Beyond the food itself, the best Disney restaurants feel like extensions of the lands around them. They give guests a chance to slow down, take in the details, and become part of the story in a way that a quick-service meal simply cannot. With only a few signature restaurants inside the parks, it got me thinking… Which lands could really use a more upscale, signature table-service dining location?
Here’s a list of three theme park lands where a new signature restaurant would make a big impact at Walt Disney World. Add these to my wishlist for D23 announcements.
Tomorrowland
Tomorrowland has always been one of the most fascinating lands at Magic Kingdom because it is constantly trying to answer the same question: what does the future look like?
The challenge is that the future has changed quite a bit since many of Tomorrowland’s current attractions were created. But with recent announcements and ongoing rumors surrounding the land, the land is in a constant state of evolution.
The upcoming update to Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress, along with speculation about a major refurbishment for Space Mountain, has renewed conversations about the future of the land. There are always questions surrounding the former Stitch’s Great Escape location and what could eventually replace it, too. Plus, if Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor eventually closes after the opening of the Monsters, Inc. land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney would have another opportunity to rethink Tomorrowland’s lineup.
I’d love to see an imaginative new menu à la Space 220, but maybe a more upscale 1960s space-age inspired cuisine and overall theme to appease the masses without competing with EPCOT‘s offering. Perhaps they could lean into the ever-evolving theme of progress, offering elevated dishes from each decade represented in the new Carousel of Progress.
Main Street, U.S.A.
One of the most beloved aspects of Main Street, U.S.A. is that it feels like a place frozen in time. Every window, storefront, and piece of architecture tells a story about the turn-of-the-century American town that inspired Walt Disney.
I’ve always loved the idea of a restaurant inspired by Walt’s – An American Restaurant at Disneyland Paris, where each dining room celebrates different areas of the park. A similar concept at Magic Kingdom’s Main Street, U.S.A. could create a true “walk through Walt Disney World” dining experience, with spaces inspired by Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland… and the future Villains Land!
Picture enjoying a meal surrounded by historic park artwork, attraction posters, and artifacts that celebrate the evolution of Magic Kingdom. Maybe one room feels like an explorer’s study, another like a cozy Frontierland lodge, and another embraces the mid-century modern-ish theming and optimism of Tomorrowland.
The cuisine? A premium version of Walt Disney’s famous chili, cornbread, seasonal pies, and elevated comfort food would fit right in. The biggest challenge would be the location… Main Street’s upper floors are already filled with offices and backstage spaces, but the idea of transforming part of that second-story area into a dining destination with views down the street toward Cinderella Castle is hard to ignore.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Last, but certainly not least, Star Wars fans have been waiting for a true signature dining experience inside Batuu since the land first opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Please. When it comes to cusine and entertainment, we’ve seen what Disney is capable of with the now-closed Galactic Starcruiser.
We heard Bob Chapek’s promises for the dining experience lined up for Galaxy’s Edge with the land’s original announcement. We’ve seen the saber battle between Kylo Ren and Rey meant for a theme park show of some sort. Give us a Star Wars dinner show!
— Disney’s concept art for the unbuilt fine-dining establishment in Galaxy’s Edge
Did you know Oga’s Cantina was originally supposed to be a pre-dinner cantina experience while you wait for your table? We love you R-3X, but you’ve been carrying the torch all on your own for a little too long now.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opened in 2019. This is the perfect time to breathe new life into the land, offering more character interaction, a much-needed show element, and upscale galactic cuisine we’d all love to see — and taste!
What do you think? Which Walt Disney World land would you choose to add a new signature dining experience?
