Editor’s Note: The Patriot’s Platter is now available as a lunch, all-you-care-to-enjoy option. Also, the Platter now includes Turkey Breast, Sliced Prime Rib, and Carved Pork Roast once more, as of late October 2016.
Hear Ye, Hear Ye! It’s time to head back to one of our favorite spots — Liberty Tree Tavern!
Ah, how we love thee, Liberty Tree. Located in Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square, there are plenty of reasons why this park original is still one of our favorites. First of all, although we can embrace and even enjoy change (within moderation 😉 ), Liberty Tree Tavern has literally been around since the beginning. And that makes it a shoe-in for a spot in some of our collective earliest memories. A show of hands out there — how many of you recollect this Colonial-inspired dining room as one of your first Disney meals?
But then, it keeps us coming back as grown-ups for delicious comfort food! The a la carte menu served at lunch features one of DFB’s Favorite Burgers, the Angus Chuck Cheeseburger! And who could possibly resist the Pilgrims Feast at lunch? Because Thanksgiving Dinner served all year ’round is A-OK with me!
Recently, we learned of updates here (what?!?!) to the dinner menu. And while I don’t usually need an excuse to make an advance dining reservation at Liberty Tree, I figured it was the perfect reason to visit.
Join us to see what’s new — and what remains the same — when you dine at Liberty Tree Tavern for dinner!
Liberty Tree Tavern Entrance
Atmosphere
To step into Liberty Tree Tavern is to step back in time. The restaurant offers seating in six different rooms (none of that modern open floor plan stuff here).
Seating and View
Of course, an argument could be made that the throwback nostalgia here is part Colonial, part 1970s. But you know what? We’re totally fine with it. While some rooms offer paneling a plenty…
Seating and Wood Paneling Decor
Others are awash in white. Still, ample wood accents and parquet floors lend warmth and a feeling of antiquity.
Seating
Padded ladderback chairs provide most of the seating throughout, and are fairly comfortable. Some of our favorite tables are those with views to the outside.
Seating
I personally love the immersive experience here. In so many Disney restaurants, you have the theme inside, but it may not match what you look out on. With views onto Liberty Square, it all works together nicely in this nostalgic corner of the park.
(And don’t forget to look for Ben Franklin’s kite and George Washington’s wooden teeth in their respective rooms.)
Kite in Ben Franklin Room and a Lovely View
Each dining room is themed to a notable historical figure. They include Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, John Paul Jones, Paul Revere, Betsy Ross, and George Washington. Wanna know more? Check out this earlier in-depth atmosphere review.
John Paul Jones
Model Ship and John Paul Jones Portrait
Cloaks and hats at the ready! It’s best to be prepared.
Coats and Hat Hanging at the Ready
Ah. It’s always fun to have a little look around Liberty Tree. But now, let’s see what’s new with the menu.
Eats
I mentioned some menu changes. Don’t get too up in arms. Honestly, not much is terribly different about the Bill of Fare at Liberty Tree Tavern.
Menu — Click to Enlarge
There are two major differences that you can see from the menu: Some of the meats have been changed up; and dessert is a little different as well.
We also noted that the Patriot’s Punch is now a Patriot’s Slush, and that the price of the drink served in a Souvenir Tavern Keeper’s Collector Mug has gone waaaaaaayyyyy up. Like, double-digits-up.
But the menu isn’t the only thing that’s changed. Glassware and tableware have received a refresh as well. This is most welcome; during our last visit, everything was served on and in these weird, modern wavy bowls and plates. It was all wrong.
New Glassware
The plates are a warm stoneware pattern, and I like that the main dinner plates actually resemble three-corner hats.
But the reason for the change here is because the kitchen is now shared by three restaurants — Liberty Tree, Skipper Canteen, and Diamond Horseshoe (when it’s serving). And all three now use the same tableware and flatware. Still, it seems to fit each one.
New Dinnerware
The first thing to arrive to our table was a plate of Hot Dinner Rolls. They were served on a plate, rather than in a basket as they had been before. I was a little disappointed to see that there was no Cornbread on offer. It’s my favorite, and I’ll always pass plain rolls right by in favor of it.
Rolls and Butter
Incidentally, I thought it was pretty cool that the tableware makeover even extended to ramekins!
Whipped Butter — Up Close
Next up was the Declaration Salad, which is still the same fresh mix of crisp Iceberg Lettuce, Shredded Carrots, Red Onion, and Cherry Tomatoes. During our last visit, the House Made Dressing was served on the side. This time, we received the salad already tossed with the dressing.
Declaration Salad
Next, the Patriot’s Platter, the centerpiece of the meal, arrived. And here’s where you’ll start to see major differences in the menu.
Previously, the meats were all roasted: Roasted Turkey Breast, Carved Roast Beef, and Sliced Pork Roast. While the Turkey Breast remains unchanged, the Pork Roast has been replaced by Sliced Tavern Ham. You’ll also notice that Carved Roast Beef has been replaced by fan favorite New England Pot Roast, complete with veggies like Carrots mixed right in. The platter also includes Herb Stuffing; you’ll see it peeking out from beneath the Turkey and Ham.
While my husband wasn’t thrilled at the loss of the Roast Beef, I LOVED the addition of the Pot Roast and the Ham. This whole mess right here? Perfect, as far as I’m concerned!!
Patriot’s Platter
Another oblong platter arrived with sides of Macaroni and Cheese, Green Beans, and Mashed Potatoes. Gravy, and lots of it, arrived in its own boat — the only serving piece that remains unchanged.
The Mac and Cheese here is basically Stouffers, and tends to look gorgeous, but taste bland. Just be prepared to salt it within an inch of its life. The beans were ah-mazing. I pretty much ate them all. And the potatoes are always wonderful here.
Side Dishes — Macaroni and Cheese, Green Beans, Mashed Potatoes, and Gravy
With many dishes that are reminiscent of a Thanksgiving feast, you might be asking one question: what about the cranberry sauce? Here’s where we share one of our favorite DFB Tips: it’s available upon request, so be sure to ask if you’d like some!
Cranberry Sauce
While the servings are ample, it’s important to remember that you can always ask for more of anything, or everything! Your server is always more than happy to bring seconds of all of the dishes.
Soon, it was time for dessert, and we were greeted with another change. Previously, the finale was Johnny Appleseed’s Cake, featuring lots of Craisins (thanks to a corporate sponsorship deal with Ocean Spray). This time, Johnny Appleseed’s Tart was the offering. Full of both sliced Apples and Craisins, this was a little more reminiscent of the Apple Cobbler that used to be on the menu.
I was never a fan of the Johnny Appleseed cake, so this addition is just fine in my opinion. I loved the flavors together, and thought this was delicious.
Johnny Appleseed’s Tart
Happily full from a meal of comforting favorites, we concluded dinner and headed out to enjoy evening in Magic Kingdom. Splash Mountain, anyone?
Overall
Liberty Tree Tavern has long been a favorite of mine in Walt Disney World. In fact, it’s one of the few restaurants where I dine nearly every time that I visit. And while I favor the a la carte lunch service, dinner has its charms as well.
Although some guests might not love the changes to the dinner menu, we’re actually okay with them. While the addition of the New England Pot Roast from the lunch menu into the dinner platter might seem like a cost cutting measure, I love the stuff, so I’m psyched. (Can’t make it to Liberty Tree? Here’s the recipe.) And really, you can never go wrong with Turkey, Dressing, and Mashed Potatoes.
All of this means one thing: Liberty Tree Tavern, with all of its charm and nostalgia, will continue to be a place that I recommend that you visit.
Now, I’d love to hear your thoughts about the matter! Is Liberty Tree Tavern a must-do for you? Leave a comment and tell us what you think of this Disney World classic!
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hmm… not sure I like this.. I loved the pork and roast beef.. but I do like a good pot roast, so it might be OK. It was closed for the reno last time we were down there (it re-opened the day we flew home..), so it’s been a while since we’ve eaten there.
We’ll have to go back on our next trip to check it out. It has always been one of our favorites.
The roast beef was my favorite meat, but I do love ham! We will be eating here TOMORROW (cue excitement!!) so I guess I’ll find out how I feel about the changes first hand!
We ate dinner there last month with the new menu. I too liked the roast beef and was a little disappointed that it was gone. However I was pleasantly surprised by the pot roast. I still like pork roast better than ham. I only wish the green beans weren’t loaded in garlic. I am not a garlic fan. I won’t eat at 50’s Prime Time any more because they put garlic on everything there.
I was hoping this post was regarding changes on the lunch menu, and the “Sandwich Heard ‘Round the World” was returning. I still miss it dearly…
Awesome review.
However LTT was one our go to place, often eating there twice a visit. Sadly not anymore. Not a fan of the pot roast. It reminds me of “canned pot roast ” the salad is over dressed and not fresh. The lettuce is tired. Rolls dry… The only thing that is noteworthy is the gravy.
Because the kitchen is now preparing 3 different menus it’s obviously not as fresh, hot… Carefully prepared. I’m sad with all the changes.
Yes the dishes have changed but we found them just as awkward. Restaurants go over review every two years. I’m patient.
I haven’t eaten there since they gave me clam chowder instead of Cream of Turkey soup….and I have a shell fish allergy. The flavor was so light, I couldn’t tell in time. That can ruin a trip. That platter does make me think of giving it another try. The first time we went there, 23 years ago, they had a great fruit plate. Would love to see that again.
I would definitely prefer the pork over ham and the beef over pot roast any day. I wouldn’t like the pot roast’s gravy getting all over the other meats. I think I’ll stick to lunch now. These changes seem easier and cheaper for the kitchen.
The Liberty Tree is the oldest restaurant we’ve gone to, and I love it mostly for it’s staples – Pilgrim’s Feast, strong , bottomless iced tea and great A/C! I’ll stick with that.
Incidentally, if you like pot roast, check out the Pop Century’s food court!
We ate here in 2007 when it was still a character meal and we had the Thanksgiving dinner. We had great food and had so much fun with the characters and we were 3 adults! I’d GPO again for the atmosphere and food, but I know we would miss the characters.
I read the “Pilgrim’s Feast” in the first couple lines of this review as “Pilgrim’s Feet.” Really curious what that was LOL
I loved LLT for lunch. I had the pot roast and I’m already dreaming about having it again. Hubby had the fish and chips which was also good but not as much of a religious experience as the pot roast. 🙂
In all my years going to Disney, I’ve never been to this restaurant! We rarely eat in MK as it’s either a morning park or a post-dinner park for our family. The potatoes and the pot roast look like the only things I’d be interested in…that’s just me though!
I am relatively sure when we ate there in early December shortly after they reopened from the refurbishment the menu included the pot roast and ham. In any event I like these two options.
In case I am wrong and the pot roast was not on the menu last December, can you please confirm that there are NO mushrooms in the gravy?
Every since they got rid of the characters, I don’t think dinner is worth the price. Although I’m glad they brought the pot roast to dinner (it’s incredible), I still think the lunch is the meal to have at the LTT.
And a note on the souvenir mug: it has been at least two years since they switched from glass to plastic. That was bad enough. If they’ve now increased the price (again), it is definitely not worth the price for it.
We love eating lunch here…a nice sit-down meal of comfort food. Oh, and Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake…please say it’s still on the menu!
We are planning a trip in January and it appears that LTT is not going to be taking ADR’s anymore. I’ve heard they will be walk up only. Do you have any information about that??
We have eaten dinner here a few times and really enjoyed it. Even though our oldest daughter doesn’t eat meat, she would have plenty of salad, potatoes, veggies, mac n cheese and rolls. My youngest would eat the pork or turkey – now with this pot roast and it’s gravy, I don’t think she will eat it if the gravy gets on other meats. I personally loved the roast beef and have requested end well-done slices in the past and was given them. Not really sure about the pot roast and it’s gravy touching the other meats, (maybe we could ask for that to be separate?) on the other hand, my husband will enjoy the ham. In the past there was mac n cheese, and I’m almost positive it was listed on the menu – I see you did receive the mac n cheese, but noticed it is not on the menu you have pictured – will it still always be served? We missed last time due to the refurb, but may have to check it out next time!
We ate there right after it reopened. Talking to the waitresses, they do not like the place settings. She said they break at least one glass a shift. I am not a pot roast lover, so I missed the flank steak and the apple cobbler I can understand bring gin less food to the table because there was so much waste. Saying that,I would rather have them in smaller bowels, then everything crammed on a plate. Hopefully the overseers will understand most of the changes are not what guest want and figure out how to make the old way work
Terri — We can’t get confirmation yet of the move to walk-ups only, but we’ll keep you posted.
I have been looking into ADR as our 180 day date is Monday. I have searched every day in January for our restaurants, just to get a feel for what should be my first booking. LTT has NO ADR for January 2017, so Terri- I think you are correct. They must be going to walk-ups only. So how will that work? Can you walk up in the morning for a lunch time? Or you have to go when you want to eat and wait for hours? Or possible not be able to eat there?
Margie — I called Disney specifically about this, and the only thing that they would confirm is that they have not released those dates yet. Yes, I realize they are within the 180-day window. But they have not confirmed yet that they are going to walk ups only.
Interesting, Brooke. Thanks for checking! What is your opinion on this? Do you have a hunch one way or another?
Margie — I think it’s very odd that they haven’t released dates that should be released, even when I questioned them about it and they escalated the call to a manager. So I promise you, we’re watching very closely. 🙂
I saw someone else also asked but no one answered yet. Is the Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake gone?
Please let me know as my reservation is banking on that.
We are going for lunch!
Thank you!!
Lizzie B — The Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake is still available on the lunch menu as of today. 🙂
LTT is now taking ADR for February 2017. Still don’t see any availability for January. I too called ask what was going on and the person I talked to didn’t know anything.
Jeanne — Thanks so much for the update!
I was able to make an ADR for LTT for February 1st this morning, so I don’t know what was going on for January, but February worked out for us. Woo-hoo!
There are ADR’s in the system now for January. Just got an alert from Touring Plans and was able to get one for the day and time we wanted.
Nicoll — Thanks for the update!
Welcome 🙂
Great review as always, thank you.
Could you tell me please whether or not the souvenir tankards are available to buy at lunch time too with the slushi drink, or just during dinner?- I understand from a You Tube video I saw lately that the tankards are now metal- hence the price hike?
Hoping to visit for the first time for lunch in August 2017…hope its open as we missed out last year due to the refurb.
Jo — I don’t see that it is, but we’ll try and confirm for you. 🙂
We used to eat at the tavern every trip to WDW. Last time we tried it was very salty, and I couldn’t eat the food. Sent it back to the kitchen in trade for a simple salad. 🙁
How much is patriots platter lunch?
My family and I were at Disney World the week of Nov. 5. We had a lunch reservation and was very disappointed with the menu change. For lunch you could choose a hamburger that you can get everywhere, a salad and pasta. We love the pot roast, fish and the turkey dinner. I know they have the all you can eat turkey platter but it comes with prime rib which is way to fatty and turkey that makes me sick. I always order the pot roast. I don’t think we will ever eat there again. I go to Disney about 8 times a year, so very disappointed with the new menu.
Man that is too bad! I don’t eat turkey or prime rib. I agree, the pot roast is the best and why I love eating there! I’m keeping my February reservation and will post back w my experience.
Margie — Thanks so much! We’re definitely keeping an eye on this one to see if there are changes after the busy holiday season.
What about the fish and chips? Shepherds pie? Cobbler? The toffee cake was the best!!
These are all the things we loved there. Will be sad if they’re gone. Did they also start serving beer??
Minde — I don’t actually recall fish and chips or shepherd’s pie at Liberty Tree Tavern. Maybe those are dishes you enjoyed at Rose and Crown in Epcot or Columbia Harbour House? The good news is that the Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake is alive and well currently! You’ll find it on the lunch a la carte menu. And yes, late last year, four restaurants at Magic Kingdom, including Liberty Tree Tavern, began serving alcoholic beverages that complement their menu offerings. I hope this helps allay your concerns just a little. 🙂
So the Liberty Tree Tavern has switched to the family style lunch now as well- no more pot roast. There were a couple independent items to order, but nothing that was worth ordering. I don’t eat much meat, no pork or turkey, and just a bit of beef and chicken, so this was a disappointment for me. It was still a really cool atmosphere and place, but it is very sad the menu has changed. If you loved the old LTT, skip it. If you are new to LTT, give it a try, b/c nothing is more “Disney” to me than LTT and Liberty Square.
What is the price for dinner? i can’t seem to find it anywhere.
Danielle — It’s a range, depending on seasons. Currently it ranges from $31.99 to around $38 for adults and from $15.99 to around $19 for children.