Walt Disney World is the Place to Eat in 2019

When it comes to dining, there's no better food than theme park food. And while many of us still think about burgers, hot dogs and the occasional giant pretzel, there's so much more, especially at the Walt Disney World Resort. Epcot is hosting quite a few festivals this year, new restaurants are popping up at Disney Springs, and some restaurants are even getting a whole new concept for guests to enjoy.

Epcot hosts four different festivals throughout the year, and the first one, Epcot's International Festival of the Arts, is starting January 18, 2019. This festival brings the world of art alive through interactive displays, amazing food, and artists from around the world creating amazing pieces all while guests tour World Showcase and Future World.

In Spring, Epcot comes alive with millions of flowers during the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival. Guests can enjoy bright spring flavors at various outdoor kitchens, including one of our favorites, Violet Lemonade, amazing floral topiaries and live concerts each night. Flower and Garden Festival starts March 6, 2019, and goes until June 3, 2019

Fall brings in the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, a guest favorite which has been going on at Epcot for over 20 years If you're looking for the best culinary experience on vacation, be sure to plan your trip around this festival which typically starts in late August or early September.

The last festival for 2019 at Epcot is the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays. This celebratory event brings holiday traditions from around the world to one spot, where guests can learn about different cultural traditions, try yummy holiday treats and enjoy the sounds of the season throughout the park.

Wolfgang Puck Bar and Grill at Disney Springs has a menu to please everyone in your party. From wood-grilled pizzas, including Wolfgang's iconic smoked salmon pizza, to house-made pasta and sandwiches, you are not going to want to miss this restaurant. Pop in for lunch or dinner, or grab a seat at the bar and try one of their many delicious hand-crafted cocktails and an appetizer like the Tandoori Style Chicken Wings.

Jaleo by José Andrés is set to open early in 2019 and will bring authentic flavors of Spain to the heart of Walt Disney World. This new restaurant will feature tapas, paella and a huge variety of imported meats and cheeses from Spain. Jaleo is all about sharing and experiencing food with family and friends. Be sure to bring an appetite and friends who don't mind sharing food with everyone.

City Works Eatery and Pour House is opening Summer 2019 at Disney Springs. The new establishment will be serving classic American good with a twist, all in a space that features multiple high-definition televisions, and one giant 165-inch screen. City Works will also offer guests more than 80 beers on tap, specialty cocktails, wine, whiskey and more. If you're a big sports fan, this is going to be the place to watch the best games in 2019.

Wine Bar George is always adding something new to their extensive wine menu, but the real star is their wine tasting dinners with master sommelier George Miliotes, which happen monthly. Frontera Cocina is bringing their quarterly Taste of Mexico menus into 2019, where every few months the restaurant gets a new "seasonal" menu based on a specific region of Mexico. This menu is curated by Chef Rick Bayless and his team at Frontera Cocina.

Artist Point at Disney's Wilderness Lodge has been reimagined into Storybook Dining at Artist Point, which is a character dining experience with Snow White, Dopey, Grumpy and the Evil Queen. Guests will enjoy a variety of shared appetizers, including Winter Squash Bisque with caramel marshmallow lollipop, an entree of their choice, including some incredible prime rib, and shared desserts, including a gooseberry pie!

Over at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, there is a new tower being built, which is set to open in July 2019. The Grand Destino Tower is part of a huge reimagining for this resort and will feature a new rooftop table service restaurant, Toledo- Tapas, Steak, and Seafood. Toledo is going to offer guests amazing views of Walt Disney World with indoor dining and a lounge with indoor and outdoor seating. The second new restaurant opening at Disney's Coronado Springs is Three Bridges Bar and Grill which will be located on an island in the middle of Lago Dorado, the resort's 14-acre lake

One of the lesser-known food events is over at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort. Usually happening in late fall, The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Classic is just like a miniature Epcot Food and Wine Festival, but with fewer crowds, and with some amazing selections of wine from around the world. This festival features exclusive areas like a champagne room, German beer garden and an authentic Hawaiian in-ground bbq pit for full pigs to make scrumptious Kalua pork.

Disney recently revealed a new line of Potion Purple merchandise and food available at Magic Kingdom. Guests can find things like a Minnie cake on a stick, which is a mouse ear-shaped blackberry cake covered in purple chocolate and a chocolate bow. There are potion purple items available at select resorts, including a black raspberry and lemon tart from Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resorts

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge is set to open Fall 2019 and with it a new quick-service restaurant based on the famous Cantina in the Star Wars films. Oga's Cantina will welcome visitors to unwind, conduct business and maybe encounter a friend or foe. The cantina adheres to a strict code of conduct to keep patrons in check. Menu items at Oga's Cantina will be made with exotic ingredients using otherworldly methods, and be served in unique vessels.

Magic Kingdom is celebrating 90 years of Mickey and Minnie through September 2019. With that comes a lot of new treats including a Minnie Kitchen Sink ice cream sundae from The Plaza Ice Cream Parlor, and the Now and Forever Slush available at Gaston's Tavern.

With the opening of the new Municiberg city block at Hollywood Studios comes what's soon to be the go-to treat at Hollywood Studios, Jack-Jack Cookie Num Nums. These giant chocolate chip cookies are served warm and are filled with gooey melted chocolate chips. Cookie Num Nums can easily be shared between two or three people.