WDW Restaurant and Dining News

DECEMBER 2007

Yacht Club Galley Changes - Beginning January 1, 2008, the Yacht Club Galley will become the Captain's Grille. With the name change will also come a menu change. The restaurant will continue to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast will include a buffet. Lunch will see items such as steak salad, lobster roll sandwich and Angus chuck burgers. For dinner, expect to see steak, chops, seafood and more.
Nine Dragons Restaurant in China will be closed from January 6 - November 30, 2008 for rehab. (EDITOR'S NOTE: We have had conflicting reports about the start date for this rehab. As with any rehab/closing information, call Disney before your trip to verify.)

The International Dinner and IllumiNations Dessert Reception offered as part of the Grand Gathering Experience will not be available January 28 - February 10, 2008. The Odyssey complex will be refurbished during this time.

NOVEMBER 2007

Holiday Dining Surcharges that were in effect for the Thanksgiving Holiday season will also be in effect from December 16 - January 5, 2008. Prices will be higher at the following restaurants: Boma Breakfast and Dinner, Cape May Breakfast and Dinner Buffet, Chef Mickey's Breakfast and Dinner, Trails End Buffet, 1900 Park Fare Breakfast and Dinner, 'Ohana Breakfast and Dinner, Yacht Club Galley Breakfast Buffet, Tusker House, Garden Grill, Princess Storybook Dining, Crystal Palace, Liberty Tree Tavern Character Dinner, Cinderella's Royal Table, and Play 'n' Dine at Hollywood and Vine.

The Tusker House Restaurant in Animal Kingdom has reopened as a buffet dining experience. Regular price for breakfast is $18.99 for those 10 and older and $10.99 for ages 3-9. Don't forget the holiday surcharge in place from November 18-24. Prices during this time are $22.99 for those 10 and older and $12.99 for those 3-9.

Yak and Yeti, Animal Kingdom's newest restaurant, has opened for business offering both full service dining as well as quick service at the Anandapur Local Food Cafes.

The Contemporary's Concourse Steakhouse is scheduled to close for good beginning May 11, 2008 (May 10th is the last day of dining). The area will be rehabed into a new permanent quick service restaurant which will open in the Fall of 2008.

The permanent "Tempo Grab and Go" will have different offerings than the food previously offered on the 1st floor's Food and Fun Center. There will be limited hot items as the focus of the eatery will be "Grab and Go".

Holiday Surcharges are in effect from now through November 15th - 24th at all buffet dining experiences.

The following restaurants have extended hours for the Thanksgiving Holiday:

1900 Park Fare - through November 24; Breakfast is 8:00am - 11:00am; Dinner 4:00pm - 9:00pm

Boma - through November 24;Dinner 4:00pm - 10:00pm

Cape May Cafe - through November 24; Breakfast is 7:30am - 11:30am; Dinner 5:00pm - 9:30pm

Chef Mickey's - through November 25; Dinner 4:00pm - 9:20pm

Ohana - through November 25; Breakfast is 7:30am - 11:30am; Dinner 4:00pm - 10:00pm

Whispering Canyon Cafe - through November 24; Dinner 4:30pm - 10:00pm

The Disney Dining Experience team has sent out an updated email (11/10/07 6:00pm) that clarifies the automatic gratuity policy. Here is an exerpt:

" Many of you have expressed concern about the 18% gratuity that will be added to all Disney Dining Experience transactions. When using your Disney Dining Experience membership card the assessed gratuity will be added to all table service restaurant locations and lounges for all transactions regardless of party size. Gratuity will not be added to any counter service, food cart or quick service locations. In the past, gratuity was only implemented for larger parties of 8 or more for guests utilizing their Disney Dining Experience membership.
This adjustment to the program has been implemented in order to align the Disney Dining Experience Program with other dining experiences where gratuities are included. Effective January 1, 2008, when utilizing your Disney Dining Experience discount 18% gratuity will be added."

Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue - There will be no 9:30pm show on January 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30.

Disney Dining Experience Cards - Effective November 11, 2007, visit Guest Relations at Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdrom, Disney's MGM Studios, or Downtown Disney to purchase your Disney Dining Experience Card. This card is available to Florida Residents and Annual Passholders only.

Yak & Yeti reservations can be made starting December 3, 2007, for reservations January 4, 2008 and beyond. From November 14, 2007 - January 3, 2008, the restaurant will be open but not for reservations (walk ups only).

Epcot's Chefs de France restaurant will be closed November 12-15 for a brief refurbishment. If you have a reservation at Chefs de France for this time, you will be accommodated at Bistro de Paris with a limited Chefs de France menu.

OCTOBER 2007

Walt Disney World Resort refillable mugs have gone up in price from $11.99 to $12.49 (before taxes).

Teppan Edo and Toyko Dining open in Epcot's Japan. Photo Gallery

Nine Dragons, the table-service restaurant in the China pavilion, will be closed from April 6 - December 31, 2008. Look for major renovations, including an exhibition kitchen where diners will be able to interact with the chefs.

SEPTEMBER 2007

The Tutto Italia Restaurant, (the former L'Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante), in Epcot's Italy reopened on Monday (9/17/07) after a few weeks of sprucing up. Disney Dining begins accepting reservations on Sunday, September 23, the original date they were scheduled to open.

When 1900 Park Fare reopens later this month, the dinner will be called "Cinderella's Happily Ever After Dinner". Featured characters will be Cinderella, Prince Charming, Lady Tremaine, Anatasia and Drizella (from Cinderella III).

AUGUST 2007

The Official All Star Cafe at Disney's Wide World of Sports will be closed for refurbishment from September 23 through November 19, 2007.

'50s Prime Time Cafe will be closed for refurbishment from January 20 through February 2, 2008.

The Yak & Yeti restaurant opening has been pushed back to November 14, 2007. (It was previously reported that the opening would be October 8.)

Chef Mickey's is offering a buffet lunch from August 28 through September 8 and from September 16 through September 22. The times are 12:30 p.m. - 3 p.m. (last seating at 2:40 p.m.) and cost is $20.99 (ages 10+) and $11.99 (ages 3-9).

Effective August 19, 2007, the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground will offer a new benefit to guests on the Magic Your Way Package Plus Dining. If you attend the 9:30 p.m. show, you can be seated in Category 1 using two table service meal entitlements. Categories 2 and 3 remain an option for all show times.

Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station and El Pirata y Perico Restaurante will be closed beginning August 10th. El Pirata will open during Pirate and Princess Events.

Hoop Dee Doo Dinner Show will be closed on September 4, 5, 11 and 12th for refurbishment.

Opening date for Japan's Teppen Edo and Tokyo Dining has been delayed until October 15th. Persons with reservations during the earlier opening date of August 21 and the new date are being contacted to make alternate arrangements for dining.

The new executive chef for Jiko - The Cooking Place is Brian Piasecki. This is a good news. Brian comes to Jiko from Le Cellier Steakhouse at Epcot's Canada and the Rose and Crown at Epcot's United Kingdom. Previously, Brian was a chef at the Coral Reef Restaurant at the Living Seas. Under Brian's leadership, the reputation of Le Cellier has reached a point that makes Le Cellier one of the hardest-to-get dining reservations at Walt Disney World. Brian replace Anette Grecchi Gray, who left Jiko for an opportunity with Carlson Companies, Inc., the parent company of T.G.I. Friday's, Radisson Hotels, and other restaurant, hospitality, and travel services brands. This information was announced Thursday evening, August 2, at a Jiko Wine Dinner. (Thanks to Werner Weiss for this news!)

JULY 2007

Patina Restaurant Group to open new Epcot restaurant. L'Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante in the Italy pavilion closes in September, and California-based Patina Restaurant Group will open a new restaurant in the same spot in fall 2008. (Patina will operate a temporary Italian eatery, Tutto Italia, until the new restaurant debuts. The Epcot restaurant is the newest flagship in Patina's portfolio of nearly 30 restaurants across the U.S. and its first in Florida.

Japan's Tempura Kiku and Matsunoma Lounge will be replaced in the fall with a new spot, Tokyo Dining, showcasing traditional cuisine and ingredients of Japan with an emphasis on sushi and innovative presentation. The popular teppanyaki dining room is renamed Teppan Edo, but the concept remains.

In China, a new Joy of Tea outdoor cart features hot and cold teas, frozen green tea concoctions and alcoholic choices such as plum wine and wine green tea slush. The pavilion's Lotus Blossom Café has been renovated and features a new menu that includes Beijing barbecue chicken, sesame chicken salad and rou jia mo, a popular Chinese sandwich made with sliced beef stuffed in toasted wheat-flour flatbread. Nine Dragons table-service restaurant will close in early 2008 for renovations that include an exhibition kitchen where guests can interact with the chefs.

In Mexico, a 50- to 60-seat tequila bar replaces a retail shop in the pavilion's spacious indoor courtyard in summer 2007. And the pavilion's waterfront Cantina de San Angel is expanding with more seating with optimal views of World Showcase, and will offer a new menu by summer 2008.

Boardwalk - Big River Grill will be closed for refurbishment from August 18 - September 1, 2007. While closed they will use Atlantic Dance Hall for service.

Yak and Yeti Restaurant - Animal Kingdom - Scheduled to open October 9, 2007.

Effective November 5, 2007, the adult price for the Fantasmic Dinner Package at the Hollywood Brown Derby will increase to $46.99 (plus tax and gratuity); the price for children ages 3-9 will remain $11.99 (plus tax and gratuity).

Automated Ordering Machines are now being used at Pecos Bill in the Magic Kingdom. You can place your order for any item on the menu using these machines if you are not using cash (i.e., Credit Card, Room Charge, Disney Dining Plan, and Disney Gift Cards/Disney Dining Cards). The machines cannot handle special orders, although with Pecos Bill's extensive topping bar, there should be less need for special orders here than other counter service restaurants.

Effective July 1, 2007, Disney modified its Business Casual Dress Code at its premier restaurants to include t-shirts. The guidelines, which originally went into effect July 2005, still prohibit hats, swim suits, swim suit coveralls, tank tops, torn clothing or flip-flops. Suggested attire includes dress shorts, pants, jean pants, collared shirts, blouses, sweaters. Restaurants now requiring Business Casual dress include: Artist Point (Wilderness Lodge), California Grill (Contemporary), Citricos and Narcoossee's (Grand Floridian), Jiko (Animal Kingdom Lodge), Flying Fish (Boardwalk), and Yachtsman Steakhouse (Yacht Club).

JUNE 2007

Holiday Dining Info Released

Prices and locations for 2007 holiday dining for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Day, and New Year's Eve and Day have been released. Visit the individual menu pages HERE.

Cinderella's Castle Character Meal Price Increases -

Effective November 11, 2007

Breakfast A - $32.99; C - $22.99
Lunch A- $35.99; C - $23.99
Dinner A - $40.99; C - $25.99

Holiday pricing in effect November 18-24 and December 16 thru Jan 5
Breakfast A - $36.99; C - $24.99
Lunch A - $39.99; C - $25.99
Dinner A - $44.99; C - $27.99

Tutto Italia, which means "Everything Italy," will be the interim name of the restaurant replacing L'Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante at the Italy Pavilion at Epcot. As we previously reported, Alfredo's will close on August 31. Tutto Italia, under the management of the Patina Restaurant Group, should open on September 1. In Spring 2008, the restaurant will close and undergo a complete refurbishment. It will reopen in the fall with a new, yet-to-be-determined name.

All Ears® bids a fond farewell to Chef Anette Grecchi Gray! Anette will be leaving Animal Kingdom Lodge's Jiko in mid-July. She will relocate to Texas for a new opportunity with Carlson Restaurants World Wide and their TGi Friday's Restaurants. Anette has been instrumental over the years in bringing excellence to a number of Walt Disney World dining experiences including Narcoossee's, Artist Point and most recently, Jiko. We wish her all the best in her new adventure!

Thirsty Kids Now Get Free Refills at Disney Table Service Restaurants - Just in time for summer, Walt Disney World Resort has enhanced the value of kids' meals in table service restaurants by introducing free refills on child beverages -- including juices, milk, bottled water, and soda -- for guests nine years and under. The refill policy, which is offered at more than three dozen table service restaurants in the Disney parks and resorts, does not apply to specialty drinks that typically are not included with the kids' meals.

Big changes are coming to the dining options at the Contemporary Resort. The Food and Fun Center will close in July to be converted to a new table service restaurant. Beginning July 30, 2007, a temporary quick service restaurant called Tempo Grab and Go will operate near the Outer Rim lounge on the 4th Floor. It will be open through August 14, 2008. The new table service location will be called The Wave, and is tentatively set to open in late March or April 2008. Once The Wave opens, the Concourse Steakhouse will close and a new, permanent quick service restaurant will be constructed in that space, set to debut in mid-August 2008.

MAY 2007

Jiko at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge has announced two Signature Wine Dinners to be held at the restaurant during this year's Food and Wine Festival. The dates are October 4 and November 1, 2007. The price for the dinner is $150 (including tax and gratuity) per guest. Reservations for both dates are being taken now. Other Signature Wine dinners are scheduled at Jiko throughout the rest of the year on the following dates: August 2; September 6; and December 6. Call 407-WDW-DINE to make reservations.

The Yacht Club Gallery is closed for maintenance beginning May 15th. It is expected to reopen on May 23rd. During that time, the Yachtsman Steakhouse will be open for breakfast and lunch.

May 15-22 -- An all-you-care-to-eat breakfast will be available from 7am to 11am daily. Guests ages 10 and up: $15.99; Guests ages 3-9: $8.99.

May 15-22 -- A light a la carte lunch menu will be offered from 12pm to 2pm daily.

Tusker House, at Animal Kingdom is being converted to a buffet service restaurant to open in early November. It will offer a Character Breakfast called Donald's Safari Breakfast and will offer non-character buffets for lunch and dinner. It will be open from 8am - 10:30am for Breakfast and 11:30 until park closing for lunch and dinner. Both indoor and outdoor seating will be available.

To make the necessary renovations, Tusker house will be closed from August 20 until November 17th. During this time, the Safari Celebration Dinner Grand Gathering will be unavailable. The last Safari Grand Gathering will be on August 19th. It will return on November 25th.

Donald's Breakfastosaurus character breakfast will end after November 5th. Restaurantosaurus wil continue to be open as a quick service restaurant from 10:30am until park closing.

Reservations will not be needed for the outdoor seating since that area will not be part of the Character Breakfast.

Once Tusker House reopens, the Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery will remain open but only from the outdoor window.

At this time the characters at the new breakfast will be Donald, Daisy, Mickey and Goofy (of course that is always subject to change and daily availablity of the stars).

APRIL 2007

Chef Mickey's in the Contemporary Resort will be offering a Lunch buffet from 8/28/07 - 9/8/07.

Mother's Day Brunch at Epcot - A Mother's Day Brunch will be served in Epcot's World ShowPlace pavilion (located between the United Kingdom pavilion and the Canada pavilion) on Sunday, May 13, 2007, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The location will be decked out in greenery to bring the outdoors in, and a strolling guitarist will be on hand to entertain as you enjoy cuisine prepared with the freshest ingredients right before your eyes. Each adult age 21 and over will be offered a complimentary glass of champagne at the beginning of their meal. Additional glasses of champagne, beer and wine will also be available for purchase.

Prices (gratuity included): Guests ages 3-9 -- $19.99; ages 10 and over -- $45.99 (Magic Your Way plus Dining package requires two Table Service meals). Call 407-WDW-DINE for reservations. Epcot admission is required.

For the menu: http://allearsnet.com/menu/men_mom.htm

Patina Restaurant Group Assumes Italy Pavilion Restaurant

Several weeks ago, it was announced that L'Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante in the Italy pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase would be closing August 31, 2007. The Patina Restaurant Group has been named as the operating participant for the restaurant beginning September 1. The Patina Group was one of the original operating participants at the Disneyland Resort's Downtown Disney district.

"We are proud of our long-term relationship with the Walt Disney Comapny and are gratified to see it grow, " said Nick Valenti, president and CEO, Patina Restaurant Group. "Disney is a name synonymous with quality and creativity -- two characteristics that we strive to emulate," added Joachim Splichal, chef and founder of the Patina Group. "We look forward to developing a truly outstanding restaurant for the visitors to Epcot."

"The World Showcase at Epcot was designed to continually evolve and offer new guest experiences that showcase cultures, traditions and immersive entertainment," said Maribeth Bisienere, vice president, Alliance Development and Operating Participants, Walt Disney World Resort. "With the Patina Restaurants Group coming on board, our guests will have the best of both worlds -- gourmet cuisine and first-class services. We're very excited to have an industry leader like the Patina Restaurant Group operating the Italy pavilion restaurant."

The Patina Restaurant Group is the nation's leading multi-concept operation in the premium segments of the restaurant and food service industry. In New York City its portfolio includes the world-famous Ice Rink and The Sea Grill at Rockefeller Center; the Brasserie; and the Grand Tier at the Metropolitan Opera House. On the West Coast, the portfolio includes the renowned Patina Restaurant in Walt Disney Concert Hall; Nick and Stef's Steakhouse; Catal and three other restaurants in the Anaheim Disneyland Resorts Downtown Disney District; Leatherby's Cafe Rouge at the Orange County Performing Arts Center; Julia's Kitchen at COPIA in Napa; Pinot Brasserie in Las Vegas; and catering and food service in museums and cultural centers throughout Southern California.

Rehab Update - Toy Story Pizza Planet Arcade (merchandise and arcade area only) will be closed from May 7-19, 2007. The counter service area will be closed for one day ONLY, on May 14, 2007.

Aug/Sept- Magic Your Way Plus Free Dining - Hungry for a great offer? Disney has announced an expanded Free Dining Program (it's not just for Disney Visa Card Holders!) Get a Magic Your Way Plus Free Dining package! Booking dates: 4/12/07 – 6/24/07; Travel dates: 8/26/07 – 9/22/07

This offer requires a 3 night minimum stay – max 14 nights. Offer available most nights 8/26/07 – 9/22/07. The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Jr & Child rates apply only when adult occupies the room. Theme Park tickets are for one theme park per day and must be used within 14 days of use. No group rates or other discounts apply.

Call Disney or visit our recommended Travel Agency MouseFanTravel.com

Free Dining for Disney Visa Cardholders - A special Magic Your Way package with Free Dining for Disney Visa cardholders is available starting yesterday, April 9. It is available to book between 4/9/07 - 6/24/07, for travel dates 8/26/07 - 9/22/07 and will require a minimum 3-night stay and 1-day theme park ticket purchase. Call Disney, your travel agent, or AllEars® travel sponsor MouseFanTravel.com for more information.

Raglan Road - As of Friday, April 6th, Raglan Road lunch reservations can be made through 407-WDW-DINE. Lunch is from 11:00am to 2:45pm and dinner is 3:00pm to 11:00pm.

Lunch Menu: http://allearsnet.com/menu/menu_ragl.htm
Dinner Menu: http://allearsnet.com/menu/menu_rag.htm

MARCH 2007

Port Orleans Riverside Mill (food court) will reopen Friday, March 23rd. Check back this weekend for photos and menus!

Min and Bill's Dockside Inn in the Disney-MGM Studios will open at noon each day from March 19-23, 2007.

Gulliver's Grill Character Dinner (Walt Disney World Swan Resort) will be closed for refurbishment from April 16 - June 7, 2007. During this time, Fresh (in the Dolphin) will host the Character Buffet dinner.

L'Originale Alfredo di Roma to Close August 31, 2007!

Disney's contract with L'Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante ends August 31, 2007. Disney is currently working on plans to develop a new Italian restaurant for World Showcase's Italy pavilion. No further details are yet available.

Restaurants extend hours for holiday week!

Chef Mickey's - Sunday, April 1 - Saturday, April 7: Breakfast: 7 a.m. - 12 noon and Dinner: 4 p.m. - 9:20 p.m.
Sunday, April 8 - Breakfast: 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. and Dinner: 4 p.m. - 9:20 p.m.

Ohana - Sunday, April 1 - Saturday, April 7: Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. and Dinner: 4 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Sunday, April 8 - Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. - 12 noon and Dinner: 4 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Whispering Canyon Cafe - Sunday, April 1 - Sunday, April 8: Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.; Lunch: 12 noon - 3 p.m.; and Dinner: 4 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Mickey's Backyard BBQ will add an additional weekday show - Tuesday, April 3 -- 6:30 p.m. show

Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue will be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays begining September 4th through October 24, 2007. The show will be performed Thursday through Mondays during this period.

FEBRUARY 2007

Chefs on the Move at Walt Disney World Restaurants - Chef Jens Dahlmann is the new chef at California Grill at Disney's Contemporary Resort. He makes the move from Flying Fish Cafe at Disney's BoardWalk. Classically trained in European kitchens, Dahlmann joined Disney in 2004 from Café L' Europe in Palm Beach, Fla.

Flying Fish Cafe welcomes Chef Tim Keating, most recently executive chef at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Fla. During his culinary career, he's been nominated "Best Chef Southwest" for the renowned James Beard Awards four times (2001-2004) and has been featured on the PBS television show "At the Chef's Table," which chronicles the process of creating a gourmet meal from farmers' market to table.

The Spirit of Aloha 8:00pm Show at Disney's Polynesian Resort is cancelled for Friday, February 16, 2007. The 5:15pm show will go on as scheduled.

JANUARY 2007

UPDATE: The Grand Floridian Resort's 1900 Park Fare will close for refurbishment Monday, July 9, 2007, through Monday, October 1, 2007, and is scheduled to reopen October 2, 2007. During this time, the Grand Floridian Cafe will become the site for both the "Supercalifragilistic Breakfast" and "Cinderella's Gala Feast." These will both be character meals, but NOT buffets (as they are at 1900 Park Fare) -- they will be pre-plated character meals.

The a la carte menu usually offered at Grand Floridian Cafe will NOT be available there during this time. Citricos (located on the second floor of the Grand Floridian), however, will expand its hours and menu to include a la carte breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week. If you want to dine at the Grand Floridian Cafe during this time, it can be ONLY for the character breakfast or character dinner -- you will NOT be able to book a reservation otherwise.

In addition, the Wonderland Tea Party will NOT be available during the 1900 Park Fare refurbishment.

Lotus Blossom Cafe - Counter Service in Epcot's China: Closed January 8 through March 11, 2007.

UPDATE: Teppanyaki Restaurant in Epcot's Japan pavillion will be closed for a major rehab from 3/11/07 through 7/14/07. (Originally reported dates were January 15 - May 25, 2007.)

The Rose & Crown Dining Room in Epcot's United Kingdom pavillion is closed for rehab from 2/21/07 - 3/14/07. The Pub will remain open during this time however no food is available.

2007 Restaurant and Dining News
2006 Restaurant and Dining News
2005 Restaurant and Dining News
2004 WDW Restaurant and Dining News
2002-2003 WDW Restaurant and Dining News