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 May’s dining update, two new restaurants are set to come to Epcot before the end of the year, an otherworldly menu is revealed for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, plus an expensive new upcharge for the Magic Kingdom is announced.
1.Takumi-Tei announced for Japan pavilion at Epcot
Image: Disney
It was confirmed last year that a new signature dining experience will be coming soon to Epcot‘s Japan pavilion, and now we know that this new location will be named Takumi-Tei, which means house of the artisan.Operated by Mitsukoshi, which also runs the pavilion’s other restaurants and retail areas, the restaurant will draw inspiration from nature.
The menu will include Wagyu Beef and a multi-course tasting menu with traditional tea service. Drinks will include signature cocktails, premium sake and a wine and craft beer menu.
Construction on this new location is almost complete, and guests should be able to make reservations at this dining location this summer.
2. Epcot’s space-themed restaurant coming this year
Image: Disney
Back in 2017 during the D23 Expo Disney surprised guests by announcing a new space-themed restaurant that would be constructed in Future World where would have special “windows” that simulate views of the galaxy as diners “travel high above the earth” during their meal. And now we know that construction on this project is moving along speedily as Disney has announced a late 2019 opening for this upcoming restaurant!
3. Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo menu revealed
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Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo, the main eatery in Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge, offering quick service food and drink during lunch and dinner has released its full menu just ahead of the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland. This menu will of course debut first on the west coast, but will be identical to the one that hits Disney’s Hollywood Studios on August 29th.
- Smoked Kaadu Ribs – sticky pork ribs served with a blueberry corn muffin and cabbage slaw
- Fried Endorian Tip-yip – crispy chicken served with roasted vegetable potato mash and herb gravy
- Yobshrimp Noodle Salad – chilled shrimp served with marinated noodles and vegetables
- Roasted Endorian Tip-yip Salad – marinated chicken served with mixed greens, roasted seasonal vegetables, quinoa, pumpkin seeds, and green curry ranch
- Felucian Garden Spread (lunch only) – plant-based “kefta” served with herb hummus, tomato-cucumber relish, and pita
- Braised Shaak Roast (dinner only) – beef pot roast served with cavatelli pasta, wilted kale, and mushrooms
- Ithorian Garden Loaf (dinner only) – plant-based “meatloaf” served with roasted vegetable potato mash, seasonal vegetables, and mushroom sauce
- Oi-oi Puff – raspberry cream puff with passion fruit mousse
- Batuu-bon – chocolate cake with white chocolate mousse and coffee custard
4. Bongos Cuban Cafe to close this August
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It was confirmed this month that Bongo’s Cuban Cafe will officially close its doors this August. This restaurant (which is owned by Gloria and Emilio Estefan) is one of the oldest eateries at Disney Springs, as it opened over 20 years ago in 1997
5. New Roundup Rodeo BBQ Table Service restaurant coming to Toy Story Land
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One of the most puzzling aspects of Toy Story Land that many guests noted when this land opened (other than its lack of shade) was the absence of a restaurant beyond the Woody’s Lunch Box snack stop. However, it looks like Disney will be remedying this issue soon by introducing a brand-new table-service restaurant in this location. However, if you were hoping that the fan-favorite in-film Pizza Planet restaurant would be coming to Toy Story Land, sadly, you’d be mistaken.
Instead, this new restaurant will be themed to resemble a new “rodeo” play area assembled with cardboard boxes cut and taped together, this new location will feature multiple dining rooms and plenty of familiar toy characters that have been brought together to create a fun, colorful mashup-atmosphere that only a child could create. This immersive restaurant will surround guests with a kaleidoscope of toys, games, and playsets that will certainly please fans of the long-running Toy Story franchise. This new dining location will be built in the front of Toy Story Land, near the giant Woody Toy Story Land entrance sign.
6. Signature Celebration Package at Cinderella’s Royal Table now available for booking
Image: Disney
Disney has announced a brand new upcharge experience for guests who want to visit Cinderella’s Royal Table Priced at $199 plus tax and gratuity for adults and $169 for children, this special upcharge package includes a character dining experience in the castle, reserved fireworks viewing in the West Plaza Garden, and an after fireworks dessert party. Guests will also be able to take pictures at a special a meet and greet with Cinderella and Prince Charming upon arrival at Cinderella’s Royal Table, and will recieve a special box of chocolates as a parting gift. No discounts for annual passholders or DVC members are offered.
For those wondering about the value of this new package, dinner at Cinderella’s Royal Table typically costs between $60-$80, not including tax and gratuity and the Happily Ever After Fireworks Dessert Party costs $69 for adults and $41 for children, making this package more expensive than the sum of its parts, which is something to consider before booking.
