Tag: #disneydining

Revisiting Roundup Rodeo BBQ in Toy Story Land

Roundup Rodeo BBQ is a Toy Story themed table service restaurant that opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in March 2023. We originally visited Roundup Rodeo BBQ in May 2023, not long after it opened. Despite originally vowing to never eat at Roundup Rodeo BBQ again, we found ourselves revisiting Roundup Rodeo BBQ a few weeks ago.  Our experience this time was substantially different and I felt deserved an updated review.

We left Roundup Rodeo BBQ pretty disappointed after our initial visit in May 2023. While we loved the theming, we were really disappointed with the food during that visit. That original review can be found Here.

Roundup Rodeo BBQ Dining Review Revisited
Roundup Rodeo BBQ                                                                                                                  Photo: Disney Parks

When it came time to plan our big family trip for October 2024, we kept coming back to Roundup Rodeo BBQ. The theming was SO good and we knew that several family members would be excited to dine in Toy Story Land. We also had heard that Disney had made some changes to the menu based on guest feedback. While that doesn’t always mean good things when it comes to Disney, in this case, we felt things HAD to improve—we didn’t honestly think they could have gotten worse. With cautious trepidation, we made an Advanced Dining Reservation for dinner on our Hollywood Studios day. There were 10 people in our group the evening we had dinner at Roundup Rodeo BBQ.

Roundup Rodeo BBQ: Excellent Theming

The one thing that remained consistent between our first visit and our most recent visit was the theming of the restaurant. This restaurant is themed VERY well to Toy Story, and includes characters and storylines from all four movies throughout the restaurant. It’s very colorful and cheerful. This is a very family friendly restaurant—so the noise levels are high. Do not expect a calm or relaxing atmosphere at Roundup Rodeo BBQ. This is a high energy, fun experience—aimed at providing Toy Story fans (especially young fans) an immersive and memorable meal.

Roundup Rodeo BBQ; five key tips for a magical Disney vacation
Roundup Rodeo BBQ                                                                                                             Photo: Brooke Hudson

The cast members are all outfitted in cartoon western wear, very fitting with the Toy Story Rodeo theming. One thing my mom pointed out—she felt the cast member seating us and our server did a better job this visit with bringing everyone into the Toy Story atmosphere, and in telling diners what to expect. She’s not a Toy Story fan, and felt lost during our first visit—not understanding some of what was going on. This time, the cast members explained that Andy or Sid might come into the backyard, and because we are all honorary toys, we have to freeze whenever that happens. This helped Mom feel more involved, even though she hadn’t seen the movies.

The audio playing throughout the meal seemed clearer and more understandable this visit as well. We also noticed some really fun action that played out around the restaurant involving different cast members acting as certain Toy Story characters. It was fun and the activity and audio cues were frequent enough to keep younger kids from getting bored, but not so often as to make you feel anxious or overwhelmed. (Everyone’s barometer for overstimulation is different however; your mileage may vary on this).

Roundup Rodeo BBQ Revisited
Roundup Rodeo BBQ, Interior                                                                                                  Photo: Disney Parks

Roundup Rodeo BBQ: Pricing

One of the advantages that Roundup Rodeo BBQ has had from the start is that it is a relatively fairly priced meal for Walt Disney World. The menu is served family style, and is all-you-care-to-eat. The meal includes a beverage (fountain drinks, iced tea or milk), several different meats, multiple sides and dessert. When Roundup Rodeo BBQ first opened, the price for adults (age 10+) was $45 per person, and the price for children (ages 3-9) was $25.  These prices have increased slightly. The current prices for adults is $49 per person and for children is $27. This is the same whether you go for lunch or dinner–so make that reservation whenever you can get it. There’s no price disadvantage to the dinner hour, and no price advantage to the lunchtime shift.

Take a look at the current menu here.

The majority of our family really took the “all you care to eat” to heart. I think most of us really got our money’s worth here. We made sure to go in hungry—and the improvements in the menu were definitely appreciated by pretty much the whole family. One of the single BEST improvements to the menu doesn’t show on the online menu–it only appears on the printed menu you get at the restaurant: you can get salmon upon request with your proteins. And the salmon was SO GOOD!! It really elevated the meal for us. Somehow, I didn’t manage to get a picture of any of the VERY fabulous salmon. But I did capture my other favorite item on the menu–and this is an original menu item– the biscuits with the sweet pepper jam. Oh my goodness. I wouldn’t be surprised if a black market sprung up somewhere just for these!! Really yummy!

roundup rodeo bbq biscuits
Roundup Rodeo BBQ Biscuits with Sweet Pepper Jam.                                             Photo: Brooke Hudson

The desserts were also beloved universally at our table–and between the 10 of us, we tried ALL of them.

Let me be clear: $49 is a lot of money for lunch or dinner—especially for a 10 year old person. However, this is a meal inside one of the most popular theme parks in the world. For theme park dining at a table service restaurant, $49 is one of the lower priced options you’ll find. And while this is not a character meal, it is very well themed. And there actually is quite a lot of entertainment happening. Overall, now that the quality of the food has improved (in my opinion), I think this is a very reasonably priced table service meal at Disney. I definitely recommend going in hungry if you can!

The Bottom Line — Roundup Rodeo BBQ Revisited

Toy Story Land Table Service Restaurant Roundup Rodeo BBQ                                Photo: Disney Parks

I would definitely recommend Roundup Rodeo BBQ for a fun family dining experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. My recommendation does come with a few caveats, however. If your kids are SUPER picky eaters–make sure you look at the menu before making your reservation. $49 is a lot of money if the only thing your kid will eat is mac and cheese.

Be aware, this is a LOUD, boisterous and fun dining experience. If you have Toy Story fans in your group, they are likely to love it–but if you have kids with sensory issues or that get overwhelmed when there is a lot going on–this may not be the right dining experience for your family.

However, we found it to be fun and entertaining. The service was great, the food was really good, and our family REALLY enjoyed the all-you-can-eat aspect. I’d like to also personally recommend the Rattler Rum Punch for those that like a little alcohol with their boisterous family dining experiences. It was really tasty and had a nice little kick to it!

Roundup Rodeo Revisited
Roundup Rodeo Beverages                                                                                                       Photo: Disney Parks

I think Roundup Rodeo BBQ fills a need that it was supposed to fill: good, fun, entertaining themed dining in Toy Story Land. Good food that appeals to most (especially with the changes they’ve made over the last year) at a reasonable for theme park dining price.

I suggest you check it out on your next Disney vacation–especially if you’re a Toy Story fan or have Toy Story fans in your traveling crew.

 

 

 

 

Brooke Hudson Disney Travel Agent
Ready to Plan Your Next Disney Vacation? I’m ready to help! Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com

Character Dining Returning to Cinderella’s Royal Table

I have some good news for you today!  Walt Disney World has finally announced when character dining is returning to Cinderella’s Royal Table.  Cinderella’s Royal Table was one of the most popular character dining experiences in Walt Disney World for many years.  As you may recall, when the parks reopened after the pandemic closure, character greetings and character meals did NOT return.  Cinderella’s Royal Table table service restaurant DID reopen for meal service, but without characters.  The restaurant has been open again for more than a year, but until today, there has been no sign of the character dining element returning.

Character dining returning to Cinderella's Roya Table
Sleeping Beauties at Cinderella’s Royal Table Photo: Disney Parks

Today, Walt Disney World announced that character dining is returning to Cinderella’s Royal Table on February 28, 2023.  The first advanced dining reservations for this character meal will open on December 28, 2022.

Disney Princesses Returning to Cinderella’s Royal Table

Many Walt Disney World visitors, adults and children alike, love to see Disney Princesses during their vacation.  The easiest way (and most economical way) to catch a glimpse of your favorite Princess is to watch the afternoon parade at the Magic Kingdom.  During this parade, you get to see many of the Princesses, along with their beaux.

Princess Cavalcade
Magic Kingdom Princess Cavalcade Photo: Brooke Hudson

You can also see Disney Princesses during the finale of Fantasmic at Disney’s Hollywood Studios each night.  Many of the Princesses are featured on water barges that pass in front of audiences near the end of the show.

Select Disney Princesses are also available for traditional Character Greetings.  However, the popularity of the Princesses can often mean really long waits to see your Princess.

A Princess themed Character Meal is a great way to combine meal time with Character Greetings, giving your family the chance to take pictures with the characters and sign autographs.  Character Dining has been GRADUALLY returning to Walt Disney World over the last few months, but the Princess dining options are few and far between and they’ve been among the last to return.

Storybook Dining with Princesses at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall at EPCOT

Character dining featuring Disney Princesses returned to EPCOT’s Norway Pavilion in early November 2022.  Akershus Royal Banquet Hall features Storybook Dining with Disney Princesses, and is a very popular Character Dining experience for Disney Princess fans of all ages.

Storybook Princess dining returning to Akershus Royal Banquet
Dancing Princesses at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall Photo: Disney Parks

Current pricing for Storybook Dining with Princesses at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is $63 plus tax and gratuity for adults, and $41 plus tax and gratuity for children.  Coffee, tea and fountain beverages are included at this price.  Specialty beverages including cocktails, beer, hard cider and a variety of wines are available at an additional cost.

Click here to view the current menu.

character dining returning to Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
Storybook Dining at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall Photo: Disney Parks

Character Dining Returning to Cinderella’s Royal Table

Finally, diners wanting to see their favorite Disney Princesses during a meal at Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom can do so!  Beginning on February 28, 2022, the Disney Princesses will be back, visiting each table for pictures, interaction and photographs.  You might even get a visit from your Fairy Godmother!

Disney Restaurants Reopening Cinderella's Royal Table
The Fairy Godmother at Cinderella’s Royal Table                 (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

There is something so wonderful and magical about Cinderella Castle.  I’m willing to admit this is one of my absolute favorite Character Meals, and I’m so happy it’s returning.  This is one of the pricier Character Meals, so it’s not something we try to do every trip, but it is a very special experience.

Prior to going upstairs to be seated for dining, guests do have a brief moment for photos with Cinderella in the downstairs area of the restaurant.  Cinderella returned early this year, in a distanced capacity.  Later, the rules relaxed slightly.  Cinderella is NOT one of the Disney Princesses that visits your table during your meal, as she’s busy downstairs greeting her guests.

character dining returning to cinderella's Royal Table, Cinderella
Cinderella at Cinderella’s Royal Table                                   Photo: Brooke Hudson

Cinderella’s Royal Table is open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.  Character Dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table is NOT buffet style, like you will find at most Character Meals.

Character Dining returning to Cinderella's Royal Table
Cinderella’s Royal Table, 2013

Breakfast

Breakfast at Cinderella’s Royal Table inside Cinderella Castle is a lovely way to start your day at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.  If you can get an early reservation, you can even get into the park before it officially opens!  One of my absolute FAVORITE things to do in Walt Disney World is to get into one of the parks early, and see it without the massive crowds we’ve all gotten so used to.

Another benefit of choosing breakfast at Cinderella’s Royal Table is that pricing for breakfast is significantly lower than for lunch or dinner.  You can have the Character Dining experience inside Cinderella Castle at the best possible price.  Keep in mind–Character Meal pricing is generally much higher than you would pay for a regular non-character meal.  You are paying “extra” for the atmosphere and for the entertainment of seeing the Characters.

Current pricing for breakfast at Cinderella’s Royal Table is $45 plus tax and gratuity for adults and $29 plus tax and gratuity for children. Coffee, tea, fountain drinks, hot cocoa, juice or milk is included with your meal.  Specialty cocktails are available for an additional fee.

Click here to view the current breakfast menu.

Lunch and Dinner

At this time, the lunch and dinner menus and pricing are the same at Cinderella’s Royal Table.  It’s a bit of a heavier meal, so if you are planning lunch here, I would suggest going very light on breakfast, and planning a lighter dinner as well.  Especially during the warmer months, you may find this lunch best followed by a return to your resort for an afternoon nap or swim.

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Current pricing for lunch or dinner at Cinderella’s Royal Table is $67 plus tax and gratuity for adults and $39 plus tax and gratuity for children.  your meal includes coffee, tea, fountain beverages, hot cocoa, juice, lemonade or milk.  Specialty cocktails are available for an additional fee.

Click here to see the current lunch/dinner menu.

Advance Reservations Required

Cinderella’s Royal Table is one of those table service restaurants that you will never get access to if you don’t have a reservation.  You MUST make reservations in advance, and this is one of those reservations I would try to get the very minute your 60 day window opens up.  This is a hard reservation to get under normal conditions.  Now that Character Dining is returning to Cinderella’s Royal Table?  I suspect it will be even more difficult than usual!

Disney World and Disneyland Closing due to coronavirus
Photo: Brooke Hudson

Remember: If you get the reservation, you are also required to have both a park ticket and a park reservation for Magic Kingdom for that day.  Without those two things, you won’t be able to get into the park at all to use your reservation!

How to get that Reservation

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know that I am a big planner. I’d rather spend time before the trip, making our plans and strategizing, planning ahead than to stand in really long lines during our trip, or not know where we are going to eat and when.  Your preferences may be different.  BUT if you are someone who wants to checkout Character Dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table, this is one reservation you absolutely MUST plan for.

Staying on Property

If you are staying on Disney property, your reservation window opens up 6o days before your first night in a Walt Disney World resort.  On that day, you will have the ability to make dining reservations for THAT first day, 60 days out, plus the duration of your stay at that resort, up to ten days.  Be ready to book online (or call, if you’d rather) at 7am Eastern time on that 6o days out morning.  Work on your reservation for Cinderella’s Royal Table first if you really want to dine there.  Be prepared to try alternate meal times, even alternate days.  Trust me, it is actually easier to rearrange all your park reservations than it is to get this reservation!

Cinderella’s Royal Table Entrance                          Photo: Brooke Hudson
Staying off Property

Don’t worry if you aren’t staying on Disney property–you still can try making this hard-to-get reservation at 60 days out.  The only difference is that you can only make reservations for that one day on the 60th day out.  If you were staying on property, you could try for every day of your trip at 60 days.  Staying off site, you are going to be trying one day at a time.  You can still be successful though!  Try breakfast, lunch and dinner for the day you are trying to reserve.  If that day doesn’t work, try the next day, and so on.  Hopefully you will get lucky!

What if it Works?  What if it Doesn’t?

If you succeed, kudos!  Feel like a champion, brag to all your Disney loving friends…and work on the rest of your desired reservations!  If you aren’t successful, you can try checking every few days to see if anything has opened up.  Good windows to try are 45 and 30 days out–if people are cancelling their whole trip, they are likely to do it no later than 30 days out.  It never hurts to keep trying.  Sometimes people will have booked “extra” reservations that they will later cancel, or sometimes a big party will become a smaller party.  You never know what may happen.

If this is a reservation you really want, good luck!  I hope you get it!

Character dining returning to Cinderella's Royal Table
Cinderella’s Royal Table                                          Photo: Brooke Hudson

Note: another strategy to consider if you DON’T want to do all the planning and reservations yourself–work with an authorized Disney Vacation Planner like me.  If you book your Disney Vacation through me, I will help with park and dining reservations for no additional costs to you.  I also offer detailed itineraries and personalized trip plans for a nominal fee.

Are you Excited to see Character Dining Returning to Cinderella’s Royal Table?

I’m curious if any of you are happy to see Character Dining returning to CRT?  Please comment below if this is something you’ve been looking forward to.

Mom and I had a wonderful dinner at Cinderella’s Royal Table during our Mother/Daughter trip in May.  We got to see Cinderella, but no other Disney Princesses at that time.  I probably won’t pull out all the stops to get that reservation again this year, as it’s a little too soon for a return visit.

I might try to see if I can get breakfast–that would be a different menu and a different experience.  But most likely, May will be too soon.  I bet those reservations will be really tough for the first few months, at least.  If not this year, there’s always next year.

What about you?  Are you going to try and get that reservation?

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
Ready to Plan Your Disney Vacation!

Toy Story Land Table Service Restaurant Coming Soon

At long last, Disney has provided us with an update about a Toy Story Land table service restaurant announced way back in May 2019.  Roundup Rodeo BBQ will be the first Toy Story Land table service restaurant.  Disney now plans for Roundup Rodeo BBQ to open in Spring 2023.  They aren’t committing to an exact date just yet, but I’m confident we will get an announcement in February 2023, if not sooner.  I’m betting Disney will want to have this Toy Story Land table service restaurant up and running in time for spring break crowds in March and April 2023.

Concept Art for Roundup Rodeo BBQ

Roundup Rodeo BBQ

Disney originally announced that a table service restaurant was planned for Toy Story Land way back in 2019.  Click here to read our original post about the announcement.

At that time, we hoped that Disney planned to open this restaurant in late 2020 or early 2021.  Unfortunately, this project was one more project pushed back significantly by the pandemic and subsequent theme park closures in 2020.  When the parks reopened, the halted construction projects were slow to resume.  Projects that DID resume seemed to progress much more slowly than similar projects had in the past.  No doubt, Disney was more cautious in light of the financial impact the park closures had on the bottom line.

Gradually, we have seen many of these projects finish and open, like Cosmic Rewind and Space 220 at Epcot.  Other projects are taking longer than planned but are starting to show signs that they will be completed soon.  For example, the long awaited Magic Kingdom attraction TRON Lightcycle/Run has been testing with actual people for the last week or two.  (More on that coming soon).

Where is Roundup Rodeo BBQ located?

This new Toy Story Land table service restaurant will be located off to the right near the main Toy Story Land entrance.  If you’ve been in the parks over the last couple of years, you may have noticed the construction walls running on the right as you approach the Toy Story Land sign and the giant Woody.  (Don’t feel bad if you didn’t notice them or pay any attention–Disney doesn’t WANT you to notice them.  They want you to stay in the magic and not see any construction going on until the new attraction, shop or restaurant are completed!)

Toy Story Land
Photo: Disney Photopass

Toy Story Land Table Service Restaurant: Will this be a Character Meal?

No.  Disney has been VERY clear that Toy Story Land’s Roundup Rodeo table service restaurant will NOT be a character meal.  It wouldn’t surprise me if there were occasional Woody or Jessie sightings at this new table service offering, but don’t count on seeing any characters in person at this restaurant.

Disney Restaurants Beast Be Our Guest
Be Our Guest: The Beast Does a Walk Through (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

At Be Our Guest, the combination quick service and table service restaurant themed to Beauty and the Beast at the Magic Kingdom, the Beast occasionally will stroll through the dining rooms, allowing guests to catch a glimpse.  Generally, he will stop and pose for a few moments to allow for photos and then he moves on.

I could see Disney doing something like that with this new Toy Story Land table service restaurant–but probably not at the beginning, and maybe not ever.  It’s a great way to attract additional guests, but let’s face it: A new table service restaurant themed to Toy Story Land?  That’s a guaranteed winner! I’m guessing this will quickly sell out as soon as the reservation windows open.  Unless the food turns out to be terrible or something, this will likely be a very hot commodity for at least a couple of years.

Toy Story Land Table Service Restaurant Roundup Rodeo BBQ Photo: Disney Parks
Roundup Rodeo BBQ Concept Art

What’s the Story for Toy Story Land Roundup Rodeo BBQ?

One of my favorite things about Disney is the Imagineers.  There is a story for absolutely EVERYTHING at Walt Disney World. The details and theming are elements that keep fans coming back year after year, generation after generation.

Roundup Rodeo BBQ is no exception.  The Imagineers have crafted a story that enables this new table service restaurant to fit right in to the Andy’s Backyard concept for all of Toy Story Land.

Andy has decided to build a rodeo restaurant for all his toys.  He’s used his  Woody’s Roundup toys, his imagination and lots of his other playthings to create a fun atmosphere for toys, kids and even grown-ups to enjoy!

Toy Story Land Table Service Restaurant Roundup Rodeo BBQ
Roundup Rodeo BBQ, Interior Photo: Disney Parks

Disney has released a couple of photos of the interior of Roundup Rodeo BBQ, which makes me even more optimistic that this new Toy Story Land table service restaurant really is on track to open early sprint 2023.

I love the bright colors of Toy Story Land, and was happy to see that even though Disney Imagineers are going with a Western theme for this restaurant, they are still bringing in the familiar colors, characters and elements that we all love from other parts of Toy Story land.

Toy Story Land Table Service Restaurant Roundup Rodeo BBQ
Roundup Rodeo BBQ, Interior Photo: Disney Parks

Disney promised that we will find lots of fun elements in Roudup Rodeo, including game boards featuring characters from the Toy Story films, a steam train supported by colored pencils (shown in the photo above), a cardboard box with hand drawn (by Andy of course) audience members, and comic strips featuring Woody’s adventures on the dining room ceiling!

What will we eat at this new table service restaurant?

One of the most important question that comes up whenever we talk about Disney and a new restaurant is “what is the food going to be like?”

The short answer? We aren’t really sure yet.  Disney has been pretty vague so far, other than putting BBQ in the name of the restaurant. I don’t think I’m walking out too far on a limb when I say I think we can expect to have western and BBQ themed food!

Toy Story Land Table Service Restaurant Roundup Rodeo BBQ Photo: Disney Parks

Seriously though, all Disney has told us so far is the the food will be barbeque inspired comfort foods, served family style.  They’ve also said there will be platters of house-smoked meats, a roundup of sides and some miniature sweet surprises.  Beyond that, Disney isn’t telling.  YET.

I’m sure as we get closer to this new table service restaurant opening, we will get menus.  As soon as I hear more about the food, I will update you all.

What will it cost?

The next question is of course, “what is the price point for this restaurant?” Unfortunately, Disney is also keeping quiet on this topic as well.  At least for now.  However, based on theming and the location, I’m fairly certain the pricing for this Toy Story Land table service restaurant will be moderate.  I don’t think Disney is going for high end, white glove service for Roundup Rodeo.  I’m expecting to something in line with the Regal Eagle quick service restaurant in America at Epcot. (See our article about that location here.)  The Regal Eagle is quick service, so Roundup Rodeo BBQ prices will likely be a bit higher, but hopefully it will stay in this general range.  Of course I will keep you all posted as I learn more.

Toy Story Land Table Service Restaurant Roundup Rodeo BBQ
Roundup Rodeo BBQ, Interior Photo: Disney Parks

What do YOU Think?

Are you excited about this new table service offering in Toy Story Land?  Some of the challenges for guests in Toy Story Land are the lack of shade and lack of seating.  I’m pretty happy that an air conditioned table service restaurant is coming–I like to take a little time at lunch (or dinner) to sit in the air conditioning and relax and eat.  We like to recharge our batteries and since we are from the midwest, that Florida heat and humidity can really run us down sometimes.  So I am ALWAYS a fan when I can make reservations as part of my planning, and guarantee my family a chance to sit down in A/C and enjoy a meal.

I’m already reworking my plan for our annual Mother/Daughter Flower & Garden Festival trip to make sure I can try and get us a reservation at Roundup Rodeo BBQ.  After all, we have to do a review for all of you, don’t we?

Please let me know in the comments below if you will be adding this to your “Must Do” list or if you’ll wait and see how it turns out.

If you want to get planning on a trip for 2023 to visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios and investigate this new Toy Story Land table service restaurant for yourself, please contact me at brooke@disneycastledreaming.com for a no-obligation quote.

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
Ready to Plan Your Disney Vacation!

The Regal Eagle Smokehouse: EPCOT’s Newest Restaurant

Today we have exciting news from Epcot.  There’s a brand new restaurant open at Epcot.  The Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue has opened at Epcot’s American Adventure pavilion.  The Regal Eagle Smokehouse is named after Sam the Eagle of the The Muppets.  Epcot’s newest quick service restaurant is themed to a barbecue cook-off, featuring competitors from across America.

New restaurant open at Epcot Regal Eagle Smokehouse
Restaurant Logo, Disney Parks

Perhaps best of all?  Mobile Ordering IS an option for the Regal Eagle Smokehouse through your My Disney Experience app, helping to minimize your time spent in LINE.

Liberty Inn Closed June 2019

For years, the food at the American Adventure pavilion was an embarrassment!  It always amazed me how bad the food was at the American pavilion.  It was such basic theme park food.  Cheeseburgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, and [watery] pulled pork sandwiches.   None of these items stood out, and all were disappointing (especially the pulled pork!).  There was no theming to speak of, in my opinion.  It just felt like a big fast food restaurant.

There is so much great food in the United States; the abysmal food at Liberty Inn aggravated me for years.  It made me sad that visitors from all over the world could come to Disney and think THIS represented America.  But that’s all old news, thank goodness.  The Liberty Inn closed in June 2019 to make way for a new quick service restaurant.  Finally, we have our new restaurant: The Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue hosted by Coca-Cola.

The Regal Eagle Smokehouse

At long last, the American Adventure pavilion has an American themed restaurant to be proud of.  I think the choice to include the Muppets in the theming for this restaurant is genius.  It’s subtle, but it iso great to see the Muppets in Epcot!  Sam the Eagle is atop the logo and featured on the menu.  We see other Muppet characters in sketches around the restaurant.  The Muppet presence isn’t super overt, and of course, as a big Muppets fan, I wish there were more of it.  However, these days ANY sign of the Muppets at Walt Disney World is a good thing, as far as I’m concerned.

The theming throughout the interior space is sprinkled with classic Americana.  It’s got a little bit of a retro feel.  The walls feature lots of brick and tile.  There is red, white and blue bunting on the ceiling, and even the condiment station features Americana decor.  There’s a tin ceiling, and there are lots of copper pots and old timey accessories throughout.  The tables are flanked by backless benches, and the indoor seating area feels very large, bright and open.  The overall look is really sharp.

New Restaurant open at Epcot Regal Eagle Smokehouse
Regal Eagle Smokehouse                                                                                                       (Photo: Disney Parks)

Outdoors, the large seating area is all classic picnic tables with umbrellas to help protect guests from the Florida sun.  There’s also a large classic smoker on display in the outdoor seating area.  I’m not sure if this is just for show, or if we may see it in use during busy periods.

Barbecue Flavors From Across the United States

I think the Regal Eagle Smokehouse’s approach to “American” by using barbecue flavors found in different parts of the country is really smart.  Since summer cook-offs are such a big part of festivals throughout the country, I thought choosing to theme the restaurant as “Sam’s Centennial Cook-Off” was also a terrific idea!

New restaurant open at Epcot Regal Eagle Smokehouse
Source, Disney Parks

Entrees are themed to Texas, South Carolina, Missouri, Tennessee and North Carolina.  Meats are smoked for 14 hours, and the quality of the meats and sides are very high, especially for a theme park quick service restaurant.

Menu Options

There are a lot of options on this quick service menu!  There are a variety of sandwiches and platters.  All sandwiches and platters include a side.

New Restaurant Open at Epcot Regal Eagle Smokehouse
Great food can be found at the new Regal Eagle Smokehouse at the American Adventure Pavilion at EPCOT (Photo: Disney Parks)

The American Platter is $18.99, and I suspect it will be VERY popular, especially for first time visitors.  It includes three choices from the meat options, one side of your choice and a piece of garlic toast.   The meat options include Sliced Texas Beef Brisket, Kansas City Smoked Half Chicken, Memphis Dry-Rub Port Ribs, North Carolina Chopped Smoked Port Butt, and South Carolina Smoked Sausage.  The brisket and smoked sausage are available as sandwiches, and the other three meat options are available as single meat platters.  There is also a BBQ Burger, which is a burger topped with pulled BBQ pork and an onion ring.  A Power Greens Salad is on the menu, and includes chilled pulled chicken and fresh citrus.  For those that prefer plant based sandwiches, there is a BBQ Jackfruit Burger.  This is a plant based burger topped with BBQ Jackfruit.

Regal Eagle Smokehouse
Regal Eagle Smokehouse, The American Adventure Pavilion at EPCOT (Photo: Disney Parks)

Side options include House Made Pickles, French Fries, Beer-Battered Onion Rings, Creamy Coleslaw, Macaroni and Cheese, Garlic Toast, and Baked Beans with Burnt Ends.

For dessert, you can choose from the Fresh Watermelon Cup (But WHY?  Just kidding!), the S’mores Brownie and Banana Pudding.  The banana pudding even has vanilla wafer cookies in it.  So classic!

The kids menu features a cheeseburger, chicken salad, BBQ chicken leg and BBQ rib platter as options.  Most of these come with one or two sides, and a choice of Chocolate Milk, Apple Juice or small fountain beverage.

Beverages

Inside you’ll find the traditional quick service restaurant Coca-Cola fountain beverage station, featuring the same Coca-Cola beverage options you find all over the parks.  But at the Regal Eagle Smokehouse, you’ll also find Iced Unsweetened Tea, Sweet Tea and a few varieties of flavored iced teas that I think are a nice inclusion.

The menu inside also features a variety of American draft beers and ciders, wine and some specialty cocktails.  There are more beverage options at the outdoor bar as well.  (Read on for more about the outdoor bar!).

Meat Lovers Paradise

While there is a plant based option on the menu, the Regal Eagle Smokehouse is primarily for those of us that eat meat.  If you are vegan or vegetarian, you will be happier at one of the other pavilions around World Showcase.  If, however, you are a meat lover, you will most likely find at least one item on this menu that you’ll love.

The other thing that makes me happy is that the entrees are not drenched in sauces.  Regal Eagle Smokehouse offers a variety of sauces on the side at the condiment bar, and you can add as much or as little sauce to your meats as you want to.  I think this will appeal to a wide range of customers.

Sauces

The condiment bar features a variety of bbq sauces for you to try with your entree.  There are four sauces, plus ketchup on the condiment bar.  Sauce options include:

      • Mustard Guild “Old Glory” Sweet Mustard Sauce
      • Blue Ridge Vinegar League
      • Blue Ribbon Brisket Sauce
      • Sizzlin’ Pit Dry Rub Coalition Classic Smokehouse Sauce

Options for Those With Allergies

There are options available for those with gluten or wheat allergies, egg allergies, milk allergies, peanut or tree nut allergies, and soy allergies.  To review the complete menu, along with the allergy related options, please visit here.

Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Outdoor Bar

One of the highlights of the new outdoor area at the Regal Eagle Smokehouse is the new outdoor bar.  Many of the beverages offered at the outdoor bar can also be found inside the restaurant; however, I suspect the outdoor bar will satisfy a lot of patrons that aren’t interested in a meal.

The menu features a variety of American draft beers and ciders.  There is also a selection of California wines on the menu, as well as a few “specialty cocktails”.  Specialty cocktails include a Frozen Mint Julep, a Tennessee Lemonade (featuring Jack Daniels), a Texas Mule, a Frozen Strawberry Daquiri and a Moonshine Sour.  There are two non alcoholic options on the outdoor bar menu as well: Berry Sparkler and Frozen Iced Tea Lemonade.  Prices range from $4.50 (non alcoholic specialty beverages) to $14.00 (specialty cocktails).  While anyone who knows me well knows I’m am very partial to the Grand Marnier slushie available at the Champagne Kiosk in the France pavilion, I am eager to try the Tennessee Lemonade at the Regal Eagle Smokehouse!

At Last, Good American Food at the American Adventure Pavilion

I am happy to report that at long last, we have good food available at the American Adventure pavilion at EPCOT.  Of course, if you prefer table service, or eat good old American barbecue fairly frequently, the Regal Eagle Smokehouse might not be high on your list.  Also, I suspect it won’t be a preferred stop for vegans or vegetarians.

However, if you want a good quality quick service option, you can’t go wrong with the Regal Eagle Smokehouse.  The food is flavorful and the environment is fun and well themed.  And hey, there are some Muppets touches.  Good pulled pork, beef brisket, ribs and old fashioned banana pudding?  Count me in!

Muppets Sam the Eagle
Sam the Eagle, The Muppets (Photo: Disney Parks)

What do you think?  Are you going to check out the Regal Eagle Smokehouse?  Please comment below.  If you’ve already had a chance to try it, please share your thoughts!

Happy Dreaming,

Brooke

Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
Ready to Plan Your Disney Vacation!

P.S. There are lots of updates coming to EPCOT this year and next.  Have you heard about  EPCOT’s space themed restaurant coming later this year?  Check out this post to learn more.