runDisney post-race brunch guide featured image with castle silhouette, runners, and brunch table vignette

Best Post-Race Brunches at Disney World for runDisney Weekends

After the 5K • After the 10K • After the Half • Table-Service Picks • Quick-Service Backups • ADR Timing + Transport

Where to Brunch After Each Race

  • After the 5K (Friday)
    • Window: Finishing around sunrise—plan brunch 8:30–10:00 AM.
    • Goal: Light-to-moderate recovery; prioritize carbs + hydration, modest protein.
  • After the 10K (Saturday)
    • Window: Brunch 9:00–11:00 AM.
    • Goal: Refill glycogen, 25–30g protein, electrolytes, then rest—another race tomorrow.
  • After the Half Marathon (Sunday)
    • Window: Brunch 10:30 AM–12:00 PM.
    • Goal: Bigger refuel: 60–90g carbs + 25–35g protein; rehydrate and plan a nap before evening EPCOT time.

Pro tip: Bring a dry layer and recovery slides to change into before dining.


Top Table-Service Brunch Picks (What to Order + Why)

  1. Trattoria al Forno (Disney’s BoardWalk – Walkable to EPCOT’s International Gateway)
  • Why it’s great: Reliable ADRs, easy access from EPCOT area resorts.
  • What to order (recovery-focused):
    • Sunrise Breakfast Pizza (eggs, potato, bacon) + fruit side → carbs + protein + sodium
    • Florentine Frittata + side of breakfast potatoes + toast
  • Add: Electrolyte drink packet in your water (bring your own)
  1. Ale & Compass Restaurant (Disney’s Yacht Club – Near EPCOT)
  • Why: Calm vibe, balanced menu, and close to EPCOT finish/celebrations area on some weekends.
  • Orders:
    • Dark Chocolate Waffles + side of eggs (carbs + protein)
    • Breakfast Protein Bowl (eggs, sweet potatoes, grains) + fruit cup
  1. Kona Cafe (Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort – Monorail to Poly)
  • Why: Runner-friendly carbs; easy monorail access; great for Half celebration morning.
  • Orders:
    • Tonga Toast (split it) + side of scrambled eggs/bacon for protein balance
    • Macadamia Nut Pancakes + grilled ham + fruit
  • Bonus: Walk the beach after to keep legs loose.
  1. Grand Floridian Cafe (Disney’s Grand Floridian – Monorail/Boat)
  • Why: Under-the-radar availability; quiet atmosphere.
  • Orders:
    • Traditional Eggs Benedict + side of fruit + extra toast (sodium + carbs + protein)
    • Brioche French Toast + side of sausage/eggs
  • Note: Ask for extra water and ice—hydration is key.
  1. The Wave… of American Flavors (Steakhouse 71 Breakfast – Disney’s Contemporary)
  • Why: Solid portions, easy monorail access; good for MK-area stays.
  • Orders:
    • Steak and Eggs + potatoes + toast (protein-forward, add fruit for carbs)
    • Pancakes or Mickey Waffles + eggs (carb + protein combo)
  1. Garden Grill (EPCOT – When breakfast is offered)
  • Why: Seated, rotating restaurant = rest time; family-friendly.
  • Orders:
    • Family-style platters: eggs, Mickey waffles, bacon/sausage, fruit—build recovery plate.

Note: Menus can change; check current offerings in My Disney Experience.


Quick-Service Backups (Fast and Solid)

  • BoardWalk Deli (BoardWalk)
    • Post-race picks: Turkey sandwich on ciabatta + fruit; bagel and lox; cold brew.
  • Capt. Cook’s (Polynesian)
    • Picks: Breakfast burrito or Tonga Toast (split) + eggs side; oatmeal + banana.
  • Gasparilla Island Grill (Grand Floridian)
    • Picks: Breakfast platters; oatmeal; turkey croissant + fruit.
  • Sunshine Seasons (EPCOT – usually open later morning)
    • Picks: Roast chicken bowl (protein), bakery carbs, fruit—balanced and quick.

Hydration add-on everywhere: ask for water + ice; add your electrolyte packet.


ADR Timing Tips and Transport

  • Booking windows: If you’re onsite, book ADRs at the 60-day window; for race weekends, earlier is better.
  • Timing by race:
    • 5K: 8:30–10:00 AM ADR
    • 10K: 9:00–11:00 AM ADR
    • Half: 10:30 AM–12:00 PM ADR
  • Transport from finish:
    • EPCOT/BoardWalk area: Walk or resort bus to EPCOT resorts (BoardWalk, Yacht/Beach).
    • To Poly/GF/Contemporary: Take race bus to Magic Kingdom area, then monorail/boat/walk as applicable.
  • Pro tip: If you’re not sure you’ll make a tight ADR, book two options (early and a back-up later) and cancel the extra before the penalty window.

Recovery Plate Builder (Simple Macros)

  • Carbs: pancakes/waffles, breakfast potatoes, toast, fruit, oatmeal
  • Protein: eggs, Greek yogurt, turkey/ham, grilled chicken
  • Fats (light): avocado, nut butter
  • Electrolytes: add a packet to water; include a salty side (bacon/ham)

Sample combos:

  • Half Marathon day: Pancakes + eggs + fruit + electrolyte water
  • 10K day: Breakfast bowl (eggs, potatoes, grains) + toast + fruit
  • 5K day: Waffles + yogurt + banana

Photo + Comfort Tips

  • Bring a dry shirt/socks/slides in your gear check bag.
  • For photos, ask for a table near a window; soft morning light flatters post-race pics.
  • If very sweaty, a quick restroom rinse with a small towel before dining goes a long way.

Call to Action

Want a personalized race-morning timeline with transport and two ADR options that fit your pace and corral? Email Maria and I’ll map your race weekend so you can eat well and still make park time.
Contact: m.truman@magicalvacationplanner.com
For reminders, packing lists, and dining picks by pace—join Magic Mail: Asalutetotraveling.com/MagicMail

Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *