As I'm sure you've heard by now,
Kouzzina by Cat Cora
at Disney's
Boardwalk is closing September 30,
2014. And naturally, Disney fans everywhere are wondering about its
replacement. Disney has been rather closed-mouth about it thus far,
but I'm not about to let that stop me from speculating!
It's not that I necessarily think the Boardwalk is lacking in dining venues. The Flying
Fish Cafe is (outside of Victoria
and Albert's, which
shouldn’t really count) quite possibly my favorite Walt
Disney World
restaurant. Chef
Tim Keating is an absolutely amazing talent, and his attention to
detail and desire to please guests is truly remarkable. Additionally,
the sports fan in me adores the
ESPN Club, and the bartenders there are some of my
favorite on property. I've even enjoyed a meal or two at Big
River Grille and Brewing Works...but then again, I liked
Kouzzina, so that tells you
what my opinion's worth. ;) However, since there will be an open
space, I'm certainly not lacking for ideas!
The moment I heard about an opening on
the Boardwalk, I immediately recalled some interviews I had heard
with Disney historians/experts Jim Hill and Jim Korkis. Both
had mentioned some of the previous ideas that had been floated for
this area, and I found them absolutely fascinating. (Side note: As I
discuss the information shared in their interviews, any “insider”
or historical content is completely due to their knowledge and hard
work. Any mistakes or misinformation would be my fault entirely.)
One idea that was originally floated as
a dining option for the Boardwalk was a 900-seat supper club themed
to The Little Mermaid. As the resort officially opened
on July 1, 1996, I can see why this idea was appealing at the time.
But much like The American Idol Experience at the
nearby Disney's Hollywood Studios, this is a concept
whose time I believe has come and gone.
On the other hand, I find the concept
of Walt's Attic
absolutely fascinating. This would have been a more upscale
dining experience with music and entertainment – perhaps something
similar to the Top of the World
restaurant that used to occupy the space that is now home to
the Contemporary Resort's
California Grill.
They were planning to join forces with the Disney Archives, so that
you'd be dining surrounded by fascinating artifacts from Disney
history. Just the chance to be up close and personal with the likes
of Disney's special Oscars for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
or early pieces of Walt Disney World concept sketches would be worth
the price of admission alone! (Also, I really loved Top
of the World, and I miss it. I also desperately miss the
Papeete Bay Verandah at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
Hotel and found it vastly superior to 'Ohana,
but that's another discussion entirely.)
Perhaps my favorite concept, however,
was The Family Reunion. Do you miss the interactive experience
of The Adventurers' Club? Then this may have been a venue for you.
You'd have walked in and been greeted by a large man dressed in drag
who'd be portraying your dear aunt (picture John Travolta in
Hairspray). You'd be given a name tag (because
apparently you come from a very extensive family), and would then be
ushered into the “church basement” for the reunion. Cast members
would portray zany, eccentric, and occasionally annoying family
members as you are served old family favorite dishes in Pyrex and
CorningWare. Maybe I'm just feeling nostalgic for the heyday of
Pleasure Island, but I think this sounds like a blast.
But who am I kidding? The way my luck
goes, we'll probably end up with a restaurant serving the typical
menu of strip steak, chicken dish, pasta/vegetarian option, grilled
fish, and the same Disney drinks and desserts you see throughout Walt
Disney World. It could be worse, though; they could lease the space to
Landry's for another Rainforest Cafe. (Okay, seriously, I'm just joking about both of those options. By all that is right and holy, I sincerely hope and trust that Disney will do neither of these things.)
What would you like to see Disney bring to the Boardwalk? Share your thoughts and ideas over at https://www.facebook.com/disneygene!
