Happy New Year, everyone! 2011 was a big year for food in Disney parks and resorts, and when there are this many changes it can be helpful to recap — especially if you’re headed to a Disney park or resort soon!

So come with us as we walk through 2011 and a few of those newsworthy highlights! What’s your favorite Disney Food news from 2011?? Share your experience with us in the comments below!

2011 Disney Food Year in Review

Check below to see 2011 updates from Disney World, Disneyland, and other Disney destinations as well as our additions and changes here on the Disney Food Blog!

Walt Disney World Year In Review

Restaurant Openings and Renovations

Although they haven’t enjoyed as many full-blown restaurant openings as they did in 2009 and 2010, Disney World has definitely had its share of restaurant renovations and updates.

Tortuga Tavern in the Magic Kingdom replaced the (also Pirate-themed) El Pirata y El Perico. Serving much the same menu, including Mexican and Tex-Mex options, Tortuga also added some fun and whimsical decor so that you don’t forget that you’re in Disney World.

Also in the Magic Kingdom, we saw Storybook Treats and Cheshire Cafe develop from their former counterparts.

The AMC Fork and Screen Theater opened in Downtown Disney in 2011, so you can save time by doing dinner and a movie together, then heading back out into the parks! Nothing like some serious multi-tasking in the World!

Katsura Grill replaced Yakitori House in Epcot’s Japan late in 2011. Much of the same food is offered, but you will find a slightly more “clean lines” layout and a few additional classic Japanese menu items.

The overhaul in Japan also included the addition of the Kabuki Cafe, which is basically a more formal Kaki Gori stand also serving a seasonal menu of Japanese snacks like Miso Soup, Sushi, and Edamame.

Japanese Pancake from Katsura Grill

Right between the two new spots? An outdoor Sake bar! We can highly recommend the lime sake cocktail!

Also in Epcot, the always-popular Le Cellier Steakhouse turned its dinner meal into a signature dining option in March, making this meal 2 credits on the Disney Dining Plan. Le Cellier is still a tough ticket to get, so I think the hope that this price increase would lessen demand for reservations might be dashed. It’s still a popular spot for both lunch and dinner.

Over in Animal Kingdom, the guest-favorite Tusker House Character breakfast has expanded to include a new character lunch as well! This has brought positive response from Disney character meal fans!

And Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge has introduced a brand new dining experience in 2011! Dine with an Animal Specialist at Sanaa offers guests [Read more…]