Though it may not initially seem like it, Disney parks have truly come into their own in recent years as a real food lover’s paradise. If you count yourself as one of the many who love eating their way around the Disney parks and resorts, there are some big changes taking effect right now you should know about.
For April’s dining update, we mark our calendars for the return of Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, look at three new restaurant openings across the resort, plus round up some recent menu changes at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom!
1. New Salt & Straw ice cream shop now open at Disney Springs
New artisan ice cream shop Salt & Straw is now open at Disney Springs. This new sweet treat stop is located on the West Side of Disney Springs and serves hand-scooped ice cream, milkshakes, and more. The location will have several permanent standard flavors like chocolate gooey brownie, sea salt with caramel ribbon, double fold vanilla and cinnamon snickerdoodle in addition to rotating “limited edition” seasonal flavors that change every month.
2. Reservations for updated Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue will be available next month
Walt Disney World’s Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue dining experience, which has been unavailable since the resort initially closed due to COVID-19 in 2020 will return to Pioneer Hall at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground this summer on June 23. The show will be slightly modified with a few updates to its script and scenery, but Disney has gone on record as saying the changes are in line with spirit of the show. The menu will once again feature a feast full of favorites including fried chicken, smoked BBQ ribs, a variety of savory sides and strawberry shortcake. Reservations for this returning entertainment option will be available at the Walt Disney World website in just a few weeks starting May 26.
3. 2022 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival kicks off this July
Disney has announced that the 2022 edition of the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival will kick off later this summer on July 14 and will run through November 19, which makes this year’s event the same length as last year’s extended festival. More than 25 Global Marketplaces will be part of the lineup in 2022, including returning favorites like The Swanky Saucy Swine, Appleseed Orchard, Hops & Barley, Earth Eats and more.
4. Backlot Express gets new menu update
Popular quick service eatery Backlot Express at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has gotten an extensive menu update with new offerings including a Cuban Sandwich, Smoked BBQ Pulled Pork Burger, Teriyaki Tofu Bowl, and Chicken Southwest Salad. This location’s Backlot Burger and Galaxy’s Edge-themed hummus have been removed from the menu.
5. New Breakfast items added to Isla Fresca cart at EPCOT
And speaking of menu updates, guests getting an early start at EPCOT can now find new breakfast items at the Isla Fresca cart from 8:30-10:30 a.m that include: Arepa with Egg and Cheese, Arepa with Chorizo, Egg, and Cheese and for a sweet pick me up Dulce de Leche Cocoa Coffee has also been added.
6. Local Green Orlando food truck now open at Disney Springs
A new Local Green Orlando (an offshoot of Local Green Atlanta) food truck is now open at Disney Springs, offering plant-based, vegetarian, and pescatarian dishes including the Monsta shrimp burger, Bubba Sparxx vegan pulled BBQ sandwich, and Elote Street Corn.
7. Special 50th anniversary commemorative Coca-Cola bottles now available
This month Walt Disney World and Coca-Cola introduced five special co-branded collectible Coca-Cola bottles that are now available exclusively at the resort during the 50th Anniversary Celebration. These special collectibles will be available throughout the celebration and are the same price as the regular bottled sodas.
8. EPCOT’s Connections eatery officially opens April 27
EPCOT’s new Connections Eatery quick-service restaurant is set to officially open to guests on April 27 in the World Celebration area of the park. The menu features standard quick-service fare including burgers, chicken sandwiches, pizza and salads. This eatery also has a large Starbucks area inside where guests can order their favorite beverages either to go or to enjoy inside.
Because Starbucks is now available inside this flagship location, the former Starbucks “Traveller’s Cafe” is now permanently shut down.
9. Construction resumes on upcoming Roundup Rodeo BBQ dining location inside Toy Story Land
Visible construction on the long-delayed Roundup Rodeo BBQ dining location inside Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios resumed this month, inching this dining location closer to opening later this year. This upcoming table service restaurant will be located in front of Toy Story Land, near the giant Woody Toy Story Land entrance sign and will be themed to resemble a new “rodeo” play area assembled with cardboard boxes cut and taped together. The restaurant will have two large dining spaces which will be entered through a lobby where guests will be made to feel like you are one of Andy’s special toys. Barbecue food will fill the menu for guests to enjoy.
10. “Reimagined” Top of the World lounge to reopen soon
This month Disney Vacation Club members received an email that the “reimagined” Top of the World lounge at Disney’s Contemporary Resort will be reopening soon with a “reimagined” look. No specific details about specific dates or what kind of “reimagined” look the lounge will sport were shared, but this is certainly an exciting development for those who miss this location’s spectacular views.
11. Spyglass Grill reopens at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
The Spyglass Grill quick-service eatery at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort has reopened after an over two year closure. This location serves breakfast from 7:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and then lunch/ dinner until 10:00 p.m. This location serves eggs, wraps, and sandwiches for breakfast, and burgers, tacos, sandwiches and salads for lunch and dinner. Spyglass Grill is now open daily and mobile order is available.
