Looking back on 2019, this year was an incredible year for Disney foodies! From new openings, yummy treats, plant-based dishes, dining experiences, and so much more, this past year was full of delicious memories at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. Here are just a few highlights from throughout the year!
At Disneyland Resort, GCH Craftsman Bar & Grill opened at Disney’s Grand California Hotel & Spa while two popular restaurants were introduced to the Downtown Disney District: Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes and Ballast Point Brewing Co. At Walt Disney World Resort, we stepped into a tale as old as time with the opening of Enchanted Rose at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and enjoyed fine Japanese dining at Takumi-Tei at Epcot. Disney Springs also saw the opening of Jaleo by José Andrés and two new foods truck serving up specialty mac and cheese bowls and yummy edible cookie dough treats!
We also opened two new resort hotels at Walt Disney World Resort which both feature incredible views and delicious cuisine from their rooftop restaurants. Gran Destino Tower celebrated its grand opening this summer at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort with Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood, while Disney’s Riviera Resort opened in December with Toppolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera.
Of course, our biggest opening this year was celebrated on both coasts. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opened at both the Disneyland Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, letting us travel to a galaxy far, far away. We piloted the Millennium Falcon and explored a new world in the Star Wars universe, but most importantly, we FINALLY GOT TO TASTE BLUE MILK! One of the lands most popular offerings, Blue Milk has become a staple for any galactic traveler visiting the Black Spire Outpost. At Star Wars: Galaxy’s, you can also dine at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo, grab a Ronto Wrap at Ronto Roasters, or kick back and mingle with other smugglers and ruffians at Oga’s Cantina.
We also announced several exciting new projects coming in 2020 to Walt Disney World Resort, and you won’t want to miss any of them! Dine in true toy-fashion at the Roundup Rodeo BBQ Restaurant coming to Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or try different BBQ flavors from around the country at Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue at Epcot. You’ll also soon be able to travel 220 miles above Earth’s surface to dine at the Space 220 Restaurant at Future World in Epcot, offering celestial views of our beloved planet. And at Disney Springs, even more foodie spots are on the way including City Works Eatery and Pour House, Beatrix, and Ample Hills Creamery. All of these new restaurants will open in 2020, so be sure to keep an eye out for all of the announcements throughout the year!
In addition to new restaurants, we had tons of special events, limited-time menus, and themed treats throughout the year. Our chefs created countless new imaginative items from Potion Purple and Arendelle Aqua cupcakes and Lion King-inspired bites at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park to eats and treats celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Haunted Mansion and the 30th anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
At both Disney California Adventure park and Epcot, our festivals were more popular than ever this year, celebrating cuisine and special dishes, wines, and chefs from all over the world! At Disneyland Resort we enjoyed the Lunar New Year Festival, Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival, and Disney Festival of Holidays. While at Walt Disney World Resort, our classic four festivals returned to Epcot for another great year with the International Festival of the Arts, International Flower & Garden Festival, International Food & Wine Festival, and finally, the International Festival of the Holidays to close out the year.
Finally, I have to highlight all of the amazing Halloween and holiday goodies our pastry chefs baked up this year. From specialty churros and cupcakes to sundaes, macarons, cake pops, and more, this year’s array of treats once again delighted our taste buds and kept us coming back for more!
It’s been an incredible year for Disney Parks Food & Beverage, and we can’t wait for what’s in store for 2020! Be sure to keep an eye out on the Diz Planet for more Foodie Guides, restaurant announcements, and more throughout the year.
Happy New Year, Disney Foodies!