Welcome to planDisney, Andrea!
As Joe Gardner says in Pixar's
Soul, "Life is full of possibilities. You just need to know where to look." So, I love that you've discovered Cooking With Soul, a part of Celebrating Soulfully at Walt Disney World Resort! And I'm more than happy to show you where to look.
While having a restaurant called "Cooking With Soul" sounds like an amazing idea (I would be there every week!), instead you'll find an array of dishes with roots in African, Caribbean, and Black American cultures around the Resort.
From spicy gumbos to savory collard greens to smoky barbecue, you can find an
entire list of locations where you can enjoy these various takes on cultural dishes. For example, mac and cheese is a staple in the South, but you'll find a simpler one at
Chef Mickey's at Disney's Contemporary Resort and one with more depth at
Chef Art Smith's Homecomin' at Disney Springs. Regardless, you'll get a taste of soul.
I highly recommend checking out the
Regal Eagle Smokehouse at EPCOT,
Sebastian's Bistro at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort,
Sanaa at Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas--Kidani Village, and the
Polite Pig at Disney Springs. And I personally can't wait to try this summer's treats inspired by the live-action
The Little Mermaid film at
Disney's Hollywood Studios and
Magic Kingdom Park!
AN EXTRA GEM: I recommend securing a spot at one of the table-service restaurants that serve these flavorful dishes by making an
advance dining reservation as soon as you can. The window starts 60 days before your visit. However, it's more than possible to get a reservation even on the day of or via a walk-up list.
As you can see, the options are limitless, Andrea! Around every corner at the Walt Disney World Resort is a chance to celebrate the rich history of soul food and the stories that inspire it. Please don't hesitate to revisit me here at planDisney if you need any other suggestions to help make this the best vacation ever.
I'm all ears! Magic always,
LeAndra