{"id":52071,"date":"2017-03-23T08:00:33","date_gmt":"2017-03-23T12:00:33","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/?p=52071"},"modified":"2022-04-12T13:17:06","modified_gmt":"2022-04-12T17:17:06","slug":"garden-grove","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/garden-grove\/","title":{"rendered":"Garden Grove"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Garden<\/p>\n

Character dining is one of my favorite ways to meet some of my favorite Disney pals without waiting in some of the long lines in the parks. \u00a0This allows me to use my FastPasses and park time to ride rides and see parades and shows. \u00a0I especially love the character meals that are offered at the various resorts around Walt Disney World, as I can go there anytime, even if I do not have a park ticket. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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The Garden Grove<\/a> restaurant at Walt Disney World is located inside the Swan Resort<\/a>. \u00a0When we dined there recently, this character meal features everyone\u2019s favorite Disney dogs – Pluto and Goofy. \u00a0Garden Grove offers a character meal nightly for dinner, and again on Saturdays and Sundays for breakfast. \u00a0Disney\u2019s website does not specifically state which characters are available at this restaurant, and there is a sign posted on the way into the restaurant stating that characters vary and are subject to change. \u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Garden Grove does not accept the Disney Dining Plan<\/a>, which is probably why it has taken me this long to try it. \u00a0I typically get the dining plan when I am visiting Disney, but on my most recent adventure I was just going to be in the area for one day, and would not be staying at a Disney resort, so I was not eligible for the dining plan. \u00a0This seemed like the perfect opportunity to cross this item off of my to do\u00a0list. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Our reservation was for 5:00 p.m., which is the time the restaurant opens for dinner. \u00a0We arrived around 4:00 p.m., so we had a little extra time to explore before our reservation. \u00a0We walked out through the Swan to the common area between the Swan and Dolphin hotels. \u00a0It was only a short walk across the bridge and to Disney\u2019s BoardWalk<\/a>. \u00a0The BoardWalk is rather quiet and peaceful during the day, as most of the activity there doesn\u2019t begin until later in the evening. We walked to the end of the boardwalk, and then caught the ferry back to the Swan. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There were several families waiting outside of the Garden Grove when we arrived at 4:55 p.m. \u00a0We confirmed our reservation with the hostess and had a few minutes to use the restrooms, located right outside of the restaurant.<\/span><\/p>\n

We were seated by 5:05 p.m., and although all of the families that were waiting had also been seated, the restaurant was not crowded. \u00a0Many of the tables filled up as the evening went on, but the atmosphere remained rather calm and quiet compared to some of the more chaotic character meals I have attended. \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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The atmosphere was quaint, with a large tree growing in the middle of the seating area. \u00a0My 8 year old daughter was enthralled with the fairy lights in the tree, and the street lights and decorations gave the feel of a quiet outdoor restaurant, with all of the air conditioned comfort\u00a0required in the Florida heat.<\/p>\n

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After we had a visit from the dynamic duo of dogs, my 2 year-old said, \u201cAnd now, Mickey Mouse!\u201d \u00a0Most other character meals we have tried have had at least 3 or 4 characters that visit your table. \u00a0We were a bit disappointed that there were only 2 for this experience. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The restaurant is a combination of buffet and sit down service, and which it is depends on the time of day and day of the week that you visit. When you are first seated, a waiter arrives to take your drink order and explain the menu options. \u00a0There were several selections to choose from as the main course, and the price of dinner varies by what you choose. \u00a0When we were there, the adult menu offered choices of Cedar Plank Blackened Salmon, Prime Rib, Thyme Roasted Organic Chicken, or the Chef’s Vegetarian Creation, which was a pasta dish. \u00a0I went with the Blackened Salmon, and I was not disappointed. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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My children opted to go with the pasta, which sounded much fancier on the menu, but was really just spaghetti.<\/p>\n

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After ordering, you are invited to visit the buffet. \u00a0The buffet begins with a large salad station, complete with a chef to toss or chop your salad and add your choice of dressing. \u00a0Then there are 2 soup choices, which vary nightly. \u00a0There was a large selection of freshly baked breads; \u00a0my kids loved the breadsticks.
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Finally, there was a beautiful dessert display. \u00a0We had a hard time deciding, but luckily the portions are small, so if you have saved room you can sample a couple! \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Here are the things you should know before you visit the Garden Grove: \u00a0<\/span>
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