Disney World Venue Named “Most Award-Winning Restaurant in the U.S.”

A Disney World restaurant has won the title of Most Award-Winning Restaurant in the United States, and the venue offers an experience that’s among some of the most wished-for experiences at the parks.

Disney World is the most magical vacation destination on earth. The Central Florida Disney Resort offers world-class entertainment, thrilling attractions, state-of-the-art ride technologies, exceptional Resort hotel accommodations, and great food–lots and lots of food. And Guests who frequent the parks always have their favorite dining venues–and those they plan to experience on a future visit to the parks.

One of the Walt Disney World restaurants at the top of many Guests’ Disney experience wish lists has just been named the “Most Award-Winning Restaurant in the United States,” though it’s a venue that many Guests have yet to experience–and one that some never even knew existed.

According to a Trips to Discover survey that compiled the top 10 most award-winning restaurants in the United States, the #1 most award-winning dining spot in the country is located just outside of Orlando–in the city of Bay Lake, Florida, at the Walt Disney World Resort. In fact, it’s the only restaurant in the state of Florida to make the list.

The survey looks at awards won by restaurants around the country and included in its compilation many 3-Star Michelin, 5-Star Forbes, and AAA-rated restaurants and used reviews from TripAdvisor and Google scores to create the ranking. The #1 spot belongs to Victoria & Albert’s restaurant at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

victoria and alberts disney world

“A crowning jewel in the culinary world, this restaurant proudly wears its Five-Star badge from Forbes Travel Guide and AAA Five-Diamond honor with grace and elegance,” Trips to Discover said. “Victoria and Albert’s is a highly regarded destination, with the vast majority of reviewers describing the experience as fabulous, memorable, and perfect. Reviewers highly praise the acclaimed tasting menu that caters to specific dietary needs.”

The prix-fixe menu for this luxury Disney dining experience begins at $295 per person.

dining at victoria and alberts restaurant

Guests at Victoria & Albert’s Restaurant are guaranteed an unmatched dining experience:

“Savor timeless elegance at Victoria & Albert’s. Come discover the ultimate in fine dining in a spectacular setting inspired by Queen Victoria’s Jubilee Celebration. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be immersed in the splendor of a bygone era. Victoria & Albert’s is home to sophisticated dining spaces that feature shimmering chandelier crystals, Victorian-inspired murals, delicate embroidery, intricate lace details, and other stylish touches at every turn.”

Disney World invites Guests to experience Victoria & Albert’s Dining Room at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa:

“Dine under the grand rotunda dome in The Dining Room at Victoria & Albert’s. This elegant space is reminiscent of a garden—from its Victorian-themed murals and wallcoverings to the graceful flowers and butterflies that adorn the ceiling. Settle in for a delectable dining experience with world-class service and thoughtful touches from beginning to end.”

victoria and alberts restaurant chandalier

The entire list of the Top 10 Most Award-Winning Restaurants in the U. S. reads as follows:

  1. Victoria & Albert’s – Orlando, Florida
  2. Cindy Wolf’s Charleston – Baltimore, Maryland
  3. The Inn at Little Washington – Washington, Virginia
  4. Per Se – New York, New York
  5. Le Bernardin – New York, New York
  6. Daniel – New York, New York
  7. Gary Danko – San Francisco, California
  8. The Modern – New York, New York
  9. Alinea – Chicago, Illinois
  10. Kai Restaurant – Phoenix, Arizona

Foodie Guide to Flavors of Florida Presented by CORKCICLE 2023

Foodies – are you ready? Flavors of Florida presented by CORKCICLE at Disney Springs will be serving up some mouthwatering and fresh flavors inspired by the Sunshine State. From July 1 through August 13, over 30 locations all throughout Disney Springs will be featuring a variety of dishes and sips Guests simply must try.

Guests will be able to embrace summer and delight in homegrown flavors from Florida, like the Lime Garage Burger from D-Luxe Burger or the Gambas Gabardina from Jaleo by José Andrés. And who can miss the Florida Shrimp Tacos available at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar? From the sweet to the savory, and everything in between, there are plenty of items Guests will want to come back for again and again.

Interested in seeing first-hand demonstrations from renowned chefs and restaurant owners? This year Disney Springs will be featuring a new culinary series! Check out the official site to get all the details and register for this exciting new offering.

Well, it’s about time we got to the best part – the food!

Amorette’s Patisserie  

  • Orange Cream Puff: Choux pastry with orange craquelin filled with orange curd and honey orange gel (New)
  • Orange Bird Dome Cake: Layers of Grand Marnier-soaked vanilla chiffon cake, mandarin pâte de fruit, mandarin orange cream, and white chocolate crispy pearls (Available for pre-orders and cake decorating experience) (New)
  • Strawberry Spritzer: French 75 with strawberry purée served in a Flavors of Florida CORKCICLE (New)

The BOATHOUSE

  • Pan Roasted Golden Tilefish: Citrus escabeche, coconut ginger rice, and cilantro aïoli (New)

Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’

  • Key West Shrimp Cocktail: Seasoned shrimp tossed with a mix of avocado, mango, cucumber, and a house-made cocktail sauce accompanied by homemade buttermilk crackers (New)
  • Florida Crush Cocktail: Combination of Florida’s iconic crops – oranges and strawberries – muddled with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, then complemented with a splash of freshly-squeezed orange juice and agave syrup (New)

Chicken Guy!

  • Sunshine Shake: A blend of hand-spun vanilla soft-serve and fresh Florida orange juice garnished with a crown of fresh whipped cream

City Works Eatery & Pour House

  • Seared Grouper: Pan-seared grouper melds with citrus chipotle rice, Cuban spiced black bean puree, smoked watermelon pico de gallo, chili oil, and micro cilantro (New)

Coca-Cola Store Rooftop Beverage Bar

  • Orange Cream Float: Mix of Coca-Cola, vanilla ice cream and an orange cream bar presented in a novelty cup you can take home for a memorable treat (New)

D-Luxe Burger

  • Lime Garage Burger: Deluxe patty topped with pepper jack cheese, pork belly, and fried green tomato served with an avocado, lime, and jalapeño spread
  • Orange Bird Milkshake: Artisanal shake made with vanilla gelato and orange topped with sprinkles

Dockside Margaritas

  • Frozen Orange Daiquiri: Siesta Key Silver rum, Cointreau liqueur, orange juice, and vanilla ice cream garnished with an orange wedge (New)

The Edison

  • Sunny Disposition: Florida cane vodka from St. Augustine, Florida orange liqueur, Lillet Blanc, fruity fraise de bois, and local fruits including navel oranges, Minneola tangelos, Plant City strawberries, and Indian River grapefruit (New)

Enzo’s Hideaway & Maria & Enzo’s

  • Key West Pink Shrimp Risotto: Fine Italian vialone nano rice, Key West pink shrimp, guanciale, sweet corn, herbs, and pecorino Romano (New)
  • Creamsicle Coppa: Vanilla gelato, made in-house, paired with orange sorbet, whipped cream and white chocolate crunchy pearls, recreating a classic childhood favorite dessert (New)

Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew

  • Citrus Dream Donut: Orange-glazed confection with white buttercream, citrus-flavored icing, an orange-flavored candy, and fresh mint
  • Orange Lemonade with Sweet Cold Foam: Blend of lemonade and orange juice cold foam

Frontera Cocina

  • Orange Shrimp Cocktail: Assortment of Florida pink shrimp, hibiscus-citrus avocado salsa, jicama, cucumber, red onions, cilantro, and lime served with tortilla chips
  • Agave Maria: Tromba Tequila Blanco, Ilegal Mezcal Joven, clarified lemon juice, and orange liqueur (New)

The Ganachery

  • Honey Lavender Square: Ganache square flavored with honey and lavender and enrobed in dark chocolate (New)
  • Key Lime Pop: White chocolate blended with key lime juice and fresh lime zest covered with dark chocolate

Gideon’s Bakehouse

  • Key Lime Chocolate Chip Cookie: Vanilla bean cookie dough infused with Florida Key lime juice and blanketed with premium chocolate chips and special Key lime pie crumbs (New)
  • Orange Mocha Nitro Cold Brew: Dessert coffee made with locally roasted beans, maple syrup, rich dark chocolate, and delicious Florida oranges (New)

House of Blues Restaurant & Bar

  • Florida Sunshine Mango Lager: New seasonal lager on draft from the Winter Garden-based brewery Crooked Can (New)
  • Local Florida Mahi Tacos: Tacos served on a flour tortilla, filled with pickled onion and coleslaw, and topped with cilantro crema and fresh cilantro (New)

Jaleo by José Andrés

  • Ensalada de Sandía y Tomate: Salad made with compressed Florida watermelon, heirloom tomatoes, PX reduction, goat cheese, pistachios, and sherry dressing (New)
  • Vieras crudas a los cítricos: Thinly sliced scallops dressed with Florida citrus dressing (New)
  • Gambas Gabardina: Beer-battered Florida Atlantic white shrimp with caper mayonnaise (New)
  • Pato con Melocotónes y Naranjas: Seared duck breast with sweet peaches and a Valencia orange glaze (New)
  • Jamón Serrano con Melón: 24-month cured serrano ham with summer melon and sherry dressing (New)

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar

  • Florida Shrimp Tacos: Florida jerk marinated gulf shrimp, watermelon, avocado, pico de gallo, and jalapeño served on a corn tortilla with a lime
  • Jock’s Citrus Old Fashioned: A classic cocktail with a Florida summer twist
  • Florida Mule: Florida Cane “Orlando Orange” Vodka, ginger beer, orange juice, and simple syrup

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company

  • Buzzin’ Honey Latte: A buzzing combo of espresso, milk, honey, and vanilla syrup topped with cold foam and a special character (New)

Morimoto Asia

  • Cedar Key Clams “Chow Fun”: Cantonese dish with fresh Cedar Key clams, flat rice noodles, garlic chives, and Chinese black bean sauce (New)
  • “Banh Gan” Orange Blossom Crème Caramel: Vietnamese crème caramel reimagined with orange segments, sweet cream, and candied zest (New)
  • Orenji Dreamsicle: Cocktail that blends the flavors of Florida and Japan, made with Absolut Vanilia and citrus-infused Haku vodka, Cointreau, orange juice, orgeat, and Calpico (New)

Paddlefish

  • Key Lime Pie: Graham cracker crust and torched meringue

Pizza Ponte

  • Pizza Diavola: Salame Calabrese and chili with local Orlando petal honey (New)

The Polite Pig

  • Key West Pink Shrimp Ceviche: Shrimp, smoked melon, shishito peppers, and local tomato vinaigrette with a drizzle of hot honey (New)

Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant

  • Sunshine State of Mind: Sweet orange pudding with whipped cream and an orange butterscotch sauce (New)
  • The Florida Split: Florida P1 Vodka, Florida local J.F. Haden’s Mango Liqueur, vanilla ice cream, and orange and mango juice (New)

Rainforest Cafe

  • Malibu Combo: Jerk seasoned mahi mahi topped with red onion and pineapple salsa served alongside Caribbean coconut shrimp with a coconut rum sauce and Caribbean rice (New)
  • Sailfish Brewing Sunrise City IPA: West coast-style IPA brewed with Columbus, Amarillo, and Mosaic hops, featuring a smooth finish and notes of bitter citrus (New)

Salt & Straw

  • Exquisito Guanabana Stracciatella: Tropical guanabana sherbet swirled with ribbons of dark chocolate Stracciatella with a floral undertone (New)

The Spice and Tea Exchange

  • Florida Sunshine Tea: Blend of floral and citrus flavors (New) (Available hot or iced)

Splitsville Dining Room

  • Grilled Key West Pink Shrimp Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette: Spring mix greens, strawberries, oranges, cucumbers, tomato, parsley, red onions, and feta cheese tossed in strawberry vinaigrette
  • Key Lime Pie Martini: Florida’s iconic dessert in a glass rimmed with graham cracker crumbs (New)

STK Orlando

  • Cuban Sandwich: Pulled pork, ham, and cheese with pickles and mustard (New)
  • Conch Fritters: Conch fritters with a spicy remoulade sauce and lime wedges (New)
  • Key Lime Bar topped with meringue, lime zest, and toasted coconut (New)

Sunshine Churros

  • Orange County Creamsicle: Churro rolled in orange sugar topped with cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of orange and white toppings (New)

Swirls on the Water

  • Orange Bird Sundae: DOLE Whip Orange in a vanilla waffle bowl with whipped cream, green sprinkles, and an Orange Bird chocolate decoration (New)

Terralina Crafted Italian

  • Almare Spritz (New)
    • Classico: Classic Italian spritz flavors of bitter orange, rhubarb, and subtle herbal notes
    • Hugo: Refreshing and bright with elderflower, lemon, and mint
    • Rosa: Notes of grapefruit, bitter herbs, and flowers

T-REX

  • Blackened Tuna: Tuna seared rare served over cilantro-lime rice with a side of mango, avocado, and heirloom cherry tomato salad (New)
  • Oyster City Mangrove Pale Ale: Classic pale ale with a malty body and mild hops fermented in mangos for a tropical, fruit-forward flavor

Vivoli il Gelato

  • Strawberry Shortcake Bombolato: Cake batter gelato, strawberry sauce, and fresh strawberries inside a warm Italian doughnut (New)
  • Orange Blossom Honey Cannoli: Creamy blend of ricotta and orange blossom honey served in a crispy Italian pastry shell (New)

Wine Bar George— A Restaurant & Bar

  • Dicuru Burrata: Dicuru burrata paired with tomatoes from The Villages Grown, Belle Glade corn, and Olde Hearth sourdough bread featuring ingredients sourced from Florida (New)
  • Frozen Old Fashioned: Frozen old fashioned made with DOLE Whip Orange and George Dickel 8-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey

YeSake Florida

  • Fresh Poke Bowl: Fluffy rice, grilled chicken, crisp lettuce, carrots, cucumber, avocado, mandarin oranges, and tempura crunch topped with a savory roasted sesame sauce (New)
  • Florida Sunset: A tropical blend of Ozeki Sake, Nigori Sake, Monin Banana, and peach syrups and DOLE Pineapple Juice (New)

Outdoor Bars Throughout Disney Springs

  • Blood Orange Gin and Tonic: St. Augustine Gin, Tippler’s Orange, blood orange, and tonic water garnished with an orange wedge
  • Key Lime Margarita: Patrón Silver tequila, Grand Marnier liqueur, Key lime juice, and vanilla garnished with a half graham cracker rim (New)

(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.)

Downtown Disney Announces Delicious New Experiences

We have several tantalizing and tasty new updates to share with you from the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort! This dynamic destination offers something for everyone and will continue to evolve with several exciting new additions. Take a look at what’s new and what’s coming!

Now Open! Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio and Beignets Expressed

For more than two decades, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen has been revered for its warm hospitality, French Quarter flair, bold flavors, and famous, hot beignets! Building on this rich tradition, the iconic restaurant has evolved with a fresh new look, new name and new menu! The location is celebrating its reopening as Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio, a modern, casual and fun celebration of the Gulf and Pacific coasts, and Beignets Expressed.

The restaurant’s all-day menu features long-time fan favorites alongside new selections such as Lobster & Crawfish Sliders, Chile-Spiced Honey Glazed Grilled Salmon, Gumbo LA-LA filled with succulent seafood, the Grilled Open Faced Lobster BLT Po-Boy and the Reef & Beef, a delectable entrée of grilled shrimp and braised short ribs. This contemporary menu pairs perfectly with a newly expanded wine list from California vintners, and seasonal, seaside-style cocktails.

And let’s not forget the famous beignets! Beignets Expressed is a fast, friendly, and fun counter-service spot, bestowing the much-loved New Orleans confection served classically (fried and topped with heaping mounds of powdered sugar) and the specialty glazed beignets, dipped, drizzled, and sprinkled in infinitely delicious flavors. Signature and seasonal glazed selections include Snickerdoodle, Fruity Crunch and Bananas Foster.

New! Clyde’s Hot Chicken

Have your clients had a chance to taste Clyde’s Hot Chicken yet? It’s a new cart located in the district near the Disneyland Monorail that serves scrumptious Nashville hot chicken on a stick, handmade fresh daily and available in three different heat level seasonings. If guests really want to turn it up a notch, they can try the Hot as Cali with cayenne and habanero spices!  Wowza!

Coming soon: The Alley!

The courtyard next to Splitsville Luxury Lanes is being transformed into an exciting space — The Alley — with interactive games, live music, lounge areas and seats for dining. This summer, your clients can relax, play games and create memories in this fun new spot, and enjoy all the delicious food and beverage offerings from Splitsville.

Shopping is always on the menu in the district! Disney Home and WonderGround Gallery have recently reopened with unique selections of Disney décor. Down the way, guets can pop in to Lovepop for the coolest 3D pop-up cards, and Pelé Soccer for the latest in soccer gear and apparel.

It’s an exciting time as Downtown Disney District continues to be reimagined with new dining, shopping and entertainment experiences, along with long-time favorites throughout the promenade. Future plans for the district also include the addition of Din Tai Fung, a world-renowned Chinese restaurant known for its soup dumplings and noodles, plus masterful Mexican cuisine by Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytán at Paseo and Céntrico, and the oh-so-yummy California-Cuban cheese rolls and pastries from Porto’s Bakery and Cafe. 

Festive Foodie Guide to the Return of Halfway to the Holidays

Happy Halfway to the Holidays…well, almost! Summer officially starts next week, which means it’s that time of year to start the countdown to the holidays. From June 13 through 15, celebrate #HalfwaytotheHolidays with us as we give you a taste of the season with announcements, sneak peeks, special treats and of course holiday fun. To prepare for all the festive fun, we’re kicking off with our Halfway to the Holidays Foodie Guide.

One of the best parts of the holidays is the delicious eats and sips you can indulge in. And what Halfway to the Holidays celebration would be complete without some? At Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, even aboard Disney Cruise Line on the high seas, we’re unwrapping some returning favorites and new delights for this limited time.

Let’s take a peek!

Disneyland Resort

Disney California Adventure Park

Cozy Cone Motel 1 (Available June 13 through 15; mobile order available)

  • Egg Nog Slush with Rumchata topped with whipped cream and sprinkles (New)

Pacific Wharf Café (Available June 13 through 15; mobile order available)

  • Mickey Gingerbread

Downtown Disney District

Kayla’s Cake (Available June 13 through 15)  

  • Gingerbread Man Macaron: Gingerbread man printed macaron with gingerbread buttercream (New)

Walt Disney World Resort

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Gasparilla Island Grill (Available June 13 through 15)

  • Brownie Tree Pop: Returning from the annual Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Gingerbread House, a chocolate brownie dipped in white chocolate with rainbow sprinkles
  • Gingersnap Cookie: Returning from the annual Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Gingerbread House, a traditional gingersnap cookie topped with candied ginger

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Wish and Disney Fantasy

Joyful Sweets and Sweet on You (Available June 12 through 18 aboard the Disney Wish and June 10 through 17 aboard the Disney Fantasy)

  • Happy Santa Cupcake: Celebration cupcake with vanilla frosting and Christmas sprinkles

 Available on Various Disney Cruise Line Ships

Preludes and Buena Vista Theater:

  • Reindeer Sipper: Available on the following sailings:
    • Disney Fantasy: June 10 through 17
    • Disney Wish: June 12 through 18
    • Disney Wonder: June 12 through 19
    • Disney Magic: June 15 through 19

Preludes, Buena Vista Theater, and Luna Libations (Aboard the Disney Wish):

  • Christmas Rotating Tin Popcorn Bucket with butter-flavored popcorn; available on the following sailings:
    • Disney Fantasy: June 10 through 17
    • Disney Wish: June 12 through 18
    • Disney Wonder: June 12 through 19
    • Disney Magic: June 15 through 19

Cove Café and All Specialty Coffee Locations

  • Holiday Stainless Steel Tumbler: Available on the following sailings:
    • Disney Fantasy: June 10 through 17
    • Disney Wish: June 12 through 18
    • Disney Wonder: June 12 through 19
    • Disney Magic: June 15 through 19

From holidays to everyday excitement, there’s no limit to the fun that can be had at Disney Parks and aboard Disney Cruise Line! Keep your eyes peeled next week for more Halfway to the Holidays announcements.

Happy Halfway to the Holidays!

(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.)

Are CHANGES Coming to Disney Dining Plan

The Disney Dining Plan is coming back and Disney has released more information about what’s included! Ever since the announcement that Dining Plans would return, fans have wondered if there would be significant changes. This update clears all of that up.

Thankfully, not much has changed. It will still be the same dining plan we all know and love. There are a couple of significant differences, however, that may not sit well with some guests. Overall though, we think guests are going to be very happy with the new Disney Dining Plan.

Both the Quick Service Dining Plan and Regular Dining Plan loose a snack credit when Plans return.  Instead of two snacks (or non-alcoholic beverages) per day, guests now will only get one. Guests will need to choose between a drink or a snack for their snack credit (pro-tip: go for the snack. It’s almost always a better bang for your buck).

This change will likely leave fans divided. Many will grumble at loosing the snack credit. I get it, I’d often use one for a drink and one for a snack throughout the day. Others will be OK with the change because “too much food” is a common complaint with the Dining Plan.

Disney dining plan

Credit entitlements are also  changing for some character meals. Cinderella’s Royal Table has always required two table service credits.  When last we saw the Disney Dining Plan it was the only character meal that used more than one credit. Now, however,  Akershus and Storybook Dining join the list of two-credit-meals. Essentially,  if you want to see the Princesses, you’ll need to use two credits.

That change was expected. All three character meals are premium experiences. While we never want to see things cost more, we are honestly a bit surprised the change didn’t happen before now. If using two credits is a no go for you, you’ve still got options. Other character dining remains unchanged at one credit per person.

Pricing has not yet been announced but stay tuned. We expect the prices to be released tomorrow. It would probably be wise to expect a 10-12% increase from the Dining Plan’s 2020 cost (which would put it in the ballpark of an estimated $86/adult for the RegularDining Plan and roughly $60/adult for the Quick Service Plan). As soon as we know the actual pricing, you’ll know.