The Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, a majestic Victorian-era-inspired retreat, celebrates a historic achievement as home to Disney's first Michelin-starred restaurant. This accomplishment enhances the resort's reputation as Walt Disney World's top dining destination, offering eight diverse venues ranging from casual to world-class gastronomy.
The Crown Jewel: Victoria & Albert's
In a groundbreaking moment for theme park dining, Victoria & Albert's earned its first Michelin star in 2024, marking it as the only U.S. theme park restaurant with this prestigious honor. Under the masterful guidance of Chef de Cuisine Matthew Sowers, the restaurant presents an enchanting three-hour experience with multi-course tasting menus starting at $295 per person.
Enhancing the dining experience, Maître d'Hôtel Israel Pérez, awarded the 2024 MICHELIN Guide Florida Service Award, leads a team dedicated to creating magical moments. The restaurant's wine collection features over 500 selections from 35 regions, ensuring perfect pairings for every course.
Signature Dining Destinations
Narcoossee's: Recently reopened after renovation, this waterfront venue offers a blend of land and sea cuisine. Situated in a circular building overlooking Seven Seas Lagoon, Narcoossee's delights guests with dishes like Buttermilk-Fried Calamari and Gulf Shrimp Bucatini Pasta, while offering spectacular views of Magic Kingdom fireworks and the Electric Water Pageant.
Citricos: A premier dining destination under Chef Andres Mendoza's direction, Citricos offers a captivating blend of Florida cuisine with Mediterranean influences. The dining room, inspired by Mary Poppins Returns, transports guests into a whimsical garden scene with elegant floral and butterfly motifs, making it ideal for both special occasions and refined casual dining. The 2025 menu features innovative dishes priced between $15 and $62:
First Course Selections at Citricos:
- Seasonal Salad with compressed strawberries and chamomile-infused goat cheese ($17)
- Citrus-cured Hamachi with passion fruit nuoc cham ($22)
Signature Entrées at Citricos:
- Guava Barbecued Short Ribs with aged cheddar creamy grits ($54)
- Oak-grilled Filet Mignon with potato purée ($62)
- Ancient Grains "Stew" for plant-based diners ($39)
The Citricos Lounge, located just inside the restaurant, offers a full-service bar and the complete restaurant menu without requiring reservations. Known for its extensive wine selection and creative cocktails, the lounge features the celebrated Orange Blossom Martini.
Luxurious additions to the dining experience include:
- Truffle Macaroni & Cheese with house-made gnocchetti ($23)
- Baerli Sturgeon Caviar (1 oz, $120)
- Royal Osetra Caviar (1 oz, $145)
Casual Elegance
The Grand Floridian offers refined yet approachable dining experiences that blend casual comfort with elegance. The Grand Floridian Café provides a relaxed atmosphere for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with the New York Strip Steak being a favorite among Disney Dining Plan users.
Gasparilla Island Grille serves as the resort's primary quick-service venue, offering everything from Mickey-shaped waffles at breakfast to late-night snacks.
Special Experiences and Planning
Securing reservations requires strategy, particularly for Victoria & Albert's, where bookings can fill up a year in advance. The restaurant adheres to strict dress code requirements and does not accommodate children under ten.
The Numbers Behind the Magic
The investment in culinary excellence is evident in these statistics:
- 8 distinct dining venues
- 500+ wines in Victoria & Albert's collection
- 35 wine regions represented
- 3-hour average dining duration at Victoria & Albert's
- $295 starting price for tasting menus
Insider Access
For Disney Vacation Club members, these dining experiences offer compelling reasons to make the Grand Floridian their home. The proximity to these world-class restaurants, especially the Michelin-starred Victoria & Albert's, adds significant value to DVC ownership at this resort.
How to Get to the Grand Floridian Resort?
The resort's prime location on the monorail line makes it easily accessible from Magic Kingdom, while boat service provides a romantic approach to the waterfront setting of Narcoossee.
Let's Try Some Magic at The Grand Floridian
The culinary team at Victoria & Albert's, led by Chef Sowers and Israel Pérez, continues to push boundaries. Their commitment to excellence has not only earned them a Michelin star but also positioned them among Florida's 27 starred restaurants.
From casual poolside dining to Michelin-starred excellence, the Grand Floridian's dining collection offers a complete culinary journey. Whether celebrating a special occasion at Victoria & Albert's or enjoying a casual breakfast at Gasparilla Island Grille, each venue maintains Disney's high standards while offering its own unique experience.
The resort's dining venues have become destinations in themselves, attracting food enthusiasts from around the world and establishing the Grand Floridian as a culinary landmark within Walt Disney World.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What dining options are available at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort?
Guests can enjoy everything from casual cafés to signature dining experiences, including award-winning restaurants. Explore more in our DVC Dining Guide.
Q2: Can DVC members use points for dining experiences?
Yes, DVC points can be used for certain dining events and resort stays. Learn how to make the most of them in Maximizing DVC Points.
Q3: Which DVC resorts offer the best dining for families?
Several resorts stand out for their family-friendly restaurants. Discover top picks in Best DVC Resorts for Foodies.
Q4: Is the Grand Floridian a good choice for DVC members who love fine dining?
Absolutely, it’s one of the premier destinations for gourmet experiences within Disney. See more resort highlights at Grand Floridian Villas.
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