by Beth Keating
News/Review
DisneyBizJournal.com
January 4, 2020
Last summer, we were fortunate to see “The Muppets Present: Great Moments in History” at the Magic Kingdom. As longtime Muppets’ fans (from childhood!), we thoroughly enjoyed this short cornball production. It is classic Muppet zaniness, standing room only, showcased in the windows of the second floor of one of the historic-looking buildings in the courtyard outside of the Hall of Presidents.
Truth be told, the first time we saw it, we only made it halfway through before an iconic Florida deluge called an end to the show. When the sun returned later in the day, we were able to watch the show in its entirety. It was a fun, albeit short, diversion in a trip through Liberty Square – definitely one of those small Disney touches that adds value to your vacation to the House of Mouse. We were sad when Disney announced the end of the show in the fall (though it did make a brief, temporary return during crowded Christmas week.)
While we were mourning the demise of “Great Moments” with the Muppets, Disney was planning a surprise twist behind the scenes. “Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue” is slated to open shortly in Epcot. A reimagined version of the quick serve restaurant in the American Pavilion, this new fast-casual eatery will be serving classic American barbecue from around the country. Yesterday, in an exciting turn of events, Disney announced that Sam the Eagle will be moving to Epcot, serving as the proud host at this new venture. The new iteration is themed as “Sam’s Centennial Cook-Off: A Salute to All Cook-Offs But Mostly Barbecue” (subtitled “A Competition Fit for Patriots and Pit Masters”). Wow, what a moniker! The Imagineers have toned the competition as an “annual” event located in the Regal Eagle Smokehouse – but it will, in fact, be open daily for hungry park guests.
Source: Disney Parks Blog
As a family that loves barbecue, we’re excited about the TWO new barbecue restaurants opening in Disney this year. The much needed and whimsically themed sit down restaurant “Roundup Rodeo BBQ” will be opening in Toy Story Land (a specific kick off date has not been released yet), while “Regal Eagle Smokehouse” debuts at Epcot.
We haven’t been back to eat at the American Pavilion in many years (unless you count the Epcot Food and Wine Festival booths) because the culinary offerings at the American Pavilion were…. lackluster at best. We had the proverbial theme park hamburger/hockey puck at the Liberty Inn many years ago, and couldn’t justify going back with so many other spectacular offerings in World Showcase. We always considered it a crime that the American Adventure, the de facto anchor of the loop around the lagoon, should showcase such poor examples of American food while you are enjoying the best the international pavilions have to offer. “Regal Eagle” has the opportunity to change all that, proffering an in-house smoker that will serve up a variety of barbecue styles from around our great nation. In fact, you could justify lifting a few home-style craft beers or ciders at the new venue while you debated the efficacies of the various regional barbecue styles from around the country with your crew. (West Coast wines will also be available.) I envision each of the travelers in our group ordering a different style of barbecue and passing the plates around to sample and debate – just sayin’!
Among the entrees slated to be offered at “Regal Eagle” are Texas beef brisket, Kansas City Smoked chicken, Memphis dry-rub ribs, and varying styles of burgers, including a plant based burger with BBQ jackfruit. A multitude of sauces and regional prep styles also will be featured, with sides ranging from beer-battered onion rings and baked beans with burnt ends, to classic mac-and-cheese and house-made pickles. Desserts include a minted watermelon, s’mores brownies, and a banana pudding that offers something a little different as well.
So, while we all assumed the “eagle” in “Regal Eagle” was a reference to the majestic symbol of our country selected long ago by our Founding Fathers, it turns out Disney had a slightly more humorous eagle in mind. Can’t wait to pay him a visit. Maybe he’ll bring a few of his felted friends along for the journey.
Beth Keating is a regular contributor to DisneyBizJournal.
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