WDW Magazine August 2017: Value Resorts at WDW | Page 101

DISNEY’S GRAND FLORIDIAN RESORT AND SPA
One thing worth mentioning is that with Disney’s new security policy, we were required to
go through a bag check and security screening at each stop. While I understand the need
for extra safety, we were being guided by Disney Cast Members throughout our journey.
Therefore, the need to do this at each stop seemed unnecessary.
We first stopped for wine and cheese at The Garden View Lounge. A charcuterie board of
cheese and meats was served to pairs alongside a full glass of Iron Horse Fairy Tale Cuvee.
Again, because I had requested a vegetarian meal, I was served a very nice tomato and
bean salad with roasted pine nuts. My friend was kind enough to share some cheese with
me. Bread was available to the both of us. By this point we had made friends with some of
our fellow travelers. It was nice to sit for a bit to chat. I wished this portion of the
experience lasted a little longer. Soon we were whisked off to dinner at Citricos.
Having dined at Citricos in the past, I knew I was in for a delicious dinner. Luckily we were
seated with our traveling companions, but it was also nice to be seated with others who we
hadn’t met previously. A huge basket of Citricos famous olive bread was waiting on the
table along with sea salt butter. We had a choice of wines, either Lucente Italian Red or
Stonestreet Estate Chardonnay.
For dinner my friend had a surf and turf selection, Red Wine Braised Short Ribs over
Mashed Potatoes &Tilapia over String Beans. Both dishes were cooked perfectly with major
kudos going to the Short Ribs. However, the portion size was a little small for her liking.
Since we had small portions throughout the night, we were expecting more for dinner.
I was quite impressed with my Roasted Vegetables over Quinoa. A beautiful selection of seasonal
vegetables were roasted to perfection over a bed of red quinoa. Comparatively speaking, my
portion was a decent size and I left feeling satisfied. But there’s always room for dessert.