Here Are the Newest Disney Restaurants
Walt Disney World did more than simply survive the pandemic. Somehow, the Disney campus added plenty of new stuff.
You may have missed some of the grand openings since time kinda became meaningless there for a while. Don’t worry, though! That’s why you have us!
Here are seven restaurants Disney has opened recently, along with three that are coming soon!
BoardWalk Deli
This restaurant qualifies as the newest one on the list, as Disney only opened it in mid-August.
The BoardWalk Deli replaces the BoardWalk Bakery, a popular stop at Disney’s BoardWalk.
Guests with a sweet tooth would visit here and grab something sugary. However, they couldn’t really order a full meal.
Thankfully, Disney closed the old place and opened a new one in the same spot.
Now, BoardWalk Deli serves tasty sandwiches, but Disney kept the best part secret. Baked goods remain an integral part of the menu, too!
You can think of this place as the new and improved version of BoardWalk Bakery, one with delicious but affordable entrees!
CityWorks Eatery & Pour House
Here’s the one that you’re most likely to have missed. I say this because CityWorks Eatery & Pour House opened in February 2020.
Hey, remind me! Did anything significant happen in March 2020? Oh, right! There was a pandemic.
Yeah, CityWorks somewhat fell beneath the radar since it was only open a month before the world shut down.
Notably, the TripAdvisor scores for this restaurant and bar are quite good. So, it’s underrated but an easy place to get a reservation. Keep it in mind!
Connections Cafe
I always had a soft spot in my heart for Electric Umbrella. Sure, it possessed some of the lowest scores of any Walt Disney World restaurant.
Still, I loved the view from the restaurant’s second floor. Alas, Disney knew it needed to make a change.
That change is Connections Cafe, the new dining establishment in the former Electric Umbrella space.
Here, you’ll discover a much brighter, modern facility that exists in stark contrast to the admittedly gloomy Electric Umbrella.
As for the menu, Connections Cafe sells burgers and pizzas, making it eerily similar to the old place. The natural light really adds to the experience, though.
Gideon’s Bakehouse
You can think of this place as the opposite of Citi Works. EVERYBODY knows about Gideon’s Bakehouse.
This sweets restaurant has proven so popular that it often employs a virtual queue for guests.
So, when you covet one of the decadent cookies on sale here, you’ll need to plan ahead.
You may want to enter the virtual queue 45 minutes or so before you expect to eat. Otherwise, you’ll starve while anticipating the decadent sweets.
Gideon’s Bakehouse comes with a ton of hype, but it more than lives up to the billing!
La Crêperie de Paris
Here’s the one new restaurant that comes with an asterisk. In case the name doesn’t give it away, this creperie isn’t a conventional place.
You won’t order entrees here. Instead, you’ll pick either a la carte crepes, or you’ll order the Prix Fixe menu…which features soups and crepes.
Photo: DisneyYou should eat here if you like crepes. Otherwise, there’s not much of a point.
Space 220
Here’s the restaurant whose opening involved the most intrigue.
On multiple occasions, Space 220 was nearly ready to open. But, then, something would happen and force an indefinite delay.
I’m happy to report that’s all a part of the past. Now, Space 220 has opened to glowing reviews due to its otherworldly ambiance.
Space 220 qualifies as the best themed restaurant in Orlando, maybe even the world.
You’ll enter an enclosed area called a Stellarvator. It’s a space elevator that transports you to a station 220 miles above the planet.
When you reach your destination, digital displays maintain the illusion that you’re dining in outer space.
As for the menu, it does the same. You’ll find plenty of fizzy drinks and other science-y stuff that feels outer space-ish.
Space 220 costs a lot for a meal, but it’s worth the money!
Steakhouse 71
The final new restaurant is quite possibly the best of them, at least when it comes to the meal.
Steakhouse 71 faced the audacious task of replacing The Wave…of American Flavors, one of the most popular restaurants for diehard Disney fans.
The problem with The Wave is that nobody else went, leaving open tables regularly. Disney couldn’t have that.
So, Steakhouse 71 debuted as part of the 50th-anniversary celebration at Walt Disney World. The name reflects Disney’s opening year.
Thankfully, the food here is every bit as good as what The Wave offered. Oh, and it has added steak to the mix!
This place arguably provides the best value anywhere at Disney for steak lovers. And vegans will find plenty to eat, too!
Coming Soon:
We also know that Disney will introduce three new restaurants by the end of 2023! Here’s what we know about each one.
The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers
You can read all about Gwendolyn Rogers at the official Cake Bake Shop website.
Yes, we can score this round for perseverance, as Rogers took a small business loan and a dilapidated house and turned them into a wildly successful bakery.
Disney’s BoardWalk will add a taste of Rogers’ baked goods next summer. However, the surprise here is that it’ll be a Table Service restaurant, not just a bakery!
Rodeo Roundup BBQ
Here’s the one that’s been in the planning stages for the longest. Disney announced a Toy Story Land expansion a while ago.
The two proposed “playsets” were Jessie’s Trading Post and Rodeo Roundup BBQ.
As you know, Jessie’s Trading Post has opened as the gift shop at Toy Story Mania!’s exit.
We’re still awaiting Rodeo Roundup BBQ. However, recent construction suggests that it’s not that far away from becoming a reality.
The new barbecue restaurant should open by the summer of 2023 and possibly much sooner.
Summer House on the Lake
I swear to you that there is a company that willingly chose the name Lettuce Entertain You.
Presuming you can get past the pun – and I really can’t – you’ll be excited to know they’re joining the Disney Springs lineup next year.
Lettuce already operates two similar restaurants in Chicago, Illinois, and North Bethesda, Maryland.
The one at Disney Springs will sell California cuisine in a beach house environment. So, it’ll paint a mood for you while you eat!
So, that’s ten restaurants Disney has either opened or will open soon. And there’s even more coming!
Foodies will leave their next visit to Walt Disney World!
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Photo: Disney