New Offerings and Restaurant Updates at Disney Hollywood Studios
New Offerings and Restaurant Updates at Disney Hollywood Studios
Disney Hollywood Studios has delicious new offerings at ABC Commissary and Hollywood & Vine!
ABC Commissary at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, new menu offerings.
Starting now, ABC Commissary is offering a terrific new menu. From sandwiches and rice bowls to tasty tacos and returning favorites, this menu has it all!
Sandwiches/Salads
California Burger (Plant-based) – Seared farm-fresh plant-based burger with Sriracha mustard, balsamic-glazed grilled peppers and onions, a “mayonnaise”-ketchup blend, lettuce, and tomato and served with arugula-farro salad, steak fries, or apple slices
NEW Chicken Club Sandwich – Marinated chicken breast on a toasted brioche bun with bacon, provolone cheese, guacamole, ranch dressing, lettuce, and tomato served with arugula-farro salad, steak fries, or apple slices
NEW Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich – Grilled sourdough toasted with buffalo chicken, Monterey, provolone, cheddar, cream cheese, side of buffalo sauce, and served with arugula-farro salad, steak fries, or apple slices
Mediterranean Salad with Chicken – Chicken breast served over mixed greens with tomatoes, cucumber, pepperoncini, Kalamata olives, and feta tossed in Mediterranean vinaigrette served with hummus and flatbread
Tacos
NEW Pork Carnitas Tacos – Pork carnitas on flour tortillas with salsa verde, pickled onion, and radish served with Mexican rice and black beans
NEW Shrimp Tacos – Sautéed shrimp on flour tortillas with cabbage slaw, chipotle mayo, and mango salsa served with Mexican rice and black beans
Rice Bowls
NEW Curry Rice Bowl with Shrimp – Sautéed shrimp and vegetables with red curry sauce served with Jasmine coconut rice
NEW Plant-based Curry Rice Bowl with Tofu – Pineapple-marinated tofu and sautéed vegetables with red curry sauce served with Jasmine coconut rice
Kid’s Options
NEW Kid’s Pork Taco – Pork carnitas on a flour tortilla served with Mexican rice and black beans
NEW Kid’s Grilled Cheese Sandwich – Grilled American cheese on sourdough served with choice of two sides.
NEW Kid’s Turkey Sandwich – Turkey sandwich served with a choice of two sides.
Kid’s Uncrustable – Uncrustable served with choice of two sides.
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
More Updates
More Restaurants are Reopening at Walt Disney World
List of Disney World restaurants reopening soon
Beginning September 11, 2020 reservations will become available for Cinderella’s Royal Table at Magic Kingdom Park. The official reopening date is September 24, 2020, minus the Disney princesses, but you can it’s still one of the most magical atmospheres at Walt Disney World Resort. Disney has not yet provided menu pricing but you’ll be able to choose from roasted chicken breast and beef tenderloin.
Reservations for Cinderella’s Royal Table go live on September 11, 2020
If you’re looking for characters, I’m happy to share that starting on September 25, 2020, Hollywood and Vine will reopen at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with Minnie’s Halloween Dine and it will feature Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse and their pals. You’ll be able to wave and take pics of the characters while you dine. According to Disney, guests will be served platters rather than walking up to a buffet line. I like this idea better, you’re more likely to contract a foodborne illness from a buffet than from a traditional restaurant. Reservations for Hollywood and Vine - Minnie’s Halloween Dine will become available on September 11, 2020.
Minnie’s Halloween Dine at Hollywood and Vine opens with characters on Sept. 25, 2020
Starting today, Gaston’s Tavern at Magic Kingdom Park reopens. ABC Commissary will reopen on Oct 8, 2020 at Hollywood Studios
For exclusive fall offers, check out the Walt Disney World Hotel Offers Page.
Walt Disney World Update: Available Dining Locations
Disney has released the official list of dining locations that will be available during the initial reopening period. If you are traveling in August and beyond, this list will most likely change, as with many policies and procedures.
Be Our Guest Restaurant at Magic Kingdom Park in Walt Disney World will be among those who will reopen to guests on July 11, 2020.
At this time, dining reservations are not available for in-park dining experiences. Reservations will resume at a later date.
When in-park dining initially becomes available, you’ll need valid park admission, a reservation for park entry and a dining reservation to dine at an in-park, table-service restaurant. Dining reservations do not guarantee admission to the park.
Dining Plans cannot be added, but Disney says they will be returning soon.
View available Theme Park dining locations
View available resort dining locations
Epcot Food & Wine Festival Opens on July 15!
One staple of the fall season at the Walt Disney World Resort is the annual EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. Today, Disney announced a modified festival experience, it will also be its longest festival yet – giving you plenty of time to enjoy “A Taste of EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival!”
A Taste of Epcot International Food & Wine Festival begins July 15, 2020
This new take on the foodie festival will debut July 15 and continue through the fall, offering over 20 signature global marketplaces like Hawaii, Hops & Barley, and Islands of the Caribbean, spaced out around the park.
And, you’ll be able to see Disney’s newest topiary, Remy, in the France pavilion and find Flower & Garden merchandise. For scavenger hunt fans, Remy’s Ratatouille Hide and Squeak scavenger hunt return.
There will be over 20 signature global marketplaces like Hawaii at Taste of EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival starting July 15, 2020.
And stay tuned as Food & Wine merchandise joins the fun later on after the festival begins.
>> View current offers for Walt Disney World. Summer and fall dates available now!
Walt Disney World Launches Mobile Dine Check-in
According to the Walt Disney World website, Mobile Dine Check-in will be offered at select restaurants across property. This feature will allow you to bypass the check-in podium by pressing a button on your Android or iPhone.
When your restaurant check-in time arrives, you’ll receive a notification on your phone. You can also check-in by scanning a QR code at the restaurant with your phone. When your table is ready, you’ll receive instructions as to where to go.
Mobile Dine Check-in will be offered at the following restaurants:
Magic Kingdom
Be Our Guest, Cinderella’s Royal Table, Liberty Tree Tavern, Skipper Canteen
Epcot
Akershush Royal Banquet Hall, Biergarten, Coral Reef, Le Cellier, Rose and Crown,
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Hollywood & Vine, Mama Melrose’s, 50’s Prime Time Cafe, Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater
Disney Boardwalk
Flying Fish
Resort Hotels
Boatwrights Dining Hall, Olivia’ Cafe, Sanaa, Boma, Jiko, Toledo, ‘Ohana, Kona Cafe, California Cafe, Chef Mickey’s, Artist Point, Citricos, Grand Floridian Cafe, Narcoosee’s, 1900 Park Fare, Ale & Compass, Cape May, Beaches and Cream, Sabastian’s Bistro.
Update on Walt Disney World Reservations
Walt Disney World will begin reopening on July 11, 2020. I know many of you are excited to return to the magic and make new memories. As Disney World takes the next steps forward, it is introducing enhanced health and safety measures reflecting guidance from health authorities and appropriate government agencies.
Here is a summary of what you can expect. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at darren@magicalvacationstravel.com or you can use the Contact link.
Related: No Need For Park Hoppers, FastPass, Dining Plans When Walt Disney World Reopens
What You Need to Know About the Phased Reopening of Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort
Update May 19th - Revised List of Disney Springs Restaurants and Retailers Opening on May 20th
The following locations will open on May 20. Hours of operation vary. Please contact the store or restaurant directly for hours of operation.
4 Rivers Cantina Barbacoa Food Truck
Anthropologie
The Art Corner by Artistic Talent Group
Basin
Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza
The BOATHOUSE®
Chapel Hats
Chicken Guy!
Columbia Sportswear
Crystal Arts by Arribas Brothers
Earl of Sandwich®
Edward Beiner Purveyor of Fine Eyewear
Erin McKenna's Bakery NYC
Free People
Frontera Cocina
Happy Hound
Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company®
Lucky Brand
Luxury of Time by Diamonds International
Pandora® Jewelry
Paradiso 37 Entertainment
Pelé Soccer
Planet Hollywood
The Polite Pig
Pop Gallery
Ron Jon Surf Shop®
Royally Yours by Arribas Brothers
Sanuk
Savannah Bee Company
Sosa Family Cigars
STK Orlando
Sugarboo & Co.
Sunshine Churros at Disney Springs Marketplace
Sunshine Churros at Disney Springs West Side
T-REX™
UGG®
UNIQLO
UNOde50
Volcom
Vera Bradley
Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill
Wine Bar George – A Restaurant & Bar
YeSake Kiosk
ZARA
Wednesday, May 20 will be the first milestone in the phased reopening of Walt Disney World Resort! Beginning with some of the Disney Springs third-party operating participants who will open their doors to guests at various times throughout the day.
Disney Springs Reopening May 20, 2020 | Walt Disney World Resort
On May 22, Morimoto Asia will open to guests (one of my favorite restaurants at Walt Disney World) Reservations can be made at OpenTable, not through Disney at this time.
On May 27, three Disney-owned and -operated stores and venues will reopen:
World of Disney
D-Luxe Burger (mobile order)
Marketplace Co-Op.
You can visit DisneySprings.com/reopening for the most current information.
Reservations for many of the third-party restaurants can be made on OpenTable to seating times in May. From June 1st onward, guests can make reservations on at disneyworld.com or through the My Disney Experience mobile app.
Disney Springs will reopen May 20, 2020
Cast Members have gone through extensive new training to adjust to these changing times. Disney will have some Cast Members walking throughout Disney Springs to explain its new procedures and answer any questions guests may have. They will also encourage everyone to follow these measures for the health and safety of everyone.
Epcot's New BBQ Restaurant is fit for a...Monarch??
Regal Eagle BBQ Coming to Epcot
The Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue is coming to The American Adventure Pavilion this winter inside Epcot.
Is it just me or was this an odd name for a restaurant at the American themed host pavilion? The word “regal” literally means “fit for a monarch” which seems a little unpatriotic considering where the restaurant is located. Didn’t we fight hard for our independence from a monarchy? Pretty sure it was a big deal, one that we celebrate every 4th of July.
Anyway, this new fast-casual barbecue experience at The American Adventure will offer up classic American backyard barbecue from around the United States as well as a variety of home-style craft brews.
On the menu are a variety of sandwiches and platters as well as a plant-based option. Guests can enjoy a sliced Texas beef brisket sandwich with house-made spicy mop sauce on garlic toast or the South Carolina smoked sausage sandwich with tangy mustard sauce and caramelized onions.
Regal Eagle BBQ Coming to Epcot
They can also feast on Kansas City smoked chicken, Memphis dry-rub pork ribs, North Carolina chopped smoked pork butt, all available by themselves or as part of a platter.
For a lighter option, grab the Power Greens Salad with chilled pulled chicken, fresh citrus, and a citrus vinaigrette.
The restaurant will is set to open this winter.
Menu Released for Topolino Terrace at Disney's Riviera Resort
Reservations are now open for Topolino’s Terrace is Disney’s Riviera Resort at the Walt Disney World in Florida.
The first available date to dine is December 16. The Storybook Breakfast Dining Experience will be offered daily 7:30–11:00 a.m. and can count as one table service entitlement for breakfast on the Disney Dining Plan.
Evening dining will be from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and will count as two table service entitlements for dinner on the Disney Dining Plan.
Discounts for Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members will also be available. There will also be a minimum dress code for evening dining.
Topolino Terrace Menus
Foodie Guide to Lion King Treats at Animal Kingdom Park
Disney is introducing new treats this summer with offerings that celebrate characters and moments from Disney’s The Lion King.
All of the items listed below begin on May 24, 2019 and will run through the end of summer. From latte art and ice cream sandwiches to special cones and more, there are enough treats here to have a feast fit for a (lion) king.
My personal favorite - Lion King latte art!
For Walt Disney World special offers, check out the offers page
Mobile Order Coming to Disney Resort Hotels
Soon Disney will expand its popular mobile order food service to additional restaurants at Disney Resort hotels, including: Everything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort, The Mara at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Contempo Café at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
Mobile order is expanding to Disney Resort hotels.
Mobile order service is already being offered at Centertown Market and Spyglass Grill at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and over 20 other quick-service locations throughout the four theme parks and Disney Springs area.
I use mobile order all the time and it’s a great time saver. There is usually a little wait involved but it’s a nice feature especially during peak times.
And don’t forget,you can now redeem your meal entitlements from the Disney dining plan for meals and snacks through the service. I also notice that Disney recently introduced a new look that makes the ordering experience a lot easier.
Related:
Reminder! Important ADR Change on Magic Kingdom Party Nights
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park
Has this ever happened to you? You’re searching for a parking spot at the mall hoping for something close to the entrance. Then there it is, the best spot in the entire complex, no one will be parked closer to the mall than you! Everyone else somehow overlooked it! But then as you get closer you notice there’s a compact car parked in it.
A similar experience can occur when trying to find availability at Magic Kingdom restaurants in the fall - Late August through December. Be Our Guest Restaurant, for example, is the most challenging ADR to get at Walt Disney World. You must be online at 6 am, 180 days in advance and even then you have only 2 minutes book it before it sells out.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park
But sometimes you’ll notice a flood of availability appear for dinner reservations at Be Our Guest, Crystal Palace and Liberty Tree Tavern, the 3 most most popular. Especially after 7 pm. How can this be? Is this the parking space syndrome, somehow everyone else overlooked it? Maybe. But chances are the Magic Kingdom is closing early for a party.
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party usually begin at 7 pm. Magic Kingdom will close to day guests and only those who have purchased a party ticket can remain inside the park after 7 pm.
Guests who pay for the party have so many activities to explore, many don’t want to spend their time sitting down at a restaurant, thus wide-open availability at places like Be Our Guest Restaurant and Crystal Palace. They will sell out for sure, just not as fast..
Unfortunately if you’re not a party guest, you cannot stay in the park later than 7 pm even if you have an ADR for a Magic Kingdom restaurant. This can be a moment of frustration for some people and Disney’s website doesn’t make this abundantly clear. For non-party goers the last ADR for Magic Kingdom dining is 5:55 pm.
If you’re already inside the restaurant when the park closes, of course you can stay. But when it’s time to leave, a cast member will escort you to the park’s exit. “You don’t have to go home but you can’t stay here” kind of thing.
In the fall, it’s critical for you to know when Magic Kingdom will be hosting evening parties. There are more now than ever before. If you’re thinking of attending one, go for it! They are tons of fun. But don’t waste time at a restaurant - there’s too much to see and do.
Related:
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party dates
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party dates
From Disney: Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party Dining
Make Reservations for ABC Commissary at Disney's Hollywood Studios
Starting today, it’s possible to make advanced dining reservations for ABC Commissary at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for dinner.
Currently, starting at 4 p.m. daily, a fast-casual dinner experience will begin. Place an order at one of the cash registers, take a pager, and find a comfortable place to sit. Then, when the order is ready, a server will bring the food right to your table.
In short, this is similar to quick service dining but with guaranteed seating. Reservations are available starting today, with bookings beginning on June 2, 2019.
Details on Topolino’s Terrace Coming to Walt Disney World
Topolino’s Terrace coming to Disney’s Riviera Resort at Walt Disney World.
Topolino’s Terrace — Flavors of the Riviera, will be a new signature rooftop restaurant at Disney’s Riviera Resort offering 2 special experiences: a character breakfast and views of evening fireworks.
Topolino’s Terrace will be a Disney signature restaurant where you can dine indoors and then step out onto the terrace for a view of the resort down below and if you can time it right, view the fireworks of the nearby nighttime spectaculars at Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Guests can start their morning off with an exclusive Disney character dining experience inspired by the Riviera.
Stay tuned for more information on this exciting opportunity!
By Darren Wittko
New Character Dinner Coming to Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Storybook Dining at Artist Point inside Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort will invite guests to venture into an Enchanted Forest-like setting inspired by Walt Disney’s “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” There, you’ll enjoy a delicious meal of fantastic fare with visits from Snow White, Dopey and Grumpy. Delightful music and activities will help bring the classic fairytale to life, and they’ll even have an opportunity for an encounter with The Queen.
This immersive character dinner takes place amidst the rustic elegance and exceptional dining that Artist Point is known for. You'll enjoy a uniquely themed prix fixe menu, including shared starters, a choice of individual plated entrees and ‘sweet spells’ to finish the meal.
I'll have more information to share soon, including menu offerings, an opening date and when you can book reservations as well as where Guests might be able to find select fan-favorite Artist Point menu items in the future.
Storybook Dining at Artist Point with Snow White is slated to begin this winter.
New Dessert Party Coming to Walt Disney World
VIP Dessert Party at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park
Starting August 6, 2018, you can book a new Rivers of Light Dessert Party over at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
The party will include a buffet of Disney’s Animal Kingdom-themed desserts, snacks, and drinks followed by VIP viewing of “Rivers of Light.”
Guests start by checking in 60 minutes prior to the main show (8:15 p.m. for a 9:15 p.m. show) at the Rivers of Light Asia Viewing Area Terrace located across from Expedition Everest.
Starting today you can book your reservation by visiting Disneyworld.com, by calling 407 WDW-DINE, or your Disney Travel Agent.
The price is $79 for adults and $47 for children (tax inclusive) and must be paid for in full at the time of booking.
Rivers of Light | Disney's Animal Kingdom Park
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Exclusive Offers
Save big on these Agency-Exclusive Offers from Magical Vacations Travel.
Important Change to Disney Dining Reservations
Recently I discovered that the website used to make dining reservations at Walt Disney World opens at approximately 5:45 AM, not 6:00 AM as it had before.
The Dining Reservations website now opens at approximately 5:45 AM.
I first discovered this while trying to make a dining reservation for Be Our Guest Restaurant 180 days in advance. I was online, logged in, and ready to go at 6:00 AM Eastern Time. But in less than a minute, Be Our Guest was already booked to capacity. While Be Our Guest is popular, it didn't seem right to me that it could have sold out so quickly. I later called Disney to ask if there was an error on the website. The booking agent explained to me that the site had opened to guests at 5:45 AM. So, basically I was 15 minutes late to the party.
I confirmed this on the Walt Disney World website as well. In the FAQ section, Disney explains that the website could open prior to 6 AM:
“Reservation availability for select Walt Disney World restaurants typically begins each day at approximately 5:45 AM.”
When making hard-to-get dining reservations, log into your My Disney Experience account a few minutes prior to 5:45 AM. I recommend testing your username and password the night before just to make sure you are able to log in. You don't want to discover that you forgot your password when it's game time. If you have trouble with your account, you can call 407-WDW-HELP and select option 3 for Disney Internet Help.
I also recommend using the website over the mobile app, but have both ready to go just in case. The website tends to be more stable and will operate a little faster than the app.
My Disney Experience Gets 2 New Features Today
Today Disney pushed out an update to the My Disney Experience mobile app.
Guests with Disney dining plans can redeem meals and snacks in Mobile Order, providing them with more free time to enjoy all of the attractions and entertainment experiences throughout Walt Disney World Resort. I have personally used this service in beta testing and it's terrific. It makes things so much easier, overall a welcome addition to the app!
To access Mobile Order, tap the “Order Food” button under “My Plans” in the app. Watch the video below to see the convenience of using Mobile Order with a Disney dining plan
Watch the video below to see how it works!
Also, you can now get attraction wait time information in real-time. The app now shows standby wait time information exactly as they appear in the park. I still recommend the Lines App from TouringPlans.com. This service has proven to be more reliable and accurate.
Other updates include improvements to features like room charge viewing, Online Check-In Service and wayfinding, that are helping to improve the overall vacation experience for our guests.
New Restaurant at Disney's Yacht Club Resort
Ale and Compass Restaurant | Walt Disney World
Ale & Compass Restaurant (formerly Captain’s Grille) has been completely transformed into a New England gastropub. The on-stage “hearth” oven area, where a select few diners can grab a seat, is the focal point of this warm and inviting space that is reminiscent of an off-shore lighthouse with rich, salvaged materials that are the decorative finishes.
Check out all the menus for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and the lounge.
Space Themed Restaurant Coming to Epcot
Disney unveiled plans to create a new restaurant at Epcot that’ll offer amazing meals with spectacular views high above Earth – from space!
The restaurant, which will be located adjacent to the park’s Mission: SPACE attraction, will invite guests to travel into space for amazing dining experiences in the stars.
Many consider Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort the best hotel at Disney World. Here’s why.