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The Garden Grill at EPCOT is a one-of-a-kind dining experience that combines farm-to-table freshness, unforgettable character interactions, and a revolving restaurant concept that’s exclusive to Disney World. If you’re planning a visit to Walt Disney World, Garden Grill should definitely be on your dining list!
Here are the top six reasons why Garden Grill has become a must-visit for families and Disney fans alike.
6. A Rotating Restaurant Experience
Yes, you read that right! The Garden Grill is a rotating restaurant, a feature that adds an extra layer of magic to your meal. Unlike a thrill ride, the rotation is gentle and subtle, so you can comfortably enjoy your food without feeling any motion. As the restaurant rotates, you’ll get changing views of scenes from the beloved attraction, Living with the Land. From lush landscapes to peaceful farms, the view continuously evolves, making every seat a great seat with something new to look at.
Credit: Disney
Why It’s Unique: Garden Grill is the only rotating restaurant at Walt Disney World, so it’s a rare treat that stands out from any other dining experience on Disney property. Kids and adults alike love the slow movement, which creates an immersive experience as you enjoy each course.
5. Fresh, Locally Grown Ingredients
Garden Grill takes “fresh” to a whole new level by sourcing many of its ingredients directly from The Land pavilion itself. The vegetables served are harvested from the greenhouses just a short distance away, ensuring peak flavor and quality. Even the fish is sustainably sourced, often coming from the pavilion’s aquaculture tanks.
Why It’s Special: Dining at Garden Grill means you’re enjoying a meal with some of the freshest ingredients available in the park. Guests can taste the difference in dishes that feature crisp vegetables and sustainably raised fish. It’s truly a farm-to-table experience, right in the heart of EPCOT!
4. All-You-Care-to-Enjoy Family-Style Meal
Garden Grill serves meals family-style, allowing you to enjoy an all-you-care-to-eat feast brought directly to your table. The dining experience includes multiple courses, starting with a refreshing salad and warm bread rolls, followed by the main course with several delicious sides, and ending with a dessert. Everything is served on platters for the table, and if you’d like more of anything, just ask your server!
What to Expect: The main course includes favorites like turkey with gravy, grilled beef, and mashed potatoes, as well as seasonal vegetables from the pavilion’s garden. The meal ends with a berry cobbler dessert that’s a fan favorite! Whether you’re there for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you’ll leave fully satisfied. Don’t be shy – this is a place to dig in and enjoy as much as you’d like.
3. Memorable Character Interactions
One of the best parts of dining at Garden Grill is the chance to meet some of Disney’s most beloved characters, including Mickey Mouse, Pluto, and the mischievous Chip and Dale. Dressed in adorable farmer attire, they greet each table, offering plenty of photo opportunities and personal interactions. Chip and Dale, known for their playful antics, often bring extra energy and fun to the meal.
Credit: Disney
Why It’s Fun: Unlike some character dining experiences that can feel rushed, Garden Grill allows for a more relaxed, personal interaction with the characters. They make their way around the room so everyone gets a visit, making this a memorable experience for families with kids or Disney fans who love character dining.
Pro Tip: Be sure to have your camera ready – the character costumes and the setting create the perfect backdrop for unique photos!
2. Open for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Garden Grill offers flexibility with meal times, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. The menu for breakfast differs from lunch and dinner, so each visit can offer a new culinary experience. Breakfast includes favorites like Mickey-shaped waffles, scrambled eggs, and cinnamon rolls. For lunch and dinner, guests enjoy a hearty spread of meats, seasonal vegetables, mashed potatoes, and the iconic berry cobbler for dessert.
Why It’s Convenient: Since Garden Grill serves all three meals, it’s easier to find a reservation that fits your schedule. Plus, lunch may be slightly more affordable than dinner while still offering the same delicious options and character experiences. No matter the time of day, the rotating scenery and character interactions make every meal special.
Pro Tip: If you’re visiting during a festival season at EPCOT, consider booking breakfast to fuel up for a full day of exploring the festival offerings.
1. Incredible Location and Relaxed Atmosphere
Located in The Land pavilion on the second floor, Garden Grill offers an oasis of relaxation within the bustling EPCOT park. The restaurant’s rotation gives diners a new perspective on the popular Living with the Land attraction, allowing you to see the attraction’s scenes from a whole new angle. As the restaurant moves, you’ll glimpse beautiful scenes, including a farmhouse, prairie, and rainforest – all without leaving your seat.
Why It’s Special: Garden Grill offers a calm, air-conditioned environment that provides a perfect break from the busy park outside. The gentle rotation, coupled with scenic views and soft lighting, creates a soothing dining atmosphere that’s ideal for families looking to unwind. The added bonus of character appearances makes it a great choice for families with young children, while the unique setup keeps adults engaged as well.
Credit: Disney
Pro Tip: Since it’s indoors and air-conditioned, Garden Grill is a great place to cool off during the warmer months and recharge for more EPCOT adventures.
Honorable Mentions: What Else Makes Garden Grill a Must-Visit?
While the six features above are the highlights, there are a few additional perks to dining at Garden Grill:
- Sustainability Focus: Garden Grill’s commitment to using locally sourced ingredients helps reduce the carbon footprint, making it an eco-friendly dining choice.
- Dietary Accommodations: Disney is known for accommodating dietary needs, and Garden Grill is no exception. If you have specific dietary preferences, just inform your server, and they’ll be happy to assist.
Tips for Dining at Garden Grill
Here are some helpful tips to make the most of your dining experience at Garden Grill:
- Reserve Early: Garden Grill is a popular dining spot, especially since it’s one of the few character dining options at EPCOT. Be sure to book your reservation as early as possible through the My Disney Experience app.
- Arrive Hungry: With family-style, all-you-care-to-enjoy servings, Garden Grill ensures you won’t leave hungry. Come prepared to enjoy every course to the fullest!
- Take Advantage of Photo Opportunities: Character dining at Garden Grill offers unique backdrops and photo moments with beloved Disney characters in their farmer attire.
- Consider Timing for Meal Selection: If you’re interested in trying breakfast, plan it as a fun start to your EPCOT day. For dinner, a reservation close to closing time provides a quieter experience with a view of EPCOT’s evening ambiance.
Final Thoughts:
Dining at Garden Grill is more than just a meal – it’s a full Disney experience. With a rotating view, farm-to-table ingredients, and the chance to meet classic Disney characters, this restaurant has it all. Whether it’s your first visit or a return to this beloved spot, Garden Grill offers a mix of delicious food, fun interactions, and unique surroundings that capture the spirit of EPCOT’s dedication to sustainability and creativity.
So, if you’re looking to add a memorable meal to your Disney World itinerary, make a reservation at Garden Grill. It’s an experience that the entire family can enjoy, offering a taste of Disney magic that you’ll want to revisit again and again!
