Chef Mickey’s is located at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. The Garden Grill is located at Epcot, in Future World area. Both offer all-you-care-to-enjoy dining with Characters experiences. However, they are quite different, learn what makes eat restaurant unique below.
Chef Mickey’s
Pros:
- Meet with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Donald Duck and Goofy
- One of the only places guests get to meet the “Magic 5” in one sitting
- Get to ride the Monorail from the Magic Kingdom to get to this restaurant
- Views of Monorail & Bay Lake
Cons:
- Feeling rushed with the characters*
- Louder and not as intimate vs The Garden Grill*
- Traditional Buffet (wait in line)
The Garden Grill
Pros:
- Meet with Chip ‘n’ Dale, Goofy (or Pluto) and Mickey Mouse
- Better Character Interactions vs. Chef Mickey’s*
- Favorites: Waffles with Nutella Dip, Cinnamon Bun
- Pro Tip – Get the 1st Reservation of the day for a chance to get a photo with all Characters at the same time
- Also, if you dine early, immediately get in line for Soarin’ before the crowds pick up
- Convenient Park location (Epcot) = No traveling time
- Food is brought to your table (just ask for more!)
- Offers views of Living with the Land such as rainforest, farmhouse & more in this slowly rotating restaurant
Cons:
- Food not worth the money (Dinner)*
- Although it will not bother most if you suffer from Vertigo reconsider the rotating restaurant*
* (not everyone’s experience)
Learn more about Walt Disney World Dining and get suggestions for where to eat, how to use the Disney Dining Plan and more.
Linda says
I have to disagree we love the food there for supper anyways never eat there any other time
We enjoy Chef Mickey’s too
Angie says
I thought I read awhile back that Garden Grill would no longer rotate. Can anyone confirm? We have reservations coming up and we never got the chance to experience it when it rotated :)
SaraAuger says
Official Disney Website, “Enjoy an ever-changing array of sights, and tastes too, as you slowly turn about this rotating restaurant. “
Astina Hicks says
We were there a month ago and it rotated.
Sherlie Smith says
We were there the 15th of July 2017 an d ut was not rotating. We then went on Living with the land on August 14th 2017 and it looked as though it was still not moving.