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 June’s dining update, character dining returns to a popular restaurant at EPCOT, a new lounge inspired by an upcoming sequel comes to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for a few weeks, a much-loved restaurant reopens after refurbishment, plus Disney Springs foodies can get free food and free money thanks to a new deal and an upcoming special event! Check it out:
1. 2024 Disney Dining Plans are now available to book for guests with confirmed hotel stays
If you’re excited about the return of the Disney Dining Plan on January 9, 2024, there’s good news! Both the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan and the Disney Dining Plan are available to book now for guests with confirmed stays in 2024.
Guests purchasing the Standard Dining Plan can expect to spend $94.28 per adult, per day and $29.69 per child (ages 3 to 9), per day. The Quick Service Dining Plan is a little more affordable and will cost $57.01 per adult, per day, and $23.83 per child (ages 3 to 9), per day. These price changes are much higher for adults, which reflects the higher cost of food at the resort since the last time the Dining Plan was offered in 2020. You can learn more about the Disney Dining Plan’s return here.
2. Disney Springs Flavors of Florida event introduces free workshops with celebrity chefs
Disney Springs is bringing back its annual Flavors of Florida culinary event on July 1, and once again guests will be able to sample dishes from over 30 restaurants all around Disney Springs that are uniquely inspired by the sunshine state. However, new this year will be free workshops led by Disney Springs celebrity chefs like Art Smith, Jose Andres, and Master Sommelier George Miliotes. These workshops will include cooking demonstrations by these famous chefs, and many will include free food for attendees as well!
The culinary demonstrations will be held on select days at Waterview Park (located near the Boathouse restaurant) and registration for the demonstrations is required since space will be very limited. Information about how to register will be included in the event guide, which will be available when Flavors of Florida begins next week. This special event runs through August 13.
3. Trattoria al Forno reopens at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort after exterior refurbishment
After closing earlier this year for exterior improvements, Trattoria al Forno (and its nearby Pizza Window) have reopened at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort. Because the improvements during this closure were on the outside of the building, all menus and interior decor remain the same. The restaurant is now open daily for breakfast from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM and for dinner from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
4. The Edison and Morimoto Asia giving away free $35 gift cards for a limited time with purchase
It’s not often that restaurants give out free money, but two Disney Springs eateries are doing just that this summer. Guests who buy a $100 gift card from either the Edison or Morimoto Asia, will get a $35 bonus egift card free. This offer ends on June 30th, but the gift cards are valid until August 31, meaning you can use the bonus gift card (and the original one you purchased) either together at once or on a return trip! Gift cards can be purchased on each restaurant’s respective website.
5. New survey finds Victoria & Alberts to be the most award-winning restaurant in the US
Travel website Trips to Discover recently compiled a list of the top 10 most award-winning restaurants in the United States, and found that the #1 most award-winning dining location in the country is the lauded Victoria & Alberts restaurant at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.
Of course, dining at this location doesn’t come cheap or easy. Reservations must be made months in advance and the prix-fixe menu for this Disney dining experience begins at $295 per person. In addition, there is a strict dress code that all guests must adhere to. You can learn more about dining at this location at its official website here.
6. Character dining now available again at the Garden Grill for breakfast
Guests can now once again enjoy character dining at breakfast at the Garden Grill Restaurant, located inside the Living With the Land pavilion. Characters that typically appear at this location include Mickey, Pluto, Chip, and Dale. However, the lineup is subject to change and guests may see different characters during breakfast compared to lunch or dinner.
The price for this dining experience is $42 per adult, and $27 per child aged 3-9. Menu items available for the family-style “harvest feast” include Mickey Waffles, scrambled eggs, potato casserole, cinnamon breakfast loaf, and grilled flank steak with ranchero sauce. Reservations are available now on the restaurant’s website for this returning experience.
7. Limited-time Indiana Jones Den of Destiny lounge now open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
A new lounge inspired by the new film Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is now open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This new watering hole is located at the Indiana Jones stunt show gift outpost, near 50’s Prime Time Cafe, and serves a variety of beverages. Alcoholic drinks include The Adventuress Margarita, and The Weathered Fedora. The non-alcoholic L’Atlantique Green Tea is also on offer.
Though there isn’t any seating in this area, guests can take their beverages before they go, admiring new images and props from the Indiana Jones series on their way out. This location is open daily until 8:00 PM. This limited-time location will only be open for a few weeks as it is scheduled to close on August 15, so if you want to check it out you’ll have to drop by the park soon!
