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Credit: DisneyIt’s a tribute to all restaurants, but mostly BBQ. A true foray into our beloved Muppets, the reskinning of Liberty Inn at the American Pavilion in Epcot into the Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue is something we’re drooling for. Serving up craft beers and classic American Barbecue from regions like Virginia, Texas and the Carolinas, our star-spangled host is verified by Disney to be Sam Eagle! While the Muppets have made their mark at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with the beloved Muppets 3-D film experience and a four-year stint at Magic Kingdom with Great Moments in History, the character franchise moves to Epcot in a widely accepted tribute to Sam Eagle. We first reported on the sighting of Sam‘s feathers last week, but have more info to share!
The New Quick Service at Epcot
The casual quick-service restaurant will open soon (stay tuned for dates from Disney) at the American Pavilion in Epcot. Sam Eagle’s wingspan logo will welcome you into the eatery, clutching cooking tools and looking much like several of our US logos. Also emblazoned in the restaurant? A poster selling Sam’s Centennial Cook-off; A salute to ALL Cookoffs, but mostly barbecue. A competition fit for patriots and pitmasters!” Sam’s self-important notions of all things American (and now BBQ) certainly set the patriotic tone in the American Pavilion and give an inside eatery (which there are few of in Epcot) some new flavor and quality.
The Regal Eagle Smokehouse Menu
Regal Eagle Smokehouse menu will, of course, be laced with tasty Barbecue meat, like the sliced Texas beef brisket sandwich with house-made spicy “mop sauce” is served on garlic toast. Perhaps you’re an SC resident craving a taste of home for the South Carolina smoked sausage sandwich with tangy mustard sauce and caramelized onions. Other U.S.A. regional BBQ favorites include Kansas City smoked chicken, Memphis dry-rub pork ribs, North Carolina chopped smoked pork butt served individually or as a platter for tasting.
Vegans and vegetarians will love the wide array of plant-based options like the Power Greens Salad with optional chilled pulled chicken, fresh citrus, and a citrus vinaigrette. Matching up with the all-American burger, Sam is offering a plant-based BBQ burger featuring a plant-based patty topped with BBQ jackfruit served on vegan garlic toast. The choice is yours! All Guests will have the option of sauces, like Sam’s favorite spicy mop sauce, a sweet BBQ, a mustard sauce, and a Carolina vinegar-based sauce. Sides to match up to your meats will be classic side caddies like fries, onion rings, mac and cheese, burnt ends baked beans, house pickles, and creamy coleslaw.
Tiny Eagles have the options of a kids menu spouting burger bites, BBQ chicken salad, BBQ chicken leg or chicken salad, and even a BBQ rib platter, all served with their choice of two sides, per the usual Disney kids meals. Much like our favorite Epcot International Food & Wine stand, the Regal Eagle Smokehouse will serve beer and ciders from around the USA, wines from the west coast, and specialty regional cocktails with and without alcohol.
Sam Eagle Merchandise
Disney also reported from the Disney Parks Blog that Sam Eagle will have exclusive merchandise at the Regal Eagle Smokehouse. What those pieces are, we’re not sure yet, but I can imagine cooking supplies, perhaps spices, Muppet regalia and more. Doors are reportedly scheduled to open later this winter, but no official date has been set. As soon as we get wind of heavenly food cooking up, we’ll report it. Hopefully, you’ll be able to see Sam Eagle flying guiding you in!
When you’re ready to cook up a family vacation, be sure to contact our trusted travel partner, Academy Travel. They’ve got the special sauce to send you on to your destination in Mostly American Sam Eagle Style. To get a free no-obligation quote, call Academy Travel at 609-978-0740. Academy Travel is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and has been designated as a Diamond EarMarked Travel Agency specializing in Walt Disney World, Disneyland Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney Vacations and Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa.