomed us with a big smile, and our server went out of her way to make it a birthday to remember. At the end of the meal, she even brought out a complementary cupcake for my husband – a perfect gesture for someone who loves cake but would run a mile from the kind of noisy birthday fuss you sometimes get in restaurants (especially US ones!)
The food: Big flavours and generous portions
I ordered the avocado toast, which turned out to be the best of my holiday! Though listed as an appetiser, it was served with the mains and was filling enough to stand on its own. Two slices of thick multigrain toast (similar to what we’d call granary in the UK) were topped with slices of avocado and fire-roasted tomatoes in a light balsamic marinade. The tomatoes were smoky, sweet and full of flavour – it was a vibrant and satisfying vegan dish that felt carefully prepared and beautifully presented.
My husband went for a classic: Eggs Benedict with Canadian bacon, served with a rich, cheesy hash brown casserole on the side. The bacon was thicker than the crisp rashers you often find in the US – more like our back bacon – and the eggs were cooked to perfection.
But the real highlight? That casserole. It was like a crispy little cake with a creamy, cheesy centre – very indulgent and the perfect treat for a birthday boy!
Our son had the Mickey Ears to You waffles, generously sized and covered in tiny candied Mickey sprinkles with maple syrup on the side. Definitely not the healthiest choice, but he adored it. For dessert, he chose Worms ‘n Dirt – a playful dish served in a little terracotta pot, with chocolate “soil” and jelly worms. It’s fun, but huge – definitely too much for one child (so we felt obliged to help him out).
I also ordered a fruity drink, the Raspberry Colada. It was rich and coconutty, perhaps a little heavy for brunch – I’d go for something lighter next time.
Can you use the Dining Plan?
Yes – if you’re on the standard Disney Dining Plan, the Grand Floridian Café counts as a Table Service meal.
However, we were on the Quick Service Plan, which doesn’t cover table service locations, so we paid out of pocket. Even so, we felt the value was fair given the generous portion sizes and the quality of the experience.
You can view the current menu here.
Tips for booking
This is a popular spot, especially for late breakfasts or brunch before heading to Magic Kingdom. We strongly recommend booking in advance, which you can do through the My Disney Experience app or the Disney website (up to 60 days ahead).
A peaceful start to a Disney day
Brunch at the Grand Floridian Café is more than just a meal – it’s a chance to enjoy the elegance of one of Disney’s most famous resorts (this is meant to be where Princess Di stayed with William and Harry). After dining, we had a lovely wander around the manicured grounds, taking in the views and soaking up the peaceful atmosphere before heading to Magic Kingdom. It’s a wonderful way to start your day, especially if you’re celebrating something special.
Whether you’re a Disney regular or planning a first visit, consider adding this to your itinerary. It’s a charming break from the parks and a reminder that the magic of Disney isn’t just in the attractions.
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