Dining

Breakfast At The Wave… Of American Flavors

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One of the hidden gems in Disney dining has to be The Wave…of American Flavors at the Contemporary Resort.  I have enjoyed every meal I’ve had here, and I can never understand why there don’t seem to be more people in the dining room each time I visit.  As if the dinner wasn’t yummy enough, within the last year or so The Wave added breakfast to its service, and I have to say I think it is one of the best breakfast deals on property.

The buffet option cost me $18.49 whereas Chef Mickey’s (which is also at the Contemporary) will set you back about $35 per adult.  You’re really paying for the character experience at Chef Mickey’s, but even considering that the price is steep.  While most food is expensive at Walt Disney World I think you really get a lot of bang for the buck at The Wave.  Guests may also use one table service credit for this meal, but you may consider paying cash for it to get the most value.  Folks who have a Tables in Wonderland card may also apply it to your tab to get a 20% discount.

Now that we’ve discussed pricing, let’s get to the good stuff: the food! As an added bonus to the great bargain, the food is great as well.   A lot of the standard Disney breakfast offerings can be found here such as eggs, bacon, and an assortment of fruit.  However, you’ll also find menu items unique to this location such as sweet potato pancakes and whole grain mickey waffles.  I think it’s safe to say this may be the healthiest buffet on property (although there are plenty of not-so-healthy items too).  The spread also includes smoked salmon with an assortment of vegetables for lighter fare along with pastries and other goodies for those looking to indulge.

If buffets aren’t your idea of a great breakfast there is also an a la carte menu.  Maybe an egg white frittata sounds like the perfect wholesome breakfast?  The Wave is the place to get one.  Also served are sweet potato pancakes, smoked salmon, and key lime eggs Benedict as a la carte options if you are not in the mood for the whole buffet.  I certainly think I could handle a plate of those pancakes especially with the honey-pecan butter served along side them.

Every time I’ve had breakfast at The Wave I’ve opted to go for the buffet.  The sweet potato pancakes are delicious and I really like that there are some healthier options on their menu.  After a few days of eating junk in the parks it’s really nice to have a plate full of fruit and whole grain waffles.  Don’t get me wrong, I usually slip a couple piece of bacon in there for good measure, but I love being able to have a meal in Disney World where I feel satisfied, but not gross.

Not only is the food terrific at a good price, this restaurant is easy to get to via Disney transportation even without staying at the Contemporary Resort.  Simply make your way to the Magic Kingdom and either hop on the monorail or take the short stroll over the hotel.  If you have your own car there is plenty of parking to be had for diners; just follow the signs for the Contemporary Resort after going through the Magic Kingdom parking gate.  I really like to start my day at The Wave with a good breakfast before trekking around the Magic Kingdom all day.

Another great thing about breakfast at The Wave is that it seems to be off the radar for most Disney World guests.  We walked up to the hostess stand without an advanced dining reservation and had no problem getting a table.  My friends and I sat right away without any wait and since we all knew we wanted to do the buffet service was quick and easy.  Hopefully this post won’t blow the secret and make it tough to get a table!

How about you?  Have you had breakfast at the Wave…of American Flavors?  Let me know what you thought about it in the comments!

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Kristen Helmstetter

Kristen Helmstetter is an Unofficial Guide researcher who will share her 20-something perspective of all things Walt Disney World with blog readers. Kristen’s email address is khelmstetter05@yahoo.com. You can also follow her on Twitter: @khelmstetter.

8 thoughts on “Breakfast At The Wave… Of American Flavors

  • Is there a way possible to get to The Wave before the park opens?

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  • I had the breakfast buffet at The Wave during my recent honeymoon trip, and it was pretty decent! I did use a meal credit, but we needed to use some up so I didn’t feel like I overpaid. Very enjoyable, and a nice way to escape the craziness of a busy hotel. I was shocked how empty The Wave was.

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  • We did breakfast there on the morning of October 1 this year (staying at BLT, only way to go to be at the Magic Kingdom that particular morning!). We absolutely agree on the buffet — after looking at the a la carte menu and then at the buffet, we saw very little on the regular menu that we couldn’t also sample from the buffet, so we both went with the buffet and loved it. Our 1 1/2 year old daughter loved it too and it was a great way to feed her from our plates while she’s still young enough for that to be a free option.

    The sweet potato pancakes were definitely the biggest hit!

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    • I was there on the 1st too! Well, not at the Wave but at MK. I hope you had fun! I’m glad you and your family like the buffet as much as I do. I think it’s a great little hidden gem. Thanks for the comment!

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  • We had breakfast at the Wave for the first time in May. Totally amazing. The grits alone were worthy of the entire cost of the meal. I wish I could replicate them!

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    • I’m glad you liked it! I’ll have to try to grits next time. Thanks for reading and commenting!

      Reply
  • I totally agree with you. Breakfast at the Wave is a great way to start the day. You get above average food, great service, and no crowds. Getting breakfast before going to the Magic Kingdom works well. Also, we have already gone to the Magic Kingdom first for rope drop, gone on a few headliner attractions, and then ate breakfast at the Wave around 10:30 or 11:00. After that we can go about our day and don’t have to worry about stopping for lunch.

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    • That’s a great idea to do rope drop then take a break with breakfast! Thanks for the comment, Amy!

      Reply

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