Guest Blogger Jeff Onorato is back, this time with a photo blog of the Captain’s Grille at the Yacht Club!
Try to imagine this scenario, if you will. It’s 90 degrees outside and you’re walking elbow to elbow with fellow tourists in any given theme park melting under the hot afternoon sun. I have found myself in this predicament on many occasions. Short of calling it a day and retreating to my hotel, I find that escaping to a nearby resort for lunch is a rejuvenating way to spend the afternoon.
I realize that this plan may not be for everyone. Some folks enjoy retiring to their hotel for a quick dip in the pool or an afternoon siesta. Those are great options too, and I often partake in those practices as well. But having lunch at a nearby resort is a nice way to quickly recharge, refuel, and reduce commuting time to and from the parks. Thereby allowing more time to ride the rides and get the most out of your park admission.
One of my favorite hideaways from the excitement is the Captain’s Grille, located in Disney’s Yacht Club resort. Close proximity to Epcot and Hollywood Studios make it an ideal candidate for a quick recess. It’s just a short walk or boat ride from World Showcase in Epcot.
The Captain’s Grille is located in the lobby area of the resort. The restaurant was formerly known as the Yacht Club Galley, though not much has changed other than the name.
The theme of the Yacht Club is carried out within the restaurant, albeit on a less grandiose scale. Wooden tables and chairs, brass lighting fixtures, blue carpeting, porthole windows, and a “skipper” hanging from the ceiling all help to bring to mind a quaint seaside inn.
They are open for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. Breakfast brings Crab Cakes Benedict, Brioche French Toast, Buttermilk Pancakes, and an “all you care to eat” buffet from 7:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Lunch and Dinner offerings include a Tomato and Mozzarella Sandwich, Fish and Chips, Grilled Ahi Tuna, Snow Crab Legs, Lump Crab Cakes and Grilled Pork Chops. Is your tummy rumbling yet?
A prix-fixe menu is available at Dinner, which runs from 5:30 p.m. Р10:00 p.m. For $27.99, you can choose one Appetizer, Entr̩e, and Dessert. There are 3-4 options to choose from in each category on the menu.
I stopped in for lunch during a recent visit to the World and had a wonderful experience. Reservations are not needed, but I always recommend making them just to be on the safe side. It was fairly busy – about forty percent of the tables were occupied when I was there. This is the perfect place to stop by for an impromptu meal. The atmosphere is very laid back and casual. Park attire (shorts, t-shirts) is perfectly acceptable.
Service at Captain’s Grille is generally quick and efficient. Today was no exception. My server was very friendly and made great recommendations upon my request. I never had to wait for drink refills, as they were readily available as needed. I had Coke; however Smoothies, Juices, Espresso, Cappuccino, Bottled Beers, and Mixed Drinks are also available.
To begin my meal, I chose the Spinach Cheese Dip for Two ($9.99). Although I was dining solo, this sounded appealing to me so I decided to give it a try. The flavor of the spinach was not prominent, and the parmesan cheese garnishment was a perfect match. It’s served with grilled flatbread which is sliced into tiny pieces for dipping and also topped with chopped onions, tomatoes, and bacon. The flatbread was still warm and crispy. I really enjoyed this, but couldn’t finish it. The portion size was huge (as indicated in the name).
In keeping with my nautical surroundings, I chose an entr̩e that included Seafood. I went with the Soup and Sandwich Combo ($11.99). This consists of Tuna- or Shrimp-salad on a croissant with New England Clam Chowder or Soup of the Day. I opted for the Shrimp-salad which was piled high and heaping out of the sandwich. It was garnished with lettuce, tomato, onions and a pickle. The croissant was served on a platter next to the Clam Chowder and a tiny ramekin of Oysterette crackers. The soup was excellent Рthe clams were tender and not at all chewy or fishy. I would go so far as to say this was some of the best Clam Chowder I have had.
For dessert I had the Braeburn Apple Tart ($5.49). The dessert was small, but was the perfect size for lunch. The tiny pastry was topped with a warm baked apple, whipped cream and caramel sauce. The apple was soft and had a nice cinnamon flavor to it. A decorative cookie crowned the dessert and added some crunch to the texture.
Other desserts on the menu: Chocolate Profiterole, Key Lime Tart, Double Chocolate Cheesecake, and House-made Gelato (available with “no sugar added”). All are under $6.00.
The Captain’s Grille consistently serves-up great food at reasonable prices. It’s convenient location, varied menu items and relaxed atmosphere makes it an ideal candidate for a leisurely meal away from the action. I have sought sanctuary here on more than one occasion, only to return to the parks rejuvenated and sailing on my second wind.
Related Links:
Captain’s Grille Breakfast Menu
Captain’s Grille Kid’s Breakfast Menu
Captain’s Grille Lunch Menu
Captain’s Grille Dinner Menu
Captain’s Grille Kid’s Lunch/Dinner Menu
Readers Review the Captain’s Grille Breakfast
Readers Review the Captain’s Grille Lunch/Dinner
About Jeff: I am 33 years old and from Gettysburg, PA. By day I work in the Accounting Department of a Newspaper Publishing Company. My first visit to WDW was at the age of 2, and have been back around 35 times since then. I often travel solo to WDW, as well as with family. I make good use of my Annual Pass, and trek to Orlando about 5 times per year to visit my favorite travel destination. My favorite resort is the Polynesian, but have stayed at all of the WDW resorts at least once. In fact, my favorite aspect of visiting the Walt Disney World Resort is trying out the different Resorts and Restaurants. I also enjoy the many restaurants and sampling different foods that I normally would never try at home! (such as Escargot at the France pavillion).
Read Jeff’s other blogs:
Can you use the Disney Dining in this restaurant?
AllEars: You mean the Disney Dining Plan? I believe so.
My favorite breakfast choice at the captain’s grill is off the menu. It is the jumbo mickey waffle. It is my absolute favorite! If you go there you have to try it!
Yum, Yum and more Yum. I have to try this restaurant the next time we’re in the World. Thanks!
P.S. – I wish I had your job! 🙂
ALLEARS: It is all volunteer 🙂
After many years of visiting the World, we went to the Captain’s Grille for the first time this past October. I have to say that it is one of the BEST dining experiences that I have ever had at Disney. Our server was very friendly and knowledgeable (he even knew what a Pittsburgh blackened style steak was). Our food was simply delicious. The caesar salad was the best I have ever had. The rest of our food choices were fresh and prepared to perfection (roast chicken, onion tart, crab cakes). The Captain’s Grille is definitely on our must-do list from now on!