Back in 2017 during the D23 Expo Disney surprised guests by announcing a new space-themed restaurant that would be constructed in what was then known as Future World (but will now be known as World Discovery). No name or location details were provided at the time, but Disney did specify that this establishment would have special “windows” that simulate views of the galaxy as diners “travel high above the earth” during their meal.
And though it has been two years since this initial announcement, at the most recent D23 Expo Disney finally released some information about this new location, which is now confirmed to be opening in just a few months
This restaurant will be an “expansion” of the Mission: Space pavilion
Image: Disney
Though we figured as much from construction permits, Disney confirmed during the recent 2019 D23 Expo that this new restaurant, which we now know will be named Space 220, would be an expansion of the current Mission: Space Pavilion. However, in an interesting development, guests won’t be able to just walk in to this new restaurant, as there will be a special “themed” way guests will have to travel to get from the front door to the dining room…
Taking an elevator 220 miles up (and then back down again!)
Though Space 220 might seem like a strange name for a restaurant at Walt Disney World, the number actually refers to the number of miles above Earth diners will have to “travel” to get to this new dining location. And apparently, getting there will be half the adventure!
Though Disney hasn’t shared all the details yet, guests who show up to the entrance of this new restaurant will be able to board a special elevator outfitted with windows that let guests take in the views of the earth below them as they blast off into space and travel from Earth to this out-of-this-world dining location.
Then once guests step into the dining room, they will be able to see amazing views of space with intergalactic scenery in the background, including a space station and a friendly astronaut floating nearby. Diners will be waited on by an international crew, and then, once their meal has concluded, will ride the elevator once again to return to Earth from their space dining experience.
Guests can take in both daytime and nighttime views
Image: Disney
And speaking of the dining room, Disney also confirmed that guests’ intergalactic views will include both daytime and nighttime views of Earth from 220 miles up, making this one dining experience that guests will want to experience multiple times so they can take in all the different out-of-this-world sights that Space 220 will offer.
Space 220 will have a familiar “feel” for longtime Disney fans
Image: Disney
As announced previously, this new restaurant will be operated by the Patina Group, which is a name many Disney fans will find familiar, as they operate several restaurants in the World Showcase including Tutto Italia and Via Napoli, as well as Morimoto Asia, The Edison, and Maria and Enzo’s at Disney Springs. And though we don’t know an exact date yet, it looks like Disney has confirmed that this exciting new restaurant will be opening sometime this winter, before the end of the year.
No specific details on the menu have been made available yet, but we do know that this dining location will will offer internationally-inspired cuisine courtesy of Executive Chef Theo Schoenegger (who previously worked at Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante) as well as over 1000 bottles of wine and craft beer will be available when Space 220 opens in just a few months!
Right now, reservations are not available for this new dining experience, but hopefully that will change in the very near future!
