Guest Review of Homecoming

Two of our members, Rene & Mia Gosselin had lunch at Chef Art Smith’s Homecoming, newly opened in Disney Springs. Here are their thoughts & photos:

Mia and I tried out Homecoming in Disney Springs today. It is based on true Florida  cooking and food. At all times, at least 51% of the products served will be from Florida. Their Resort drinks are served without straws so you get the added sense of smell from the fresh ingredients. Mia had The Local which had fresh coconut and pineapple. She said the added aroma made a difference and made it more enjoyable. We started off with Fried Green Tomatoes that were among the best I have had. Mia had the Fried chicken, and substituted the usual 3 pieces which are airline, thigh and drumstick for 3 thighs. They were boneless and as delicious as it looks. I had the Shrimp and Grits. It was very good, but different than any I have previously tried. It was more of a smoky tomato based sauce with a little bit of spicy heat as opposed to the normal cream based sauce. The biscuits were tasty, but dry, which is normal for biscuits. We finished off lunch with Hummingbird Cake that was EXCELLENT! They give discounts for TIW, AP, and DVC, and will start taking reservations on 7-21. We arrived right at 11 when they opened. When we left there were about 20 or so people waiting to be seated. The Staff and Mgmt. were all very nice and helpful. Definitely would go again.

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Taste Track Kiosk Reopens July 3

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On July 3rd, the Taste Track Kiosk (located next to Test Track in Epcot) will reopen with an all new treat based menu.

Gone are the grilled cheese sandwiches, and the new menu will include ice cream sundaes, ice cream cookie sandwiches, soft serve, traditional floats, as well as adult floats made with hard root beer & hard orange soda.

Taste Track reopens July 3rd and will be open 12:30pm to 5:30pm daily.

Kali River Rapids to test Single Rider Option

From July 3-17, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will test a single rider option for Kali River Rapids. Testing is not guaranteed each day, and may be offered intermittently throughout the days that it is.

During this test, single riders will enter using the FastPass line, and be separated further down the queue. Guests must be at least seven years old to use the single rider option.

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Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Co to close for refurbishment

The food court at Port Orleans French Quarter will be closing July 11th for a lengthy refurbishment that is expected to last through early Fall. An alternative dining experience will be available adjacent to the lobby & Scat Cat’s lounge.  This location will be serving some of the food court favorites such as, gumbo, jambalaya, po-boy sandwiches, and of course, the beignets. Other hot & cold entrees, as well as grab & go meals will also be available. The Disney  Dining Plan will be accepted at this temporary location.

Guests are also welcome to visit their neighboring food court at Port Orleans Riverside.  Bus service will run til Midnight for those guests who choose this option.

In-room pizza delivery will continue to be offered as well, from 4pm to midnight. Screenshot_20160614-163527

Beach Club Afternoon Tea is Back

For select summer dates, the afternoon tea at the Crescent Solarium at the Beach Club resort will return, providing a nice break from the heat.

Dates announced so far:

June 16-19

July 1-4

August 11-14

September 1-5

Make your reservations today by visiting http://www.waltdisneyworld.com or calling 407-WDW-DINE.IMG_20160612_165934

 

Plaza Restaurant now taking same day reservations

With Skipper Canteen changing their same day reservation policy to the usual 180 days, Disney is bringing the same day reservation option to the Plaza Restaurant in Magic Kingdom.

All current reservations will be honored but you can now only make 180 day advance reservations for the 11am-12pm hour.  This is, as always, subject to change depending on guest response. There have been many in-park surveys lately where same day table service dining has been a subject. Guests overwhelmingly feel there are no options for them if they don’t plan ahead. This practice of same day reservations could be a gauge to see if guests really utilize the service, and we may see it expand to other locations & parks.Screenshot_20160610-141407

Muppet Restaurant Confirmed for DHS

With Pizza Planet under reconstruction, much speculation about its rebirth has been making the rounds.  We can now confirm Pizza Planet will be re-opening with a Muppet theme.

Pizza Rizzo will still  be a quick service option with pizza as its main focus.

Expect Pizza Rizzo to open in time for the holidays.Pizza-Planet_Full_12783.jpg