The Diamond Horseshoe opened its temporary lounge at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom on October 4, replacing its all-you-care-to-enjoy family-style service with small plates and drinks. The Thanksgiving-style meal has a nearby home: Disney says Liberty Tree Tavern next door continues to serve it.
That puts two rather different meals side by side in Liberty Square. The new Diamond Horseshoe Lounge serves individually ordered dishes, cocktails, and nonalcoholic drinks, while Liberty Tree retains the family-style arrangement with seconds. The Thanksgiving appetite can stay; its reservation address has changed.
Ribs, queso, and corn fritters
Disney’s August 31 preview introduced six small plates, led by sticky ribs with cowboy beans and jalapeño crisps. Queso fundido comes with barbecue burnt ends, and sweet corn fritters get cilantro ranch dressing and red chili honey. The western theme has found room for a fairly serious melted-cheese proposition.
A charcuterie plate, chipotle chicken tostada, and miniature hot dogs wrapped in pastry round out the food menu. The Main Street Mouse’s October 4 opening coverage listed small-plate prices from $12 to $22, an opening-day snapshot of the lounge’s individual-dish approach.
The change is temporary, though Disney has not announced an end date. Its mix of small plates and drinks gives the Diamond Horseshoe a different role for now, with the full family-style feast continuing at the neighboring tavern.
Two parties, different service
Reservations opened September 29, ahead of the October 4 debut, and Disney’s initial announcement also welcomed walk-up guests. Valid Magic Kingdom admission is required in addition to any dining reservation.
The seasonal party schedule splits the lounge’s service neatly: Disney says it will be closed during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Halloween and Christmas visitors therefore have different chances to sit down to those ribs.
For devotees of the former unlimited meal, the change need not end a familiar dining tradition. Liberty Tree Tavern still has the Thanksgiving-style spread. At the Diamond Horseshoe, the temporary order of business is smaller plates, with burnt ends making their case from inside the queso.
