My big-ass article for Eater is not yet out (though coming super soon!), so in its absence, I give you my hit list of where you should eat now. If it’s 181 days from your vacation and you’re panicking about what resys to grab (no judgement!), look no further:
Wine Bar George. I won’t go into detail as to not plagiarize myself from future stories, but I love it here. The food is excellent, the wine pours are a delightful touch and the friendly, welcoming vibe is perfect. Note: Kids are allowed at this Disney Springs bar and restaurant but I wouldn’t quite call it kid-friendly at nighttime, considering it’s a favorite of wine-seeking adults and open until 2am on select nights.
Via Napoli. I’ve loved it here whenever I’ve dined, but after falling in love with the new-and-improved Naples in Downtown Disney back in California, it has me itching for this EPCOT favorite all over again.
Ale & Compass. I’ve only eaten breakfast so far at this new-ish Disney’s Yacht Club restaurant — which was great, by the way — and now that the menu has a full calendar year under its belt, is worthy of diving in.
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theatre Restaurant. It’s kitschy, it’s fun, it’s Disney theming at its finest, but with some interesting new menu additions, it only gives me more reason to book a visit on an upcoming visit. (It’s a good DFB read — I did not know the chef here worked at D-Luxe Burger, one of my Disney Springs faves! Major plus.)
And three new meals I look forward to eating at on my trip next month:
- Sebastian’s Bistro. I refuse to eat at EPCOT’s Coral Reef Restaurant because I think the restaurant concept is so rude — serve me fish in front of a tank holding 4000 of their sea creature friends!? I think NOT! — so Sebastian’s, the new Little Mermaid crab-helmed table-service seafood spot at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, is the more lighthearted version of that brainfuckery duality. (And they have a vegan Banh Mi which, man, really proves they’re stepping out with a strong menu.)
- Artist Point. The Wilderness Lodge eatery known for their hearty meals and hearth-like vibes recently underwent a major overhaul to become — it’s still strange for me to say this — a Snow White character meal with the princess, Queen, Dopey and Grumpy. It only serves dinner (a multi-course meal with veal shank and gooseberry pie!??!) and opens December 16, so you know I’ll be watching and waiting ???.
- Be Our Guest. I’ve eaten at the hallowed Magic Kingdom restaurant a handful of times already, but with a new coursed dinner service and updated menu, I’m curious if the fancy upgrade will be worth it.