| PassPorter.com Feature Article Original article at: http://www.passporter.com/articles/ravello-character-breakfast.html The Character Breakfast at Ravello at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando: A Walt Disney World Dining Reviewby Cheryl Pendry, PassPorter Featured ColumnistLast modified 07-16-2015 With many visits to Walt Disney World under our belts, character meals are something we often go to and enjoy. While browsing the Disney web site before our most recent trip, an interesting name sprang out, and it was one I didn't recognize. All it said was "Ravello," with no details of where it was, so I clicked on it to find out more. What was Ravello and was it worth a visit? I soon discovered Ravello was located at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World. If you're wondering where it is, you’re not the only one. I had to do a bit of research, as foolishly I first mistook it for the Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort. Once I found it, I realised it would afford us a chance to visit the Golden Oak residential complex, and without a visit to the Four Seasons, I doubted we’d ever find any other way in there, given how these properties are selling out. More interestingly, I found out that Ravello serves up the Good Morning Breakfast with Goofy and His Pals, so I went ahead and made a booking there, intrigued to see what it was like. On the morning of our breakfast, we drove over there, marvelling at the million dollar-plus properties in the Golden Oak estate on the way. When we arrived we were told that it was valet parking only, but given that only cost $5, that really wasn’t an issue. That was a pleasant surprise, given this isn’t exactly a cheap hotel; you’re talking similar rates to the Disney deluxe resorts. As we made our way to Ravello, which is actually on the level beneath the lobby entrance, you could see how opulent the place was. As we made our way downstairs to the restaurant, there was a cute opening ceremony, where we got our first glimpse of which characters we’d be sharing our breakfast with. Given the website had only referred to Goofy and his pals, we were very pleasantly surprised to discover that those friends were Mickey and Minnie. The first thing that struck us at breakfast was how quiet the place was, especially given the calibre of characters here. I guess that perhaps it’s just not that well known yet, as I only found out about it by accident. It had a very nice side effect though in terms of the characters, as I think we saw each one of them at least three, if not four, times during our meal. There aren’t many other Disney restaurants where that happens! If anyone in your family has a soft spot for any of the trio who are here, then I can’t recommend this highly enough, as you can have as much time with them as you want. I can imagine this is a place where many magical memories happen with Goofy, Minnie or Mickey as a result. Something else that was interesting to see is that the characters all had handlers with them, and they were Disney Cast Members, which I wasn’t expecting. The serving staff were from the Four Seasons, so I guess there’s a close tie between the two organizations. The food here is a buffet, and there was an excellent selection. Under fruits, meat, and dairy, they had yogurt, build your own granola parfait, seasonal fruit, local tomatoes, hard boiled eggs, smoked salmon, and a selection of cured meats and cheese. Then there was a selection of homemade bread, pastries, and local bagels, along with assorted homemade pastries. Under that banner you could have butter or chocolate croissants, a range of muffins, fruit Danish or sticky buns. As if that on its own wasn’t enough, cereal and granola was also on offer, along a wellness table, made up of offerings such as dried fruits, nuts, seeds and mixed greens, oatmeal, and raw Florida tupelo honey. For an extra charge, you could also get items from their juice and smoothie bar, and if none of the options they had appealed, you could even create your own! See what I mean about it being an expansive selection? Unfortunately I wasn’t able to make the best of it, as by then, I was fighting a heavy cold, cough and sinusitis, but even with all of that, I still enjoyed what I did manage to sample. We also found the service to be very friendly and prompt, but then again, given it wasn’t a busy morning, and there weren’t many tables in use, in fairness, I wouldn’t expect anything less. Wonderful as this breakfast was, it doesn't come cheap. It’s $42/adults, and $22/children plus tax and gratuity, and there are no Tables in Wonderland discounts here. The Good Morning Breakfast with Goofy and His Pals is held on Thursday and Saturday mornings from 7:30 am until 11:00 am. Reservations can be made through the Walt Disney World website. About the Author: Cheryl is the author of the e-book, PassPorter's Walt Disney World for British Holidaymakers, and is the co-author of PassPorter's Disney Vacation Club Guide: For Members and Members-To-Be. Cheryl and husband Mark live in England and love to travel, particularly to Disney, and they have travelled around the world, taking in a number of Disney cruises, Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Aulani in Hawai'i, Disneyland Paris, Tokyo Disney and Hong Kong Disneyland on the way. Click here to view more of Cheryl's articles! This article originally appeared in the PassPorter newsletter -- subscribe to our popular newsletter today for free at http://www.passporter.com/news.htm Updated 07-16-2015 Check for a more updated version at http://www.passporter.com/articles/ravello-character-breakfast.html |