A Garden Delight

Missy RyanOctober 13, 2016​Garden Grill has recently become one of my favorite dining experiences. I have to be honest it took several visits to the park before I actually gave it a chance. I have always been skeptical about the rotating dining room as part of the experience. I am that person that who cannot sit on a swing without getting a little light headed. My children however, were all for it, and I could no longer pass it and claim they were closed or full.​Reservations for this experience are not as simple as you may think. Luckily they added breakfast opportunities. This helps with landing a reservation at a different time of the day. The restaurant itself from the outside looking in appears to be simple with not much to it. A sign hangs over the front entrance “The Garden Grill” is what you can see from the outside, booths are provided for guests and the restaurant is in the shape of a circle. You may not realize it at first glance but those booths you see as you are peering in are slowly rotating as guests are enjoying a delicious meal. Again, I must mention how this conflicted with my decision to dine here. However, I can honestly say that the motion is so subtle that it had no effect on me. It was absolutely one of the most fun I have had while dining Epcot. Another interesting part of this experience is that as you rotate you are able to view the ride “Living on the Land.” That was such a fun and exciting part of our time at Garden Grill. We had been on the ride prior, so seeing it again as we ate brought several smiles and giggles. During the meal, another fabulous perk are the characters. Mickey is decked out in his farmer overalls, Goofy, Chip and Dale are so friendly and really spend a nice amount of time at each table. They stay for several pictures, sign any items you request and add so much joy to the day just by their presence. We brought white plastic Christmas bulbs. We had each character sign a few bulbs and then pose with them for some pictures. I love the idea of seeing our family Christmas Tree sprinkled with our favorite character autographs upon them.​With the restaurant rotating it takes about one full hour to make a rotation. That gives guests the luxury of seeing characters stop by for a visit more than once! My children thoroughly enjoyed those added visits, and I must admit, I did as well!​If the atmosphere is not enough to make you a huge fan of The Garden Grill, wait until you try the food. Meals are served family style, which means that plates filled to the brim are brought out to share until your heart is content and your belly is full.​The rotating menu for lunch and dinner can include, grilled steak, roast turkey, and at times fish (dinner only). Also included is salad (super cool fact; the ingredients are grown within the land pavilion), rolls, veggies, desserts, and non alcoholic beverages. For the children they even brought out a separate bowl of macaroni and cheese sprinkled with goldfish! Breakfast features all sorts of traditional fare including eggs and mickey waffles, along with the signature dish-Chip’s Sticky Bun Bake.​Form the moment you walk into that rotating floor your experience and memories begin. Servers are very accommodating, helpful and may even add a touch of humor like ours did. I encourage anyone traveling with young children older children, single or as a couple, to treat yourself to the garden Grill. You will leave with a smile on your face and every taste bud dancing with joy.Keep in mind that Disney dining opens up 180 days for resort guests. It is never too early to start planning. I would love to help you plan a magical vacation and add garden Grill to your bucket list as a start!Please contact me with further questions at missyr@wishesfamilytravel.comYou can also follow me on FacebookI look forward to hearing from you!