Posts Tagged ‘Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa’
Mediterranean Mood
An elegant reception area leads to one of the most inviting dining rooms on Disney property. Citricos, located on the second floor of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, welcomes diners with warm colors and crisp linens. An entire wall of tall Palladian windows offers expansive views of the grounds.
The menu changes often to highlight seasonal ingredients, imaginatively prepared. Many dishes feature flavors of the citrus for which the restaurant is named. Originally open from Wednesday to Sunday only, it now serves dinner seven days a week.
A private room, the Chef’s Domain, is available for parties of up to twelve. For a minimum charge of $650.00, guests have an up-close view of the show kitchen while dining a la carte or enjoying a menu customized for the group.
Review: I remain puzzled by the relative lack of interest in this restaurant. One might argue that its location, tucked away down a secondary walkway off the main corridor, is a factor. Yet, it’s far more accessible than its sister, Narcoossee’s, which is not even in the main building, but located off on its own down by the boat dock. As part of the recorded message, monorail passengers are reminded of Citricos every time the train approaches Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. Nonetheless, it’s still fairly easy to obtain a last-minute reservation here.
Those who have dined at Citricos generally give it high marks, but it has never generated the buzz that other venues enjoy. I’ve never found it memorable and it’s not on my list of must-do’s, although I can’t say exactly why. Unlike many other dining rooms at Walt Disney World, the upholstered chairs, carpeting, and drapes make for a particularly serene atmosphere, which is a delight. I have had excellent experiences here, both in terms of food and service, yet it always seems to fall short of intriguing. Perhaps it lacks a signature style or special dish that would set it apart.
Menus
Dinner
Dessert
Children
Wine
Drinks
Citricos
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Chef’s Domain – one seating nightly at 6:00 p.m.
Character Reference – Winnie the Pooh
VITAL STATISTICS
Name: Winnie the Pooh
Current Address: tree (the former home of Mr. Sanders), Hundred Acre Wood
Interests: creating hums, playing Poohsticks, spending time in the Thoughtful Spot
Favorite Food: hunny
Facebook Friends: Piglet, Tigger, Eeyore, Kanga, Roo, Owl, Rabbit, Gopher, Christopher Robin
CHARACTER COORDINATES
Remember, the appearance of a specific character is never guaranteed. Some of the locations below have regularly-scheduled appearances while others are occasional. Always check the Times Guides for the most up-to-date information, and be prepared for possible substitutions at character meals.
Meet and Greet
- EPCOT, World Showcase, England, Toy Store
- EPCOT, Holiday Character Bus
- Magic Kingdom, Toontown Hall of Fame
- Magic Kingdom, Fantasyland, Pooh’s Playful Spot
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Discovery Island boat landing
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Camp Minnie-Mickey
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Mickey Avenue
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Sorcerer’s Hat
Character Dining
- Magic Kingdom, Crystal Palace
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, 1900 Park Fare, breakfast
Attractions
- Magic Kingdom, Fantasyland, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Shows
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Animation Courtyard, Playhouse Disney – Live on Stage
Parades
- Magic Kingdom, Celebrate a Dream Come True
- Magic Kingdom, Once Upon a Christmastime
Seafood on the Seven Seas
The octagonal building hovers serenely over the Seven Seas Lagoon, its façade frosted with gingerbread, its verandahs offerings exquisite castle views. It’s the lovely Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. Located on the water’s edge, this pleasant restaurant features outstanding seafood in keeping with its oceanside theme.
Diners can enjoy both the Magic Kingdom fireworks and the Electrical Water Pageant from tables by the window, or step out onto the expansive verandahs for perfect outdoor viewing.
The menu is a crowd-pleaser with perennially-appealing items, nicely presented. The preparation is imaginative without being abstruse, which probably contributes to its ongoing popularity.
The spare but attractive interior has a seaside-cottage ambiance with louvered shutters, casual woods, and accents of blue. Pillars supporting graceful arches add architectural interest to the two-level dining room.
Review: I have never had anything less than an exceptional meal at Narcoossee’s, and always look forward to dining here. One of Walt Disney World’s Signature Restaurants, the menu prices make it well worth the two-point cost for those on the Disney Dining Plan. Those hoping for a reservation should make plans early as this venue books very quickly.
While I have often heard it referred to as a good choice for a romantic dinner, I can’t really agree. The interior finishes of wood, glass, and marble make this an extraordinarily noisy room, and its family-friendly ambiance attracts many more young children than some of the other Signature locations. It’s also generally very crowded, with lots of people jammed into an undersized waiting area. Although these features don’t necessarily interfere with the enjoyment of a wonderful meal, they aren’t conducive to the romantic moment!
Menus
Dinner
Dessert
Cheese
Wine
Bar
Narcoossee’s
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Coming Soon to a Galaxy Near You
The Magic Kingdom is setting the stage for a new holiday show, A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas, scheduled to be up and dancing for its debut during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Appearing on the Rockettower Plaza Stage, the interactive musical revue will feature the faces of Tomorrowland: Stitch, Buzz Lightyear, and Mike Wazowski.
Many were hoping that Mickey’s Twas the Night Before Christmas Show, which lost its home when the Galaxy Palace Theater was demolished, would reappear on the Rockettower Plaza Stage, but the announcement of this new production seems to confirm the demise of that much-loved show.
Rehearsals start on November 2nd and visitors staying at the Magic Kingdom resorts may be able to get an early preview of the music. The rehearsal schedule for new shows and parades typically runs well into the early-morning hours. Guests of the resorts around the Seven Seas Lagoon can often step out onto their balconies in the wee hours and hear the sounds of music coming from the Magic Kingdom as cast members run through the productions.
Through the Looking Glass
It’s a snapshot of the flora and fauna of Florida. A spoonbill perches on the framework, watching bunnies bound through the magnolias. The graceful arched windows of the Garden View Lounge are reflected in this unique mirror; one of the design details that sets the scene for afternoon tea, served here daily from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Palm Beach Style
The music drifts in from the nearby Grand Floridian Society Orchestra. Low ceilings and furniture clustered into small conversation groupings give the space a cozy feel.
Named for Florida’s “society architect” Addison Mizner, this delightful lounge features a full bar with a nice list of brandies and ports as well as a variety of specialty drinks.
Limited appetizers from Citricos’ menu include a selection of cheeses, a shrimp dish, and an onion tart.
It’s a pleasant place to have a cocktail before or after dinner at one of the property’s fine restaurants, and a favorite destination for many who enjoy the lovely ambience of this resort.
Mizner’s Lounge
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
Second Floor
5:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Playing Games
Looking for a little downtime from the parks? Pull up a chair and enjoy a board game. There are a number of places where guests of the Walt Disney World Resort can find something fun to play.
Members of the Disney Vacation Clubs have access to a variety of games in the Community Halls of each deluxe villa resort. The beautiful Carolwood Pacific Room at the Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is a cozy spot for a family game of Chinese Checkers.
Visitors can raft over to Tom Sawyer Island in the Magic Kingdom and settle into rocking chairs for a round of checkers, or travel to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground and enjoy a game at the General Store.
Most guests are not aware that the tables in the rooms of many of resorts have a checkerboard top. Both checkers and chess pieces are available at the front desk.
Little ones can play games during their stays at the childcare centers, and for the rest of us, there’s the inviting Belle Vue Room at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn with its library ambiance and game tables set for chess and backgammon.
Our favorite? It’s the third floor at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. Chess pieces and giant checkers are waiting on tables by the windows, offering guests beautiful views of the grounds and an opportunity to slow down, relax, and enjoy the leisure time.
Hidden at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
The new marble flooring in the lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is almost completed. In keeping with the elegant theme, Disney has chosen a subtle addition of Disney characters. Find them entwined in vines and peeking from curlicues as you walk around the first and second floors!
The Music is Grand
With a repertoire that includes everything from Gershwin, Porter, and Ellington to the themes of the modern Disney princesses, The Grand Floridian Society Orchestra is the whipped cream on the gingerbread of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.
Joplin, jazz, Basie, and big-band swing; the beautiful lobby seems more alive after 4:00 p.m. when the musicians take their places and fill the air with music, inviting visitors to sit and listen. Those fortunate enough to be staying in the main building can relax in the Royal Palm Club lounge which opens onto the scene below and is the perfect spot for sipping champagne and enjoying this talented ensemble.
When the performance is over, it would be difficult to imagine a concert audience simply turning to chat with friends or standing and leaving the hall, yet this is the unfortunate reality for the Orchestra. It always takes the determined applause of one or two appreciative guests to make people realize that they deserve this simple recognition for adding so much to the ambiance of this lovely resort.
In Grand Fashion
Shopping – it’s consistently rated as one of the top vacation activities, and Walt Disney World offers plenty of shopportunity. At Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, there are shelves filled with the popular park- and character-themed creations as well as stores that feature more unique merchandise.
Guests wishing to bring home a plush spa robe or a tee shirt with a glittery Grand Floridian logo can visit Summer Lace, a lovely shop that specializes in women’s clothing and accessories. There is always a nice selection of swimsuits and resort wear, as well as jewelry, perfume, sparkly sandals, and pretty essentials for the traveler.
The bride-to-be will enjoy featured items from Disney’s Couture Wedding Collection which includes everything for the wedding party, from gowns to guest books. Located on the first floor next to the Garden View Lounge, Summer Lace is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
