8 Dining Changes at Disney Parks ALL Guests Should Be Aware Of (July 2022)

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 July’s dining update, we take a look at new menu offerings across the resort, the return of several character dining experiences, plus the start of 2022’s EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival!

1. EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival kicks off

This year’s EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival kicked off July 14 and is now running daily 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, including returning favorites like The Swanky Saucy Swine, Appleseed Orchard, Hops & Barley, Earth Eats and more. 

Though the vast majority of this year’s booths are open and available, guests will need to wait until August 15 to experience a select few, including Noodle Exchange, Coastal Eats, Mac & Eats, and Hawaii. 

Returning this year is the Eat to the Beat Concert Series, which includes new and returning performers like Jimmie Allen, 98 Degrees, Kenny G, Jeremy Camp, Robert Randolph Band, Postmodern Jukebox, Blanco Brown and American Authors. Concerts are performed nightly from now to November 14 at 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM and 8:00 PM in the America Gardens Theatre. You can check out the full lineup of performers here. Dining packages that include guaranteed seating for this year’s concerts are now available for booking, and more information is available here. 

2. New menu options now available at Coral Reef Restaurant

Coral Reef Restaurant has added some new menu items to its lineup, including the following entrees:

• Orange-glazed Sustainable Salmon served with vegetable stir-fry and shiitake sticky rice.
• Cajun Chicken Pasta filled with pulled Cajun-spiced chicken, parmesan cream sauce, roasted mushrooms, peas, peppers, and onions.

These entrees join several new appetizers as well, including a Trio of Seasonal Dips with fresh vegetable crudité and New England Clam Chowder.

3. Every-day brunch service coming to Olivia’s Cafe this fall

Disney will be expanding brunch service at Old Key West resort’s Olivia’s Cafe beginning on September 1, with service available every day instead of just on weekends. Classic brunch items, like the Southernmost Buttermilk Fried Chicken and the Papa’s Hash will join new offerings, including Banana Bread Pudding, which features Bahamian banana-rum syrup and coconut whipped cream. 

4.  Villains Lair now open at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

The Top of the World Lounge atop Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort has reopened as the Villains Lair with a new villains-inspired menu including cocktails like “The Other Side,” “The Underworld” and “Mirror Mirror Moonshine” as well as the following:

• “Cherna-Board” of meats and cheeses
• Herb-roasted Unfortunate Souls Shrimp
• Lair-Made Hummus
• Who’s Afraid of Pork Belly Sliders

As part of its transformation this location is now offering a “Wicked Wind Down” package for DVC members looking for a secluded spot to enjoy the evening’s fireworks. This special offering is priced at $55 per person and includes a cocktail, an appetizer, and a special “sinfully sweet treat” in addition to reserved viewing on the rooftop terrace for Magic Kingdom’s nightly fireworks show.

5. Boardwalk Deli set to open later this summer

Disney has announced that quick service eatery BoardWalk Deli will open later this summer on Disney’s BoardWalk, replacing the former BoardWalk Bakery. This new location will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and will be a Northeastern-style deli with a brand-new menu that will include deli sandwiches, freshly baked breads, as well as a selection of bakery items.

6. Victoria and Albert’s reopening later this month

High-end restaurant Victoria & Albert’s is set to reopen for the first time since 2020 later this monrth on July 28, with reservations available now. However, according to AllEars.Net, the price of this experience has risen significantly, with some prix-fixe options costing over $100 more than they did when the restaurant closed two years ago. More information about what is available as part of the reopening of this much sought-after dining experience is available at the official website here. 

7. Annual passholder discount now available at D-Luxe Burger

Annual Passholders can enjoy a 20% discount at D-Luxe Burger in Disney Springs from now through August 31. This dining location serves classic burgers, fries, milkshakes, treats and more and can be found in the Town Center area of the shopping district. This discount is valid for the passholder and up to three guests, and does not include alcoholic beverages. 

8. Character dining at several locations returning to Walt Disney World this fall

It has been a slow return for many of Walt Disney World’s character dining experiences, but it looks like this fall guests can check out several returning experiences across the resort, including:

• August 28: Hollywood & Vine Buffet Buffet-style eating has been unavailable since the park reopened back in 2020 but this week it was announced that it will return to Hollywood & Vine later this summer on August 28th, replacing the family-style service currently at this location. 
• September 20: The Crystal Palace: This Magic Kingdom restaurant will see the return of Winnie the Pooh and Friends this fall. Lunch and dinner character dining will be available with menu items such as Carved Prime Rib, Seasonal Ravioli, and Peel & Eat Shrimp on offer.
• September 27:,‘Ohana Best Friends Breakfast Lilo and Stitch are returning to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort where guests can enjoy Pineapple Coconut Breakfast Bread, Mickey Waffles as well as the iconic Lilikoi Juice and Moana Smoothie.