Big things are happening at the Magic Kingdom soon and the possibilities of what those changes can bring could be endless!
Back in 2022 at the D23 Expo (Disney’s fan convention), Disney announced that an expansion would be coming to the Magic Kingdom at Disney World using the term “Beyond Big Thunder” which is now commonly used to refer to said expansion. Focusing on using a space that is currently on the other side of the park’s railroad tracks, this expansion would add a new land with experiences and attractions themed after some modern and classic favorites. Some of those experiences could also be new restaurants and we have some that we would LOVE to see added and if we don’t get at least one…well, let’s just say our foodie hearts would be broken.
Concept art of the expansion was revealed at the D23 expo, hinting at potential IPs they’re thinking of including in the land, and with those in mind, we thought of all the fun eateries we enjoy seeing as part of this new expansion! Keep in mind that there are no confirmed plans to bring these restaurants to the expansion, but just ones we would love to experience if given the chance.
An Encanto themed restaraunt
On the right side of the official concept art, we can clearly see what looks like the Madrigals’ casita with a rainbow shining over it. If plans to make an Encanto area were to come true, then we NEED a restaurant to go with it! Since the movie takes place in Colombia, this gives Disney a chance to explore traditional Colombian dishes with the possibility of giving them a unique twist.
Personally, we were a fan of the Vibrante & Vívido Encanto Cocina food both at EPCOT’s International Festival of the Arts last year, and would love to see the return of the chorizo and potato empanadas and the passion fruit mousse! Also maybe even delicious arepas since Julieta Madrigal is known for making some magical ones.
Now, after this announcement at d23 in 2022, Disney execs announced that Dinoland, U.S.A. in Animal Kingdom would be revamped into a land themed after the Tropical Americas — and they teased Encanto as a part of that expansion, too. So, while there’s a chance that the original idea of Encanto in Magic Kingdom is still a go, we think it’s more likely we’ll see the Casita Madrigal in Animal Kingdom. So we’re crossing our fingers for a Colombian restaurant there!
A COCO themed restaurant
Another possible area that could be part of this expansion is one themed after COCO which has us very excited! A COCO themed restaurant would be so fun AND delicious. The menu would feature Mexican-inspired dishes, of course, and although Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe is located at Magic Kingdom was well, we’re sure the offerings would be very distinct as the creative potential for the menu could be endless!
We would also love to see conchas (Mexican sweet bread) as one of the offerings since Disney released Minnie ears themed after these traditional pastries a couple of years ago.
A Disney Villains-themed restaurant
OK, this is the ONE. We’ve been wanting a land revolving around the Disney Villians for a WHILE now and we’re hoping this would make the cut. Especially since a villain-themed restaurant would be WICKED COOL! We’re not sure what would be offered menu-wise (poison apples don’t seem doable), but design-wise we think it would be incredible to experience. Maybe something dark and mysterious like the forbidden West Wing featured at the Be Our Guest restaurant, which is also at Magic Kingdom. Crossing our fingers that we get this one as part of the expansion!
And there you have it! Some possible restaurants that we absolutely NEED for the upcoming Magic Kingdom expansion. Stay tuned as we bring you more updates and the latest in Disney news!
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Would you love to see one of these potential restaurants as part of the Magic Kingdom expansion? Let us know in the comments!
Melanie Durham says
Oh, that would be magical! I hope they include those restaurants! You’re making me hungry!