National Spaghetti Day is January 4th!
Irish, French, British, Mexican, American…practically every culture in the world has adopted the Italian’s love and passion for pasta, and there’s no better time to show your love than on National Spaghetti Day! Walt Disney World celebrates the worldwide cultures through their hotels, Theme Parks, and- most importantly- their restaurants!
Being that it is likely the most popular and most accessible dish for any palette, Walt Disney World Resort boasts a slew of restaurants serving up the twisty twirly pasta- but which are worth the carb overload? Let’s find out!
In the Parks
Epcot
Credit: Maria Salerno
Via Napoli is by far my favorite in-park restaurant focusing on Italian fare. I’ve eaten here more times than I’ll put into writing, and from bread to dessert, each and every meal has been scrumptious…especially the pasta!
Even on National Spaghetti Day, you shouldn’t leave without trying at least one type of pizza…and appetizer, and meat dish, and dessert….ok, ok, you caught me- I really like this place!
Today though, it’s all about the noodles! Their spaghetti-based seafood pasta is one of the best seafood pastas I’ve ever tasted, and it’s certainly worth the wait for a table if you don’t have a dining reservation! Swimming in a brothy sauce loaded with clams and huge chunks of garlic, this is the best recovery meal after a long day spent touring World Showcase!
Hollywood Studios
Each and every time I plan a visit to Hollywood Studios, I can never decide where I want to eat. My usual routine looks like this in my head: mentally scan the Park, highlight the restaurants, pull up the menu highlights from the far reaches of my brain…and decide that nothing appeals and I’ll be leaving the Park for dinner.
It isn’t until I physically enter the Park and take a walk to the Park’s rear wall that I remember Mama Melrose. A ‘hidden gem’ if there ever was one, this is not a restaurant you’re likely to happen upon. It’s out-of-the-way location always causes me to glance over it, but being that today is all about spaghetti, it was at the forefront of my mind!
For a classic taste in a classic section of Hollywood Studios, opt for Mama’s Italian Pasta. Fresh basil, garlic, and tomatoes are tossed with spaghetti and served with an asiago-herb crostini.
At the Resorts
Trattoria Al Forno
I can’t possibly list all the reasons you should visit Disney’s Boardwalk, so today, I’ll stick with just one: Trattoria al Forno! The character-dining-by-day, Italian-staple-by-night restaurant is the Disney Resort’s best Italian restaurant, and today is the best day to give it a try!
Credit: www.wheretraveler.com
Usually, you don’t need an advanced dining reservation to get a table here, so if you haven’t planned ahead for National Spaghetti Day, this is probably your best bet! My recommendation is to opt for the chef’s take on chicken parmigiana! Thinly pounded, lightly breaded chicken breasts meld with a blend of sharp pecorino romano and provolone cheeses before it all gets tossed together with a Trattoria al Forno staple…spaghetti!
Il Mulino
If you’re looking for an upscale, New York City-style dining experience while you’re visiting Central Florida, Il Mulino at Walt Disney World Swan is the only place to go. The dimly lit space helps to simulate the City dining experience, and as far as authenticity goes, the food will send your soul from Kissimmee to the Upper East Side!
Here, you can’t go wrong with the chef’s signature tomato basil sauce. You can order any type of pasta to accompany the bright, fresh sauce (because the sauce really is the star), and on National Spaghetti Day…I think you know which pasta shape you should choose!
Disney Springs
Maria and Enzo’s
Credit: www.themeparktourist.com
If an upscale-feeling dinner is not on your Walt Disney World priority list, we’ve got you covered! In the opposite corner of the dining experience realm, we have Maria and Enzo’s at Disney Springs! Themed to the max and with a story to support the décor, you’ll be taken on a journey of storytelling through a culinary experience like no other!
Credit: www.thelaughingplace.com
Located in an abandoned airport hanger, the story says that Maria and Enzo re-purposed the space to host friends and family at their new Italian restaurant. I don’t care how new this place is, their classic spaghetti and meatballs recipe tastes just like the sauce grandma used to make- and that’s coming from a girl who grew up eating Sunday dinner at her unmistakably Italian grandmother’s house!
You can’t go wrong with any of these restaurant choices on National Spaghetti Day. Which is at the top of your list! Leave me a comment below and let me know.
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