Dining Review: The Plaza Restaurant

We Arrive

Our Disney vacation begins in Fairbanks, Alaska, with us stepping aboard the first of three planes for a 12-14 hour flight that arrives in Orlando during the early morning hours. At that time, of course, rooms typically aren't ready, but we come prepared with a change of clothes so we can freshen up in the resort restrooms, check our carry-on bags with Bell Services, and then head for the Magic Kingdom with plenty of time for lunch at The Plaza, a ritual we follow on most of our Disney trips.

The Dolans at Disney

We're Seated

The Plaza is cool and airy with stylish, elegant Victorian details and scrolling effects. The windows provide welcome views of Cinderella Castle and, if you time it right, the Main Street parade. Servers dress in old-fashioned, fancy aprons and dresses.

The Plaza Restaurant - Right This Way

We arrived shortly after The Plaza opened for lunch and were seated toward the back on the left side. As you can see in the picture, the restaurant was mostly empty.

The Plaza as Seen from Our Table

I love The Plaza's ornate light fixtures, especially how the glass ends carry the curve: very elegant, in keeping with the overall theme.

The Plaza's Ornate Light Fixtures

One odd thing about The Plaza is that the restrooms are outside the restaurant on the left toward Tomorrowland.

Also, if you're easily chilled, bring a light wrap: the air conditioning in The Plaza is definitely kicked up a notch. We loved it, but some might find it a little too cold.

We're Served: Appetizers

My daughter ordered Grilled Cheese, not an appetizer, but it came with red grapes which were served in lieu of the appetizer she did not order. The grapes were slightly chilled, with a decent crunch. (She actually got more than what you see in the picture, but a few were devoured before I could take the shot.)

Grapes in Search of a Sandwich

The rest of us ordered the Mixed Salad. Like the grapes, the salad was chilled, and it was served on a cold plate. The greens were clean and fresh, and the tasty croutons gave the salad good texture.

Mixed Salad

We're Served: Entrees

With appetizers gone, we get down to the serious business of entrees.

My son ordered Mickey's Turkey Sandwich. It came on bread in the shape of a Mickey with tiny halves of a grape tomato for ears. My son ate one of the 'ears' before I could snap the shot. He also ate the turkey but not much of the bread or many of the apple wedges and fries - which I blame not on the quality of the food but rather on the lingering effects of a very long trip.

Mickey's Turkey Sandwich

My daughter ordered the Grilled Cheese Sandwich. The bread was grilled just right and she liked it quite a bit. She usually doesn't eat too many fries, even when she asks for them, but as I recall the fries that came with the sandwich were pretty decent.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

One thing I like about The Plaza, by the way, is that they provide a plate of chilled condiments in little cups instead of cluttering the table with bottles.

My wife ordered the Cheese Steak Sandwich. It had a good balance of steak to veggies to cheese, with plenty of peppers, mushrooms, and onions, too. The steak was tender and well-seasoned, the cheese gooey and well-melted, and the soft bread contrasted nicely with the meat and vegetables. A very tasty sandwich.

Cheese Steak Sandwich

I ordered the Grilled Rueben Sandwich with a side of fries. I really liked the marbled rye bread. The sandwich came with just the right amount of meat, and it wasn't over-grilled - by which I mean not too crispy (hate it when that happens). The accompanying sauerkraut and Swiss cheese accented nicely the flavor of the corned beef. The fries were crispy on the outside and softer in the middle like they should be.

Grilled Reuben

All in all, it was a great lunch for the four of us.

We're Served: Desserts

Dessert. Most assuredly, the best part of most any meal! The kids both ordered The Plaza's signature dessert: the Mickeylodeon.

Mickeylodeon

The Mickeylodeon is an upside-down vanilla ice cream cone in a sundae cup with cute Mickey ears and sprinkles. The kids loved it and resorted to eating their desserts by using the cone as a scoop. Too funny!

Inventive Use of an Ice Cream Cone

My wife ordered a Hot Fudge Sundae made with mint chocolate chip ice cream. Glorious! Lots of hot fudge, but not too much, just right with loads of whipped cream. Absolutely divine.

Hot Fudge Sundae

I ordered the Brownie Sundae. I asked if I could get it with mint chocolate chip instead of vanilla ice cream and they said no problem. This thing is HUGE - the size of a small cake. It's like a giant brownie ice cream sandwich on its side topped with ample whipped cream and a cherry. The brownies were chocolaty and moist, and the mint ice cream absolutely delicious. I'm not sure I was able to eat even half of it after the salad and Reuben sandwich. I would definitely get this one again! (Though probably to share.)

Brownie Sundae

We're Impressed

During our meal, we had a visit from the Mayor of Main Street, U.S.A. He came in to make a birthday girl an honorary mayor for the day. The kids got a kick out of it and were very happy to participate in the hip-hip-hooray's.

The Plaza is one of our favorite Magic Kingdom restaurants. It is a great place to take a break and it is usually cool and refreshing. The elegant Victorian atmosphere encourages you to slow your pace and take it all in.