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| Garden Grove |
When it comes to dining outside of our usual Walt Disney World favorite locations my first choice is The Garden Grove Restaurant located in the Swan & Dolphin Resort Hotel.
I've dined at the Garden Grove quite a few times with my husband and two sons, with just one son and as a large multi-generational family group.
I have never had a problem getting a last minute Advanced Dining Reservation ( ADR), even during the busiest of times, they have always found openings for us. It is my "go to" dining spot when the parks are crowded for festivals or holidays or when I haven't an ADR in my plan at all. It's so difficult to plan where we are going to have dinner months in advance. I like knowing I can go here at almost the last minute and have a wonderful dining experience.
I've dined at the Garden Grove quite a few times with my husband and two sons, with just one son and as a large multi-generational family group.
I have never had a problem getting a last minute Advanced Dining Reservation ( ADR), even during the busiest of times, they have always found openings for us. It is my "go to" dining spot when the parks are crowded for festivals or holidays or when I haven't an ADR in my plan at all. It's so difficult to plan where we are going to have dinner months in advance. I like knowing I can go here at almost the last minute and have a wonderful dining experience.
The decor is reminiscent of a tranquil Central Park with a paper lantern decorated 25 foot oak tree as the focal point of the large circular dining room surrounded by tremendous windows. At night the lights in the tree twinkle creating a lovely atmosphere. It is casual table service dining experience. The food is great and the servers are always very attentive and friendly.
The Garden Grove manages to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters in our family with nightly themed all-you-can-eat dinner buffets.
- Friday night the theme is called "Seafood Sensation" with seafood offerings from lobster to shrimp. There is even beef on the menu which is a welcome sight for my husband who doesn't care for seafood. The Garden Grove prides itself in being gluten free too but you will have to mention any other dietary restrictions to your server. They are very accomodating. I find there is always some great choices for my lactose free son.
- Sunday, Monday and Wednesday the theme is "Southern Barbeque". Examples of dinner offerings are Smoked Beef Brisket to North Carolina Pulled Pork. I'm not a big barbeque person and even I enjoy those nights.
- Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday is "Mediterranean Night" and my favorite menu with Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken, Beef Bourguignon and Mrs Cibs Meatballs to name a few.
Disney character dining is offered at the Garden Grove too! Featured Disney characters greet guest at their tables nightly and for breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays. This is a great character meal for adults. Young and old always have a fun time here interacting with the characters.
- Monday through Thursday the characters are Pluto and Goofy.
- Friday it's Pluto, Goofy + Chip & Dale.
The Disney Dining Plan does not apply and you may not charge back to your Disney Resort room. If you are a Disney Vacation Member don't forget to present your card. You may be surprised with a DVC discount;)
- You can see the menus for dinner by clicking HERE.
- Dietary questions? Phone a Dining Specialist directly at (407) 934-1609.
- For Reservations: Telephone: 407-934-1609 Email: dining@swandolphin.com Alternately, you may also complete the on-line dining reservations form and submit a priority seating request.
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Honestly, I've never heard anyone talk about this restaurant before. Sounds very cool! We may have to check it out sometime.
ReplyDeleteLove this review. We always think about going but never do. Maybe this will throw us over the edge.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I've never considered eating here but I think you have changed my mind. :)
ReplyDeleteIs the whole menu gluten free or do they just offer gluten free choices? Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteThey say it's gluten free but I would ask each visit as chefs and menus change.
ReplyDeleteIt never crossed my mind to check out Garden Grove, but I am definitely adding it to our list of places to try!
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried Garden Grove either Deb, looks like they may owe you a free dinner for all of the new business!!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a looked over restaurant... we might have to try that for a character meal on our next trip! The price is definitely right!
ReplyDeleteWow, I didn't know that was there! Guess I need to visit the Swan & Dolphin!
ReplyDeleteSuch a wonderful restaurant
ReplyDeletehttp://magicalfamilyadventures.blogspot.com/
This sounds like a great place, I will have to try it with my family. Thanks For sharing Deb..
ReplyDeleteThis looks great! We're going to Disneyland this year...any tips for dining around there? Do they have a similar restaurant?
ReplyDeleteWe must have had an off visit...We went once and had a horrible experience. The food was only so-so and our server would disappear for long periods, when we asked for something we were lucky if we got it, and when we asked for our check our server went to get it and never came back. We were finally able to get another server's attention and it took them 15mins to come back with it. Which made a grand total of about a half hour of waiting for the check. We never even received an apology from the server that brought it.
ReplyDeleteI love the garden grove! I feel it's one of those places that people go to, but not a lot of people (at least people I know) know about. Love the food and love the atmosphere. Great post!
ReplyDeletethis place looks like fun! We are putting it on the maybe list for our next trip (it is a year and a half away, so all restaurants are on the maybe list right now!).
ReplyDeleteI never knew this place existed! I definitely have to try it next time we're at WDW.
ReplyDeleteSo glad I picked this post! My family is thinking of planning a short, non-park trip and are looking for new places to try. The Garden Grove Restaurant sounds like a perfect place for dinner and we can use our DVC card for a discount! It is definately going on our list of places to try.
ReplyDeleteWe ate here last trip based on a recommendation from a friend. We loved it and plan on returning next trip. We loved the food and then exploring the hotel grounds. The Friday buffet was excellent and my daughter loved the seafood basket.
ReplyDeleteGreat information! I have never thought about eating here, but I definitely will now! Good to know about a great dining experience that you have been able to get into without an ADR! Plus, I love seafood, so the seafood buffet sounds amazing!
ReplyDeleteThis restaurant is on my list to try! I've even seen coupons for it on restaurants.com!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely on my MUST TRY list!
ReplyDeleteThis is now on my must try itenerary... thanks for the informative and beautifuly pictured post.
ReplyDeleteThis seems like a great place to try. Especially given the different themes each night, it seems like there is a bit of something for everyone. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review. Will have to try it next time we are in the area.
ReplyDeleteGood information and review. I have never been there but the atmosphere looks very inviting. I didn't know about the different food different nights. I totally want to try to BBQ!
ReplyDeleteI love Character meals, I love them even more when the food looks great!
ReplyDelete