Walt Disney World continues its phased reopening from the coronavirus pandemic that shut the resort down for nearly four months last March.

Currently, Disney has relaxed restrictions, as per CDC guidelines, for those who have been fully vaccinated against the virus. As people are slowly going back to traveling, demand continues to increase, therefore Disney is gradually bringing still closed resorts and dining outlets back online.

Recently it was announced that Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, which had been closed due to an extensive refurbishment, will reopen on 19 July to guests. While most of the resort areas and amenities will be available, the renovation of the monorail station continues and monorail service to and from the resort remains temporarily unavailable. The front entrance to the Great Ceremonial House will also open at a later date.

Today, the Disney Parks Blog announced reopening dates for select dining outlets throughout the resort, as well as a new opening at Disney Springs.

Cítricos at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has been reimagined to pay homage to “Mary Poppins Returns.” Taking subtle cues from the movie’s animated sequence, the dining room brings guests into a fanciful garden setting accented by the glow from decorative lamps and chandeliers.

Chef Andres Mendoza crafted a new menu with starters like Sweet Corn Bisque with pickled fennel, popcorn, and fennel oil and a colorful Strawberry Salad with chamomile-infused goat cheese, frisée lettuce, bacon vinaigrette, and spiced sunflower seeds. 

Entrées include Butter-poached Florida Cobia with mashed fingerling potatoes, grilled asparagus, and local mushrooms with a grapefruit beurre blanc or a delicious Guava Barbequed Short Ribs with aged cheddar creamy grits, roasted poblano, curtido slaw, and Brussels sprouts.

New desserts from Citrico’s Pastry Chef Kristine Farmer include a Warm Apple Rose with seasonal apple, marzipan layers, and frozen coconut milk and the Chocolate Torte, a dark chocolate financier, dark cherry compote, and vanilla bean mascarpone cream.

The wine and cocktail program, designed by Sommelier Israel Perez, is exceptional. For those who enjoy an elevated food and wine experience, the new and exclusive Sommelier Room at Cítricos will allow Israel and his team to source boutique wines that pair with special creations from Chef Andres. 

Cítricos will open on 15 July 15, with bookings available starting Thursday, 1 July.

As with all Disney all-you-care-to-eat-style restaurants, Trail’s End Restaurant at The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort will transition from a self-service buffet to family-style. The restaurant will reopen on 17 July with hearty family-style skillets for breakfast and dinner. 

The Trail’s End breakfast will feature an oven-fresh pastry basket and berry granola yogurt parfait for the table, followed by a hearty family-style skillet with smoked brisket and eggs, bacon, sausage, cheesy potato casserole, and of course, Mickey waffles. Adults can sip on Moonshine Morning Cocktails – a Pioneer Mimosa with passion, orange, and guava juices and a Mountain Mary with moonshine. 

Dinner at Trail’s End starts with hushpuppies and skillet cornbread with a chopped garden salad for the table. The family-style Smokehouse Skillet comes with pecan-smoked brisket, rotisserie chicken, andouille sausage, fingerlings potatoes, green beans, and buttered corn on the cob. Pork spare ribs, peel n’ eat shrimp, and cornbread-crusted salmon are available as add-ons. 

Dessert is a Covered Wagon Sundae – a wagon load of ice cream, toppings, brownies, cookies, and chocolate-covered bacon! Adults can even kick back with Moonshine Cocktails.

A guest favorite, Casey’s Corner on Main Street, U.S.A., will reopen 30 June with their classic all-beef hot dogs. The Chili-Cheese All-Beef Hot Dog, Corn Dog Nuggets with, of course, cheese sauce, and the plant-based Loaded Slaw Dog (plant-based sausage topped with pickled slaw, barbecue vegan aïoli, and roasted corn relish), are back. Beverages include a Frozen Mint Julep Lemonade. Mobile order is available.

Also reopening is the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor hosted by Edys. Located on Main Street, U.S.A., the old-fashioned ice cream parlor will open on 7 July. Assorted flavors are available on a cone or in a cup – fat-free and no sugar added, as well as plant-based non-dairy options. Also returning are Barq’s Root Beer Floats and Coca-Cola Floats.

Eight Spoon Café at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park is now open and offers their delish Baked Macaroni & Cheese (with or without pulled pork). Also back is the Pulled Pork Jelly Donut Sandwich.

Dino Diner will reopen on 4 July, with various items including the Dino-Rama Chili-Cheese Dog or a Corn Chip Pie, as well as churros.  

Salt & Straw, the popular scoop shop at Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort, is heading to Disney Springs next year. Disney stated that more details will be forthcoming over the next few months.

Disney Family Night Dinner, a new summer offering for the entire family will start on 30 June. This “playful, family-style dining bundle” includes a take-out shareable meal, sweet treats, and an original card-type game inspired by some of your favorite Disney friends.

Disney Family Night Dinner is available from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. through mobile order and at the two resort locations offering this three-course takeaway meal that serves 3-4.

Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort:

• Roasted Jamaican-style Chicken
• Fried Yucca
• Cilantro Rice
• Seasonal Vegetables
• Caribbean Pull-apart Rolls with Onion Jam and Guava Butter
• Decorate-your-own Mickey and Minnie Cookies

Gasparilla Island Grill at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa:

• Garden Salad – Tomato, cucumber, carrots, and a duo of dressings
• Savory Lasagna – Three cheese lasagna with tomato sauce
• Two Mickey-shaped Cheese or Pepperoni Pizzas
• Minnie Cheesecake with strawberry sauce, whipped cream, and fresh berries