Nothing ever really stays the same at Walt Disney World and that includes the food. New restaurants and new menus are always being added. It is all part of the Disney business plan – give the people what the want. Trans fats are being phased out of park foods and children’s menus are becoming much more than chicken nuggets and grilled cheese sandwiches. Today’s Disney World visitors have even more varied tastes and discerning palates than they ever did and Disney is keeping up with them.
Here are some of the recent changes going on at Disney World:
The Animal Kingdom park is opening the Yak & Yeti Restaurant, an Asian fusion restaurant with table service and a full-service bar, near the Expedition Everest ride.
The Tusker House, also in the Animal Kingdom Park, is being converted into a buffet restaurant. A new character breakfast, Donald’s Safari Breakfast, will also be offered there.
In the Italy pavilion at Epcot, L’Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante, has closed and a new restaurant will be replacing it in 2008. The Patina Restaurant Group of California, with celebrity chef Joachim Splichal, will be operating the new venue.
Also in Epcot, Tokyo Dining will be replacing Japan’s Tempura Kiku and Matsunoma Lounge. The main ingredients at Tokyo Dining will be sushi and innovative presentations.
In the China pavilion at Epcot, the Nine Dragons restaurant will be closing temporarily while they complete renovations and create an exhibition kitchen.
The outdoor retail shop in Epcot’s Mexico is going to be replaced with a tequila bar. Also in Mexico, the seating will be expanded and the menu will be revamped at Cantina de San Angel.
Even Downtown Disney is getting in on the action. In 2008, they will be opening an adventurous offering called T-Rex: A Prehistoric Family Adventure. T-Rex is being touted as a place to “eat, shop, explore and discover”. It will combine both dining and retail in an “interactive prehistoric environment”, Rainforest Café style.
Just as new rides are always being added, so are new restaurants and menus. Walt Disney World is never the same place twice but it is always magical.