Episode 017: Taste the Magic: Exploring New Orleans Square’s Culinary Delights

Episode three of the Once Upon a Castle four-part New Orleans Square series focuses on food, covering restaurants, snack spots, and exclusive dining while highlighting Walt Disney’s design influence and key details. Gini shares podcast updates (over 1,100 downloads and international listeners) and notes Port Royal has temporarily become jazz-club-inspired seating through summer. The episode profiles Café Orleans (originally Creole Café, opened July 24, 1966), including Walt’s antique Italian espresso machine and the Monte Cristo’s history; the French Market (1966–Feb. 17, 2023) and its transformation into Tiana’s Palace (opened Sept. 7, 2023); Mint Julep Bar (1966) for mint juleps and beignets; Blue Bayou (opened March 18, 1967) inside Pirates of the Caribbean with bayou ambiance and upcoming refurbishment (May 2026); Club 33 (June 15, 1967) membership details; Royal Street Veranda (1983); La Patisserie (1988–2004); 21 Royal (2017) $15,000 private dining; and Harbor Galley’s menu and McDonald’s sponsorship history, plus Pelican’s Landing seating.