By No Vacation Required, on January 12, 2017

Best new restaurants at Walt Disney World for 2017

It is an exciting time to be a foodie and a Disney fan.

Historically speaking, the reason you wanted to visit Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida was for the attractions and all the good “feels.” That certainly remains true today, but thanks to new dining options within the parks and some exciting new restaurants appearing at the totally re-imagined entertainment district, Disney Springs, you can add foodie getaway to the reason to visit the “place where dreams come true.”

We’ve spent a lot of time in Walt Disney World as of late (you can see why here), and have had the opportunity to try out all the yummy new food being served around the resort. Here are some of our favorite new restaurants in Walt Disney World.

Over in Adventureland at the Magic Kingdom, the Jungle Skipper Canteen Restaurant recently ran aground. If you, like us, are a sucker for the silly puns and groan-inducing humor of the Jungle Cruise, you are in for a treat. If you are also keen on the flavors of Asia, South America, and Africa, then you are really going to love this place. You can fill your face with house-made arepas, crunchy falafel, Berber-spiced lamb, or sweet and sour char siu pork. We think Dr. Albert Falls would certainly approve.

While new dining options within the park are always noteworthy, the real culinary magic is happening over at Disney Springs.

Firstly, there are several new quick service restaurants that are total no-brainers. D-Luxe Burger is serving up juicy gourmet style burgers with a side of freshly cut fries and lots of specialty dipping sauces to choose from. Another stand-out quick service restaurant is Blaze Fast-fire’d Pizza. What makes this pizza joint so special is that you can build a custom pizza and have it ready to eat within 180 seconds. Because waiting for pizza is just not acceptable.

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One of the most exciting new restaurants to hit Disney Springs comes courtesy of six-time James Beard Foundation Award winning Chef Rick Bayless. The introduction of Frontera Cocina means you no longer have to head to Chicago to try the modern interpretations of authentic Mexican food that made Chef Bayless famous. Trust us, once you try the Sikil Pak, a creamy pumpkin seed ‘hummus,’ you’ll want to give the guy an award.

Viewfinder Tip: Since all of the dining options are close to one another, consider a Disney Springs App-y Hour—a restaurant crawl where you get an appetizer and cocktail at several different restaurants!

Another celebrity chef, Art Smith, just opened Homecoming Kitchen. The name is especially fitting, not just because of the down-home Southern-Florida cooking, but also because Chef Smith grew up in Florida and is a Walt Disney World College Program alum. When you go, you will definitely want to try the Fried Chicken and Donuts with a Moonshine Margarita. But be careful, if you want to remember how good the chicken is, you’ll need to be careful with ‘shine (it’s really strong!).

You’ve probably already heard of STK since the super chic steakhouse has locations in several major cities around the world. But, until now, you’ve not been able to jump on Space Mountain or ride Expedition Everest and then follow it up with one of STK Orlando’s innovative food and amazing cocktails. If you plan to hit the rides after drinks and dinner, the old “wait an hour before swimming” applies here. You know why.

What are your favorite restaurants in Walt Disney World?