From food trucks to celebrity chefs: Walt Disney World unveils its revamped dining destination offering 50 different eateries

Any visitor to Walt Disney World Resorts in Florida will know that taking thrilling rides, watching lively shows and pounding the streets of the happiest place on Earth, tends to work up your appetite.

If you’ve visited in the past decade you might have enjoyed Downtown Disney – an entertainment district that was distinctively grown up. As well as a large network of shops, restaurants and cinemas, there were music venues and night clubs. It was a ‘theme park’ that you didn’t need a ticket to enter and that offered spaces that were adults only.

But, after a three-year transformation, the complex, now known as Disney Springs, has finally been unveiled to the public. And while some old favourites, like the House of Blues, have stuck around, there are now over 50 different dining options open to visitors including offerings from food trucks and celebrity chefs.

The new Village Causeway at Disney Springs provides guests with another path of travel through the Marketplace, connecting the area near The Lego store across the water to Rainforest Cafe

The new Village Causeway at Disney Springs provides guests with another path of travel through the Marketplace, connecting the area near The Lego store across the water to Rainforest Cafe

An aviation-themed lounge, Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar features unique cocktails and small plates at its prime location along Lake Buena Vista

An aviation-themed lounge, Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar features unique cocktails and small plates at its prime location along Lake Buena Vista

Guests dine at The Captain's Raw Bar inside The Boathouse - an upscale, waterfront dining experience in the heart of Downtown Disney with a gourmet menu featuring steaks, chops and fresh seafood

Guests dine at The Captain’s Raw Bar inside The Boathouse – an upscale, waterfront dining experience in the heart of Downtown Disney with a gourmet menu featuring steaks, chops and fresh seafood

The Coca-Cola store at Disney Springs features a one-of-a-kind shopping experience with a rooftop beverage bar

The Coca-Cola store at Disney Springs features a one-of-a-kind shopping experience with a rooftop beverage bar

The first incarnation of Downtown Disney opened in 1975 as Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village in Orlando, Florida.

The transformation into Disney Springs was announced in 2013 and the first phase of Disney Springs officially opened in May this year.

Already fully unveiled is the Town Center.

It features Spanish-revival style architecture, which draws on the history of the Spanish explorers who landed in Florida centuries ago.

Around 40 shops and restaurants opened in the first phase, including brands such as Superdry and Uniqlo.

Chef Masaharu Morimoto and Patina Restaurant Group opened the doors to Morimoto Asia - one of the first restaurants to open at the complex

Chef Masaharu Morimoto and Patina Restaurant Group opened the doors to Morimoto Asia – one of the first restaurants to open at the complex

The first incarnation of Downtown Disney opened in 1975 as Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village in Orlando, Florida. The transformation into Disney Springs was announced in 2013 and the first phase of Disney Springs (above) officially opened in May this year 

The first incarnation of Downtown Disney opened in 1975 as Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village in Orlando, Florida. The transformation into Disney Springs was announced in 2013 and the first phase of Disney Springs (above) officially opened in May this year

Chef Art Smith's Homecoming restaurant at Disney Springs serves delectable farm-to-fork cuisine showcasing Florida's fresh flavours and foods of the American South

Chef Art Smith’s Homecoming restaurant at Disney Springs serves delectable farm-to-fork cuisine showcasing Florida’s fresh flavours and foods of the American South

Three other neighbourhoods – The Landing, Marketplace and West Side – are also in various stages of unveiling this autumn and according to Travel and Leisure, almost all of it opened last week.

All in all, there will be around 150 different shops, restaurants and entertainment spaces.

But Disney, usually better known for its characters than for its food, has made a notable focus on its dining options this time round.

There are already over 50 different places to eat, including fine dining restaurants, snack bars and bakeries and food trucks.

Entertainment is still at the heart of everything Disney does.

At the AMC cinema for example, you can enjoy dinner while you watch a film.

And like the international offering at Epcot, there are more global cuisine options to consider than ever before.

A family-run gelato shop, Vivoli Gelateria at Disney Springs, part of the reimagining of Downtown Disney, serves up gelato that is made with fresh, top-quality ingredients using the exact same recipes from the original shop in Florence, Italy

Some of the gelato at Vivoli Gelateria

The family-run gelato shop, Vivoli Gelateria (left),  serves up gelato (right) that is made with fresh, top-quality ingredients using the exact same recipes from the original shop in Florence, Italy.

Erin McKenna Bakery NYC is a unique bakery with savoury offerings and an all-vegan and gluten-free menu

Erin McKenna Bakery NYC is a unique bakery with savoury offerings and an all-vegan and gluten-free menu

For example, The Daily Poutine is serving up the Canadian classic of French fries topped with gravy and cheese curds; Namaste Cafe is showcasing Indian inspired dishes like tandoori shrimp with Basmati rice; B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. is dishing up sausages from around the world’ and Portobello Country Italian Trattoria is offering Mediterranean favourites like calamari.

Overwhelmingly though, the options are American.

James Beard, the award-winning chef at Art Smith has a restaurant that puts America’s South-style farm-to-fork cuisine on the menu; The Boathouse is where you’ll find some of the best seafood, and lobsters in particular, on the menu; and then there are the burger at D-Luxe.

There are more fast options than ever before thanks to the growing number of food trucks and casual counter service eateries.

The perfect spot for guests to relax and unwind, Dockside Margaritas is a waterfront margarita bar offering live entertainment daily in a laid-back environment amid tropical decor at Downtown Disney Marketplace serving a variety of handcrafted margaritas, specialty cocktails and authentic Florida brews

Gibson's S'mores Baked Alaska dessert at The Boathouse

Left, one of the handcrafted margaritas at Dockside Margaritas and right, Gibson’s S’mores Baked Alaska dessert at The Boathouse

Above, the seafood platter at The Boathouse. The gourmet menu also features steaks, chops and other fresh seafood options

Above, the seafood platter at The Boathouse. The gourmet menu also features steaks, chops and other fresh seafood options

There’s also a nod towards the fine dining and celebrity chef culture.

Wolfgang Puck, known for his restaurant in Beverley Hills, Spago; Masaharu Morimoto, who appeared on Iron Chef America; and Rick Bayless, who’s known for his Mexican fare, all have restaurants at the complex.

And for those who have a sweet tooth, the options are virtually endless.

Aside from the dessert menu, visitors can pick up doughnuts and cookies at Erin McKenna’s bakery or one of the startling array of cupcakes from the vending machine at Sprinkles.

Even more restaurants are opening ahead of Halloween as well as the weeks leading up to Christmas.

But it’s safe to say, Disney Springs is fast becoming one of the best food destinations when it comes to choice.

Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant is described as a true Irish pub with Dublin roots that includes Irish bands and pro dancers performing on several stages indoors

Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant is described as a true Irish pub with Dublin roots that includes Irish bands and pro dancers performing on several stages indoors

Some restaurants are classics reimagined while others are entirely new. Above, the lobster bake Crostini at The Boathouse

Some restaurants are classics reimagined while others are entirely new. Above, the lobster bake Crostini at The Boathouse

Key Lime Pie at The Boathouse

Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar is an aviation-themed lounge featuring unique cocktails and small plates

Left, the Key Lime Pie at The Boathouse and right, one of the cocktails at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, an aviation-themed lounge featuring unique cocktails and small plates

Authentic Irish food, music and dance performances set the scene at the Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant

Authentic Irish food, music and dance performances set the scene at the Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant

Above, a chocolatier working with a fresh batch of custom-made ganache at The Ganachery - a new experience at the resort

Above, a chocolatier working with a fresh batch of custom-made ganache at The Ganachery – a new experience at the resort

Mickey Mouse and Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto at the opening of Morimoto Asia, one of several restaurants from the celebrity chef

Mickey Mouse and Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto at the opening of Morimoto Asia, one of several restaurants from the celebrity chef

D-Luxe Burger (above) is a ranch-inspired eatery serving artisanal gelato shakes, freshly cut fries and gourmet burgers

D-Luxe Burger (above) is a ranch-inspired eatery serving artisanal gelato shakes, freshly cut fries and gourmet burgers

THE FULL LIST OF RESTAURANTS CURRENTLY OPEN AT DISNEY SPRINGS

AMC Disney Springs 24 Dine-In Theatres – Casual Dining $ ($14.99 and under), American, Seafood

Amorette’s Patisserie – Counter Service $ ($14.99 and under), Bakery

AristoCrêpes – Counter Service $ ($14.99 and under), American

B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. – Counter Service $ ($14.99 and under), American

Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza – Counter Service $ ($14.99 and under), American

The Boathouse – Fine/Signature Dining $ ($15 to $34.99), Multiple Cuisines

The Boathouse features spectacular floating artwork of ream boats from the 30s, 40s and 50s and a unique opportunity for guests to take a Captain-guided tour aboard amphibious autos called Amphicars on Lake Buena Vista

The Boathouse features spectacular floating artwork of ream boats from the 30s, 40s and 50s and a unique opportunity for guests to take a Captain-guided tour aboard amphibious autos called Amphicars on Lake Buena Vista

Bongos Cuban Cafe – Unique/Themed Dining $ ($15 to $34.99), Cuban

Bongos Cuban Café™ Express – Counter Service $ ($14.99 and under), Cuban

Chef Art Smith’s Homecoming – Casual Dining $ ($15 to $34.99), American

Coca-Cola Store Rooftop Beverage Bar – Counter Service, Lounges $ ($14.99 and under), American

Cookes of Dublin Cookes of Dublin – Counter Service $ ($14.99 and under), American, Irish

The Daily Poutine – Counter Service $ ($14.99 and under), American

The Dining Room at Wolfgang Puck® Grand Cafe – Fine/Signature Dining $ ($15 to $34.99), $$ ($35 to $59.99), Multiple Cuisines

D-Luxe Burger – Counter Service, Fast Casual $ ($14.99 and under), American

D-Luxe Burger serves up burgers, fries and milkshakes and is one of the cheaper options at Disney Springs

D-Luxe Burger serves up burgers, fries and milkshakes and is one of the cheaper options at Disney Springs

Dockside Margaritas Dockside Margaritas – Counter Service $ ($14.99 and under), American

Earl Of Sandwich – Counter Service $ ($14.99 and under), American

Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC – Experiences Vary $ ($14.99 and under), Bakery

The Express at Wolfgang Puck® Grand Cafe – Counter Service, Fast Casual $ ($14.99 and under), American, Sushi

Florida Snow Company – Experiences Vary $ ($14.99 and under), American

FoodQuest – Counter Service $ ($14.99 and under), American

Fantasy Fare – Food Truck $ ($14.99 and under), American

Namaste Cafe – Food Truck $ ($14.99 and under), Asian

Superstar Catering – Food Truck $ ($14.99 and under), American

The Ganachery features flavours including dark chocolate, hazelnut, chipotle and a custom blend flavoured with the world's finest spices

The Ganachery features flavours including dark chocolate, hazelnut, chipotle and a custom blend flavoured with the world’s finest spices

World Showcase of Flavors – Food Truck $ ($14.99 and under), American

Frontera Cocina – Experiences Vary $ ($15 to $34.99), American, Mexican

The Front Porch – Lounges $ ($14.99 and under), American

Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop – Counter Service $ ($14.99 and under), American

Häagen-Dazs at Disney Springs West Side – Counter Service $ ($14.99 and under), American

House of Blues® at Downtown Disney House of Blues Restaurant & Bar – Unique/Themed Dining $ ($15 to $34.99), American

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar – Experiences Vary $ ($14.99 and under), American

Above, pig in a Blanket Kids Entree at The Boathouse. The restaurant from Schussler Creative is one of the new venues in The Landing

Above, pig in a Blanket Kids Entree at The Boathouse. The restaurant from Schussler Creative is one of the new venues in The Landing

Joffrey’s Handcrafted Smoothies at Disney Springs Marketplace – Counter Service $ ($14.99 and under), American

Joffrey’s Handcrafted Smoothies at Disney Springs West Side – Counter Service $ ($14.99 and under), American

Lava Lounge at Rainforest Cafe – Lounges $ ($14.99 and under), American

MacGUFFINS – Lounges $ ($14.99 and under), American

Morimoto Asia – Fine/Signature Dining $ ($15 to $34.99), Multiple Cuisines

Morimoto Asia Street Food – Experiences Vary $ ($14.99 and under), Asian

Paradiso 37, Taste of the Americas – Unique/Themed Dining $ ($15 to $34.99), Multiple Cuisines

Portobello Country Italian Trattoria – Unique/Themed Dining $ ($15 to $34.99), Italian, Seafood

Frontera Cocina at Disney Springs serves up fresh, gourmet Mexican dishes headed up by celebrity Chef Rick Bayless

Frontera Cocina at Disney Springs serves up fresh, gourmet Mexican dishes headed up by celebrity Chef Rick Bayless

Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant – Unique/Themed Dining $ ($15 to $34.99), Irish

Rainforest Cafe at Disney Springs Marketplace – Unique/Themed Dining $ ($15 to $34.99), American

The Smokehouse – Counter Service $ ($14.99 and under), American

Splitsville Dining Room – Unique/Themed Dining $ ($15 to $34.99), American

Sprinkles – Counter Service $ ($15 to $34.99), Bakery

Starbucks at Disney Springs Marketplace – Counter Service $ ($14.99 and under), American, Bakery

Starbucks at Disney Springs West Side – Counter Service $ ($14.99 and under), American, Bakery

STK Orlando – Fine/Signature Dining $$ ($35 to $59.99), Multiple Cuisines

The Sushi Bar at Morimoto Asia – Dining Events Prices Vary, Sushi

In the main room at Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar, guests can discover an expansive bar, aviation decor filling the room, vintage travel posters covering the walls and correspondence between Jock, Indy and their fellow adventurers on display

In the main room at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, guests can discover an expansive bar, aviation decor filling the room, vintage travel posters covering the walls and correspondence between Jock, Indy and their fellow adventurers on display

Tea Traders Café by Joffrey’s – Experiences Vary $ ($14.99 and under), American

T-REX – Unique/Themed Dining $ ($15 to $34.99), American

Vivoli il Gelato – Experiences Vary $ ($14.99 and under), Italian

Wetzel’s Pretzels at Disney Springs Marketplace – Counter Service $ ($14.99 and under), American

Wetzel’s Pretzels at Disney Springs West Side – Counter Service $ ($14.99 and under), American

Wolfgang Puck Express at Disney Springs Marketplace – Counter Service, Fast Casual $ ($14.99 and under), American

Wolfgang Puck Grand Cafe – Fine/Signature Dining $ ($15 to $34.99), Multiple Cuisines

YeSake – Counter Service $ ($14.99 and under), Asian, Japanese

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