Does it matter where you sit in Garden Grill? Are the outer seats better?

[ssidiouss@mac.c]

I saw theres booths on the outside of the circle and tables on the inner circle behind the wall a bit..

Do the tables on the inner part of the circle offer a good of view as the outside booths?

Curious if its worth asking for a specific place to sit when checking in.

 

[stevehousse]

When we ate there last time we were on the upper level tables, and had a fine view of everything! I don't think it really matters where you sit!

 

[HouCuseChickie]

OK...I can't speak for the upper level because I had always been told to request the lower level. So, that's what we did and told the hosts that we were willing to wait a bit for it if need be. Maybe @stevehousse can confirm, but it looked like the upper level was traditional tables (sounds like that, but not 100%) while the lower level is all semicircular booths. This was a huge pro to me because it afforded a lot of privacy during character interaction. Unlike other character meals, where you feel like you're on top of the other tables during M&Gs, the booths on the lower level gave us sort of an insulation from those seated next to us. So, when Mickey was with us...he had plenty of room to sit down and no other kids hovering nearby waiting for their turn. IDK- it just had a more personalized intimate feel to it than any other character meal. I also don't know what the LWTL view is like from the upper level, but minus the railing/glass- it's a fairly unobstructed view from the lower level.

 

[popcenturylover]

We were on the upper level with an adequate view but, their lower level is probably better. Another thing, it seemed as though the upper level had ALOT more traffic flowing by us. We were visiting with the characters & someone always seemed to be trying to get by.

 

[DizneyPryncess]

We've been seated on both levels, and preferred the lower level. We like the privacy of the booths in the lower level, and it's easier to get in & out for character photos. The upper level is regular tables, which is where we sat when we had a highchair for our daughter. We were just closer to the other tables, and liked the semi circle booths better.

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

Wow, I learned something new today. Walking past the Garden Grill I always thought the seating was in the booths, I didn't know about another level. It makes sense that there would be. I feel kind of dumb now.

 

[ItlngrlBella]

It's our favorite dining spot and we ALWAYS do a meal here. We've always sat in the lower booths because you can see the ride with no obstructions and it seems like there's more room for the characters to move around. Our kids got out and got hugs last time from Mickey and Pluto. It seems like there's little/no space for that on the second level, but I could be wrong.

 

[stevehousse]

I wouldn't necessarily say it is cramped, but there is more foot traffic as the employees are going in and out of the kitchen which is inside the middle of the upper level. We didn't have a problem at all in terms of character interaction. We tend to always have the best character interaction there, our fav in terms of character dining, (no matter where we sit) and is always a must do for us every trip. The food is good and the dessert is great! Hope you book, I don't think you would be disappointed. Plus it's neat to go on the ride right before your reservation, and let the kids know that the food they are about to eat is from the ride! They like that.

 

[ItlngrlBella]

^^^ totally ditto on that last part. We made our kids ride it and our oldest wanted 2 more times (no line) so we did... Then she ate the food and then wanted to ride it again.

My Hubz is addicted to the garlic mashed potatoes (they rotate items so you're not guaranteed them).

Food-wise, it's the #1 thing he looks forward to at WDW - me, not so much. It comes back to haunt him (and me) when we are sleeping via his breath and farts which always end up wafting in my direction.

 

[stevehousse]

LOL!

My family loves the ride, it's one of the only old school edutainment rides left at Epcot, so we always make time for it.

 

[Ali in Wonderland]

You definitely want the lower level tables. They have the best view of the Living With the Land ride. They are semi circle booths, which makes the character interactions feel more private. Also, you can look for the hidden Mickey on the wall. It's supposed to be the hardest one to find. We love the Garden Grill. IMO it is the best character interactions at any meal. The food is pretty good too!

 

[TB4244]

Absolutely the lower level tables. I believe they seat larger parties on the upper level as the booths will only hold a certain amount (there's only been two of us when we've eaten there, so we had lots of room). I love eating at GG because the food is good, the characters are brilliant and every time you look up from your plate the scenery has changed.

 

[Tom 55]

I like the outer ring better. You get to see the back of the "Lands" as the restaurant rotates. Mickey, grandson and wife picture is view from the outside 2009. Picture of Mickey and grandson only is inside from 2012. The inside seating is on the right side of walkway. While the outside seating is on the left side so you have a view out not in.

 

[meyeet]

How big are the booths? With 2 parents how many children can sit comfortably in one of the booths?

 

[Ali in Wonderland]

I wouldn't necessarily say it is cramped, but there is more foot traffic as the employees are going in and out of the kitchen which is inside the middle of the upper level. We didn't have a problem at all in terms of character interaction. We tend to always have the best character interaction there, our fav in terms of character dining, (no matter where we sit) and is always a must do for us every trip. The food is good and the dessert is great! Hope you book, I don't think you would be disappointed. Plus it's neat to go on the ride right before your reservation, and let the kids know that the food they are about to eat is from the ride! They like that.

We too consistantly have the best character interactions here.

How big are the booths? With 2 parents how many children can sit comfortably in one of the booths?

We are a family of four and sit just fine in the booths. We could fit a fifth person, but I wouldn't really want to. I think five people would probably be the max for most families. The problem with space isn't really with the seating, but with table space. In addition to everyone's plates and drinking glasses there will be a platter of food and a salad bowl sitting on the table.

 

[ToInfinityAndBeyond]

We had room for 3 large adults and two characters on either side in the booths. Ditto on the table space shortage, though. This is one of the most filling meals I've had on property next to 'Ohana. We barely needed to call for seconds. It's all so good.

 

[Tinkerkelle]

We didn't know to ask for lower level but were seated there. Great sense of privacy and you can see what's going on below in the ride. Delicious meal and fab character interaction.

 

[BrianV]

Just there in march. The food is great and the characters are the best of them. (Chip and dale and Mickey and Pluto). Our favorite place non Epcot actually.

We asked to be on the bottom and said we would be willing to wait. It was no wait at all. The bottom seems like it should be better, but we've never sat up top to compare.