Our first day at Disney World is always about setting the tone, and this time was no different. Since we weren’t going to the parks on our arrival day, we decided to kick things off with memorable meals. We started the day at ‘Ohana character breakfast and for dinner we chose a Disney World dining favorite: 1900 Park Fare at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
Why We Chose 1900 Park Fare for Arrival Day
We were a group of five — three adults and two kids, ages 9 (our daughter) and 11 (our son). 1900 Park Fare has been a repeat dining experience for us because of one simple reason: it’s consistently fantastic. Every visit feels special, and this time lived up to our expectations once again. It’s easily one of the best Disney dining experiences for us.
The dinner buffet offers a variety of salads, classic favorites, and new menu items that keep the experience exciting. It is located near Magic Kingdom, making it a great option for a park-free day or a break from Magic Kingdom.
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Atmosphere at Disney’s Grand Floridian
1900 Park Fare is located inside Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, one of the most elegant and iconic resorts on property. The restaurant’s main dining room features high ceilings, early 20th century design details, and a bright, whimsical carousel theme. It strikes a perfect balance: upscale enough to feel special, but relaxed enough that kids feel right at home.
When you’re looking for family-friendly Disney dining, the atmosphere matters. 1900 Park Fare gets it exactly right. It was the perfect place to celebrate the start of our vacation without the rush and crowds of the parks.
Character Interactions at 1900 Park: Mirabel, Cinderella, Tiana & Aladdin
Meeting the characters was a huge part of what made our 1900 Park Fare dinner so magical. Throughout the evening, we were visited by Mirabel, Cinderella, Princess Tiana, and Aladdin — who greeted guests in his Prince Ali outfit.
Our daughter was absolutely thrilled to see all the new characters again. She had her autograph book ready and eagerly collected signatures and photos with each favorite Disney character. Mirabel was bubbly and sweet, Cinderella was graceful, Tiana brought so much energy (and we loved hearing about Tiana’s gumbo!), and Aladdin was charming and funny. Watching our daughter light up at every character interaction was pure Disney magic.
Our son, true to his nature, was mainly focused on the good food. While he’s less into the character experience, he still made an exception to snap a photo with Aladdin — a memory that had the whole family laughing.
The Autograph Card and Wish Ceremony
A lovely touch was the autograph card and the Wish Makers ceremony. When we first arrived, each child was given a special autograph card that featured signatures from the characters. It was a thoughtful keepsake for first-time visitors and long-time Disney fans alike. Each child was given a wish card and invited to write down a wish — tying into the “power of a wish” theme.
Food and Buffet Highlights at 1900 Park Fare
The food at 1900 Park Fare is, without exaggeration, some of the best we’ve had at Disney character meals.
A few highlights from our dinner buffet included:
Prime Rib: Juicy and perfectly cooked, a standout at the carving station, my son’s favorite item at the buffet.
Tiana’s Gumbo: Flavorful and hearty, a must-try!
Kids’ Buffet: Disney kid-friendly dishes like mac and cheese, chicken nuggets, and corn on the cob.
Vegetarian Options: Fresh variety of salads, roasted seasonal vegetables, build-your-own pasta station, couscous, mashed potatoes, and an impressive selection of breads and cheeses.
Desserts: The dessert station included strawberries with fresh whipped cream, cupcakes and of course strawberry soup
It’s buffet service, but it never feels like “just a buffet.” The quality is high, and everything is constantly refreshed. Plus, soft drinks are included in the price tag, which was a big hit with our kids!
Why Buffets Work for Our Family
One of the main reasons we keep coming back to 1900 Park Fare is because buffet dining works incredibly well for our family. I’m a vegetarian, my son has specific food aversions, and my daughter gravitates toward classic kid foods. With Disney buffets, everyone can find what they want without feeling limited.
Family-style meals with set platters often don’t fit our needs as well. The freedom of a buffet meal makes all the difference, especially now that our kids are old enough to handle their own plates.
And of course, for the kids, having soft drinks included feels like a bonus treat!
Pro Tips for First-Timers to 1900 Park Fare
Make a Park Fare Reservation Early: Character buffets fill up quickly, so secure your spot early.
Use the Disney Dining Plan: 1900 Park Fare is a table service credit location.
Annual Passholder Discount: If you have an annual pass, check for discounts to help offset the price tag.
Explore the Grand Floridian: Arrive early to soak in the atmosphere of this early 20th centuries resort.
Don’t Skip the Strawberry Soup: It’s a classic Park Fare meal favorite.
Try New Menu Items: Even picky eaters might find a surprise hit, like garlic sausage or coconut cake.
Is 1900 Park Fare Worth It?
One thing to note: 1900 Park Fare is not cheap. It’s definitely a pricey meal, especially for a larger group like ours. Expect a hefty price tag — but when you factor in the character interactions, good food, and great experience, it’s absolutely worth it.
Our Family’s Tradition
For my son, 1900 Park Fare isn’t just another Disney meal — it’s his favorite character meal. He loves it so much that it’s become a “must do” every trip. Watching him pile his plate high with classic favorites and new dishes is part of our Walt Disney World tradition.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a great way to kick off a Disney trip, a Park Fare breakfast or dinner buffet is a fantastic choice. It’s one of the best Disney dining experiences we’ve had, offering a perfect mix of great food, memorable character interactions, and a relaxing atmosphere at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Don’t forget to read more about our trip at Our Family Disney World Vacation Review.
Whether you’re there for the amazing buffet service, the wish card moments, or the chance to see favorite Disney characters, 1900 Park Fare delivers a a great experience and an honest review — it’s worth it.
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About Points to Magic
Our team at Points to Magic is led by Danielle, a CPA with 19 years of financial expertise. We specialize in helping families save thousands on Disney vacations using credit card points and cashback strategies. Every recommendation is personally tested through our own family trips.
