Several of these new items drew the attention of this food blogger. Since I swing into Homecomin’ often to refill my sipper, I examine the menu regularly.
Some of the new menu items are:
Promo Photo from Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin social media
JASPER BOARD-This arrives at your table as an assortment of Southern charcuterie. Shaved honey ham, smoked sausage, country ham, pimento cheese, chicken salad, tomato-bacon jam, B&B pickles, candied pecans, crostini, and their house-made crackers for $28. All fans of charcuteries should enjoy this one.
Promo Photo from Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin social media
BRITTON’S CHICKEN SALAD SANDWICH-Guests may enjoy Britton Smith’s recipe of pulled chicken, celery, grapes, Duke’s Mayo, and savory spices. This comes with lettuce and tomato on artisan bread for $19
Promo Photo from Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin social media
SKILLET-FRIED CHICKEN PAILLARD-Art Smith decided to put his own spin on a piccata. The buttermilk-brined chicken is pounded thin, hand-breaded, and skillet-fried. Then, it receives a topping with lemon butter, garlic &capers. This comes with roasted potatoes and grilled asparagus for $28.
Promo Photo from Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin social media
CHOPPED BLT SALAD-This consists of double-chopped iceberg lettuce with fried green tomato, pecan-smoked bacon, blue cheese crumbles, heirloom tomato, and red onion, tossed in blue cheese icebox dressing and drizzled with balsamic reduction for $18.
Promo Photo from Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin social media
BRUNSWICK STEW- This savory tomato-based broth is slow-cooked with pulled pork, chicken, peas, corn, lima beans, and fresh herbs, Guests receive artisanal toast on the side for $14. The menu description emphasizes this stew function as a commonplace weekend meal item across the South.
Promo Photo from Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin social media
BARBECUE-GLAZED PORK CHOP-Their signature blueberry barbecue sauce perfectly complements this thick-cut, chargrilled pork chop. This comes with their sweet potato mash and Southern green beans for $37.
Promo Photo from Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin social media
In addition to those items, a new side, some beverages, a new dessert, and another appetizer have been added to the menu. Some of these items will only be around for a seasonal run though. Regarding new sides, a “Sweet Potato Mash Skillet” recently appeared on the menu for $9. You can have this as a side with your entrée or order it by itself for $9.
Promo Photo from Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin social media
Dessert fans should prepare for the new “Hot Fudge Bourbon Brownie.” This dessert costs $14. The menu description tells us that we will get a dark chocolate brownie garnished tableside with our warm bourbon chocolate sauce. This sounds like dessert with a little entertainment.
Promo Photo from Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin social media
Though not in the latest social media post by Homecomin’, their menu added a “new” fried pickle appetizer recently. These hand-cut spears are pickled in-house, crispy fried, and served with remoulade. These cost $16.
Promo Photo from Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin social media
For the alcoholic beverage lover, Homecomin’ added two new drinks. Guests may purchase a “Cranberry Gin Fizz” and/or an “Espresso Martini.”
Promo Photo from Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin social media
The style at Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ continues to draw diners. Please comment below if you make it to Homecomin’ before me to try these new items. As always, eat like you mean it!
The holiday season is upon us! The only thing missing from the holidays Walt Disney World Resort is the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Presented by AdventHealth but fear not because it soon will be giving us our seasonal fix. From Nov. 25 through Dec. 30, you can enjoy holidays around the world with this classic festival.
With over 15 Holiday Kitchens, you’ll find flavors from across the globe highlighting ways the world celebrates the season. This year, you can discover a new Holiday Kitchen, Nochebuena Cocina with an IMPOSSIBLE Chorizo Tamale, as well as indulge in returning favorites, like Potato Latkes from L’Chaim! Holiday Kitchen or Cheese Fondue in a Bread Bowl from Bavaria Holiday Kitchen. Your taste buds will be gifted with each bite!
If you’re looking to indulge your sweet tooth, you simply must do the Holiday Cookie Stroll, a food stroll featuring decadent and delightful cookies from the Holiday Kitchens. As you treat your elf, collect stamps in your Festival Passport by purchasing five of these items to redeem a special treat from Holiday Sweets & Treats.
In addition to the food, a staple of the festival is the entertainment. As you travel throughout the World Showcase, be sure to take the time to listen to the holiday storytellers sharing each country’s holiday traditions. Listen to the joy of Christmas and Kwanzaa with the lively JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season or grab the whole family for some holiday searching with Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt. As the sun goes down, you can’t miss Candlelight Processional – a moving retelling of the story of Christmas featuring a celebrity narrator and stirring songs performed by an orchestra and choir.
Cranberry Mimosa: Pol Remy Sparkling Wine with orange juice and cranberry syrup
Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie (France)
Food Item:
Macaron Christmas Tree (New)
Tuscany Holiday Kitchen (Italy)
Food Items:
Tortellini in Brodo: Five-cheese tortellini with house-made aromatic winter truffle broth and chives (New)
Salmone alla Siciliana: Cured salmon tartare, Sicilian blood orange, pistachios, and basil (New)
Panettone: Panettone bread pudding and vanilla cream (New)
Beverages:
Prosecco
Moscato
Banfi Rosa Regale
Italian Sangria Red or White
Italian Margarita with tequila and limoncello
Peroni Pilsner
Shanghai Holiday Kitchen (China)
Food Items:
Chicken Skewer with creamy peanut sauce
Beef and Noodle Soup Bowl with slow-braised beef shank, green onion, and house-made chili oil (New)
Vegetable Spring Rolls with citrus sauce (New)
Beverages:
Panda Bubble Tea: Classic milk tea with black and white boba pearls (non-alcoholic)
Lucky Foo Pale Ale
Kung Fu Master with Tito’s Vodka, Triple Sec, mango, orange juice, and soda water
Marco Boba with amaretto, iced coffee, whole milk, and boba pearls
The Lucky Mo with SKYY Infusions Vodka, peach schnapps, piña colada mix, orange juice, and soda water
Shi Wasu Holiday Kitchen (Japan)
Food Items:
Sushi Tree: Sushi Roll with krab meat and cream cheese topped with tempura, Ikura salmon roe, and spicy mayonnaise
New Year Celebration Soba: Buckwheat soba noodles in a hot dashi soup with yuzu, shrimp tempura, kamaboko fish cake, and chopped green onion
Mochi Cake: Gooey rice cake made with rice flour and served with Hojicha cream, strawberry, tangerine, and sweet red beans
Beverages:
Ichigo Milk Boba: Cranberry and yuzu cream drink featuring Japanese Calpico Soft Drink and popping strawberry boba pearls (Non-alcoholic) (New)
Japanese Christmas Punch: Shōchū, Plum wine, cranberry, and lemon (New)
Ozeki Sake Platinum: Junmai Daiginjo
Brew Hub Strawberry Lager (New)
Las Posadas Holiday Kitchen (Mexico)
Food Items:
Giant Tostada de Barbacoa: Braised barbacoa beef on a giant tostada with chipotle black bean purée, salsa verde, queso cotija, crema Mexicana, and pickled onion (New) (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
Cochinita Pibil Tamal: Cochinita pibil in corn masa topped with Pipián sauce, queso cotija, and crema Mexicana (New) (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
Dulce de Leche Churros sprinkled with cinnamon-sugar
Beverages:
Pomegranate Margarita: Ilegal Mezcal Joven, black currant liqueur, pomegranate, and ginger juice with a hibiscus salt rim (New)
Horchata Margarita: Centinela Blanco Tequila, Abasolo Corn Whisky, Agua de Horchata, and a hint of cinnamon-infused mezcal
Holiday Cerveza: Cielito Lindo Artisanal Mexican Beer blended for the holiday season (New)
Funnel Cake (The American Adventure)
Mini Funnel Cake topped with Peppermint Ice Cream, Chocolate Whipped Cream, and Crushed Peppermint (New)
Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company
Horchata Cold Brew: A holly jolly blend of Joffrey’s Shakin’ Jamaican Cold Brew and horchata topped with whipped cream and cinnamon (New) (Non-alcoholic) (Spirited version available featuring Bacardí Coquito Coconut Cream Liqueur)
When I started writing theme park dining blogs, I never expected to be attending an Agave Tasting event run by experts in tequila. Still, on the evening of November 2nd, 2022, I got that chance. To make my appearance at this event even more unlikely, I do not drink tequila or mezcal. Due to this, some special arrangements were made so that I could hear from the tequila experts about the process of making the beverage. Frontera Cocina, in Disney Springs, offered this event. According to their social media, the event sold out in 12 hours. On their social media, they wrote, “Our Agave Tasting for Día de Muertos sold out in less than 12 hours!! This motivates us to continue doing these amazing events. Thank you 🖤.” Based on the response I saw and the enjoyment by guests, I suspect this type of event will happen many more times.
Our tequila experts, Hilda and Humberto, walked us through the making of tequila. Hilda, a tequila expert primarily working at La Cava de Tequila, told us about the making of tequila. She stressed that Agave Azul serves as the only plant for creating this drink. Humberto described living in Tequila, Mexico. He told fascinating stories about the culture of creating this beverage. Though they both acknowledge that the creation process of tequila has changed with the introduction of more technology, the core process remains the same.
This evening, each diner received three portions of tequila and one serving of mezcal once seated at your table. The staff provided me with a diet soda. Then, they offered me a non-alcoholic “liar” beverage. When we arrived, they offered a drink and a sampling of an appetizer as we moved to the back porch area of Frontera Cocina for this event. The tasting event also included some well-prepared Mexican food to balance the experience in between the beverages.
If interested in the process of creating tequila, keep a close watch on Frontera Cocina’s social media for the next event. The explanations by Hilda and Humberto were marvelous. The appetizers provided showed off the Rick Bayless Mexican food style. Dining on the back porch on a nice evening added to this experience. The $112 price tag might look high. However, this event sold out in 12 hours. Overall, I think if you want to know more about tequila, this event would be well worth it based on the food, beverage, presenter’s knowledge, and service. Though the tacos are wonderful here, this food and drink exceed that level. This event made a great way to celebrate “Dia de Meurtos.” As always, eat like you mean it!
Why do some types of food have so many different variations? I often feel like some chefs make up a recipe as they go. Even though I know that fails to be true, can you think of a time you ordered a certain item at one restaurant and then ordered the same entrée at a similar restaurant, but they tasted nothing alike? For example, when living in SE Asia, I got a chicken stir fry dish at one table service place which tasted okay. Then I ordered it at a nearby table service place with a similar menu description, but it arrived at my table with very different ingredients. During that experience, my friends started calling this the “stir fry effect.” When then we started looking at other food items that vary wildly in preparation style. Back then, we came up with gumbo, tiramisu, shrimp, and grits as good examples of this phenomenon.
Photo courtesy of main Street Magic Podcast
I know there exists more, but this is a review of the Shrimp and Grits at Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, so I will stop the list there. However, especially being originally from the southern portion of the USA, I have seen grits prepared in countless ways. In addition, the seemingly standard idea of shrimp and grits looks and tastes very different depending on when and where you order it. Just glancing through restaurant menus in the Orlando area alone, I see about 10 variations of what they call shrimp and grits. Some use chorizo sausages with shrimp. Another used chicken with shrimp. The sauces used with these creations vary widely. Thus, this brings me to the southern USA comfort food recipe of Chef Art Smith.
At his restaurant, the menu description reads “pan-seared shrimp with tomato gravy and Tasso ham served over creamy Bradley’s grits. These will cost you $28. The basic presentation of these looks average. However, when dining one time with someone with a slight allergy to garlic, I got to see a version of this entrée “de-constructed.”
For the record, on that occasion, the manager came out to chat with my friend. The manager did an incredible job of explaining that almost everything in that dish had garlic. As the manager chatted with my friend, he also had a headset on talking with a chef, back in the kitchen, about options. The conclusion was to allow my friend to control the amount of sauce by bringing it on the side. The tomato sauce/gravy holds the largest percentage of garlic. Per usual, Walt Disney World restaurants handle allergy issues with great skill. This experience serves as no exception. Also, from chatting with the chef and our server, it appears a slightly less garlic-filled version of this tomato gravy got created for my friend.
Photo courtesy of MainStMagic.com
Having said all of that, this version of shrimp and grits provides an incredible depth of flavor. The creaminess you would expect from grits at Homecomin’ rings true with this. Even a toned-down version of tomato gravy brought rich flavor to the dish. The ability to control the amount of sauce serves as a bonus in my option. The ham and shrimp taste wonderful. On a side note, you get large pieces of shrimp here unlike some other excellent places in Disney Springs serving shrimp and grits. Yes, I am talking about you Boathouse. The shrimp, in this Chef Art Smith-inspired creation, brings additional flavor adding to all the other goodness contained within this entrée.
Photo Credit: Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’
I think you can tell that I would recommend this entrée. Yes, this is another time I recommended something besides chicken at Homecomin’. This place offers great service (yet, sometimes a bit slow) and a wide variety of quality food. I guess that explains why it remains tough to acquire advance dining reservations. As I have written before, I have used MouseDining several times recently to acquire and adjust reservations here. I have an alert set right now for Homecoming for an upcoming trip. In that case, I have selected a very specific time on a busy weekend. If you see several more reviews from Homecomin’, then you will know I had success. I wish you success with your advance dining reservation at Walt Disney World. As always, eat like you mean it!
When there are so many amazing Disney dining opportunities to choose from, it’s easy for even the most experienced Disney foodie to fall into “analysis paralysis” and get overwhelmed.
What’s the must-eat Disney meal of the moment? Is the cool atmosphere and theming worth the hype? Does the price point actually match the quality?
If you’re anything like our team, the first place you go to get the real scoop on the best Disney tips and tricks are Disney podcasts! And since we’re all about the food here at MouseDining, we rounded up 6 of our favorite Disney foodie podcast episodes to inspire you!
Happy listening…and eating!
Dining at Disney Podcast
The Dining at Disney Podcast is hosted by Kristen Hoetzel-Go and Vincent “Bubba” Alvarez and is the number one Disney podcast for non-stop Disney foodie information. Kristen and Bubba provide delicious discussion on the wonderful world of dining at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Episodes release weekly and always include the latest food news, expert tips, recommendations, and trip planning advice related specifically to Disney dining, making it one of our personal favorites on the list.
Main Street Magic is a Disney podcast hosted by Jeremy and Rhonda Stein. Fun fact about these hosts? They (along with their two daughters) have visited Walt Disney World every single month for over 5 years and counting. They provide the latest content, news and reviews on both parks and resorts in Orlando, Florida. Main Street Magic podcast has been running since 2017. They aim to provide an “informative, realistic, unbiased and entertaining podcast to help serve the Disney and Universal community for both veterans and rookies.”
Host Chad Pennycuff leads the My DVC Points podcast. If you are a Disney Vacation Club member, this is the Disney podcast show for you! According to their website, “We are a member-to-member community dedicated to helping each other maximize their DVC memberships by learning about other members’ perspectives, experiences, and personal preferences”. My DVC Points is a positive show with a healthy dose of realism.
Disneyland Weekly (The DLWeekly Podcast) is hosted by Tage and Theresa. This duo provides weekly news and information specifically about the Disneyland Resort, with the occasional feature of one of the other parks or resorts. One unique element of this Disney podcast are the unique featured guests including former Disney Imagineers, cast members, and current Disney-adjacent CEOs. Listeners can expect a variety of insider information with a nice focus on dining scattered throughout. New episodes are released every Wednesday.
The A Dose of Magic Podcast is hosted by your new favorite set of brothers from Philadelphia, Ryan and Brett Sheplock. This Disney podcast show offers a wide variety of conversations under the Disney umbrella, from theme park hacks to Disney+ chats to parks and resorts food favorites and observations about the people of Disney. Each episode is “bite-sized” at around 30 min or less, making the show an easy car ride or binge listen.
Hosts Patty, Theresa, and Jane are self-proclaimed “Disney fan girls” who highlight year-round tips and tricks on the No-Guilt Disney Podcast, but with a heavy focus on special events like the runDisney marathons, D23 expos, and more. Their friendship and banter is the star of the show as they share candid stories of the Disney parks experience. “Segments include listener-submitted memorable moments and unpopular opinions as well as travel planning tips and discussions”.
Whether you’re just tuning in on the journey to Disney World or Disneyland or are a regular listener, we’re curious…what’s your favorite Disney podcast? Who should we add to our list?
MouseDining loves to support the Disney Creator community. If you a Disney podcast host looking to collaborate with MouseDining, send us a message: alison@mousedining.com
This time of year means changing leaves, crisp air, time spent with family, and, of course, delicious treats and flavors – apple, pumpkin, cinnamon and caramel! Just thinking about the perfect harmony of sweet and savory snacks makes us excited for all this season has in store. Here at Disney Parks, they’re celebrating with specialty menu items fit for anyone who’s craving the flavors of fall, as well as those wanting to kick-off winter festivities, too!
The sweet smells pouring out the door at the Karamell-Küche in EPCOT never fail to draw me in for a special treat. This shop in the Germany pavilion – the only Werther’s Original store in the world – features classic caramel treats as well as delectable limited-time offerings that are sure to make your mouth water.
Experience sweet magic as our cast members toss freshly-popped kernels into a basin of warm caramel to create a signature bag of guest-favorite Werther’s Original Hand-Crafted Caramel Popcorn (fun fact: this delightful popcorn is only available at the Karamell-Küche at EPCOT and Big Top Treats at Magic Kingdom Park!). Then, select a velvety treat from the glass case – perhaps a Werther’s Original Caramel Square with Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt or a Werther’s Original Caramel S’more. Whatever you decide, don’t forget to check out the mobile order service, which can put your favorite treat in your hands even faster with just a few taps on the My Disney Experience app.
Today, we’re excited to announce the new seasonal menu items found exclusively at the Karamell-Küche. Check out all of these new items that are covered in our favorite smooth, creamy Werther’s caramel and feature flavors to fuel our festive fall spirit.
First up, the Werther’s Original Caramel Holiday Flight: Four Werther’s Original Caramel mini-Squares inspired by Cranberry, Eggnog, Gingerbread, and Snickerdoodle flavors.
Werther’s Original Caramel Snickerdoodle Cookie: Cinnamon Sugar Cookie drizzled with Werther’s Original Caramel.
Werther’s Original Caramel Gingerbread Cookie Sandwich: Two soft Gingerbread Cookies with Buttercream Icing and Werther’s Original Caramel.
But that’s not all! The caramel craving you’re after can be cured in select confectionary locations at Walt Disney World Resort, too, including:
Big Top Treats at Magic Kingdom Theme Park
Zuri’s Sweets Shop at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Candy Cauldron and Goofy’s Candy Company at Disney Springs
Bayview Gifts at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Screen Door General Store at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
And don’t forget these delicious, seasonal menu items featuring Werther’s Original Caramel that are available now:
Werther’s Original Caramel Hot Cocoa Square: Werther’s Original Caramel Hot Cocoa flavored Square with Dark Chocolate and Mini Marshmallows.
Werther’s Original Caramel Fruit & Nut Granola Bar: Granola Bar with Almonds, Oats, and Cranberries layered with Werther’s Original Caramel and a sprinkle of Sea Salt.
Minnie Reindeer Apple: Granny Smith Caramel Apple with a White Chocolatey Coating and Red Bow, Marshmallows, Milk Chocolate Antlers, and Fondant features.
Mickey Red Ornament Apple: Granny Smith Caramel Apple with a White Chocolatey Coating, Marshmallows, Red Sugar, and Fondant Snowflakes.
Mickey Blue Ornament Apple: Granny Smith Caramel Apple with a White Chocolatey Coating, Marshmallows, Blue Sugar, and Fondant Snowflakes.
Be sure to savor these delectable treats as they make their holiday debut. And if you’re planning ahead for your next Walt Disney World vacation, not to fret – we keep sweet treats stocked all year long!
Sometimes in life, things do not add up correctly. Logic dictates that the more expensive products will be better. The adage “you get what you pay for” sometimes fails to be true. For example, ever bought a new more expensive cellphone only to find out it could not do the things your old one did? Ever priced the cost to move that heavy expensive piece of furniture or a piano wondering if owning that was worth it? Theme park fans know the pain of this sometimes at $65 character meals. You do not always get what you paid for. More expensive and/or more desired sometimes leads to disappointment. Today’s dining review revolves around that concept.
Promotional Photo from T-Rex Cafe
Writing in partnership with MouseDining, I utilize the data gathered by MouseDining regarding searches for advance dining reservations. In terms of the most searched for advance dining reservations in Disney Springs, as of time of writing, first place belongs to T-Rex Café. I know many factors add into this place having more desirable reservation than Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ and the Boathouse. Yet, no one should ever argue that T-Rex offers better food than those places. Why is this place more desired even though it offers inferior food to almost every other place in Disney Springs?
Well, Disney Springs targets adults. T-Rex Café and Rainforest Café target kids. Many grandparents, for example, want to visit Disney Springs. They tend to appease the grandchildren by going here. Some guests see the big themed exterior and heard about the themed interior as a draw to dine here. However, let us be clear—you do not go to T-Rex Café for the food. The food here costs as much, if not more, than many of the other excellent restaurants within Disney Springs. In fairness, T-Rex café offers food around the level of many table service level chains like Applebee’s and Chili’s. However, T-Rex Café tends to cost more for similar products.
For example, during a recent trip to T-Rex Café, I attempted to find a good “safe” option for adults dining here. I traditionally suggest a burger or one of the pasta dishes. Neither of those classify as great. Yet, they qualify as “safe” here. On this trip, I decided to order a Cobb Salad. Yes, it felt wrong to order this type of salad from anywhere besides Hollywood Brown Derby. Yet, I did. For record, the price of the Cobb Salad at Hollywood Brown Derby went up two dollars on the day I am writing this.
So, what did I think of the Cobb Salad from here? The portion size of this salad deserves praise. For the $22.99 price point (about same price as at Hollywood Brown Derby), I would have wanted more ingredients, but I knew I was at T-Rex Café. The menu description reads “grilled Chicken, tomatoes, black olives, blue cheese crumbles, chopped egg, bacon, (and) balsamic vinaigrette dressing.” The dressing comes on the side with this salad. I found the appearance and construction of this salad different than I expected.
All the ingredients of this salad provided decent flavor with two exceptions. The bacon tasted below normal expectations. In less polite terms, the bacon lacked real flavor. For all my bacon lovers out there, please forgive me for having to tell you that. Also, the dressing, on this evening, failed to add anything positive except a bit of moisture to the salad.
Even though I was surprised by the flavor of some of the ingredients like the cheese and eggs, the overall flavor was just okay. For same price as one at Hollywood Brown Derby, this needs to taste better. Also, for a Cobb style salad, some of the lettuce pieces were far too large. This reduces the dining enjoyment a bit.
If you select T-Rex Café for a meal during your time at Walt Disney World, then you should expect average food. Do plan for loud noises also. The best reason to visit T-Rex Café relates to enjoyment for your kids and grandkids. Having said that, this salad might function as a good option if you find yourself here. As always, eat like you mean it!
‘Tis the season to treat yourself – and what better way than through your stomach? This year, the Disney Resort hotels are bursting with holiday goodies to get you in the spirit of the season. With eats, treats, and sips a plenty, you’ll be more than satisfied with this Disney Eats Foodie Guide!
The absolute best part about this time of year is all the yuletide items you can try! There’s a reason we wait all year for them. All across the resorts, you can unwrap items that will light up your palate with flavors that are sugar, spice, and everything nice. From the almost too cute to eat (almost) Snowman Chocolate Marshmallow Pie at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa to the plant-based and gluten-friendly Santa’s Forest dessert at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and who can forget the classic Christmas Feast at multiple locations, everyone can taste their way through the holidays – one resort at a time.
Apple Tart: Classic apple tart with crunchy streusel and cinnamon glaze (Available Dec. 25 only; mobile order available); Available at the following:
World Premiere at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
Intermission at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
End Zone at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Everything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Christmas Feast: Roasted turkey dinner, cornbread stuffing, mashed potatoes with turkey gravy, seasonal vegetables, and cranberry relish (Available Dec. 25 only; mobile order available); Available at the following:
World Premiere at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
Intermission at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
End Zone at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Contempo Cafe at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Capt. Cook’s at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Everything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Peppermint Bark: Dark and white chocolate with peppermint (Available Dec. 1 through 31); Available at the following:
World Premiere at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
Intermission at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
End Zone at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Everything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Walking in a Plant-based Snowland: Chocolate cupcake with vanilla buttercream and a flurry of snowflake sprinkles (Plant-based) (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) (New) (Available Dec. 1 through 31; mobile order available); Available at the following:
World Premiere at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
Intermission at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
End Zone at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Centertown Market and Spyglass Grill at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Everything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort and Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
World Premiere Food Court and End Zone Food Court (Available Dec. 1 through 31; mobile order available)
All Star Christmas Tree: Gingerbread-spiced macaron Christmas tree with passionfruit ganache, coconut buttercream, and a white chocolate (all) star (New)
Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
Intermission Food Court (Mobile order available)
All Star Christmas Tree: Gingerbread-spiced macaron Christmas tree with passionfruit ganache, coconut buttercream, and a white chocolate (all) star (New) (Available Dec. 1 through 31)
Gingerbread Sundae: Gingerbread soft-serve served in a waffle bowl topped with M&M’s chocolate candies, chocolate sauce, and a chocolate gingerbread boy (New) (Available Dec. 1 through 31)
Candy Cane Latte: Café latte with peppermint and white chocolate (New) (Available Dec. 1 through Dec. 31)
Holiday Shake: Cookie butter milkshake with caramel drizzle and holiday sprinkles, topped with a Christmas tree cupcake (New)
Beach Club Marketplace (Mobile order available)
Peppermint Trifle: Peppermint white chocolate mousse, chocolate cake, chocolate cookie crumble, dark chocolate peppermint mousse with whipped cream, chocolate curls, and crisp pearl décor (New) (Available Dec. 1 through Jan. 1)
Merry Mickey Cupcake: Traditional vanilla cupcake and vanilla buttercream with chocolate Mickey ears and holiday décor (New) (Available through Jan. 1)
Christmas Tree Delight: Hot cocoa mousse with a marshmallow center on a chocolate cookie (New) (Available through Jan. 1)
Disney’s BoardWalk
BoardWalk Deli (Mobile order available)
Apple Cider Loaf (New) (Available through Dec. 26)
Peppermint Brownie Cheesecake: Brownie base, peppermint cheesecake, and holiday sprinkles (New) (Available Dec. 1 through 26)
Hot Cocoa Cupcake: Chocolate cupcake, cocoa custard filling, and marshmallow buttercream (New) (Available Dec. 1 through 26)
Holiday-inspired Family Style Offerings: Apricot and gruyere stuffed pork tenderloin with apricot demi, classic stuffing, garlic mashed potatoes, and Haricot verts with stewed tomatoes (New)
Holiday Brunch: Menu highlights include Walt’s Prime Rib Hash, Floridian Eggs Benedict, Bacon & Eggs, and French Onion Soup (Available Dec. 18 through 24 and Dec. 26 through Jan. 8)
Snowy Dreams: Our rendition of Walt and Lillian Disney’s favorite holiday beverage with cognac, crème de coca, holiday-spiced syrup, and half and half garnished with nutmeg and orange zest (New)(Available Dec. 1 through Jan. 8)
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Barcelona Lounge
Holiday Candle Tart: Traditional flan tart (New) (Available. Dec. 4 through 31)
Gingersnap Cold Brew: Joffrey’s Coffee Cold Brew, gingerbread, maple syrup, and gingersnap crumbles (New) (Available through Jan. 2)
Spiced Chocolate Mexicana: Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, Ancho Reyes Poblano Chile Liqueur, house-made hot chocolate, and cinnamon finished with cinnamon-vanilla whipped cream and a dusting of cayenne pepper (New)
Chocolate Lava Cake with vanilla crème anglaise and peppermint crunch (New)
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Capt. Cook’s (Available Dec. 11 through 25; mobile order available)
Moana Holiday Cupcake: Chocolate cupcake with candy cane mousse and chocolate décor
Kona Island Coffee Bar (Available Dec. 11 through 25)
Stitch Holiday Dome: Mint chocolate chip mousse with brownie base (New)
Candy Cane Latte: Café latte with peppermint and white chocolate (New) (Available Nov. 28 through Dec. 31)
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto and Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace (Available Dec. 1 through 31)
Tropical Snowstorm: Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, coconut cream with cinnamon, orgeat, and falernum topped with cinnamon and nutmeg
Mele Kaliki Mai Tai: Plantation Original Dark Rum, Bacardi Superior Rum, St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram, with cranberry juice, cinnamon, orgeat, and falernum with a splash of fresh lime juice and a cinnamon stick
Jingle Jammer: A non-alcoholic combination of cranberry, pineapple, cinnamon, falernum, and a splash of fresh lime juice
Pineapple Lanai (Available Dec. 22 through 26)
‘Olu Mel Christmas Float: DOLE Whip Lime Float with pineapple juice, an ‘Olu Mel white chocolate medallion, and strawberry popping candy (Wheat/ Gluten Friendly)
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory (Mobile order available)
Magic Bar: A blend of chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, walnuts, and coconut with a graham cracker crust (New) (Available beginning Dec. 1)
Riviera Gingerbread Cookie: Gingerbread cookie with dark chocolate and sugar glaze (Available Nov. 20 through Jan. 2)
Panettone: Traditional Italian panettone (New) (Available Nov. 27 through Jan. 2)
Chocolate Peppermint Mousse: Dark chocolate mousse with white chocolate peppermint mousse center, brownie base, peppermint marshmallow, and truffle (New) (Available Dec. 1 through 30)
Primo Piatto (Available Nov. 28 through Jan. 7; mobile order available)
Vanilla, Cherry, and Gingerbread Cheesecake: Vanilla cheesecake with chocolate cheesecake swirl, Morello cherries, whipped gingerbread panna cotta, and milk chocolate Mickey coin (New)
Holiday Dinner: Pork shank with au gratin potatoes, house-made green bean casserole, roasted carrots, and a Parker House roll (New)
Chocolate Lava Cake with vanilla crème anglaise and peppermint crunch (New)
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Roaring Fork (Mobile order available)
Pumpkin Mousse Cake: Chocolate-dipped spice cake, milk chocolate pumpkin mousse, and dark chocolate antlers (Available Nov. 20 through Dec. 29)
Christmas Tree Mousse: White chocolate peppermint mousse, chocolate cake, and dark chocolate ganache in a vanilla tart shell (New) (Available Dec. 18 through 29)
Santa’s Forest: Peppermint Cheesecake, chocolate cake, and fondant holiday décor (Plant-based) (Gluten/Wheat Friendly) (New) (Available Dec. 18 through 29)
Molasses Crackle Cookie: A Disney’s Wilderness Lodge tradition (Available Dec. 18 through 29)
Holiday Skillet: Moonshine-glazed ham, slow-smoked pulled pork, Western-style sausages, maple-chipotle pork ribs, apple-cornbread stuffing, sautéed green beans, buttered corn, and smashed Yukon potatoes
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
The Market at Ale & Compass (Mobile order available)
Peppermint Trifle: Peppermint white chocolate mousse, chocolate cake, chocolate cookie crumble, dark chocolate peppermint mousse with whipped cream, chocolate curls, and crisp pearl décor (New) (Available Dec. 1 through Jan. 1)
Merry Mickey Cupcake: Traditional vanilla cupcake and vanilla buttercream with chocolate Mickey ears and holiday décor (New) (Available Nov. 1 through Jan. 1)
Christmas Tree Delight: Hot cocoa mousse with a marshmallow center on a chocolate cookie (New) (Available Nov. 1 through Jan. 1)
Yachtsman’s Yuletide: White chocolate-peppermint and mocha ice cream, chocolate cake, mocha ganache, vanilla meringue, and candy clouds (New)
Available at Various Table-service Restaurants and Lounges
Sweater Weather Sangria: Red sangria with Laird’s Applejack brandy, and port wine with orange and cinnamon (New) (Available Nov. 28 through Dec. 31)
In Holiday Fashion: Buffalo Trace Bourbon, rosemary syrup, cranberry, lime, and cinnamon with option for a souvenir jingle glow cube (New) (Available Nov. 28 through Dec. 31)
Available at Various Pool Bars
Winter-rita: Teremana Tequila, Triple Sec, white cranberry juice, and lime juice with lime wheel and red salt rim (New) (Available Nov. 28 through Dec. 31)
Disney’s Vero Beach Resort
Wind and Waves Grill (Available Dec. 25 only)
Christmas Buffet including classic holiday favorites with a beach resort twist
If you want to experience these goodies for yourself, book a stay at one of these resorts for your own holiday festivities and even check out some special offers here.
Are you ready for some festive fun for your taste buds? From November 11, 2022, through January 8, 2023, Disney California Adventure park and some friends of the festival at the Downtown Disney District will be joining in the holiday spirit with the return of the Disney Festival of Holidays! This festival highlights diverse cultural celebrations, like Christmas, Navidad, Hanukkah, Diwali, Kwanzaa, and Three Kings’ Day, through music, entertainment, and, of course, food!
In the latest Foodie Guide to Disney Festival of Holidays for Disney Eats, you’ll get the full rundown of all the delicious dishes and sips you can treat yourself to this holiday season. This festival is not one to be missed and adds even more holiday treats to the list of goodies at Disneyland Resort, which you can unwrap in our Foodie Guide for Disneyland Resort holidays.
For Disney Festival of Holidays, there are plenty of delicious items to try at the Festive Foods Marketplaces, like the Pumpkin Layered Cheesecake at Grandma’s Recipes, Turkey Poutine at Merry Mashups, and the Holiday Ham Slider at Winter Sliderland. Each of the marketplaces will transport your taste buds and put you in the spirit of the season, one bite at a time.
To add even more holiday cheer to your experience, consider the Sip and Savor Pass which allows you to redeem eight entitlement tabs on select food and non-alcoholic treats! You can learn more about the pass before you eat, drink, and be merry at the festival here.
Disney California Adventure Park
Favorite Things
Chicken Tikka Masala with cardamom basmati rice, lemon raita, cilantro, and garlic naan crumble (New)
Mrs. Claus’ Hot Cocoa Macaron: Inspired by the Disney+ series “The Santa Clauses,” features a red macaron filled with chocolate hot cocoa filling and ganache finished with a chocolate decoration
Santa’s Milk & Cookies Hot Cocoa: Inspired by the Disney+ series The Santa Clauses, whole milk with flavors of cookies & cream and white chocolate topped with flavored whipped cream (New) (Non-alcoholic)
Maple-Hazelnut Hot Buttered Rum: Rum, maple, hazelnut, demerara, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove garnished with salted caramel whipped cream, sea salt, and demerara sugar sprinkle
Red Wine Flight: Sebastiani Cabernet Sauvignon, Kunde Merlot, and Alexander Valley Vineyards Syrah (New)
White Wine Flight: Zaca Mesa Viognier, Fess Parker Winery Chardonnay, Dr Loosen, Riesling, and Domaine Ste Michelle Brut Sparkling (New)
Grandma’s Recipes
IMPOSSIBLE Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes with classic gravy and crispy shallots (New)
Pumpkin Layered Cheesecake: Layers of New York-style cheesecake, pumpkin gooey cake, and graham cracker topped with spiced Chantilly and a chocolate decoration (New)
Hummingbird Cocktail: Bourbon, créme de banana Liqueur, pineapple juice, banana purée, butter pecan syrup, cinnamon sugar, demerara, and vanilla bean garnished with a pineapple wedge (New)
Blood Orange-Pom Limeade: Pomegranate and lime juices with cookie butter and blood orange syrups garnished with a lime wheel (New)
Merry Mashups
Turkey Poutine: Layers of roasted turkey, sweet potato bites, cheese curds, and gravy topped with frosted cranberries (New)
Esquites Carnitas Mac & Cheese: Esquites-inspired mac & cheese with carnitas, salsa macha, spiced puffed rice, freeze-dried corn, and chopped cilantro
Spicy Apple Cider Margarita: Reposado tequila, apple cider, house-made ghost pepper-cinnamon syrup, raspberry syrup, and lime juice garnished with an apple chip (New)
Holiday Duets
Southern Mac ‘n Cheese: Cajun-style mac & cheese with andouille sausage and spiced panko crunch (New)
Pork Belly Adobo: Garlic fried rice with braised pork belly, chicharron pieces, and green onions
Ceylon Splash: Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Co. Ceylon Black Tea, passion fruit juice, coconut syrup, and calamansi purée garnished with an edible purple orchid (New)(Non-alcoholic)
Huckleberry Sake Sangria: Merlot, sake, huckleberry syrup, orange juice, and cinnamon syrup topped with sparkling water and garnished with an orange wheel (New)
A Twist on Tradition
Curry Mac ‘n Cheese with cilantro oil and crispy garbanzos (New)
Lox & Everything Bagel Nachos: Bagel chips, cream cheese, diced smoked salmon, everything spice, and mixture of onions, tomatoes, and capers
Guava-Melon Lassi: Guava nectar, rock melon syrup, nonfat yogurt, and honey garnished with cinnamon whipped cream and honey-flavored cereal (New)
Brews & Bites
IMPOSSIBLE Chorizo Queso Fundido topped with chopped cilantro served with house-made tortilla chips
Two Coast Brewing Co. Saint Father Festbier: Authentic Oktoberfest Festbier; a Deep Golden Strong Lager with a robust body, a fine balance of spice, hints of floral notes, and a gentle bitterness (New)
North Coast Brewing Red Seal Ale (Nitro): Full-bodied copper-red pale ale with notes of hops and a spicy finish (New)
Stone Brewing Imperial Stout: Rich stout with notes of chocolate, coffee, black currants, anise, and roasted malts (New)
Golden Road Brewing Christmas Cart Wheat Ale: Wheat ale bursting with bright cherries and spiced cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and allspice (New)
Brewery X Happy Holihaze Blood Orange Hazy IPA: Hazy IPA with simcoe, citra, and mosaic hops flavors and aromas of blood orange and citrus (New)
Stereo Brewing Love Buzz Coffee Amber Ale: A coffee-forward, light-bodied amber ale with El Salvadorian coffee, whole vanilla beans, and a touch of sweetness with aromas of toffee and hazelnut with a smooth finish (New)
Sierra Nevada Celebration Fresh Hop IPA: Blend of cascade and centennial hops for aromas and flavors of citrus, pine, and floral notes (New)
Alesmith Brewing Nut Brown Ale: Deep brown color with rich, malt-forward flavor with notes of biscuit, mild cocoa, and earthy hops (New)
Ficklewood Ciderworks Bramblebark: A creamy and aromatic cider with blackberries and a touch of vanilla aged in Hungarian and French oak barrel (New)
Juneshine Hard Kombucha Açaí Berry: Brewed with organic açaí and blueberries for a subtle earthiness (New)
Allagash Brewing Curieux Bourbon Barrel-Aged Golden Ale: Notes of vanilla, caramel, oak, and hints of bourbon (New)
Bottle Logic Pumpkin Spice Latte Stout: Fresh pastry stout with pumpkin, lactose, spices, and coffee (New)
Seasonal Special Beer Flight: North Coast Brewing, Red Seal Ale, Stereo Brewing, Love Buzz Coffee Amber Ale, Alesmith Brewing, Nut Brown Ale, Bottle Logic, and Pumpkin Flavored Stout (New)
Festive Favorites Beer Flight: Two Coast Brewing Co., Saint Father Brewery X Blood Orange Dictionary Hazy IPA Allagash Brewing, Curieux Barrel-Aged Golden Ale Stone Brewing, and Imperial Stout (New)
Holiday Hoppiness Beer Flight: Ficklewood Ciderworks, Bramblebark Juneshine Hard Kombucha, Açaí Berry Golden Road Brewing, Christmas Cart Wheat Ale, and Sierra Nevada Celebration Fresh Hop IPA (New)
Winter Sliderland
Holiday Ham Slider with cranberry-bacon jam and Gruyère on a salt and pepper brioche bun (New)
Brisket Slider with smoked onions and horseradish ketchup on a pretzel roll (New)
Cherry-Mango Punch: Cherry syrup, mango, and peach nectars with lemon juice garnished with a frozen peach (New) (Non-alcoholic)
Tiramisu Yule Log Cocktail: Vodka, hazelnut liqueur, oat milk, tiramisu syrup and chocolate bitters, garnished with Valrhona chocolate powder (New)
Visions of Sugar Plums
Sweet Potato-stuffed Corn Muffin with red beans, rice, and green onions
Chocolate Bourbon-flavored Tart made with TWIX cookie bar pieces: Layers of caramel and chocolate bourbon-flavored mousse made with TWIX cookie bar pieces (New)
Cranberry-Chai Pisco Punch: South American Brandy, cranberry, and lemon juices with cranberry and chai syrups garnished with a lemon wheel (New)
Piña-Hibiscus Mezcal Mule: Mezcal, pineapple-ginger-lemon purée, pineapple, lemon juices, hibiscus syrup, and ginger beer garnished with a pineapple wheel (New)
Available at all Festival Marketplaces
Purple Mickey Mouse Jingle Bell Glow Cube
Treats for Santa Cart
Santa’s Milk & Cookies Hot Cocoa Inspired by the Disney+ series The Santa Clauses: Whole milk with flavors of cookies & cream and white chocolate topped with flavored whipped cream (New)
Hot Buttered Rum: Rum, maple, hazelnut, Demerara sugar, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and salted caramel
Capirotada: Mexican bread pudding with raisins, peanuts, walnuts, and green apples topped with fresh bananas, sweetened condensed milk, and toasted coconut (New)
Holiday Ponche: Holiday-spiced guava drink served with fresh fruit and sugar cane (New) (Non-alcoholic)
Holiday Ponche Cocktail: Holiday-spiced guava drink served with fresh fruit, sugar cane, and a shot of tequila
Viva Navidad at Paradise Garden Grill
IMPOSSIBLE Albondigas Soup: IMPOSSIBLE meatballs in a vegetable soup (New) (Plant-based offering)
Loaded Yucca Fries topped with arbol chile cheese sauce, carne asada, guacamole, sour cream, and pickled red onion (New)
Pozole Dip Torta: Pozole-braised pork torta with hominy spread, cabbage, radish, cilantro, and jalapeño served with a side of pozole consommé
Chicken Tinga Arepa: Handmade arepa topped with refried beans, chicken Tinga, cabbage, avocado, and queso fresco (New)
Chicken Tinga Burrito: Chicken Tinga, rice, and beans in a flour tortilla served with corn tortilla chips (New)
Mango Tres Leches: Tres leches parfait with white cake and mango purée topped with caramel Chantilly, green whipped topping, and sprinkles (New)
Watermelon Candy Cocktail: Tequila, watermelon schnapps, and pineapple juice with a Chamoy and chile-lime seasoned rim
Pacific Wharf Café (Mobile order available)
Holiday Sandwich: Black Forest ham, whole-grain mustard spread, cranberry mayo, and arugula on a stuffing roll served with chips (New)
Chicken Tortilla Soup with grilled corn, fresh onion, and cilantro topped with crispy tortilla strips and served in a bread bowl (New)
Peppermint Bark Bread Pudding: White chocolate, chocolate chips and peppermint with whipped topping and crème anglaise (New)
Pacific Wharf Cappuccino Cart (Mobile order available)
Caramel Toffee Horchata Cold Brew: House-made rice and cinnamon beverage flavored with toffee and finished with whipped topping, caramel drizzle, and toffee (New)
Pym Tasting Lab (Mobile order available)
Snack Molecules: Mini pretzels, honey-roasted peanuts, and popped sorghum with winter flavors (New)
Smokejumpers Grill (Mobile order available)
Loaded Latkes: Traditional latkes loaded with smoked brisket and topped with dairy-free horseradish cream and scallions
Sonoma Terrace (Mobile order available)
Colombian Empanadas: Colombian-style beef empanadas, served with aji verde and cabbage salad tossed with cilantro dressing and escabeche (New)
Mistletoe Mule: A twist on a classic mule with cranberry juice and agave garnished with a sprig of rosemary and a cape cranberry
Terran Treats (Mobile order available)
Hot Chocolate Churro: Hazelnut chocolate, spicy chocolate streusel, and mini marshmallows (New)
Seasonal Outdoor Carts
Gingerbread Cake topped with a molasses glaze, a gingerbread man, and sprinkles (New)
Bean & Cheese Pupusa with a side of curtido and tomato sauce (New)
Calidad Spiked Sparkling Agua Fresca: Sweet prickly pear and tangy pomegranate flavors (New)
Tikka Masala Pizza: Inspired by Diwali; hand-tossed traditional Neapolitan-style pizza crust topped with a generous base of tikka masala sauce, red onion, green bell pepper, and mozzarella cheese (Available with marinated chicken or paneer) (New)
Tuk Tuk: Inspired by Diwali; Blanco tequila, ginger syrup, tamarind syrup, and lime juice shaken on the rocks and garnished with a lime wheel and chili-lime seasoning rim (Non-alcoholic version available) (New)
Dulce De Leche Tamales: Cinnamon, evaporated milk, regular milk, Cajeta de Celaya, vanilla extract, sugar, and cream cheese topped with pecans and powdered sugar (New)
We hope you’re as excited, and hungry, as we are for this festival to return! As you eat and drink your way through the Festive Foods Marketplace, use #DisneyEats to show us all your favorites!
(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.)
Recently, Disney Parks Blog put out a promotional piece linking with the Hulu streaming service show declaring the not-at-all-definitive best pizza options in Disney domestic parks. When I saw this list, I drew back in horror at first. I could name at least ten better pizza options than the ones listed just on Walt Disney World property. That would not even include the California parks. However, that blog says in the Disney Parks—not on Disney property. With that very narrow range of choices, only one place qualifies as good pizza within the domestic Disney theme parks. In that blog, at least they got that correct. If you are just looking for pizza to fill your stomach so you can keep going, Disney Parks have plenty of that. Yet, the quality rates as below average most of the time.
If you have read many of my theme park food reviews, you know how I feel about pizza and burgers in Orlando area theme park resorts. For transparency, if you were to check my mobile phone for fast food apps, you would find many burger places on it. I enjoy burgers. I recommend burgers often—just not the counter service ones at Walt Disney World. Also, in fairness, I love pizza. However, at this stage of life, I do not want to spend large amounts of money on below-average pizza. Walt Disney World offers a significant amount of sub-par pizza. We can debate the water use or the dough as the culprit. However, I avoid paying about $10 for a below-average slice of pizza at any of the Orlando area theme parks.
Photo Credit: Via Napoli social media
This begs the question: “Where do you find decent pizza inside Walt Disney World Resort?” You could visit Disney Springs for counter-service pizza at Pizza Ponte. The price point will not destroy your budget. Still, that pizza will not change your life either. Several of the Italian options at Walt Disney World offer pizza. I recently visited Terralina Crafted Italian. That pizza experience went well (with their burger) there. However, Walt Disney World veterans continually insist that Via Napoli Ristorante offers the best pizza on the property. Though I might dispute that claim, Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria in Epcot easily wins the battle of in-park pizza options. Remember, the blog focused only on in-park pizza options.
Photo courtesy of Rope Drop Radio
I must advise you that this recommendation tends to overlook the high price point for this Epcot table service dining option. For example, an individually portioned pizza here costs around $25. In fairness, the individual-sized pizza would not be the correct decision here anyway.
The pizzas here magically appear from a wood-fired oven. Some guests find watching the chefs work on these pizzas very entertaining. Some find themselves amused by the faces featured in these ovens. Still, the quick preparation process involving these ovens does create a consistent appearance and texture.
As the recent Disney Parks Blog wrote: “It comes as no surprise that the traditional Neapolitan pizza of Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria is on this list. Nestled into the Italy Pavilion at EPCOT, a trip to Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria will transport you across the boot, with Venetian architecture from the North to Sicilian artwork from the South. This pizza is crafted with San Marzano tomatoes and real Caputo flour imported straight from Southern Italy earning the stamp of approval from authentic Italians.” Once again, some of those words qualify as toeing the company line. Still, the pizza produced here exceeds the quality found elsewhere in the area theme parks.
The pizza comes in a thin-crust style. Yet, something magical happens when the pepperoni emerges from the wood-fired oven. The pepperoni curls up into cup fashion looking delicious and greasy, of course. Though some debate exists about the type of cheese being used on Via Napoli pizzas these days, the portion of cheese will excite most pizza fans. Of course, you can order a pizza without pepperoni. Still, that topping seems to work best here. The crust tastes light and crispy, The sauce tastes better than most commercial sauces and matches this type of pizza well.
The largest drawback of pizza here would be the price. The best way to play the price game here would be to order a “Metro Mezzo” size pizza. This half-meter pizza should feed three to four people. Even at $50 or so, dividing that among three or four people make a reasonable value for table service dining in Epcot. However, if you have been settling for counter-service pizza, then this pizza will taste incredible. I have heard some people complain that the pizza crust is so thin that even this size pizza will not satisfy three or four people.
Photo courtesy of Rope Drop Radio
If dining here, expect slower than normal service. This place continues to be popular and busy. Also, depending on where you find yourself seated, this place generates a large amount of noise. In addition, if you were planning to order a larger pizza than you need intending to take some back to your room, they rarely have boxes for to-go pizza here.
Despite some of these potential negatives, Walt Disney World fans adore Via Napoli. Pizza plays the role of the star of the show. If craving good pizza while in the theme parks, Via Napoli reigns as the best, if not only good option. Though this would be classified as the toughest place to get an advance dining reservation in Epcot, these reservation slots will go quickly. If you want to dine here, be ready 60 days in advance and consider setting an alert at MouseDining.com. As always, eat like you mean it!
