Katsura Grill: A Culinary Gem in the Heart of Epcot

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Parks, Epcot

Within the enchanting world of Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, Katsura Grill is a hidden culinary gem that promises a delightful journey through the flavors of Japan. Tucked away in the serene Japanese pavilion, this charming eatery offers a unique and immersive dining experience that transports visitors to the Land of the Rising Sun.

Katsura Grill prides itself on serving authentic Japanese cuisine that caters to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re a sushi enthusiast, a lover of hot ramen, or someone seeking vegetarian options, this restaurant has something to satisfy every palate. The menu features an array of delectable dishes, including sushi rolls, udon noodles, teriyaki entrees, and bento boxes. Each dish is crafted with precision and care, ensuring an authentic taste of Japan.

One of the standout features of Katsura Grill is its picturesque setting. The restaurant is nestled within a Japanese-style garden, complete with tranquil ponds, lush greenery, and stone pathways. Guests can choose to dine indoors in a traditional tatami room or enjoy their meal on the outdoor terrace overlooking the beautiful gardens. The serene ambiance and serene surroundings make Katsura Grill an oasis of calm amid the bustling excitement of Epcot.

Katsura Grill offers a quick-service dining experience, making it a convenient choice for visitors looking to maximize their time exploring Epcot. The efficient counter service allows guests to place their orders quickly, receive their meals promptly, and then find a peaceful spot to savor their food. It’s an ideal option for families, solo travelers, and groups alike, ensuring everyone can enjoy a satisfying meal without the hassle of long wait times.

Families visiting Katsura Grill will be pleased to find a variety of kid-friendly options on the menu. From chicken teriyaki to tempura shrimp, the restaurant offers dishes that are sure to please even the pickiest young eaters. Plus, the beautiful surroundings provide an engaging backdrop for children to explore while waiting for their food, making it a pleasant dining experience for the whole family.

Katsura Grill is more than just a place to eat; it’s an opportunity to experience the rich culinary traditions of Japan in the heart of Epcot. Whether you’re a foodie seeking new flavors or simply looking for a peaceful and beautiful place to recharge during your Disney adventure, Katsura Grill has something special to offer. From the delicious dishes to the tranquil setting, this restaurant captures the essence of Japan and invites guests to savor every moment.

Katsura Grill is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort. With its authentic Japanese cuisine, stunning setting, efficient service, and family-friendly options, it’s a culinary gem that adds an extra layer of magic to your Disney experience. So, the next time you find yourself wandering through the enchanting Japanese pavilion, be sure to discover the delights of Katsura Grill. It’s a culinary journey you won’t soon forget.

Soarin’ Over California to Return to EPCOT

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Epcot

The Disney100 Celebration kicks off at EPCOT on September 22, and Disney has announced some exciting news for Soarin’ Over California fans.

Disney has announced that Soarin’ Over California, the original Soarin’, will return to The Land pavilion for a limited time as part of the Disney100 celebration beginning September 22. That date is also the beginning of the Disney100 celebration at EPCOT.

No other details have been announced, such as how long the fan-favorite Soarin’ Over California will be available to guests. The Disney100 celebration ends on December 31, 2023, so it might end at the end of the celebration. The last time the Soarin’ Over California film played was June 16, 2016. Soarn’ Around the World debuted on June 17, 2016.

Kabuki Cafe: A Taste of Japan at Epcot’s World Showcase

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Parks, Epcot

Epcot’s World Showcase is a veritable treasure trove of international culture and cuisine, where visitors can embark on a culinary journey around the world without ever leaving Orlando, Florida. Among the many pavilions that line the World Showcase Lagoon, Japan stands out not only for its stunning architecture but also for its delightful culinary offerings. Nestled within the Japanese pavilion, you’ll find the Kabuki Cafe, a hidden gem offering a taste of Japan’s unique flavors and traditions.

Kabuki Cafe is a charming and unassuming establishment located just steps away from the towering pagoda of the Japan pavilion. It is designed to resemble a traditional Japanese street vendor or yatai, exuding an air of authenticity that transports guests to the bustling streets of Japan. Surrounded by serene gardens, koi-filled ponds, and carefully manicured bonsai trees, the cafe offers a peaceful respite for weary Epcot explorers.

What makes Kabuki Cafe truly special is its menu, which features a selection of delightful Japanese snacks, sweets, and refreshments. Visitors seeking a cool and refreshing option on a warm Florida day can indulge in the cafe’s signature item: kakigori. This Japanese shaved ice treat comes in various flavors, including strawberry, melon, and rainbow, and is drizzled with sweet fruit syrups, providing a satisfying and cooling snack.

For those with a taste for savory delights, Kabuki Cafe offers a delightful assortment of sushi rolls. Options typically include California rolls, spicy rolls, and vegetable rolls, all expertly prepared with fresh ingredients. These rolls are the perfect size for a quick and satisfying snack.

Kabuki Cafe also offers a selection of Japanese beverages. Guests can choose from a variety of sake options, including sake cocktails, to complement their culinary choices. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, there are Japanese soft drinks and teas available as well.

Kabuki Cafe provides an ideal setting for a midday break. Whether you’re strolling through the World Showcase or just pausing to take in the beauty of the Japanese pavilion, this cafe offers a serene atmosphere and delicious refreshments.

While Epcot is known for its diverse dining options, Kabuki Cafe offers a unique culinary experience that transports guests to Japan’s vibrant street food scene. Its unpretentious charm, delicious offerings, and tranquil surroundings make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the World Showcase.

In conclusion, Kabuki Cafe at Epcot’s Japanese pavilion is a delightful and often overlooked gem that offers a taste of Japan’s culinary culture within the enchanting world of Disney. Whether you’re savoring a refreshing kakigori on a hot day or enjoying a sushi roll in the serene gardens, this cafe is a tranquil oasis and a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered by adventurous foodies and Disney enthusiasts alike.

A Brand-New Attraction Is Coming to Walt Disney World’s EPCOT

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Epcot

Walt Disney World’s EPCOT was always designed to be a revolving experience, a constant ‘state of becoming.’ This theme park’s main inspiration was the ever-evolving world of advancement, technology, and nature.

In fact, when Walt Disney first dreamt of EPCOT, he was imagining something else entirely: a city. His famous quote reads:

So that’s what E.P.C.O.T is…an experimental prototype community that will always be in a state of becoming. It will never cease to be a living blueprint of the future, where people actually live a life they can’t find anywhere else in the world.

Any hardcore fan of Walt Disney World Resort will tell you that EPCOT originally stood for ‘Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow.”

While the Disney Park is, well, exactly that: a theme park, and not a city, it still finds ways to honor Walt’s original vision. It’s always in a state of becoming.

In EPCOT, things are ever-evolving, just like Walt Disney wanted. While rides and attractions can’t always change or update as often as a constant ‘state of becoming’ requires, the nighttime spectaculars can!

That’s why it makes total sense for the Walt Disney Company’s latest announcement: an all-new firework display in EPCOT.

EPCOT is one of the best places in Walt Disney World for a nighttime spectacular. Not only does the theme park’s iconic Spaceship Earth attraction come to life with projections, but the fireworks show across the World Showcase Lagoon can be viewed anywhere in the World Showcase.

That means a guest in the Mexico pavilion and a guest in the France pavilion can watch the same fireworks display at once, despite being in entirely different areas.

EPCOT Forever

Luminous: The Symphony of Us will feature iconic Disney music, fireworks, and even dancing water fountains. But at this time, these are the only details we have.

This new experience will debut on December 5.

FIGMENT Gets a Meet and Greet

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Epcot

When we think of Disney, we often conjure images of beloved characters, enchanting princess tales, and magical kingdoms. However, one often overlooked gem at Walt Disney World Resort is the unique and imaginative character known as Figment.

Figment is a small, purple dragon with a mischievous personality who serves as a guide through the wonders of the human mind. Figment can be found in the Imagination Pavilion at EPCOT, one of the four theme parks that make up Walt Disney World Resort.

While the world may not know his name, he is a true A-list celebrity to Disney fans.

Figment

Figment’s fanbase has completely exploded over the past couple of years. His nostalgic element, mixed with the fact that he is a Walt Disney World original character, makes him very important to a lot of fans. Disney has not always registered the love that fans have for Figment, but that shift began to happen last year with the sale of his Popcorn bucket.

When Disney released the Figment Popcorn bucked, fans lost their minds. Lines stretched through all the Parks in the hot Florida sun just to grab one of these coveted accessories. The resale market on these also blew up, with people selling these buckets for massive upcharges.

Disney World Figment popcorn bucket

Earlier this year, Disney announced the thrilling news that Figment would be receiving his own meet and greet in EPCOT. Fans will finally be able to hug and interact with this beloved character. At today’s D23 presentation, fans were treated to a viewing of what Figment will look like, and they also received the best news possible.

The Figment meet and greet is started Sunday, September 10! This is much sooner than fans were originally anticipating, and the fandom is certainly delighted at this news.