Though it may not initially seem like it, Walt Disney World has truly come into its 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 Walt Disney World parks and resorts, there are some big changes taking effect right now you should know about.
For April’s dining update, Disney’s Animal Kingdom announces a new $125 upcharge that includes food and educational opportunities, the ABC Commissary gets some upgrades, plus a Grand Floridian favorite is set to be refurbished and expanded soon!
1. New dining upcharge experience announced for Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Disney’s Animal Kingdom has announced a new, progressive dining experience debuting this summer called Circle of Flavors: Harambe at Night. This experience will include sights, sounds, and flavors honoring some of the most majestic and endangered African animals while celebrating Disney’s classic film, The Lion King
This new experience will kick off July 24, and will feature an array of sweet and savory treats, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, a relaxing train journey on the Wildlife Express to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, photo opportunities with familiar characters, a meal at the Harambe Market and activities for the whole family. Along the way, Guests will have the opportunity to learn more about the Big Five – lion, Cape buffalo, elephant, leopard, and rhinoceros – the challenges they face, and how Disney is working to protect them.
Circle of Flavors: Harambe at Night will cost $125 plus tax for adults and $99 plus tax for children ages 3-9, and separate park admission is required. Reservations can be booked starting April 3 by calling (407) WDW-DINE or visiting disneyworld.com/dine.
2. Reservations now available for ABC Commissary
The ABC Commissary is currently being plussed up in advance of the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and is getting new decor, furnishings, and self-serve beverage station. And while these improvements are ongoing, Disney is testing out another new feature for this quick service dining establishment: reservations. Guests who make reservations via My Disney Experience for dinner at this location can also enjoy a “fast-casual” experience where they order at the counter and then have a seat while their order is prepared and then delivered to them.
3. New Macaroni and Cheese food truck opens at Disney Springs
A brand new food truck has joined the linup in the Exposition Park area of Disney Springs this week. The Mac & Cheese Truck will, as you might expect, focuses on its titular creamy indugence, and has the following menu items:
- Six Cheese Crunchy Mac & Cheese
- Barbecue Brisket Mac & Cheese
- Bacon Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese
- Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese
- Lobster and Shrimp Mac & Cheese
4. Typhoon Lagoon opening adults only bar and dining area for a limited time
Image: Disney
5. Mizner’s Lounge to be expanded at Grand Floridian Resort
Image: Disney
Mizner’s Lounge at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort is going to be expanded during an upcoming refurbishment that will kick off next month. To make room, Commander Porter’s will close on April 4, and merchandise from this location will be moved to Summer Lace on the ground floor. During the closure of Mizner’s, a temporary lounge will be set up by the Garden View Tea Room, with the The Grand Floridian Orchestra performing here during this time. This project is expected to be completed later this fall.
6. New quick/table service Crêperie hybrid restaurant
Image: Disney
Last month Disney announced a new unnamed hybrid quick/table service restaurant coming to the France pavilion that will feature the cuisine of celebrity chef Jérôme Bocuse, the mastermind behind the pavilion’s Chefs de France brasserie and its celebration of gourmet cuisine, Monsieur Paul. This new location will feature a menu inspired by the Brittany region of France, and will have savory crepes called galettes and sweet crepes. And though the France pavilion already has plenty of places to eat (this will be the fifth dining location in this pavilion), this new hybrid restaurant should be a nice addition to the lineup with a simple menu with familiar options.
