1900 Park Fare set to reopen at Disney World, but things are changing for the worse
It was recently reported that 1900 Park Fare will finally be reopening at the Grand Floridian Resort at Walt Disney World. The restaurant closed during the COVID-19 pandemic but has remained closed for nearly four years. That is about to change though as Disney has announced the restaurant will be opening up again on April 10, 2024. You will be able to start making dining reservations on March 5, 2024.
According to the Disney Parks Blog page, we can expect a new menu (more details to be released on March 5, 2024) and a revamped character experience. They note that Aladdin will make an appearance in his Prince Ali outfit — different than the one you'd see him in at Magic Kingdom in Adventureland. Cinderella will reprise her appearance, but newcomers Mirabel and Tiana will join her. Tiana is reportedly going to wear a costume inspired by the new Tiana's Bayou Adventure opening sometime this year.
Disney World changes characters at 1900 Park Fare for the worse
As of now, the dining page on the Disney site that states the restaurant is opening on April 10, 2024 states that the recently returned dining plan will not be accepted. We will have to wait and see if that changes come on March 5, 2024, when reservations become available. It's possible that the site is only saying this because you cannot currently make dining reservations for this restaurant. As someone who enjoys the dining plan with his wife and three kids — especially for character dining — I hope this changes immediately after reopening or at least relatively soon after it reopens.
That said, I'm not positive that I will return after hearing who will be visiting our tables while dining. The food here was solid for a buffet and it had one of my favorite cocktails — 'Palk the Plank' — but based on the news that Anastasia and Drizella are not on the list of characters, I find that very disappointing. Those two made the dining experience fantastic and fun. They didn't just walk around from table to table doing the same old, same old. Instead, they were funny, interacted with one other from even across the room, and would make funny comments toward guests.
As much as I enjoyed my Bulleit rye whiskey with orange juice, orgeat, and lemon juice cocktail (there are not enough whiskey-themed cocktails in Disney), it isn't enough for me to venture back to 1900 Park Fare — especially if it is not a part of the dining plan in the near future.