food IS a theme park
There’s no ifs, ands, or buts about it, planning a trip to Walt Disney World is a little bit confusing right now.
Magic Kingdom
There are a LOT of changes, from what rides are open and how they’re operating to how many people are in the park.
We headed out to EPCOT today to see what’s happening in the park!
EPCOT
We made our way to Biergarten Restaurant in the Germany Pavilion for an early dinner, and we were SHOCKED by how empty it was!
What’s the MOST anticipated restaurant opening in Disney World? We bet we know what you’re going to say.
Space 220 Concept Art ©Disney
Space 220 is the upcoming space-themed restaurant that should open in EPCOT…someday. Now, this restaurant has been a LONG time coming. Space 220 was announced way back in July of 2017. It was supposed to open this past Winter but apparently ran into a bit of a rocky patch. Even with EPCOT now reopened, Space 220 is still closed — so what gives?!
Walt Disney World’s EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios is gearing up to reopen next week on July 15th.
Italy Pavilion in Epcot
EPCOT’s Italy Pavilion will reopen along with the rest of the World Showcase. While most pavilions are opening, not all restaurants and food kiosks will be available to guests. We’ve just confirmed two more Italian dining experiences to add to our list of available restaurants at EPCOT. Plus, the hours that all three Italian restaurants will be open for guests! [Read more…]
We’ve been waiting for a long time for updates on Epcot’s newest restaurant. And now, we have the official name!
Space 220 Concept Art ©Disney
Waaaaaaay back in November of 2018 we published a post here at DFB noting that Space 22o was the working name for the restaurant, and it’s finally been confirmed!
We have always thought of EPCOT’s Restaurant Marrakesh as one of Disney World’s most interesting restaurants. It has taken great pains to make authentic Moroccan food appealing to guests with any palate. They are continuing in this tradition by adding some unique Moroccan specialties to their menu.
Marrakesh Sign and Menu Book
Their first introduction is Pan-Seared Lamb Loin Medallions and Hummus Rosemary Pancakes. This dish comes with zucchini, olives, and toasted garlic au jus.
Restaurant Marrakesh’s New Pan-Seared Lamb Loin Medallions and Hummus Rosemary Pancakes ©Disney
Some new appetizers are on the menu include Mussels Casablanca. The dish couples steamed mussels with capers, tomatoes, and saffron cream sauce. You’ll also find a new Goat Cheese with Crispy Bread available as an app. [Read more…]
Today, we are heading into the pyramid once again for dinner at one of Epcot’s most atmospheric restaurants — San Angel Inn Restaurante.
We have had a myriad of experiences here, ranging from very, very bad to excellent. In the past, San Angel Inn has suffered from a Disney restaurant’s biggest drawback — inconsistency.
We haven’t visited the original Mexico table service restaurant since the pavilion’s latest spot, La Hacienda de San Angel, opened on the waterfront. But we continue to love to drop by La Cava del Tequila and Cantina de San Angel, Mexico’s counter service option, so we thought it was time to give San Angel Inn a try once more.
Besides, they had undergone some changes since our last meal, and we wanted to see them for ourselves.
Walking through Epcot anytime of the day is a treat, but it’s especially beautiful at night. And that’s when we decided to visit Mexico for dinner one evening on a recent trip.
You’ll find San Angel Inn by heading into the Aztec Temple, which serves as the centerpiece for Mexico.
Aztec Pyramid in Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion
And inside the pyramid, it’s always nighttime. As you make your way toward the back of the building, you come into an open courtyard setting, which feels like the town square of a quaint Mexican Village. In the distance, you’ll spot another Aztec Temple that looks very like the one you just entered. Beyond that, there’s also an active volcano. It’s really quite pretty, and sets the mood for the entire area, which also houses shopping, as well as La Cava del Tequila and the Three Caballeros Attraction.
In fact, boats of riders make their way along the quiet river below the restaurant — very similar to Blue Bayou in Disneyland.
View of the Aztec Pyramid Inside
Among the other village building facades that border the square is the entrance to San Angel Inn, through this archway.
San Angel Restaurant Entrance
Step through the archway, and the floorplan for the restaurant opens up before you. It’s actually a fairly small space. But tables are placed very close together. This was a new detail of the recent renovation and restaurant updates, and I’ve gotta say — it’s not my favorite aspect of dining here. I’m uncomfortable in a restaurant whenever I feel like I can reach out and touch the person at the table next to me.
Seating Area and Restaurant Scenery
This table for two, near the rail that overlooks the Three Caballeros attraction, does offer a bit more intimacy. We always recommend requesting a waterside table here!
Aztec Pyramid, Volcano, and Intimate Seating
The layout of the restaurant is quite nice. The floor is actually comprised of varying levels, which lend some interest to the space. I took this photo near the railing, looking back up into the courtyard.
Lower Patio Seating Area
Although tables are uncomfortably close together, they are [Read more…]
Welcome guest author Paul Kuconis! Today, he shares the popular Arancini Appetizer at Via Napoli in Epcot’s Italy pavilion. Grazie, Paul!
I always look forward to our Walt Disney World visits; and I look forward to the food! One of our ‘go-to’ Epcot restaurants is Via Napoli Pizzeria E Ristorante, or better known as ‘Via Napoli’.
One of the problems with dining here is that we have to walk almost to the very back of Epcot to get to Italy. But that only heightens the anticipation!
Via Napoli - almost there!
Via Napoli entrance.
Although we had to change our reservation to a more convenient time, we were given a good table close to the pizza station.
Pizza Ovens!
While we waited, we took in the décor!
Intricate, beamed ceiling.
We enjoyed our seats under the watchful eyes of Stromboli, Vesuvio, and Etna. The three pizza ovens are named after active volcanoes in Italy; Stromboli on the Aeolian Islands, Vesuvius near Naples, and Mount Etna in Sicily.
Being Watched By Stromboli, Vesuvio, and Etna.
It was equally interesting to watch the chefs prepare and cook pizzas. They look like they enjoy their jobs and perform them with military precision.
I would like to share with DFB readers our favorite Via Napoli appetizer – Arancini.
Arancini means ‘little oranges’, which is exactly what these round/oval, deep-fried rice croquettes look like when they are removed from the hot oil.
They are served as snack food in bars and cafes all over Sicily, and their filling can vary — meat and tomato sauce with peas, chopped vegetables and white sauce-cheese, and prosciutto — depending on the cook.
Aranci Menu Item.
We were served by Luca, who came to Epcot via Turin, Italy. Luca agreed, “Good choice!”, and placed the order for the Arancini. I also ordered a glass of Batasiolo Chardonnay.
Chardonnay Batasiolo Menu Item.
If I planned on more that one glass, Luca suggested the quartino. Good idea! I enjoy a nice Chardonnay, but by no means consider myself a wine connoisseur. I drink what I like whether or not it is appropriately paired. It went well with my meal.
Quartino of Basasiolo Chardonnay.
Finally, after what seemed like hours, (but was, in fact only ten minutes!), Luca delivered [Read more…]
Craving sushi or just need a relaxed and elegant spot for lunch or dinner? It’s time to book Tokyo Dining!
Although we have recommended Tokyo Dining a number of times as a decent spot for catching Illuminations, I’ve never posted my own review of this restaurant. So we made it a priority to head over and dig in — for the sake of the blog. 😉
This spot is located on the second floor of the Mitsukoshi Department Store building in Epcot’s Japan, adjacent to the Hibachi-style Japanese steakhouse, Teppan Edo.
And while we know it’s a terrific place to stop by for sushi (and it’s rarely crowded), they’ve got plenty on the menu for non-seafood palates as well. Let’s take a look!
Like a growing number of World Showcase restaurants, Tokyo Dining and Teppan Edo now have an outdoor check-in area for busy days. On our visit, it wasn’t that crowded; so the cast member told us to head on upstairs to check in.
Check-in Desk Outside Teppan Edo and Tokyo Dining
We were met by two very gracious Japanese cast members, signed in, and directed to wait in the lobby of the two restaurants.
The quiet, sleek, and spacious waiting area is a welcome respite from the relative activity of the theme parks. It’s very restful.
Waiting Area
Once your name is called to be seated, you’ll be directed to one of two main dining rooms at Tokyo Dining.
The first room features an on-stage sushi kitchen, where you can watch chefs as they prepare dishes for guests.
Additional Seating and Open Sushi Kitchen
The other dining room features some seriously cool indirect lighting, plus plenty of natural lighting and panoramic views of World Showcase.
Here’s a weird tip: the tables by the windows have super cushy padded chairs, while the others are less comfortable. Just an FYI…and one good reason to request a seat by the window.
Another good reason? Illuminations. Yep; you really can see the fireworks from here (albeit they can be slightly obstructed by trees or people standing on the balcony outside).
Dining Room Seating
We were here during the day, however, so I was happy to take in the views from my cushy window seat. 😉
View From Dining Room
We had lots of items to choose from, so after taking in our surroundings, it was time to settle down and decide [Read more…]
At long last, Coral Reef is finally getting its due on the Disney Food Blog! The last time I visited this restaurant was when I was much, much younger, so I knew it was time to give it a try again. It’s been through a lot of changes, but, from what I can tell, the basics are still the same…
Coral Reef is one of only a couple of table-service restaurants located in Epcot’s Future World. You’ll find it hidden in the Seas With Nemo and Friends (The Living Seas for those who used to visit in the 80s), tucked back in the right-hand corner. You really need to want to find it; you won’t just stumble over this restaurant by mistake! But after all these years, the sign is still very similar to what it was way back when, so those who have a tinge of Epcot nostalgia like me will be very pleased…
Upon entering the restaurant (using the seahorse door handle of course), you’ll find that the place is themed — as it should be — but in a very stylized manner. Walls and flooring are undulating as if you’re under water. Light fixtures resemble coral and shells. Glass fish sculptures sit inside lit alcoves behind the [Read more…]
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