Long Lost Dining

Long Lost Dining
Tony Caggiano

Over the past few weeks, my retro articles have all been in reference to musical selections from days gone by, but with so many incredible and fun things lurking in Walt Disney World’s past, I began to think, why do these reviews all have to be about vintage albums?

While rearranging some shelves in my own kitchen, I spied my Disney cookbook collection. Over the year, the chefs at Walt Disney World have been gracious enough to offer up some of their best recipes to their fans. The very first of these Walt Disney World cookbooks came out way back in 1986, Cooking with Mickey Around Our World. This book has long been a favorite in out household.

When I first purchased my copy of this book, I believe I was on Main Street U.S.A. in the Magic Kingdom. I was about 15 years old and, even though my culinary skills were lacking at the time, I knew then, that this was a wonderful way to bring some of the magic of Walt Disney World home.

What I did not realize at the time is that this book would someday be a time capsule of sorts, offering long lost recipes from Extinct Restaurants. While you can find a few recipes, which are offered today at The World, most are from restaurants whose doors have long been closed. Some of my favorite dining spots from year gone by are her, including the Contemporary’s Top of the World Restaurant, the Polynesian Village’s (as it was formerly know as) Papeete Bay Verandah, the Empress Lilly’s Steersman’s Quarters and the Magic Kingdom’s King Stephan’s Banquet Hall, just to name a few.

While these recipes are like a step back in time for long time Disney World vacationers, I highly recommend newcomers giving them a try, as they could offer a fun and delicious way to get a taste of dining in a “World” gone by.

I understand that this may be the first you have heard of this book, but it certainly won’t be the last. Over the next few weeks and months both I and Ryan will be trying our own hands at preparing some tasty, extinct, treats from the pages of this, and other, Disney cookbooks. Through our Disney Delish articles we will be reporting back to you, our readers, with the appetizing outcome of these experiments. Be sure to stay tuned, as I am sure that we will be offering you a delectable trip back in time…