Foodie Review: Grand Floridian Cafe

Whilst the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa may be extortionately priced, thankfully its cafe is fairly reasonably - and particularly with a 40% cast member discount to help things along!

I visited this cafe twice across my program - once for breakfast and once for lunch - and it was never too busy so I don't know how necessary reservations really are. However they're easy to nag so you may as well for a guaranteed chance to dine at this lesser-publicised spot.

I went with my friend for the breakfast trip, and it started out with complementary "biscuits" and a selection of jams and cream. This was my first time trying biscuits, which I'd assumed were just scones.

However they were more of a salty version and definitely seemed denser than the British counterparts. We managed one each and then...the others found their way into our purses somehow...

For the main course, I had a Mickey waffle which typically comes with bacon, though I subbed this for a side of fruit. I got one of their "toppings bars" to go with it, choosing the one that came complete with bananas, pecans and chantilly cream.

I definitely feel the addition was necessary as this waffle is huge and would likely therefore get quite repetitive. I do love Mickey waffles, but it's the sides that make it!

For my second visit at lunchtime with my parents, we didn't get the biscuits - perhaps they only come with breakfast but I was expecting them so it was a bit of a disappointment!

However my main course certainly wasn't, getting their seasonal vegetarian quiche and splitting a Citrus and Cucumber Salad with my mum, which came complete with pomegranate and chunks of goat's cheese.

They conveniently split the salad onto two plates as well which was a nice touch, and I don't think the quiche would have felt like a complete meal without it as it only came with a couple slices of watermelon (which seemed like an odd pairing to me).

Having said that, if you ordered just the salad for yourself it would probably be enough, so it helps to have someone else in your party looking to share!

I finished off my exploration of the cafe's menu with a cheesecake, enticingly chosen from their sampler tray. It was small, light and creamy, finished with a raspberry coulis, and the perfect end to a lovely meal overlooking the stunning grounds.

When you're dining here of course you also have an excuse to spend time exploring the magnificent lobby which is an experience in itself and something I'd recommend perhaps on your way to or from Magic Kingdom.

However for my parents, the cafe served as a great example to them that just because you're in Disney World does not mean you can't have a sophisticated dining experience - with no fur characters in sight!

I'd definitely recommend this cafe for slightly older guests looking to get away from the craziness of the parks (though the food, with pancakes on the menu as well as pizza at lunchtime, does cater to kids as well), and even without a cast member discount, it's a reasonably priced place considering its setting and full-service categorisation.

Definitely not one to miss as part of any jolly holiday!