After Being Closed for Over 650 Days, a Disney Favorite Reopens!

Via DisDining.com

Calling all Disney foodie fans! We previously shared the exciting news that select Walt Disney World Resort restaurants were finally returning to operation. After closing its door in March 2020 due to the COVID pandemic, this favorite Disney Resort restaurant has officially reopened!

Disney is on a reopening roll and we hope it just keeps coming! Disney Park Trams are back in operation, several Disney Resort restaurants are reopening, spa services at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort are returning, and exciting entertainment like the date reveal for Magic Kingdom’s “Festival of Fantasy” Parade are all making a comeback.

If you’re a fan of incredible dining, this Walt Disney World restaurant should be on your must-do list. That’s right, it’s time to head on over to the BoardWalk where you’ll find Flying Fish! From some of the best seafood we’ve ever had to the perfectly good steaks, this contemporary American restaurant on Disney’s BoardWalk has opened its doors after well over 650 days of being closed.

Disney Cast Members are celebrating the return as well! Walt Disney World Cast and Community took to Facebook on January 27 to share, “Back on the boardwalk! Cast Members are ready to “sea” you at Flying Fish, which reopens today at Disney’s BoardWalk! Congratulations on bringing back another favorite experience for our Guests.”

Flying Fish Cast Members

Jeff Vahle, the President of Walt Disney World Resort, took to Instagram to share some photos of the reopening with the note, “Flying Fish is back! I was excited to join Culinary Director Lenny DeGeorge, Executive Chefs Andy Larkin and Tony Deluca, Chef Tim Majoras, and the rest of the team as they welcomed their first Guests today. We’re so excited to be opening this back up for our Guests to enjoy. Thanks to our Food & Beverage Cast Members who made it happen and congrats to everyone involved!”

Flying Fish Cast Member
Flying Fish Cast Member

If you’ve never dined at Flying Fish restaurant before, you’ll want to be aware that reservations 60-days in advance are highly recommended, plus, there is a dress code for the Signature Dining experience. Men must wear khakis, slacks or dress shorts and collared shirts. Jeans may be worn if in good condition. Sport coats are optional. Women must wear Capri pants, skirts, dresses, or dress shorts. Jeans may be worn if in good condition.

In other words, this is a Disney signature restaurant that you’ll want to clean up for after a Disney Park day. Go ahead and leave the tank top, flip-flops, and swimsuits back in the Resort room.

Disney describes Flying Fish as “Seasonal Fare, Perfectly Prepared” with “Savor a sophisticated interpretation of nostalgic seaside meals—our menu exudes pure epicurean genius. Step inside and discover a warm, welcoming ambiance that defines luxury dining. Unexpected details—in our impeccable décor and menu—are sure to impress Guests. Each delicious dish is more mouthwatering and visually stunning than the next… we’ve fire-roasted gourmet seafood into fine art.”

Flying Fish Food

“Peer into the open kitchen from your exquisitely set table and watch our master chefs create one culinary masterpiece after another using the freshest ingredients—choose from a variety of succulent specialties that might include perfectly seared scallops and slow-roasted pork belly.”

During dinner, indulge in a diverse selection of handpicked wines chosen to complement the cuisine, as well as our signature cocktails. Be sure to treat your sweet tooth to an assortment of seasonal desserts for an unforgettable mealtime finale!”

Walt Disney World Restaurant REOPENINGS Announced!

Exciting news coming out of Walt Disney World Resort as we are learning several Disney Resort restaurants are FINALLY reopening their doors!

First up, Disney has announced Flying Fish at Disney’s BoardWalk is reopening!

Disney shares, “The chefs from Flying Fish over at Disney’s BoardWalk are ready to welcome you back on Jan. 27 with their signature seafood dishes. Enjoy a taste of luxury with unrivaled flavors, sustainable seafood, and steak offerings. When it comes to entrées, this restaurant does not disappoint. The Seafood Pearl Pasta consists of all your favorites – shrimp, lobster, scallops, clams, and mussels. For another option from the sea, consider the Plancha-seared Scallops accompanied with savory grits, sweet corn, and Peppadew emulsion. How delicious! After indulging in your dinner, there’s no better way to conclude a trip to Flying Fish than with a sweet finish. If you love chocolate, the Cocoa Breach accompanied with delicious vanilla custard is the treat for you.

Collage of offerings from The Turf Club Bar and Grill

Let’s move on over to Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa where The Turf Club Bar and Grill is reopening soon!

Disney has announced, “Get ready for a night at the races again starting on Feb. 3 with a nice trip out to Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. Here you’ll find The Turf Club Bar and Grill, a special spot with a reputation for delicious American flavors in every dish. Begin your evening on a high note right out of the gate with the New York Cider-braised Mussels appetizer flavored with garlic, chorizo, fennel, Fresno chili, and apple cider topped with a grilled baguette. As you move on to the next course, the Grilled Pork Chop or Braised Lamb Tagliatelle both have a place in the winner’s circle of flavor. And don’t forget to top off your meal with one of the delightful desserts, like the New York Cheesecake. Yum!

Collage of food offerings from Jiko – The Cooking Place

How about a little goodness over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge? That’s right, Jiko – The Cooking Place is once again opening its doors.

Disney shares, “Beginning on Feb. 17, venture over to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge to savor the tastes and flavors of African, Indian, and Mediterranean cuisine at Jiko – The Cooking Place. As this spot welcomes you again, try the Seafood Tagine. Filled with prawns, scallops, squid, and Littleneck clams, this dish is a shellfish lover’s dream! For a sweet finish, the returning Kilimanjaro dessert is not just gorgeous, but delicious too. Decadent dark chocolate mousse, pistachio financier, pink peppercorn meringue, cacao nib crunch, and ras el hanout pineapples – what could be better?”

Collage of food offerings from Cape May Café

While previously open, we are excited to hear that Disney is returning some beloved offerings at Cape May Cafe and Ale & Compass Restaurants.

First, Disney has announced “Over at Cape May Café on Feb. 15, embrace the New England vibes as you once again feast upon an all-you-care-to-enjoy, buffet breakfast with tasty items like pull-apart bread with vanilla sauce, beef hash, and an omelet station. And what breakfast is complete without Mickey and Minnie waffles? As the sun goes down, the buffets keep coming with options like cornbread, seasonal harvest salad, seafood boil, and a daily carving station, just to name a few. You can also choose to upgrade your meal with snow crab legs or even a whole lobster, both purchased by the pound. It’s best to bring your appetite for these exciting returns because you’ll want a bite of everything!”

Image of Blueberry Bacon Pancakes and interior of Ale & Compass Restaurant

And right next door at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Ale & Compass Restaurant is bringing back some tasty breakfast offerings!

Disney goes on to say, “Next door at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort starting Jan. 31, the Ale & Compass Restaurant is back with some returning breakfast options and exciting, new lunch offerings. Start off by indulging in one of the delicious à la carte entrées, like Blueberry Bacon Pancakes. And don’t forget to enhance your breakfast with a tasty buffet filled with dazzling additions to your entrée, including pastries, fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, overnight oats, and house-made cheddar biscuits with country gravy.”

Ready to book a fantastic meal at one of these locations? Booking reservations open starting January 20, 2022.

Flying Fish at Disney’s Boardwalk Expected to Reopen Next Month

Guests looking for sustainable seafood and prime steaks may soon be able to once again dine at Flying Fish. The restaurant, located at Disney’s Boardwalk, is rumored to open in September.

Flying Fish features an open kitchen, allowing guests to watch chefs prepare dishes like Hokkaido scallops, Sardinian seafood pasta, and char-crusted New York strip. Although the restaurant has been closed since March 2020, a menu is still available online.