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Tag Archives: restaurant

October 19

October 19, 2007 – Tokyo Dining Opens in Epcot

“Be transported into a true cultural experience through the harmony of traditional Japanese food and hospitality.”

On October 19, 2007, the restaurant Tokyo Dining opened in the Japan Pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase. Replacing Tempura Kiku and Matsu no Ma Lounge, the restaurant features modern takes on Japanese food, which includes bento boxes and sushi platters. Guests can also enjoy views of traditional taiko drummers or the nighttime fireworks display IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.

October 12

October 12, 2008 – Portobello Country Italian Trattoria Opens in Downtown Disney

“Simple flavors of Italy”

On October 12, 2008, the restaurant Portobello Country Italian Trattoria opened in Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney area (now known as Disney Springs). Originally opening in May 1, 1989, and known as Portobello Yacht Club, the restaurant went under refurbishment; this included a new menu with a focus more on Italian cuisine. The restaurant was closed on April 24, 2017, and will be replaced by the Terralina Crafted Italian restaurant.

October 3

October 3, 1996 – The Flying Fish Café Opens in Walt Disney World BoardWalk Resort

“Feast on premium sustainable seafood and prime steaks at this contemporary American restaurant on Disney’s BoardWalk.”

On October 3, 1996, the Flying Fish Café opened in Walt Disney World’s BoardWalk Resort area. The fine dining restaurant serves elegant seafood meals, as well as a wagyu strip loin and a veal chop. The restaurant underwent and extensive redesign in 2016, including dropping “café” from the name of the restaurant. It still boasts an indulgent menus, including seasonal desserts such as the buttermilk panna cotta.

September 26

September 26, 1991 – The Restaurant Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano Opens in Disney-MGM Studios

“Once upon a time, a young girl from a small Sicilian village moved from Hollywood to become a star.”

On September 26, 1991, the casual dining restaurant Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano opened in Disney-MGM Studios (now known as Hollywood Studios) in Walt Disney World. To fit with the theme of the glamor of Hollywood, the backstory of the restaurant is that a young girl came to Hollywood to make it big, but ended up creating a restaurant that caught the attention of the top industry insiders. The restaurant features Italian-themed favorites such as fried calamari, four-cheese baked macaroni, and tiramisu.

August 31

August 31, 2009 – The Tequila Bar La Cava del Tequila Opens in Epcot

“Explore the heritage and tradition of tequila-making with tasty tequilas and mouthwatering margaritas at La Cava del Tequila in the Mexico pavilion at Epcot.”

On August 31, 2009, the tequila bar La Cava del Tequila opened in the Mexico Pavilion of Epcot’s World Showcase. The bar hosts over 200 types of tequila, along with several types of Mexican beer and wine. Guests can also indulge in some light snacks while sampling a particular tequila of interest, or trying a tequila flight.

August 15

August 15, 2009 – The Restaurant Kouzzina by Cat Cora Opens in Walt Disney World

“The cuisine at Kouzzina…showcases Mediterranean cuisine and Chef Cora’s philosophy to create simple yet sensational meals.”

On August 15, 2008, the restaurant Kouzinna by Cat Cora opened in Walt Disney World’s Boardwalk area. Replacing the restaurant Spoodles, the restaurant was created by Iron Chef Cat Cora, and features a Mediterranean-style cuisine inspired by Cora’s own Greek heritage. The restaurant’s name, Kouzzina, means “kitchen” in Greek. The restaurant closed on September 30, 2014, and was replated by Trattoria al Forno.

August 11

August 11, 1955 – Casa de Fritos Opens in Disneyland

“Enjoy delicious Mexican foods at Casa de Fritos”

On August 11, 1955, the restaurant Casa de Fritos opened in Disneyland’s Frontierland. Serving Mexican food, the restaurant was famed for its specialty vending machine where kids could get a bag of Fritos chips by the Frito Kid. Guests could order dishes such as Frito Chili Pie for 55 cents, three tamales for 35 cents, and a Mexican combination plate for only $1.00; Fritos were provided for free with every dish. The restaurant was given an upgrade and a new name – Casa Mexicana – on October 1, 1982, and would go on to become Rancho del Zocalo on February 6, 2001.

July 23

July 23, 2016 – The Cocktail Lounge AbracadaBar Opens on Walt Disney World’s Boardwalk

“Once a secret lounge of illusion, there’s magic in every concoction at this sophisticated social club.”

On July 23, 2016, the cocktail lounge AbracadaBar opened in Walt Disney World’s Boardwalk area. The bar is styled to bring guests back to the 1930s, when magicians illuminated the stage. According to legend, the bar was a hot spot in the 30s, where magicians would go after they performed to show off their tricks and out-show each other, but one day the bar simply vanished, only to mysteriously return years later. Guests can peruse the varied cocktail menu, featuring the likes of the Magic Hattan, Collin’s Double, and the Parlor Trick, along with various wines and beers.

July 21

July 21, 1992 – The Restaurant China Voyager Opens in Tokyo Disneyland

海賊船でも人気だった!?秘伝のレシピ”

On July 21, 1992, the restaurant China Voyager opened in Tokyo Disneyland’s Adventureland area. Displaying a nautical theme, the menu features Chinese cuisine, including noodle bowls, butakakuni rice, and nikuman. The restaurant is relatively inexpensive, with dishes ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 yen.

July 18

July 18, 1965 – The Plaza Inn Opens in Disneyland

“Drop ‘inn’ for hearty American fare the whole family will love and a lively Character Breakfast with some favorite Disney friends.”

On July 18, 1965, the restaurant Plaza Inn opened in Disneyland on Main Street, U.S.A. Designed in Victorian style to match the feel of the area’s turn-of-the-century charm, this restaurant features a buffet/family style meal, featuring such meals as Mickey Waffles, pot roast, and penne pasta. This restaurant also features a special “Minnie & Friends” character dining breakfast, where guests can dine alongside Tigger, Chip ‘n’ Dale, and Minnie Mouse.