1900 Park Fare at Disney’s Grand Floridian: Mary Poppins to Big Bertha. Still closed, but we went down a rabbit hole this morning to learn everything we could and got lost trying to find our way back out. Especially when we learned about the history of the Organ that towers above guests, Big Bertha!
Tucked away in the elegant setting of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa sits 1900 Park Fare, a restaurant that was a beautiful spot for guests to enjoy characters and good food. This spot, famous for its character dining, has been empty since the pandemic forced its closure in 2020. However, whispers of its return fill the Disney rumor mill almost weekly.
Let’s take a look at what made 1900 Park Fare so special. All our images are from after it was closed in 2020 and the room sat empty. The doors were open and we just got lucky enough to see inside. We do not know if this will be what the 1900 park fare will look like when/if it reopens.
Stepping into 1900 Park Fare feels like entering a carousel-themed wonderland. The walls are adorned with playful animal sculptures, and the centerpiece carousel adds a touch of Victorian elegance to the dining room.
Related: FREE Dining Plan at Walt Disney World Returns for Disney+ Subscribers!
What truly made this place magical was the character interactions. At breakfast, guests could meet Mary Poppins and Alice in Wonderland, while dinner offered encounters with Cinderella and Prince Charming.
Adding to the enchantment was the grand organ with the melodies that added another layer of charm to the dining experience, transporting guests to a different era. Unfortunately, the silence brought on by the pandemic also silenced the organ, leaving patrons longing for its return.
Big Bertha:
“Big Bertha” Carousel Fair Organ was a beloved attraction wherever she went. Originally part of a carousel in Ramona Park, Michigan, from 1910 to 1955, she later moved to Gulf Shores, Alabama, after being stored away. Made in France in the late 1800s, she was restored by Paul Eakins between 1963 and 1966, taking over 2500 hours.
Over the years, Big Bertha underwent changes in how she played music, starting with a pinned cylinder and transitioning to cardboard books, and then rolls. She eventually settled on Wurlitzer Military Band Organ rolls.
Big Bertha’s music comes from 369 pipes and various drums, bells, and cymbals. Her design, with a director and two bell-ringers, is visually impressive, adorned with carvings of cherubs and a gargoyle.
Walt Disney World acquired Big Bertha in 1978 when the owner and person responsible for the organ restoration, Paul Eakins retired.
As for the future of 1900 Park Fare, Disney has remained tight-lipped. Some speculate that the restaurant might undergo renovations as part of the Grand Floridian’s planned updates, promising a grand reopening in the future. Moreover, given the Grand Floridian’s commitment to preserving its Victorian charm, many believe that 1900 Park Fare will find its place once again.
In fact, Disney has not removed the web page for 1900 Park Fare, so that gives us hope! While we await news of its return, our memories of 1900 Park Fare live on.
1900 Park Fare – Temporarily Unavailable
Delight in breakfast and dinner buffets, plus a merry afternoon tea party, each hosted by Disney Characters.
Supercalifragilistic Breakfast
Join favorite Disney Friends for this fabulously festive, all-you-care-to-enjoy breakfast buffet! “Popp in” for custom-made omelets, fluffy mini pancakes, Mickey-shaped waffles, carved ham, and more.
Guests may meet such Disney Characters as:
- Mary Poppins
- Alice in Wonderland
- The Mad Hatter
- Tigger
- Winnie the Pooh
And don’t miss Big Bertha, a turn-of-the-century, fancifully designed organ from France!
Character appearances and entertainment are subject to change.
Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner
Enjoy an enchanting buffet dinner as the honored Guest of Cinderella and Prince Charming!
The Princess storybook friends join in the festivities as you have a ball dining on delectable seafood, salad, pasta, and beef specialties. The culinary selections are representative of several “kingdoms” from around the globe and include such kid-friendly fare as chicken, cheese pizza, and macaroni and cheese.
Character appearances and entertainment are subject to change.
