Wow! Lots of new dining is on the way to Epcot. But it’s not just limited to spots like the upcoming Takumi-Tei in the Japan pavilion or the Space-themed restaurant coming to Future World.
Because Disney has just announced a new fast-casual restaurant — Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue — coming to The American Adventure pavilion!
Later this year, Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue will replace Liberty Inn. The new location will feature BBQ and craft brews on tap.
Disney shares that the modern barbecue smokehouse will have “all the accompanying sights, sounds, smells and flavors you love – including a large smoker preparing fine food every day right on the pavilion’s promenade.” A redesigned patio is also in the works!
Liberty Inn, the pavilion’s current counter service restaurant, will close on July 8th to make way for the new location.
So, what do you think of the news?! Let us know with a comment!
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Gary says
Hmm. If it’s as good as Flame Tree BBQ in Animal Kingdom then sign me up.
Emily says
Oh this sounds like a GREAT idea. I know there will be detractors (there always are) but bbq and craft beer ARE highlights of American cuisine (more so than bland burgers, certainly.) And if the BBQ follows in Flame Trees footsteps (or even better, Polite Pig) then it will be a fantastic option for fast casual that, if we’re being honest, will highlight American tradition (which the pavilion is supposed to do) far more than the food does now.
Dylan says
Love this idea! Hoping it brings some new life to the American pavilion. And what better than BBQ & beer!
jp says
All for it. I’m hoping for BBQ styles and craft brews from specific regions. A great way to celebrate our differences.
Nancy says
Barbecue May highlight American food but so do burgers and hot dogs. I hope they will offer something besides barbecue unlike polite pig.
Judy says
Sounds great! Hope they include some craft cider for the Gluten free folks!
Sandi says
Yay! Y’all listened! BBQ from around the country would be so cool! I’m looking forward to the switch!!!
Kelly says
You KNOW we are going to call it The REGAL BEAGLE!
Wendy says
Finally! I have never had a good meal at the American Pavilion and it’s a shame because I feel like we love ridiculous, fatty things and huge portions/flavor here. It doesn’t reflect that currently.
Ed says
Can they have this open by Oct 26th? Sounds awesome to me and would love to go while we are there
Bjm says
Now, if they would also add a great table service restaurant to the American Adventure Pavilion we would be on par with the other countries around the showcase. Seems to me that this pavilion should be the gold standard since they’re supposed to be representing the best of America.
Dale says
As long as my wife can still get her Mickey Premium Bars there, she’s A-OK with it. 🙂
TimNJ says
What took them so long????????!!!
John Zucchero says
BBQ is actually an Argentinian thing. No matter, this is a good change. I always thought it made the USA look bad… you have all these good foods from around the world in all the other showcases and here is our gift to the world: Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, and Chicken Nuggets (which you can still get at the Electric Umbrella).
DebC says
If they can make and serve some good Texas Brisket there, I’ll be happy. Not a pulled pork fan and that’s what you find the most in the Eastern US. And the ones that try to make brisket, don’t smoke it long enough and it’s fatty. It should have a bit of fat on the outer edge that you can cut off if you want, but mostly just flavor on the inside. And a nice mustard Southern style potato salad. Just stick to basics, Disney, and don’t try to fancy it up.
Danielle says
Would LOVE if it were Sam Eagle (the Muppet) themed!
Sharon Pastorky says
My daughter and son-in-law Are. Taking me along for our Disney vacation in September 2020 for the Not so Scary Haloween cause all 6 of us love Disney and Halloween. Definitely plan to go to the Regal Eagle Smokehouse.
Sandra Jamieson says
Seems like Disney World is becoming an alcoholic hangout. So much alcohol. Is it really needed? Can’t have fun without it?
Mike v says
GREAT Idea!!!! About time we get to feature some good American cuisine in our country. Love it Disney
Christina says
@Kelly This site desperately needs a Like button. *L*
Tony says
So will my loberty tree reservation for December automatically switch over to this if it’s open by then?
Caryn says
Not sounding like good news for us vegetarians and vegans. Hoping they keep the Beyond Burger and maybe offers some plant-based options. I’ll keep an open mind and would give it a try, though those “accompanying… smells” are not a plus.
DFB Sarah says
Tony, Liberty Tree Tavern in Magic Kingdom will not be affected. Liberty Inn is the quick service in the American Adventure Pavilion at Epcot, and that’s what will be closing to make room for Regal Eagle. 🙂
TCJules says
There’s always got to be one person who complains about alcohol.
This sounds like a perfect fit. I can’t wait to sample the barbecue and the brews!
Margaret Drayden says
AJ, is there any word on when the BBQ place will open?
Toni Nolan says
For John Zucchero, don’t know if you knew this but Electric Umbrella is closing.
DFB Sarah says
Margaret, looks like the only timeline Disney has given is “later this year”. When we hear anything more specific, we’ll update!
Ret says
Sad ?
Do we really need yet another location focusing on beer? More and more, it seems that the only guests who count are those who drink alcohol. Surprise – there are many who can’t stomach the smell or taste of alcohol, especially beer. You’ve just lost a faithful fan of Liberty Inn after many, many years.
Karen A King says
Sounds good. I hope they have the different styles of BBQ that we have in our country. A sampler of the different types would be fun.
Rhonda says
Someone said my thoughts already. Represent all regions of BBQ along with regional craft beer. I am loving the idea of some really good Texas, Memphis, Kansas City, Carolinas style BBQ and other flavors. Great job Disney!
Jaclyn says
Will Regal Eagle be a counter service?
DFB Sarah says
Jaclyn, it’s described by Disney as fast casual — so quick service but may have a delivery system where your food finds you, like Be Our Guest. No official word on that — it’s just speculation on my part. But we’ll update when we learn more!
Rae says
I agree, as a Southern girl from SC but now living in NC, I am constantly looking for my SC style BBQ sauce, which isn’t the norm in NC! It would be GREAT to represent all the different BBQ styles from around our wonderful country…I’m sure Disney will not disappoint!
Lucas says
In defense of hot dogs and burger, I once worked with a group of Australian ski instructors that were on an exchange program to our mountain. This diverse group of women and men all t wanted hot dogs and burgers… and light beer. We would entertain these folks and they just wanted these things all the time. So, the Liberty Inn, as weird is it to Americans… might have been onto something for people not from this country visiting Epcot.
Can’t wait for Regal Eagle tho!
Kathleen Dorsam says
We enjoyed the Food from the big smoker at the Flower & Garder fest so I hope it is similar to what we had at that Booth.