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 the first dining update of the new year, Disney offers discounts for package-purchasers, annual passholders and DVC members, plus refurbishments and expansions hit popular Disney Springs eateries!
1. Free dining deal still available for booking
Walt Disney World is still offering the popular free dining deal that allows guests staying at a Value or Moderate Resort will be able to get a free Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan, and guests who stay at Disney Deluxe Villa Resort Hotels to get a free Standard Disney Dining Plan. This popular deal can now be booked for guests arriving at the resort during the following date windows.
- June 27-28, 2020
- July 5-7, 2020
- August 29-September 8, 2020
Though these dates might seem far off, guests who want to take advantage of this offer will need to book quickly as this deal is available for booking now through January 16, 2020.
As has been the case in the past, this deal is only available for guests who purchase a non-discounted Walt Disney Travel Company package that includes a room for at least 5 nights at a select Walt Disney World Resort hotel and theme park tickets with Park Hopper Option.
2. Annual passholders to receive discount on Festival of the Arts dining package
Looking more towards the immediate future, annual passholders can save 10% on Disney on Broadway Concert Series Dining Packages, which kick off with the Epcot International Festival of the Arts next week on January 17th. With this package guests a fabulous lunch or dinner that includes guaranteed seating at the day’s Disney on Broadway show at the America Gardens Theater.
3. DVC gets new dining discounts
Image: Disney
Disney Vacation Club members now have access to a number of new discounts at dining locations around Walt Disney World, including the following:
- 20% off all purchases of non-alcoholic beverages and food at Joffrey’s kiosks.
- 10% off at Blaze Pizza at Disney Springs
- 10% off the Yesake kiosk at Disney Springs
4. Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop to be refurbished
Image: Disney
From January 13 to January 26, portions of the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop (located at Disney Springs) will be undergoing refurbishment. During this work, the location is expected to remain open to Guests.
5. Chicken Guy expanding into Planet Hollywood for more seating
Image: Disney
This week work began on an expansion for the popular Chicken Guy! eatery at Disney Springs. This expansion will be converting space that was formerly The Store at Planet Hollywood into more indoor dining space for guests at this location.
6. STK no longer a part of Disney Dining Plan
Image: Disney
It was confirmed this week that the STK restaurant (located in The Landing at Disney Springs) will no longer be accepting Disney Dining Plans. No reason was given for this change, but it is expected to be permanent.
7. The Muppets come to the World Showcase
Though we’ve known about the Regal Eagle Smokehouse quick service restaurant (coming soon to the American Adventure pavilion) for several months now, Disney surprised us last week by announcing that this new dining location will have a Muppets tie-in, and will be themed to Sam the Eagle’s Centennial Cook-Off: A Salute to All Cook-Offs but Mostly Barbecue, which is described as:
“A competition fit for all patriots and pit masters” – as it brings in a variety of classic backyard barbecue selections from across the country to vie for Sam’s top honor.”
This restaurant is still under construction but is expected to open in the next few weeks.
