Walt Disney World debuted a brand new wave of character eating just a few years in the past, starting with Bon Voyage Journey Breakfast at Trattoria al Forno and persevering with with Story E book Eating Dinner with Snow White at Artist Level. These two meals arrived at eating places with kitchens able to producing high-quality delicacies, and delivered on that.
Then got here Breakfast à la Artwork with Mickey & Associates at Topolino’s Terrace — Flavors of the Riviera. That title is itself a mouthful, but it surely debuted on the Signature Restaurant on the rooftop of Disney’s Riviera Resort. With its subtle setting, breathtaking views, beautiful character costumes and good meals, Breakfast à la Artwork fashioned a trio with the opposite eating places as the very best ‘elevated’ character eating experiences on the Walt Disney World resort motels. There’s a purpose these rank on the high of our listing of the Finest Character Meals at Walt Disney World.
Though there have been different variations between these and common character meals, the obvious have been a top quality over amount method and better consideration to element. Notably, all of them provided a la carte menus versus buffets. Whereas we take pleasure in pigging out at a buffet on trip from time-to-time, we far most well-liked these extra methodical meals for numerous causes. Not one of the character buffets provided the identical caliber of begin to end expertise as these eating places. Till now.
Earlier than we dig into why dinner at 1900 Park Fare is so good, let’s cowl have to know fundamentals. 1900 Park Fare is a personality meal at Walt Disney World’s flagship lodge, Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, which is situated inside strolling, monorail, or boat distance of Magic Kingdom. It’s very simple to do dinner at 1900 Park Fare as a break throughout your Magic Kingdom park day.
1900 Park Fare participates within the Disney Eating Plan as a 1-credit desk service meal. Dinner is without doubt one of the best possible choices in the event you’re making an attempt to maximise your worth on the Disney Eating Plan, particularly in the event you order a specialty drink. We paid out of pocket for our meal at 1900 Park Fare, so we’ll be judging it on a money foundation.
Advance Eating Reservations aren’t considerable for 1900 Park Fare. Though it’s gotten simpler to e book since reopening, you’ll nonetheless have to make reservations early or luck-out final minute. See our Information to Advance Eating Reservations (ADRs) at Walt Disney World for suggestions & tips to attain elusive ADRs, data in regards to the 60+10 rule, and extra.
The excellent news is that dinner is often barely simpler than breakfast, doubtless because of the latter being costlier. (Folks additionally similar to to start out their day with character meals earlier than heading to the parks.) Our expectation is that this may change as soon as Free Eating ‘season’ rolls round; as famous above, dinner is the higher worth on the Disney Eating Plan. Regardless, in the event you’re planning a visit, we extremely advocate having 1900 Park Fare in your radar as quickly as your ADR window opens.
We’ll now flip to the inside design and ambiance of 1900 Park Fare, which has modified dramatically with the reopening of the restaurant. We already mentioned this in our Evaluate of Want Makers Enchanted Breakfast at 1900 Park Fare, so we’ll attempt to cowl new floor within the dinner evaluate.
The problem with 1900 Park Fare is that it’s tucked away right into a window-less area on the bottom flooring of the Grand Floridian. Beforehand, we all the time felt that it was shoehorned into right here; that maybe the area was by no means supposed to be a restaurant however was carved out of a storage space of conference space and changed into 1900 Park Fare.
I’ve since discovered that that is not the case–1900 Park Fare opened with Grand Floridian Resort in 1988. Effectively, that is sensible, because the pre-closure look of the restaurant appeared prefer it was designed within the late Nineteen Eighties. The earlier look was visually chaotic, with a discordance of designs and hodgepodge of patterns.
There was so much occurring on the decrease degree after which a ton of useless area on the high of the room (as you possibly can see from these pictures, 1900 Park Fare has a excessive ceiling). The visually busy however off-kilter design coupled with the shortage of home windows and the noise from the characters made 1900 Park Fare really feel very claustrophobic.
The outdated inside wasn’t immersive Victorian themed design, and its solely redeeming qualities have been Huge Bertha (an vintage organ) and carousel critters that dotted the seating space. Some followers may’ve beloved it, however that was due primarily to familiarity and nostalgia.
The brand new-look 1900 Park Fare nonetheless lacks home windows and pure gentle, however the refresh goes a protracted solution to make it really feel extra posh and welcoming. A giant a part of that is the addition of mirrors, dialing down design parts, and introducing calming colours and materials. It now feels way more mellow and upscale, and our meals right here (each breakfast and dinner) have been quieter because of this.
The eating room actually isn’t the head of themed design, and it’s maybe a comparatively easy type for Walt Disney World’s flagship resort, leaning so much on modern type, furnishings, and fixtures. Nonetheless, it’s all tastefully completed and there are simply sufficient thematic thrives in addition to higher-end finishings to make 1900 Park Fare really feel directly subtle, trendy, and Disney.
Particularly, I like the dozen impressionist-style character portraits lining the wall. These take what was beforehand useless area and provides it visible curiosity whereas additionally main in the direction of Huge Bertha, the pièce de résistance of 1900 Park Fare. The visuals of the restaurant coalesce rather well, giving it a pleasant sense of place. It’s an enormous enchancment over what was right here earlier than.
The seating space can also be organized in a different way, with a column of banquette seating within the center(ish) of the room dividing up the area, extra booth-style seats alongside the wall, and tables within the center. And as talked about above, the addition of mirrors–each at Bertha and visitor degree–do some heavy-lifting in making the eating room really feel much less like a chilling chamber with no home windows.
Past Huge Bertha, there’s one other small eating room with a mixture of 6 and 4-person tables.
This room is okay, and has been redone equally to the primary space with carousel schematics and a pair items of impressionistic art work. It’s undoubtedly extra intimate and doubtless calmer than the primary room, however I’m glad we weren’t seated right here. For a meal with this price ticket, I need a bit extra ambiance–that is too muted for my tastes.
Backtracking a bit, the ready room of 1900 Park Fare has additionally been redone and makes a powerful first impression with plush new sofas, fairly carpet, and art work that includes designs for Huge Bertha and different carousel stuff.
I used to be additionally stunned that this check-in space wasn’t overflowing with individuals, spilling out into the little foyer between 1900 Park Fare and Grand Floridian Cafe. That was typically the case earlier than, and nonetheless is with many/most different character meals.
For each of our meals, we have been in a position to simply snag seats, recognize the art work, and chill out a bit earlier than our names have been known as. (Maybe we simply acquired fortunate.) This little room is charming and well-appointed, setting the tone for the meal to return.
I’m not going to counsel that the ambiance of 1900 Park Fare is on par with Topolino’s Terrace or Artist Level. The previous is a rooftop restaurant at one of many tallest resorts providing massive views of Walt Disney World; that eating room is elegant and complex and the sweeping vistas from the massive home windows are incredible. Artist Level is styled after a grand Nationwide Parks lodge eating room and has been additional stylized with forest decor; like every thing else in Wilderness Lodge, it’s an exemplar of themed design.
Whereas 1900 Park Fare just isn’t on par with these settings, it was the antithesis of them. Now, it not less than belongs in the identical dialog. I may see some friends even preferring 1900 Park Fare for its cozy seating, pleasing palate, and charming character portraits. We aren’t these friends, however we see way more attraction in 1900 Park Fare now.
The vibe is correct, lastly. There’s now a sure grandiosity to the ambiance at 1900 Park Fare that’s befitting of the character meal on the Grand Floridian. The entire meal has pomp and circumstance to it, which is precisely what you’d anticipate when reserving an expensive character eating expertise at Walt Disney World’s flagship resort.
Talking of which, let’s flip to the character part of the meal…
As famous in Why Disney’s Modifications to 1900 Park Fare Are Controversial Amongst Followers, the characters have modified as this has been reimagined into Want Makers Enchanted Eating at 1900 Park Fare. Gone are the Supercalifragilistic Breakfast (that includes Mary Poppins, Alice in Wonderland, The Mad Hatter, Tigger, and Winnie the Pooh) and Fortunately Ever After Dinner (that includes Cinderella, Prince Charming, Woman Tremaine, Anastasia, and Drizella).
On this refreshed character eating expertise at 1900 Park Fare, friends are greeted by new royalty: Aladdin in his Prince Ali apparel, Cinderella, Mirabel and Tiana in her new costume for Tiana’s Bayou Journey, as all of them rejoice the facility of a want.
In doing a little bit of analysis about 1900 Park Fare, one factor I discovered attention-grabbing is that it has had many ideas over time, together with Mary Poppins meals just a few instances. In between these, it has hosted a Chip ‘n’ Dale Rescue Rangers meal, Mickey & Associates, and a Disney Villains dinner. All of these sound superior, however whilst a child who grew up on Disney Afternoon, that one does strike me as kinda odd for the flagship resort.
As with breakfast, all the character interactions at 1900 Park Fare throughout dinner have been incredible.
Prince Ali is the odd man out (actually), however I ended up appreciating his presence. The character costume is a lot better (and clearly extra lavish) than the traditional Aladdin avenue rat garb, and he’s an ideal candidate to speak in regards to the energy of needs. He additionally had much more to say about monkeys, genies, and different subjects of curiosity.
All of them have been very on-brand, with portrayals of their respective characters which are precisely what followers would anticipate. Mirabel was quirky and enjoyable and a bit odd (in a great way!), buoyantly bouncing by means of the eating room. Tiana talked of her travels and different exploits. Cinderella was completely princessy.
What struck me most about all the characters is how properly they orchestrated interactions. It was instantly clear to them that we have been fascinated by them interacting with Child Bricker, who can’t discuss (not actual phrases anybody else can perceive, not less than). This made for a one-way dialogue, which they navigated splendidly.
It’s tough to elucidate in the event you haven’t skilled this, however suffice to say, they have been all actually, actually nice at getting our daughter to “gentle up” and it felt like an precise interplay. The eye they gave her was simply incredible–I can’t reward these princesses (and Aladdin) sufficient.
It’s not evident from these pictures of her principally wanting away from them and the digital camera (by design), however Child Bricker was in awe of the princesses. At the least, Cinderella and Tiana. She acquired wide-eyed beginning squeaking and flailing her legs and arms about as they interacted together with her. She was so valuable and cute, and the entire scene made time freeze only for a short second.
It’s inconceivable to articulate and I don’t actually have nice pictures of those interactions–as a result of I used to be residing them–however they’re indelibly seared into my reminiscence. Naturally, when it got here time for the posed pictures, Child Bricker had different concepts…
For the prolonged and high quality interactions alone, 1900 Park Fare could be value what it price to us. (An essential asterisk–whilst a brand new mum or dad who now’s way more emotionally invested in these experiences, I can nonetheless separate my emotions from goal high quality.) Fortunately, the meals additionally delivered.
Talking of which, right here’s a have a look at the dinner buffet unfold at 1900 Park Fare:
Additionally not evident from the pictures is simply how good and high-quality the dinner unfold was at 1900 Park Fare. On the contrary, I’m discovering myself wanting on the pictures now and considering, that’s it? I’ve gotta have higher photographs of them!
How about just a few plate pictures:
Though the pictures don’t do them justice, the dinner unfold at 1900 Park Fare is a veritable spotlight reel. The Curry-roasted Rooster was flavorful, with incredible seasoning and a incredible tasting curry to reinforce the meat’s juiciness. Once we managed to snag cuts from a freshly-made tray, the Baked Salmon with Saffron-Lemon Butter was desk service entree caliber. I do know you’re not going to consider it based mostly on the pictures right here, however the salmon was juicy, fall-apart tender, flavorful, and incredible.
The Roasted Garlic Sausage was one other surprising winner, with a top quality much better than you’d anticipate of often fundamental buffet sausage. Adjoining to the sausage on the buffet–the unfold for adults–was ‘grown-up’ Mac & Cheese. Additionally good, and I’m a sucker for the stuff, however I didn’t allocate an excessive amount of abdomen area to it given every thing else on this unfold. Talking of issues for which I’m a sucker, the Mashed Potatoes have been additionally next-level, creamy and buttery not like the everyday buffet potatoes.
One of many ‘higher-dollar’ choices on the buffet is the Peel-n-Eat Shrimp with Cocktail Sauce. Very sizable, nicely-seasoned, and attractive. I’m personally not a fan of this a lot “work” accompanying my meal, however I appreciated each the flavour and the standard of the shrimp providing. It’s one other dish that visibly demonstrates that the unfold is definitely worth the priciness.
One of many new (supposed) highlights of the 1900 Park Fare dinner unfold is Tiana’s Well-known Gumbo with Spicy Andouille Sausage. This wasn’t unhealthy (and even mediocre), however frankly wasn’t a star of the unfold. I do recognize that they tried to tie within the menu with the characters and theme, however I favor the (very completely different) model of Tiana’s Gumbo over at Tiana’s Palace in Disneyland.
Turning again to issues I beloved from the buffet, different highlights included the Loaded Baked Potato Salad and Focaccia with Solar-dried Tomato and Herbs. I didn’t eat an excessive amount of of both as a result of each are cheap filler (that’s how they attempt to get ya!), and this buffet wasn’t my first rodeo. Sarah additionally remarked that the salads that includes kale and couscous have been incredible. I took her phrase for it.
These are only a few examples of dishes on the buffet at 1900 Park Fare that have been elevated past buffet fundamentals or staples. It appeared like practically each dish we tried–and notice that we skipped all the children stuff or something that presumably was mundane–had a degree of high quality or surprising nuance to the flavour or preparation. This was not your common buffet meals when it comes to high quality. (And we dined right here lengthy after reopening, so it’s not like they have been pulling out all of the stops to make a powerful first impression.)
The place I centered most of my abdomen area throughout the 1900 Park Fare dinner was the carving station. Like with bartender, it’s essential to develop a rapport with the meat carver–a very powerful particular person on the buffet. Whereas they received’t all the time ask the way you’d just like the meat cooked (e.g. uncommon, medium uncommon, and so forth.), you possibly can completely particular that and the rest you’d like in your reduce.
The Prime Rib was subsequent degree. I can’t consider how tender and attractive this meat was. You’ll see some items on our plates with a bit (an excessive amount of, arguably) fattiness, however that was good ‘for taste’ given the limitless nature of the buffet. The home-made horseradish was additionally incredible, albeit pointless. (I used it anyway–too good to withstand!) This prime rib was higher than what we’ve had relatively-recently as devoted entress at Steakhouse 71 and Turf Membership. That’s no disrespect geared toward both–each are eating places we love!
It’s extra to underscore simply how shockingly good the Prime Rib was at 1900 Park Fare. A variety of followers discuss “what Walt would’ve wished” to undertaking their very own preferences or disappointments in Walt Disney World. Most of it’s nonsense, however I’m pretty assured in saying prime rib on the menus of each restaurant is what Walt would’ve wished. Oh, and canned chili–the one two confirmed meals that Walt beloved.)
Along with the wonderful Prime Rib, there was additionally Spice-Roasted Turkey on the carving station. This was superb in the event you’re into turkey, however couldn’t maintain a candle to the gorgeous beef. (Notice that the second carving station choice rotates: Porchetta, Ham, or Spice-Roasted Turkey.)
In terms of the dessert unfold, one merchandise you’ll spot on our plates repeatedly is the unassumingly-named (and offered) Heat Chocolate Cake. For all intents and functions, that is primarily Lava Cake, buffet type. It was completely incredible, heat and the proper texture/consistency/richness combo.
I’ve had variations of this dessert at desk service eating places that aren’t even pretty much as good as what’s served at 1900 Park Fare. It has no enterprise being pretty much as good as it’s. (Professional tip: skip the vanilla sauce and use the Strawberry Soup as a substitute.)
Frankly, that’s the story of just about all of the desserts at 1900 Park Fare–surprising high quality for a dinner buffet. It’s not that stunning, because the Grand Floridian pastry group typically prepares desserts that punch manner above their weight at surprising areas. I nonetheless bear in mind when Gasparilla Island Grill was reimagined and rejuvenated a number of years again, with the redo supervised by Chef Scott Hunnel; all the meals was superb (at first), however particularly the desserts. Identical story right here.
Anyway, similar story with the Grand Floridian Financier, Lemon-Blueberry Cheesecake, Toasted Coconut Cake, and (to a lesser extent) Fudge Brownie have been all related tales. Then, in fact, there’s the Grand Floridian Strawberry Soup that has developed a fan-following for good purpose. That was solely my fourth-favorite dessert on the unfold, which ought to say one thing.
I’d pay a good quantity for a dessert-only buffet with objects of this caliber. Maybe they might do it within the afternoon, pair it with tea, and host it in a setting with massive views overlooking the resort’s wonderful gardens? Sorry, only a random and loopy concept I had. Most likely would by no means work.
In the end, the Want Makers Enchanted Eating at 1900 Park Fare reaches the identical excessive bar as character eating experiences at Topolino’s Terrace and Artist Level, managing to attain each prime quality and excessive amount (of meals). So far as the meals goes, that is simply the very best character buffet at Walt Disney World. Tusker Home is the one choice that’s shut, and that’s a really completely different sort of delicacies. As a lot as we love Tusker Home, 1900 Park Fare is healthier.
I’d really take {that a} step additional and argue that dinner at 1900 Park Fare is the very best character meal for meals at Walt Disney World, surpassing Artist Level, the earlier winner. Whereas we love the ‘elevated’ entrees there, the meals can be hit and miss sometimes. That’s most likely additionally true of 1900 Park Fare (I noticed some unhappy wanting salmon whereas ready for a brand new tray to materialize), the important thing distinction is the all-you-can-eat nature. Having each prime quality and amount is a game-changer for a personality buffet.
With that stated, there’s nonetheless the query of the general expertise. This was the rationale breakfast at 1900 Park Fare had us “actually torn,” as a result of the expertise didn’t coalesce into one thing nice regardless of particular person parts that have been good-to-great. For breakfast, the entire is lower than the sum of its elements.
For dinner, it does. I nonetheless have a few of the similar quibbles, however there’s so much that magnificent meats and decadent desserts may cause me to miss. Actually, that’s precisely what occurred with 1900 Park Fare. Whereas I’m in no rush to revisit breakfast and would reasonably do the superior total meals at Artist Level or Topolino’s Terrace, I’d sooner reasonably return to 1900 Park Fare for dinner than both of these choices–even when I do assume the settings and full packages there work only a tad higher. Dinner at 1900 Park Fare simply has such incredible meals (and a whole lot of it!), that I can fully justify the upper price ticket (it’s an absolute no brainer on the Disney Eating Plan) and am already able to return!
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YOUR THOUGHTS
Have you ever completed the Want Makers Enchanted Dinner at 1900 Park Fare? What did you consider the meals? What in regards to the character interactions? Do you agree or disagree with any of our evaluate? Does this character meal look interesting to you? Any questions we may help you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even while you disagree with us–is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!
