Walt Disney World is having lots of firsts this year [1]. The long-awaited Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge [2] land is scheduled to open on Aug. 29, and the Disney Skyliner transportation system and Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway ride are also making their debut. But for foodies [3], the most exciting part is the list of new restaurants opening their doors [4] inside the parks and at Disney Springs. From a new Star Wars eatery that will serve Blue Milk (it actually sounds delicious) to a new bar with a huge beer selection, here's a look at what's new to savor in 2019.
Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo
As if the anticipation for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge wasn't already out of this world, get ready for some equally great eats. The new land, which is located in Hollywood Studios, will include a fast-casual eatery called Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo. It features food from throughout the galaxy, including Ithorian Garden Loaf, Smoked Kaadu Ribs, Braised Shaak Roast and Fried Endorian Tip-Yip.
Elsewhere in Galaxy's Edge, there will be new other small food stands: Ronto Roasters will sell housemade turkey jerky and Portuguese-style hot dogs; Kat Saka's Kettle is your source for "Outpost Mix," a mix of red, orange, and purple popcorn seasoned with a mix of sweet and savory flavours; and the Milk Stand will offer Bantha Blue Milk, a nondairy smoothie that looks a lot like the stuff Luke Skywalker drank in Episode IV.
Oga’s Cantina
What Star Wars-themed land would be complete without a cantina? Oga's Cantina will offer that same Bantha Blue Milk, themed cocktails, and non-alcoholic specialty drinks, along with music courtesy of DJ RX-24.
NBA Experience
A giant sports bar tailored to basketball fans, the NBA Experience will include interactive games, immersive experiences, and a retail store. It's expected to open in Disney Springs this Summer.
City Works Eatery & Pour House
For those who like both beer and basketball, City Works — which also has locations in Pennsylvania, Texas, Ohio, and Illinois — is a dream come true. The new restaurant, which is expected to open in Disney Springs' West Side in the Summer, will feature 80 beers on tap and a chef-driven menu with items like duck nachos, kung pao cauliflower, and braised short rib tacos. Sporting events will also be displayed on a giant, 165-inch screen.
Jaleo
The first Florida restaurant from celebrity chef Jose Andres will feature authentic Spanish fare such as paella and the small-plate tapas style that Andres helped introduce to America. It's expected to open sometime this Spring in Disney Springs.
Topolino’s Terrace — Flavours of the Riviera
Disney's Riviera Resort, the soon-to-be-open sister resort to Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort expected to open later this year, will include a new signature table service restaurant called Topolino's Terrace — Flavours of the Riviera. It will feature French and Italian-influenced dishes, a character breakfast, and spectacular views (including firework shows!) of Epcot and Hollywood Studios. It's expected to open late in the year.
Toledo — Tapas, Steak & Seafood
The Gran Destino Tower expansion at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort will house a new eatery called Toledo — Tapas, Steak & Seafood, a themed table-service restaurant offering rooftop dining and fireworks views.
Three Bridges Bar and Grill
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort expansion will also make way for a second new restaurant: The Three Bridges Bar and Grill. It's a more casual eatery than Toledo but perhaps in a cooler location — it will be located on an island in the middle of the resort's 14-acre lake.