One of the things that makes a Disney vacation so special is the way everyday moments become unforgettable memories. For our family, one of those moments happened at 1900 Park Fare inside Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. After a busy afternoon in the Magic Kingdom, we boarded a boat and sailed across the water to the elegant Grand Floridian, where a truly magical dinner awaited us.
The setting itself feels special from the moment you step off the boat. The Grand Floridian is stunning at any time of day, but in the evening the soft lights glow against the Victorian-style architecture. Walking into the resort feels like stepping into another era, and dining at 1900 Park Fare perfectly complements that atmosphere.
The Restaurant Ambiance
1900 Park Fare is tucked inside the main building of the resort and immediately sets the tone for a memorable meal. The dining room has a cheerful, whimsical feel, with carousel horses and pastel accents that strike the perfect balance between elegant and family-friendly. It’s a restaurant where adults can appreciate the charm and children can let their excitement run free—especially once the characters begin to make their way around the tables.
The Characters: The Real Reason
While the food is certainly a star, the character experience is what makes 1900 Park Fare truly shine. Characters vary depending on the meal, but you can usually expect to see beloved favorites like Cinderella, Aladdin, Tiana, and Mirabel! We were able to visit with all 4 of these characters during our meal. Our family loved how interactive and warm the characters were; they didn’t just rush from table to table but took time to laugh, pose for pictures, and chat with the kids. For us, it added a layer of Disney magic you just can’t find at a regular buffet.
The Famous Strawberry Soup
We can’t talk about 1900 Park Fare without devoting a full moment to the strawberry soup. This dish has become a signature item at the restaurant—and for good reason. Imagine a chilled, creamy, sweet strawberry blend that’s part dessert, part appetizer, and completely addictive. It’s unlike anything we’ve had at any other Disney dining location. Our family each tried it, and it quickly became the highlight of the meal. Even if you’re not usually a “fruit soup” kind of person, this is something you absolutely must try. Many guests come back again and again for the strawberry soup alone, and we can now say we understand why.
The Buffet Spread
Of course, the rest of the buffet at 1900 Park Fare deserves plenty of attention too. The spread is generous and varied, with something to satisfy everyone in the family. We found everything from carved meats to fresh salads, pastas, and kid-friendly favorites like mac and cheese and chicken nuggets. Seafood options and hearty side dishes rounded things out, making it easy to sample a little bit of everything.
Desserts were another highlight. From cupcakes and cookies to bread pudding and fruit tarts, there was a wide enough selection to ensure everyone left with a sweet ending. Pair that with some of the fun specialty drinks—mocktails and cocktails alike—and it felt like a true celebration at the table.
Practical Details: Menu, Hours, Reservations & Pricing
Here’s what future guests should know:
- Menu: 1900 Park Fare operates as an all-you-can-eat buffet for both breakfast and dinner. Breakfast features typical morning fare (eggs, bacon, Mickey waffles, carved ham), pastries, fresh fruit—and yes, the strawberry soup also appears at breakfast. Dinner expands the offerings to include seafood, carved meats, warm entrees, and the full dessert spread.
- Hours: Currently, 1900 Park Fare serves breakfast and dinner daily. Breakfast currently runs from 8 AM to 12 PM. (perfect for a rest day), while dinner begins at 4 PM and continues until 9 PM. Exact times may vary, so be sure to confirm through the My Disney Experience app before your visit.
- Reservations: Because this is a character dining experience, it’s extremely popular. Reservations open 60 days in advance, and it’s wise to book as soon as your window opens. Walk-up availability is not very likely but it never hurts to ask.
- Pricing (as of the most recent published numbers):
- Breakfast: approximately $58 per adult and $37 per child (ages 3–9), before tax and gratuity.
- Dinner: approximately $69 per adult and $44 per child (ages 3–9), before tax and gratuity.
- Note: These prices do not typically include tax and gratuity. Specialty drinks or alcoholic beverages are extra.
- Disney Dining Plan & Discounts: The meal is eligible under Disney’s Dining Plan (1 table service credit). Some discounts (e.g. Annual Passholder, Disney Vacation Club) may apply to food and non-alcoholic drinks (excluding tax/gratuity), depending on current policies.
A Perfect Ending to the Day
After finishing our meal, we strolled back out to the boat dock and took in the view of Cinderella Castle across the water. It felt like the perfect way to wind down a day of rides and attractions—ending not with the rush of a queue but with laughter, full stomachs, and a memory our kids still talk about.
1900 Park Fare isn’t just about food; it’s about experience. From the whimsical dining room to the character interactions and the unforgettable strawberry soup, every detail combines to create an evening that captures the heart of Disney dining. For our family, it was the kind of meal that reminded us why we keep coming back to Walt Disney World again and again.
If you’re planning your own trip, I can’t recommend this dining experience enough. Bring your appetite, your camera, and maybe even a little extra room for a second bowl of that strawberry soup—you’ll thank me later.
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About the Author
Hi! I’m Lindsay! I specialize in crafting unforgettable vacations to Disney and Universal destinations. With years of personal experience navigating the parks and discovering countless tips and tricks, I love helping families unlock the magic and maximize every moment of their trips. Beyond the magic of Disney and Universal, I’m also an avid Dollywood lover. My family and I spend countless hours exploring everything this incredible park and the surrounding Smoky Mountains have to offer, and I created Simply Touring to share all our best insights! Life at home is wonderfully chaotic with my six amazing kids and my wonderful husband. This real-world experience as a mom of a large family fuels my understanding of what truly makes a vacation work for families of all sizes. While Disney and Universal create the magic, I take care of the planning to make your dream vacation a reality.
