A Relaxing Day Before the Parks: Breakfast In, Cape May Characters, and Morimoto Magic

A Travel n Taste Journal Series

Not every day at Disney needs to be packed with rides, rope drops, and mobile order madness. Some of the most memorable moments happen when you slow down, breathe, and just enjoy being there. This was that day for us—and it turned out to be exactly what we needed.

Starting the Day at the Marriott Grand Vista Villas

Our morning began in our villa at the Marriott Grand Vista, and the best part? A full kitchen. No scrambling to get dressed, no racing for a reservation—just fresh fruit, cold orange juice, hot coffee, and the freedom to ease into the day at our own pace.

It’s amazing how much a simple breakfast at “home” can help everyone recharge. We didn’t need magic this morning—we needed space, calm, and something familiar before diving into more Disney.

The resort itself is beautiful, peaceful, and far enough from the crowds to feel like an actual vacation. Walking paths, pools, and views that instantly lower your blood pressure? Yes, please.

Character Vibes at Cape May Café

After breakfast, we headed to Cape May Café for brunch—and Disney characters delivered the magic. We met Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy, complete with autographs, photos, and plenty of interaction.

The atmosphere was casual but still full of Disney energy. It’s a great option for families looking to skip the mega-buffet stress and still get the full character dining experience.

And don’t skip the lobby: the Easter egg artwork on display was stunning—detailed, colorful, and a great bonus photo op before heading out.

Afternoon Recharge: Poolside and Peaceful

We made our way back to the Marriott Grand Vista for some mid-afternoon rest. The pool was calling, and we answered. Whether it was splashing in the sun or lounging poolside with a book, this quiet stretch of the day was a perfect recharge before our evening plans.

Pro tip: build days like this into your Disney itinerary. Your feet, your mood, and your schedule will thank you.

Morimoto Asia: The Dinner We’ll Be Talking About for Weeks

Let’s talk about Morimoto Asia. This was more than a meal—it was an experience. From the upscale ambiance to the family-style plates and world-class drinks, everything hit the mark.

The star? A5 Wagyu. Cooked table-side, melt-in-your-mouth tender, and worth every second of anticipation. We also tried a mix of small plates and shared dishes, each one better than the last.

We’d go back in a heartbeat. In fact, we’d plan a whole trip around this meal alone.

Ending the Night at Disney Springs (Again!)

After dinner, we took our time walking around Disney Springs. The lights, the music, the buzz—it never gets old. And of course, some of us stood in line for a must-have treat: Gideon’s Bakehouse cookies.

It’s always a little chaotic, always a little dramatic, and always worth it. There’s just something about ending the day with a half-pound cookie and a walk under twinkle lights.

Final Thoughts

Today wasn’t about checking things off a list. It was about enjoying the moment, resting before the parks, and making space for things to unfold naturally. From breakfast in the villa to Wagyu at Morimoto, we made some of our favorite memories—and we haven’t even hit the parks yet.

What’s your favorite low-key Disney day move? Share it with us in the comments!

Want to see how we got here? Read about our overnight drive to Disney.