Dishing Up New Year’s Luck for Disney Diners

Almost every culture advises the eating of certain foods to mark the beginning of a New Year and to insure good luck, health and happiness.  Superstitious? Maybe.  Tradition? Definitely!  

If you happen to be at Walt Disney World Resort this New Year’s Day, might I suggest a few dining options that you might live long and prosper?

Noodles- and not just any noodles, but long ones, are believed by many Asian cultures to bring long life, and incidentally, be sure you don’t break them before they are totally in your mouth.  Slurping, on New Year’s, is not optional!

• Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station- located in the  Tomorrowland section of Magic Kingdom (map), this spot offers “out of this world” noodle bowls in an outdoor setting for lunch and dinner
• Tony’s Town Square Restaurant - While not specifically Asian, I would certainly classify spaghetti as  “long noodles” and spaghetti you shall have at this Italian eatery on Main Street U.S.A., also in the Magic Kingdom.  If it was good enough for Lady and the Tramp …..
• Want a quick shot at luck? Try Yakitori House in the Japan Pavilion of Epcot’s World Showcase (map) as several varieties of Udon Noodles are available at this counter service spot

Pork – I have to admit that this is a new one for me, but it seems that the mere way in which pigs eat — feet firmly planted, always nosing forward, designates progress and prosperity!  Though, I guess, not so much for the little guy you are now eating …

• With bacon and ham classifying as pork, I strongly suggest dining at Chef Mickey’s  located within Disney’s Contemporary Resort, (map) the surroundings alone scream progress and prosperity.  Not to mention that you will be dining on an all-you-can-eat breakfast, lunch or dinner character buffet.  
• Whispering Canyon Cafe also has several options for those looking to add a little pork to their diet today. Within the confines of Wilderness Lodge Resort, (map)  this is a lively dining spot that includes on it’s menu, ribs, pulled pork and pork loin.

Fish – many people associate fish with progress (all fish swim forward) and abundance (fish swim in large groups or schools) and therefore include seafood in their New Year’s meal

• A trip to the Downtown Disney Area  (map) will offer two choices for dining on seafood with Cap’n Jack’s Restaurant and Fulton’s Crab House .  Once your dining experience is complete, you will be able to walk around the district and shop, spending some of that new found prosperity.
• Dining at the Coral Reef Restaurant will not only allow you to feast on the luck providing food, but watch them swim all around you as well.  I might suggest that you visit the Nemo and Friends attraction, after lunch, or those sensitive types might be changing their reservations if you do so after!

Round Cakes and Breads — now, we’re talking, not that I would ever need an excuse to eat ring-shaped cakes, pastries or bread! Leaving all references to The Lion King aside, this tradition is said to represent the circle of life.  Pretty much it sounds like any cake, cupcake, donut, bagel, etc. will do.

• Boardwalk Bakery – located on the Boardwalk between Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, not far from Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Resorts
• Starring Rolls Cafe – at Disney’s Hollywood Studios   on Sunset Boulevard, offers a variety of sweet baked treats for breakfast or snack
• Boulangerie Patisserie – one of my favorite spots in the France Pavilion of Epcot.  My perfect idea of an afternoon snack from this little bakery is a cheese plate, bread and a glass of wine.  Which, by the way,  reminds me, Grapes are also considered to be a lucky New Year’s food!

Toss the rabbit’s foot back in your suitcase, throw a handful of salt over your left shoulder and venture out into the World, to eat your way into luck, prosperity, progress and mainly, great dining experiences.  Happy New Year!!

Photo Selection: WDW News