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 January’s dining update, Disney’s Hollywood Studios gets limited edition treats as part of an upcoming event, DVC members get new dining perks, free dining returns to Walt Disney World, plus we get a new look at an upcoming Disney Springs eatery!
1. Special food will be available at Disney’s Hollywood Studios beginning next week as part of “Incredibles” special event
Image: Disney
On January 18th, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will kick off An Incredible Celebration, which will bring special character experiences as well as food & beverage offerings to the park at the pop-up Neighborhood Bakery shop, which will be located in the former Pixar Place area of the park and will have Incredibles-themed treats and snacks including the Num Num Cookie, Hero Sandwich, and Mrs. Incredible’s Mask with Cheese.
2. DVC Members can now book special Epcot Festival of the Arts Dessert Party
Disney Vacation Club members can now book a special Disney on Broadway Dessert Party at the Epcot International Festival of the Arts on February 25th. Event attendees will enjoy guaranteed seating at one of the evening’s Disney on Broadway concerts and an 8:30-9:30 PM fireworks dessert party before getting the chance to meet Disney on Broadway stars during cocktail hour from 9:30-10:30 PM in the DVC Member Lounge.
Performers will include Ashley Brown (Broadway’s original Mary Poppins), Josh Strickland (Broadway’s original Tarzan), Alton Fitzgerald White (Broadway’s record-breaking Lion King, with 4,308 performances as Mufasa) and Kissy Simmons (Nala in “The Lion King.”)
The cost to book this experience is $77 for adults and $52 for children. DVC Members will need to call Member Services beginning today for details and reservations.
3. New Magic Kingdom fireworks dining package now available for DVC Members
Image: Disney
A new dining package has been announced for DVC members that includes dinner at The Wave…of American Flavors followed by reserved fireworks viewing at the nearby Top of the World Lounge. The experience costs $59 per person, and starts approximately 90 minutes before the nightly Magic Kingdom fireworks display. A prix-fixe dinner, beverages and desserts during the fireworks show are all included with this new dining experience.
The package is available nightly beginning this week and currently running all the way through Sunday, June 30, 2019. (except for Valentine’s Day, Easter Weekend and Mother’s Day Weekend.) There is a limit of six participants per party, including the Disney Vacation Club member and five guests. DVC Members will need to call Member Services beginning today for details and reservations.
4.More Dine-In theaters coming to the Disney Springs AMC
Image: Disney
The AMC theater at Disney Springs will be getting a few upgrades over the coming weeks, with more theaters being converted to Dine-in and recliners being installed in the existing dine-in theatres. The bar areas will also see a refurbishment over the coming weeks.
5. Free dining deal now available for summer bookings
One of the most popular deals Disney offers is the Free Dining Plan package, which is now available for stays July 5 through September 30 2019. In order to qualify for this deal, guests will need to purchase a non-discounted 5-night/6-day vacation package that includes a room at a select Disney Resort hotel and a ticket with a Park Hopper Option or Park Hopper Plus Option.
Guests staying at select Value and Moderate Resorts receive the Disney Quick Service Plan, and those staying at select Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts receive the standard Disney Dining Plan. Guests can book now through February 10 for arrivals most nights July 5 through September 30, 2019.
6. New concept art for Jaleo released
Image: Disney
One of the biggest construction projects on Disney Springs’ west side is José Andrés’ new restaurant Jaleo, which will be opening this winter. And now we know a bit more about what the the 22 thousand square foot restaurant will look like when it opens later this year. At opening, Jaleo will be Andrés’ largest to date and will bring the spirit and flavors of Spain to Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort.
The structure of the building is based on the colorful iconography of Spain and the shape of an artichoke, which opens up, inviting guests to enter and experience the very best of Spanish cuisine. No specific opening date for this restaurant has been announced yet.
