Disney World fans have eagerly anticipated the return of breakfast at Garden Grill Restaurant in Epcot. After a hiatus of over three years, this beloved dining experience is making a comeback. Breakfast service at Garden Grill will resume on June 14, 2023.
The rotating restaurant, known for its character interactions and unique atmosphere, will once again offer morning meals. Guests can look forward to enjoying breakfast while Mickey, Chip, Dale, and Pluto make their rounds. Pricing for the breakfast experience is set at $42 per adult and $27 per child, plus tax and gratuity.
Garden Grill’s breakfast return adds another option for early risers visiting Epcot. While the full menu details are yet to be released, the restaurant’s reputation for family-style dining suggests a hearty start to a day of park adventures. As with lunch and dinner services, the slow rotation of the dining room will continue to provide changing views of the Living with the Land attraction below.
The Garden Grill Experience
The Garden Grill offers a unique dining experience with rotating views, character interactions, and family-style meals. This iconic restaurant combines entertainment and culinary delights in a memorable setting.
Dining Ambiance
The Garden Grill features a circular dining room with tiered seating. Tables are arranged along the outer edge, allowing guests to enjoy panoramic views as the restaurant slowly rotates. The interior design incorporates natural elements and farmhouse-inspired decor, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Soft lighting enhances the cozy ambiance, making it suitable for both daytime and evening meals. The restaurant’s layout ensures that each table has a prime viewing position throughout the meal.
Rotating Views of The Land Pavilion
As diners enjoy their meals, the restaurant completes a full 360-degree rotation approximately every hour. This gentle movement provides constantly changing vistas of The Land pavilion’s attractions below.
Guests can observe:
- Living with the Land boat ride
- Scenes from various ecosystems
- Behind-the-scenes glimpses of hydroponic gardens
The rotating feature adds an element of discovery to the dining experience, keeping guests engaged throughout their visit.
Character Appearances
A highlight of The Garden Grill is the opportunity to meet beloved Disney characters without leaving your table. Characters typically include:
- Mickey Mouse in his farmer outfit
- Chip and Dale in gardening attire
- Pluto
Characters circulate throughout the restaurant, stopping at each table for greetings, autographs, and photo opportunities. This interactive element makes The Garden Grill particularly popular with families and Disney enthusiasts.
The character appearances add a festive and magical touch to the meal, creating lasting memories for guests of all ages.
Reservations and Planning
Making reservations for Garden Grill breakfast requires advance planning. Guests can secure their spots through Disney’s dining reservation system. Timing and special requirements are key factors to consider when booking this character dining experience.
Booking Your Experience
Guests can make Advance Dining Reservations for Garden Grill breakfast up to 60 days before their visit. Reservations open at 6:00 AM Eastern Time online or by phone. Disney Resort hotel guests have an advantage, as they can book dining for their entire stay 60 days before check-in.
Popular times fill up quickly, so early booking is recommended. The My Disney Experience app and Disney World website are convenient platforms for making reservations. Guests can also call Disney Dining directly.
Reservation modifications or cancellations should be made at least 24 hours in advance to avoid cancellation fees.
Best Times to Visit
Garden Grill breakfast typically starts serving at 8:00 AM. Early morning reservations often provide a quieter atmosphere and more character interaction time. This timing also allows guests to enter EPCOT before the official park opening.
Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends. Avoiding peak seasons like holidays and school breaks can increase chances of securing a reservation.
Late morning slots may be easier to book but offer less time in the park afterward. Guests should consider their overall EPCOT plans when choosing a breakfast time.
Special Requirements
Garden Grill accommodates various dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly options. Guests with special dietary requirements should note this when making their reservation.
For larger groups, it’s advisable to book well in advance and contact Disney Dining directly to ensure proper seating arrangements.
Guests using Disney Dining Plans should confirm breakfast availability, as meal credit values may vary. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible, but parties needing specific accommodations should mention this when booking.
Character interactions are a highlight of the experience. Guests wanting photos with specific characters should inform their server upon arrival.
The Breakfast Menu
Garden Grill’s breakfast offerings combine classic favorites with unique twists, catering to a variety of tastes and dietary needs. The menu features family-style servings of hearty dishes alongside lighter options and refreshing beverages.
Signature Dishes
The Cinnamon Breakfast Loaf kicks off the meal with a sweet, aromatic start. Fluffy scrambled eggs and a savory Cheesy Potato Casserole provide satisfying protein and carbohydrates. Mickey Waffles, a Disney staple, delight guests of all ages with their iconic shape and golden crispiness.
For those seeking a heartier option, the Grilled Flank Steak offers a flavorful, protein-rich choice. Seasonal fruit adds a fresh, colorful touch to the spread, balancing the heavier dishes with natural sweetness.
Beverage Offerings
Joffrey’s Coffee takes center stage, providing a rich and robust start to the day. The coffee selection includes regular and decaf options, catering to different caffeine preferences.
A variety of juices, including orange and apple, offer refreshing alternatives. For those who enjoy dairy, milk options are available, including whole milk and plant-based alternatives.
Hot tea and hot chocolate round out the hot beverage choices, perfect for cooler mornings or those seeking a comforting drink.
Dietary Accommodations
Garden Grill strives to accommodate various dietary needs. Vegetarian options include the Cheesy Potato Casserole and a selection of plant-based proteins upon request.
For gluten-sensitive guests, alternatives to the Cinnamon Breakfast Loaf and Mickey Waffles are available. The kitchen can prepare dishes without common allergens, ensuring a safe dining experience for those with food sensitivities.
Guests with specific dietary requirements are encouraged to inform their server, who can guide them through suitable menu options or arrange for specially prepared dishes to meet their needs.
Character Dining Experience
Garden Grill offers a unique character dining experience where guests can interact with beloved Disney characters while enjoying their meal. The rotating restaurant provides a lively atmosphere for families to create memorable moments.
Interacting with Disney Characters
Guests can meet and greet popular Disney characters during their meal at Garden Grill. Chip ‘n’ Dale are the stars of the show, hosting the Harvest Feast alongside other familiar faces. Characters circulate throughout the restaurant, stopping at each table to interact with diners.
Children and adults alike can chat, hug, and high-five their favorite Disney friends. The characters are known for their playful antics and engaging personalities, ensuring a fun experience for all ages.
Photo Opportunities
Garden Grill provides excellent photo opportunities with Disney characters. Guests can capture special moments with Chip ‘n’ Dale, Mickey Mouse, and other surprise visitors. The rotating restaurant offers changing backdrops, adding variety to photos.
Professional photographers are often available to snap high-quality pictures. Guests can also use their own cameras or smartphones to take candid shots during character interactions. These photos serve as lasting mementos of the magical dining experience.
Family Fun Moments
The character dining experience at Garden Grill creates numerous opportunities for family bonding. Parents and children can share laughs as they interact with Disney characters together. The rotating restaurant adds an element of excitement, as diners enjoy changing views of the Living with the Land attraction.
Families can participate in fun activities led by the characters, such as napkin-waving or singing along to Disney tunes. The relaxed atmosphere allows for quality time and conversations between family members while enjoying a delicious meal.
Pricing and Packages
Garden Grill’s breakfast return comes with updated pricing and package options. Guests can expect family-style dining with character interactions, various beverage choices, and potential dining package deals.
Cost of Dining
As of 2025, Garden Grill breakfast is priced at $49.00 for adults and $33.00 for children ages 3-9. These prices do not include tax or gratuity. The meal is served family-style and is all-you-care-to-enjoy, offering excellent value for those with hearty appetites.
Guests can indulge in a wide array of breakfast items, including entrees and side dishes. Non-alcoholic beverages are included in the base price. For those seeking adult beverages, alcoholic options are available for an additional cost.
Dining Package Options
Garden Grill participates in special dining packages during certain events. The Candlelight Processional Dining Package is a popular option, with 2024 pricing at $71.00 for adults and $43.00 for children during breakfast hours.
These packages often include:
- Priority seating for the event
- All-you-care-to-enjoy breakfast
- Character interactions
Disney occasionally offers other seasonal dining packages, which may provide additional perks or experiences.
Value Considerations
When evaluating the value of Garden Grill’s breakfast, several factors come into play:
- All-you-care-to-enjoy format
- Character interactions
- Unique rotating restaurant experience
For families, the character interactions can be a significant draw, potentially saving time waiting in lines elsewhere in the park. The specialty character drink included for children adds extra magic to the experience.
Large parties or those with big appetites may find the all-you-care-to-enjoy aspect particularly valuable. However, light eaters might prefer à la carte options available at other Disney dining locations.
Additional Tips
Planning ahead and maximizing your visit can enhance your Garden Grill experience. Consider exploring nearby attractions, purchasing souvenirs, and optimizing your time at the restaurant.
Experiencing Other Attractions
The Land Pavilion houses several attractions worth visiting before or after your Garden Grill meal. Take a relaxing boat ride through Living with the Land to see innovative growing techniques. Soar over scenic landscapes on the Soarin’ Around the World simulator. These attractions complement the agricultural theme of Garden Grill and provide context for the food served. Book FastPass+ reservations in advance to minimize wait times. The pavilion also features interactive exhibits on sustainability and future food production technologies.
Memorabilia and Souvenirs
Garden Grill offers unique merchandise to commemorate your dining experience. Look for character-themed items featuring Chip ‘n’ Dale, Mickey, and Pluto. Popular souvenirs include:
- Photo frames
- Plush toys
- Apparel
- Kitchen accessories
The nearby Soarin’ gift shop stocks additional EPCOT and The Land Pavilion merchandise. Consider purchasing a reusable shopping bag to carry your items and reduce plastic waste.
Making the Most of Your Visit
Arrive early to check in and explore The Land Pavilion before your meal. Request a table near the outer edge of the rotating platform for the best views. Engage with characters during their tableside visits – they’re happy to pose for photos and sign autographs. Ask your server about seasonal menu items or special dietary accommodations. Take time to appreciate the changing scenery as you dine, including glimpses of the Living with the Land attraction below. Pace yourself through the all-you-care-to-enjoy meal to sample a variety of dishes.