by Pixie Dusted Diva
My family and I are huge fans of the Disney Dining Plan and Character Meals. We love having the characters come to us instead of waiting in line for them. What better way to wait then filling up with some delicious food?! The Garden Grill is located in the Land Pavilion in Epcot’s Future World and is only one of two character meals found at Epcot. The other is Akershus Princess Meal in Norway. Epcot is full of delicious dining locations so Garden Grill can be overlooked many times. We found it was the perfect choice for breakfast, but we’ve also done dinner here as well.
The meal is known as Chip and Dale’s Harvest Feast, so you’ll be sure to find Chip and Dale along with Farmer Mickey and Pluto. The characters appear at breakfast, lunch and dinner. We found the characters came by our table several times, so we were able to get many pict
ures with them. They spent several minutes interacting with the children and adults at the table. The characters are dressed in their farm attire! Farmer Mickey is adorable.
One of my favorite things about the Garden Grill is it’s served family style so you do not even have to get up!! (Just like ‘Ohana’s breakfast) We only get up for pictures with the characters! Your server will be more than happy to replenish your entire platter for you or just bring you specific items that you need, so don’t be afraid to ask for more. I’ve also heard great things about the restaurant accommodating allergies/and other gluten restrictions, although I have not had any personal experiences.
Breakfast starts at 8:00 a.m. and lasts until 10:30 a.m., which allows you to book a pre-park breakfast that works out well since the restaurant is located directly above Soarin’. Keep in mind character meals do take longer than regular meals, but you could be one of the first to ride Soarin’, with a very little wait. When you do book a pre-park opening reservation, there is a special line for these reservations. It is usually all the way to the right of the entrance. You will still scan your Magic Band or park ticket and the Cast Member has a list to verify your reservation. Only those with reservations will be allowed to enter the park prior to opening.
Another unique feature is the restaurant slowly moves and overlooks the Living with the Land boat ride. You can barely tell the ride is moving, which is a good thing.
The all
you can you eat harvest starts with Chip’s sticky bun bake, which is a large skillet cinnamon bun with warm vanilla icing. I love cinnamon buns and this was delicious! This is followed by seasonal fresh fruit, fluffy scrambled eggs, tater tots, bacon, ham, and Mickey waffles of course!
Your typical coke soft drinks, juice, lemonade, coffee and passion fruit juice is available. Specialty cocktails are available that include a bloody mary or mimosa should you need to kick start you day.
This meal is one dining credit on the Disney Dining Plan and qualifies for dining discounts such as Tables in Wonderland. Our meal was $30 per adult and $18 per child. Reservations are recommended and should be made in advance. Need assistance making those dining reservation? Contact our Travel Agent, Patricia at All for Dreams Travel and she will be happy to assist you (and her services are FREE)!
