Its already shaping up to be a banner year at Walt Disney World as we prepare to welcome a new land, new attractions and an absolutely fantastic line-up of new eateries across the theme parks and at Disney Springs. To help you keep up with all of these new happenings, let’s start with a rundown on 9 new restaurants that you won’t want to miss in 2017.
1) Planet Hollywood Observatory – Disney Springs: (Pictured) One of the first new restaurants to open this year, the hotly anticipated Planet Hollywood re-opened on January 30th after a long refurbishment. Renamed the Planet Hollywood Observatory the iconic globe has been transformed into a four story observatory-themed restaurant where guests can dine among the stars with an outdoor terrace, lounge and a new menu conceived by celebrity chef Guy Fieri that includes options like “Big Bite Burgers” , signature sandwiches, deluxe hand-dipped milkshakes and other sharable desserts. A curated beverage program includes a variety of wines, bottled and draft beers and cocktails. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner but is not a participant in the Disney Dining Plan.
2) Geyser Point Bar and Grill – Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort: Slated to open on February 13th, Wilderness Lodge’s newest restaurant, located adjacent to the main pool, gives guests an opportunity to take their food poolside or sit back and relax on the outdoor patio with views of Seven Seas Lagoon. Wilderness Lodge mainstays, Roaring Forks quick service restaurant as well as the Trout Bass Bar will be closing for refurbishment with Geyser Point expected to fulfill their roles. A quick service window will offer kids meals, burgers and sandwiches while the bar will serve cocktails with an emphasis on ingredients sourced from Pacific Northwest distilleries and well as wines and beers from the region.
3) Satu’li Canteen – Animal Kingdom: Information about the new eatery opening up in Pandora: The World of Avatar still remains pretty illusive. Disney insiders haven’t revealed as of yet whether this dining experience will be Quick Service or Table Service or what sort of items will be on the menu. However, we have been given a sneak peek of the exciting interior. With rumors swirling that Pandora will actually begin welcoming visitors the end of May, more information should be released soon. A kiosk named Pongu Pongu is also reported to be opening in this area of the park and will serving up exotic beverages.
4) Character Breakfast coming to Trattorio al Forno – Disney’s Boardwalk Inn: Details were released this week about Disney World’s latest addition to the character dining line-up. Starting later this Spring, Trattoria al Forno will play host to a breakfast experience that will feature popular royal couples from favorite Disney stories like “Tangled” and “The Little Mermaid”. Details haven’t yet been released regarding cost, menu items or dining plan participation but we’ll share the details with you as soon as we know!
5) Choza Tequila – Mexico Pavilion – Epcot: Those mourning the loss of the Mexican margarita stand in the World Showcase can rejoice in the fact that a replacement is on it’s way. Located next to the Mexican Pavilion, Choza Tequila, an authentic outdoor tequileria will serve up hand-crafted margaritas and much-loved Mexican dishes like tacos, empanadas, chips and fresh guacamole. Watch this space for further information regarding menu items and the official opening.
6) Paddlefish – Disney Springs: On February 4, 2107, the newest addition to Disney’s Springs already robust restaurant roster will open its doors. Paddlefish, located in the Paddleboat-esque building that was previously home to the Fulton Crab House will begin welcoming guests for Lunch, Dinner and Brunch. The menu is an eclectic mix of dishes that include: Maine Lobster, King and Snow Crab, fresh sea bass, catfish and salmon. In a tip of the hat to Fulton’s, signature dishes including Lobster Corn Dogs and crab legs remain on the menu. Don’t miss your chance to indulge in this modern Yacht-themed dining experience. Reservations are not yet available but stop by the Disney Springs website for the latest updates. Paddlefish will not be included in the Disney Dining Plans.
7) The Polite Pig – Disney Springs: Scheduled to open later this Spring, this sister restaurant to Winter Park’s Ravenous Pig will be serving up a delightful range of wood-fired smoked and grilled items including salmon, ribs, Ribeye steaks and pork. In an innovative twist the restaurant will also have an extensive beer, wine and cocktail menu with all beverages “on-tap.” There’s no news yet about an official opening or whether The Polite Pig will participate in the Disney Dining Plan but readers are encouraged to watch this space for the latest news and updates.
8) The Edison – Disney Springs: Cutting a remarkable figure in the Disney Springs skyline with its large smokestack, this Gothic-Industrial nightclub, eatery, and cabaret venue will be a steampunk’s dream when it opens it doors later this Spring. The Edison will feature classic American food artisanal cocktails and amazing live entertainment. Similar to its Los Angeles counterpart, the venue will be themed after a 1920’s electric company. Highlights of the space will include 35-foot ceilings, a range of themed rooms to explore, DJs and Coney Island style nightly entertainment including contortionists and palm readers.
9) Wine Bar George – Disney Springs: We end with one for the wine lovers. Master Sommelier George Miliotes who gained Disney notoriety for being a member of the opening team of the award-winning California Grill will be opening his own wine bar. One of only 230 Master Sommeliers in the world, Miliotes will showcase over 100 wines. There will also be a food menu featuring small plates designed to complement the amazing array of wines on offer. The menu promises to showcase local artisans and seasonal flavors. The interior of the Wine Bar also aims to be a relaxing retreat from a often bustling Disney Springs and is modeled after a winemaker’s home estate complete with oak furnishings and warm lighting. There’s no news yet on an official opening date but we’ll keep you updated.
Any of the amazing dining experiences listed above would make a worthy addition to your Disney must-do list and serve as a fantastic indication of the excited year ahead at Walt Disney World.
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