Best Disney World Restaurants for Mom on Mother’s Day This Year

Here’s a List of 7 Disney World Restaurant Ideas for Mother’s Day 2023

Click on the links below to make reservations and view up-to-the-minute menus.

Mother’s Day Dining at Walt Disney World Resorts

1. Grand Floridian Cafe

What better way to celebrate Mother’s Day than with a delicious breakfast at the Grand Floridian Cafe, located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa in Orlando, Florida.

The Grand Floridian Cafe is known for its elegant decor, with its Victorian-style furnishings, intricate chandeliers, and beautiful floral arrangements. The atmosphere is perfect for brunch with Mom.

The breakfast menu at the Grand Floridian Cafe is diverse and offers something for everyone. You will find classic breakfast dishes like Traditional Eggs Benedict to more unique offerings like the Smoked Salmon Florentine Benedict or the Brioche French Toast.

Another favorite is the Buttermilk-Fried Chicken and Waffle. The cafe also offers a variety of fresh fruit and yogurt bowls, as well as Bananas Foster Steel Cut Oatmeal.

The Grand Floridian Cafe in the past has offered a special Mother’s Day brunch menu, which includes a variety of appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Keep checking the link to see if a special Mother’s Day brunch will be offered this year.

To accompany your meal, the cafe offers a variety of specialty coffee drinks, teas, and fresh juices. And for those who prefer something a little stronger, the cafe has a selection of mimosas, bloody marys, and other brunch cocktails.

Overall, breakfast at the Grand Floridian Cafe is an excellent way to celebrate Mother’s Day!

2. ‘Ohana

‘Ohana is located at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort in Orlando, Florida. As you enter the lobby, you are transported to a tropical paradise, with its lush greenery and exotic theming. The restaurant is found upstairs on the second floor and is now offering character dining – “Best Friends Breakfast featuring Lilo & Stitch!”

The breakfast menu at ‘Ohana includes a variety of dishes that are inspired by Polynesian cuisine. The meal starts off with a complimentary basket of freshly made Pineapple-Coconut Breakfast Bread which is warm and soft, and bursting with tropical flavors. Appetizers also include a fresh fruit plate and fresh orange juice.

The main course at ‘Ohana features is the Ohana Breakfast Skillet. Scrambled Eggs, Pork Breakfast Sausage Links, Hawaiian-style Ham topped with Pineapple Compote, Fried Island-style Potatoes, Stitch and Mickey-shaped Waffles, and Biscuits all served family style in a large skillet. ‘Ohana is one of the only places to find Stitch waffles!

Overall, a Mother’s Day breakfast at ‘Ohana is a unique and unforgettable experience that is sure to impress your mom. With its tropical ambiance, delicious cuisine, and attentive service, this restaurant is a perfect way to celebrate Mother’s Day.

3. Cape May Cafe

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious breakfast at Cape May Cafe in Disney World’s Beach Club Resort. This classic New England-style restaurant offers a bountiful breakfast buffet that is perfect for families and a great way to make your mom feel celebrated.

As you enter Cape May Cafe, you are welcomed by a bright and airy atmosphere, with pastel colors, beachy theme, and beautiful views of the resort’s pool area. The restaurant’s buffet features a variety of breakfast dishes, including fresh pastries, cereals, fruits, and hot items, that are sure to satisfy everyone’s appetite.

One of the standout items on the buffet is the Minnie waffles. These classic Disney waffles are shaped like the iconic mouse’s head and are a favorite of both kids and adults alike. They are fluffy and delicious, and are perfect with a drizzle of syrup and a dollop of whipped cream.

Another favorite item on the buffet are the Salted Caramel “Beach Buns” drizzled in vanilla cream. For those who prefer a heartier breakfast, Cape May Cafe offers a variety of hot items, including scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, bacon, and sausage.

For those who like to start their day with something sweet, there are plenty of pastries to choose from, including croissants, danishes, muffins, and cinnamon rolls as well as classic French Toast.

Overall, a Mother’s Day breakfast buffet at Cape May Cafe is a great way to celebrate and show your mom how much you appreciate her. With its bright and cheerful atmosphere, delicious cuisine, and wide variety of menu options, this restaurant is a great choice for a special occasion.

4. Olivia’s Cafe

Olivia’s Cafe is located at Disney’s Old Key West Resort; a cozy and charming restaurant that evokes the feeling of a tropical island getaway. The restaurant is inspired by Key West’s laid-back vibe, with colorful tiles, wooden paneling, and nautical accents.

The menu features classic American comfort food with a Caribbean twist. And there are plenty of delicious menu items to choose from to make your Mother’s Day lunch extra special.

The star of the show at Olivia’s Cafe is the Banana Bread French Toast. This decadent dish features thick slices of banana bread, soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla custard and then grilled until golden brown. It is served with a side of bacon or sausage and is a delicious and indulgent way to treat your mom on Mother’s Day.

Another favorite menu items at Olivia’s Cafe is the Southernmost Buttermilk Chicken, which is crispy and flavorful and comes with a side of honey-mustard dipping sauce

To top off your meal, Olivia’s Cafe offers a variety of desserts, including the Key Lime Tart, which is tangy and sweet and served with a dollop of whipped cream.

Overall, a Mother’s Day lunch at Olivia’s Cafe is a perfect way to show your mom how much you care. With its charming atmosphere, delicious cuisine, and attentive service, this restaurant is a great choice for a special occasion.

Mother’s Day Dining at Disney Springs

5. Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’

Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ at Disney Springs is a Southern-inspired restaurant known for its mouth-watering cuisine and welcoming atmosphere, making it the ideal spot to treat your mom to a special meal.

As you enter Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, you are welcomed into a venue that evokes the feeling of a classic Southern farmhouse. The restaurant’s warm ambiance is the perfect setting for a Mother’s Day brunch, with plenty of natural light and rustic touches.

One of the standout menu items at Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ is the Fried Chicken and Doughnuts. This dish features three pieces of juicy fried chicken served with sweet and fluffy doughnuts, drizzled with a sticky-sweet syrup. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and savory, and a must-try for anyone dining at the restaurant.

Another popular menu item is the Short Rib Hash. This dish features tender short ribs, sautéed onions, and potatoes, all topped with a sunny-side-up egg. It’s a hearty and delicious brunch option that will leave you feeling full and satisfied.

If you’re in the mood for something sweet, Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ offers a variety of classic Southern desserts. The Hummingbird Cake is a standout, with its layers of moist pineapple, banana, and pecan cake, all topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting. It’s the perfect ending to a delicious meal.

In addition to the mouth-watering food, Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ also offers a variety of cocktails, including the Moonshine Mash, made with fresh blackberries, mint, and moonshine.

Overall, Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ is the perfect spot to treat your mom to a delicious brunch on Mother’s Day.

6. Amorette’s Patisserie

If you’re looking for a unique and delicious brunch spot in Disney Springs, Amorette’s Patisserie is a must-visit. This charming bakery and cafe offers a wide selection of French-inspired pastries and desserts, as well as a brunch menu that is sure to please.

One of the standout features of Amorette’s is the live crepe-making station, where you can watch the skilled pastry chefs whip up fresh crepes right before your eyes. This interactive experience adds a touch of excitement to your brunch and allows you to see the attention to detail that goes into every dish.

For those with a sweet tooth, the Strawberry and Crème Crêpe is a must-try. This crepe is filled with Chiffon Cake, Fresh Strawberries, and Chantilly Cream, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and creamy, and a great way to satisfy your dessert cravings.

In addition to the crepes, Amorette’s also offers a variety of other sandwiches such as Smoked Turkey on Focaccia Bread with Roasted Bell Peppers, Basil Aïoli, Shredded Lettuce, Cobb Dressing, and Fresh Mozzarella

Overall, Amorette’s Patisserie is a great spot for brunch in Disney Springs and he live crepe-making station adds an element of excitement to the experience.

Mother’s Day Dining in The Magic Kingdom

7. Be Our Guest

If you’re looking for a truly magical Mother’s Day dining experience in Disney, look no further than Be Our Guest Restaurant in Magic Kingdom. This enchanting restaurant is modeled after the Beast’s Castle in Disney’s classic film, Beauty and the Beast, and offers a dining experience like no other.

As you enter the restaurant, you’ll be transported to the grand ballroom of the Beast’s Castle, complete with chandeliers, elegant decor, and even a snowing sky outside the windows. The atmosphere alone is enough to make your Mother’s Day meal unforgettable.

Prepare to be pampered! Table-service lunch and dinner includes a prix-fixe, 3-course menu featuring French-inspired dishes that are très délicieux.

Start your meal with your choice of a sumptuous appetizer like French onion soup or potato-leek soup or escargot de Bourgogne. For your main course, select from a medley of mouthwatering entrées—including savory delights like filet mignon and sustainable, market-fresh fish. Afterwards, save some room for our trio of delectable desserts.

The menu at Be Our Guest offers a variety of French-inspired dishes that are sure to please. A lunch favorite is the Roasted Poulet Rouge Chicken, served roasted vegetables and Pinot Noir jus

But perhaps the most iconic dish at Be Our Guest is the Grey Stuff, a cookies-and-cream flavored dessert that is as delicious as it is Instagram-worthy. This sweet treat is served in a decorative cup and is the perfect ending to a magical Mother’s Day meal.

In addition to the delicious food, the restaurant also offers a chance to explore the Castle’s various rooms and movie connections. It’s a truly immersive dining experience that will make your Mother’s Day unforgettable.

Overall, Be Our Guest Restaurant is a perfect spot for a special Mother’s Day meal in Disney. The atmosphere is magical, the food is delicious, and the palatial grandeur add an extra touch of Disney magic to the experience.

Additional Character Dining Locations for Mother’s Day 2023

Magic Kingdom

• Cinderella’s Royal Table
• Crystal Palace

Epcot

• Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
• Garden Grill Restaurant

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Hollywood & Vine

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

• Tusker House Restaurant

Disney’s Riviera Resort

• Topolino’s Terrace

I hope you’ve enjoyed the highlights of some of the best dining options for Mother’s Day in Disney World. From the elegant and classic brunch at the Grand Floridian Cafe, to the fun and interactive crepe-making experience at Amorette’s, to the magical and immersive dining experience at Be Our Guest, there is something for every mom to enjoy.

Whether you’re looking for French-inspired cuisine, character meet-and-greets, or just a beautiful atmosphere, these restaurants offer a special way to celebrate the amazing moms in your life.

Advertisement

Evening Stroll Around Disney’s Boardwalk

This past Sunday night we took stroll around Disney’s Boardwalk at the Beach Club Resort. The end of February offers cool evenings and clear skies.

Back View of the Swan and Dolphin Resort

We had reservations at Beaches and Cream Soda Shop, which also grants us access to the Atlantic City-themed boardwalk as well. The path, mostly constructed from ‘boardwalk’ slats, takes you around a lake past the Epcot resorts and also allows walk up access to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios parks.

Along the route, you also get a view of the Swan and Dolphin resorts along the lake and a distant view of Epcot.

We needed to get some steps in because ice cream was on the menu for the evening. The No Way Jose Sundae is my favorite!

A peanut butter and hot fudge sundae with chocolate and vanilla ice cream, peanut butter and chocolate chips, whipped cream, and a cherry on top! $11 at Beaches and Cream Soda Shop located in Disney’s Beach Club Resort.

Jeff chose the Snicker Sundae that came with marshmallow topping and snickers pieces, also $11.

After attempting to finish these massive sundaes, we decided we needed to take another loop around the lake. It was a beautiful evening.

Epcot’s Spaceship Earth lighting up the night in the distance

Our Trip to Everglades National Park, Miami

Everglades National Park is located about an hour west of downtown Miami, Florida. On our recent visit, we looked for a hotel that was the quickest and easiest to get out of town. We booked a room at the Marriott Residence Inn located in Doral. It’s only a few miles away from the airport. If you’re flying in or driving in, this is a great location. The rooms were excellent.

The Shark Valley entrance to Everglades National Park was almost a straight run west of the hotel, an easy 40-minute drive into the grasslands. There are a few other entrances/visitor centers, so be mindful of which entrance you are looking at when you plan to tour the park. The Shark Valley Visitor Center is the most popular and, in my opinion, the easiest to get to for out-of-town visitors.

On the way out of town, you will pass a Casino and, as you near the park, you will find several airboat tour companies. If we had more time, I would have booked a tour. I love a good airboat ride!

We visited the park in February, as the Everglades are extremely hot in other seasons. That said, there is a consistent breeze across the mostly open expanse of water year-round.

We experienced a very warm February day; it was in the low 80’s but overcast and very comfortable. We are Floridians, so this is great weather for us.

We made a reservation for the tram tour a few days in advance. It is highly recommended to make reservations for the tram tours. The tour costs $30 per person and is narrated by excellent tour guides.

There is also an entrance fee for the park which is paid at the gate upon entry which is also around $30 per person. The day we went, however, their systems were down from a power surge or something. So, they let us in for free! We did pay in advance online for the tram tour to reserve our spot.

The tour follows a paved loop that runs about 15 miles total, which includes a stop halfway to walk up the tower that overlooks the park.

It was a very easy and comfortable ride. We sat in the last seat which afforded a little more legroom.

The tram stops for nature sightings of birds and alligators and to point out areas of interest. There are also many cyclists on the paved path so they will slow to accommodate a congested area of bikes.

We saw many birds and only a few gators in the canal along the ride back. The silence was beautiful along with the persistent gentle breeze that will easily blow your hat off on the tram ride.

The visitor center is a small building with a ticket window for bike rentals and a small gift shop and educational center as well as bathrooms. For all the glory that is the Everglades, there are only a few educational areas to take in, so it is a very quick tour of the Visitor Center.

There is also a short boardwalk trail in front of the visitors center that is a popular spot to go while waiting for the tour. You can see if on google maps as noted above. I’d say it took a leisurely 15 minutes or so to walk it.

The two hour tour gave us the most information and was equal to a National Geographic Documentary, at least on the day that we went. Also note that tipping of the guides is encouraged. They have a dropbox for tips in the front car of the tram.

We plan to come back to ride the trail with our bikes next time. They do rent bikes at the Visitor’s Center (but they don’t look very comfortable 😂).

Looking forward to a return trip!

Kraft Azalea Gardens, Winter Park, Florida

Surprised by owls

This public garden, seated on the shores of Lake Maitland, bursts with old Florida charm. Established in 1938 by George and Maud Kraft, the Kraft Azalea Gardens are situated in a small 5-acre park open from 8 a.m. until dark for 365 days a year and is free to the public. 

A visit here offers a pleasant shady stroll under enormous cypress trees alongside the famed azalea bushes. You can easily take a seat among one of the many benches overlooking the lake to enjoy the lake breeze and bird song overhead.

This Exedra bench pictured below is a popular photographer’s spot. (FYI an Exedra is a semi-circular Greco-roman bench made for conversational seating).

Out in the distance, you can see the Scenic Boat Tours making their rounds. The boat ride starts on Lake Osceola then rides through the channels that connect the lakes. 

On the day of my trip, I could distincly hear two hoot owls calling to each other from somewhere overhead. Suddenly, a rush of wings flew above me – it was an owl! It swooped up to a high branch in an old oak tree and landed next to it’s partner. I zoomed in with my new camera to catch these two up close.

What a magical surprise – a mated pair of Barred owls ! It was abeautiful afternoon well spent in Winter Park.

Links found in this article:

City of Winter Park

Scenic Boat Tours

More on Barred Owls

What’s it Like to Eat in a Jailhouse? – Downtown Sanford Dining

The City of Sanford’s central downtown is undergoing a healthy re-development. One benefit being the surge of new eateries that are re-claiming many of the forgotten brick-front buildings. The process of creating the new out of the old has opened up creative experiences for visitors to explore. The Old Sanford Jailhouse is one such establishment (website).

The Jailhouse presents as an upscale restaurant, one where you are enclosed by weathered brick walls and iron grates, are gently lit by cut crystal chandeliers, and welcomed by a casual but well-appointed menu (view menu).

Rustic architectural details allow diners to engage with the building’s storied past.

The building’s successful transformation was the determination of The Sirica Family, owners of The Old Jailhouse. Their well-planned design and their dedication to preserving the original architecture kept the initial intent of the building intact, earning them the Historic Preservation Award by the Sanford Historic Trust.

We visited The Old Jailhouse for dinner on a Wednesday evening. Streetside parking and seating were plentiful.

After dinner, we headed out on foot a few blocks down to the marina (website).

We took in the view and were greeted by sailboats, houseboats, and even a steamboat (website).

We closed the day under the swaying palms at Veteran’s Park (website).

Even though the evening started out in jail, this ordinary Wednesday night turned out to be another day well spent in Florida.

Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild

We may have found a New Year’s tradition to continue enjoying the season of lights after the holidays: The Asian Lantern Festival! Our local zoo is running this after hours event from November 20th – January 12th 2020 from 6pm to 10pm nightly.

We weren’t sure what to expect, and were surprised to find giant illuminated ‘lanterns’ which are sculpted wire forms covered with a silk material. They are each lit from inside with many standard sized light bulbs attached to the interior of the wire forms. They were both much bigger and brighter than we had anticipated. We were expecting a large christmas light display, but this was something we had never seen before.

We entered the exhibit throuh a walkway flanked by whimsical crescent moons and stars which looked a lot like bananas. They tower over my 6’3″ husband as you can see in the photo below.

As we followed the winding path, we discovered large scale lanterns representing some of the animals that make their home at the zoo. Music also accomapnies visitors and changes upon entering the different event areas.

Some of the lantern animal exhibits included life sized giraffes and an oversized animated alligator whose jaws open and close. We tried to get a peek at the resident animals but they were mostly sheltering down for the night. We glimpsed a few behind or boarding the festival exhibits, such as the donkey behind the giraffes. Overall, the zoo animal enclosures were dark and most animals were unable to be seen.

• 

• 

The chinese dragon was the largest lantern by far, which seemed to be near as long as a football field. It’s hard to tell the scale from the photo but those are some pine trees on the left bottom corner of the screen on the last two humps of the dragon.

There were food vendors and drink stations, and a small arts and crafts tent. The event was very well manned with numerous volunteers guiding you at every turn, including parking attendants. The event was very popular and slightly crowded even on a Wednesday night after Christmas, I would think a weekend would be extremely crowded. The cost was $50 for 4 tickets or around $18.60 each. It was a magical mesmerizing evening and I plan to go again next year; an unexpected opportunity to carry a little luminary magic into the new year.

Snorkeling Devil’s Den, Williston, Fl

 

The entrance to the spring head is via these steps which looks more ominous than it really is. You must duck at the bottom depending on your height to get to the platform which is currently submerged due to rain. When we went, it was waist high. We stood there for a few minutes to acclimate to the 72 degree water which at first is cold, but just takes a minute or two. Other people just went right in.

The spring is crowded on weekends, we went on a holiday weekend, which of course has a few more visitors. They do limit the number of people who are in the den and there is a rotation of people coming in and out. This is about as full as it gets. It’s most crowded on the entry platform pictured below where people are getting in and out.

There was still room to explore once you got off the ramp. Some of us lingered on the ramp a little longer than others ; ) It was cold! But I was fine after about 3 minutes, lol. Here is Jeff patiently waiting for me…It really is magical. Felt a bit like a set for an episode of Star Trek. They give you a 2 hour limit and that really is plenty of time for one day.

The park has a few other diving ponds (see below) however they were closed the day we went.

They have food trucks, picinic tables, and a few games but other than that, the spring is really the only attraction at this campground which is small and basically just dirt, grass, and trees. So when camping here, you will want to venture out for some fun beyond the spring. 

We enjoyed this ice cream shop : )

We also recommend a day trip to Rainbow Springs State Park to go tubing which is about a half hour drive from Devil’s Den. Here’s a video to get a glimpse of what tubing is like at Rainbow Springs. You need to rise and shine, because the park limits the number of visitors and often fills up by 10 am and you will see lines of cars waiting for people to leave so you can get in. Rainbow Springs does have a nicer campground than Devil’s Den, but it does not have the full hook ups that our rig needs.

 

Happy Camping! – Holly

 

RV Camping Near Gainesville, Fl: Gold Head Branch State Park

Mike Roess campground has separate tent and RV camping

Gold Head Branch campground is a big park with excellent sites for both tent camping and RVs.

There is also plenty to see and do. We hiked and biked and explored our big backyard all weekend. 

Can’t remember the last time I explored a ravine, glad we took the time to walk down by the little brook carving its way out of the Florida pine.Fitbit says I climbed 14 floors! Who knew there were hills in Florida!You never know what you’ll find out there 🤣  Happy trails…

Little House Big Backyard

Thankful for the days well spent at Gold Head Branch State Park. We hiked and biked and explored our big backyard all weekend. 

Can’t remember the last time I explored a ravine. Beautiful little brook carving its way out of the Florida sand and scrub pine.Fitbit says I climbed 14 floors! Who knew there were hills in Florida!You never know what you’ll find out there 🤣  Happy trails…

What’s It Like to Camp at Fort Clinch State Park?

We’ve been asked what it’s like to camp at Fort Clinch and were lucky enough to snag a cancellation for the MLK long weekend.

The January temperature was perfect though a bit chilly at times for our beagle.

Fort Clinch State Park has two campgrounds –  one on the oceanside and the other on the riverside. Our site was on the beach with a walkway a few sites down that led directly to the ocean and these hammocks.

We were close enough to be lulled to sleep each night by ocean spray and rumbling tides.

Each morning we went for a walk on the private beach (no dogs allowed).

We walked down to the pier that is currently closed from hurricane Matthew. 

and on Sunday I even got up early enough to see the sunrise over the ocean. Heavenly!

Error

This video doesn’t exist

Here’s the view coming back from the beach. There are a few sites (#7 – 10 shown here) that have a slight view of the ocean. The rest are closely nestled in the dunes or sand scrub.

Warning, there are sand spurs in the grassy area around the sites. We had to pull a few out of Penny’s paws and chose to keep her on the pavement when out walking.

Each day we rode our bikes around the park.

On the road to the riverside campground, I spotted mushrooms as big as dinner plates. Upon further investigation I learned these are known as Jack O’Lantern mushrooms. Fun fact – they are bioluminescent! They contain the same enzyme as fireflies! Who knew?

Had I known, I would have gone back to see them in the dark. They are also poisonous, so don’t eat them.

The riverside sites are are few steps away from more spectacular views. Though, none of the sites are on the water or have actual water views, they are shaded which the beach sites are not. 

And then there’s the fort!

There are also mountain bike trails and gorgeous hiking paths between hidden waterways to explore as well as the towns of Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach.

Reservations for the park can be made at Reserve America, and you will probably see that most days are full. But, if you check back in regularly you will see cancellations, especially the week before you are looking to camp. It’s worth the trip, Fort Clinch is our favorite Florida campground so far!