Last weekend Ron and I had to drive to Walt Disney World to renew our passes. We had been trying all week to do it online or over the phone so that we didn’t have to drive 2 hours each way. Unfortunately it seems you can only renew online if you are renewing before your renewal date. If you are in your 30 day grace period, renewals must be done in person. I figured since we were heading to Disney Springs, we should get dinner while we were there. I was able to make an ADR at the new Chef Art Smith’s Homecoming restaurant in the new Landings area for 4:30pm.
We arrived at Disney Springs Guest Services at 3:30pm and were told there would be up to a 50 minute wait to renew our passes. The cast member actually told us that as passholders we should have known it would be busy on the weekend! I said well, we worked Monday-Saturday and this was the only time we could come. Thankfully, the wait was only 30 minutes and we were helped by a wonderful Cast Member who processed everything quickly and efficiently. we made it to the restaurant right on time.
Chef Art Smith’s Homecoming is quaint and smaller than I thought it would be. It does have a large screened in porch for those who would like to eat outside. WE chose to eat inside as it is still too warm for Floridians to dine outside. We spent time looking over the unique menu choices. I chose the Fried Chicken & Doughnuts while Ron chose the Chopped Barbecue Platter, we each got a soda to drink. While we waited for our food we chatted and enjoyed the 80’s music playing over the restaurant speakers.
There wasn’t a very long wait before our food appeared. Oh My! It looked amazing!. I had to try the mashed potatoes and white gravy first, they were heavenly! The absolute best mashed potatoes I have ever had. The fried chicken was flavorful and moist with just the right amount of spice in the batter. The cinnamon sugar doughnut holes were a fun, sweet addition to the meal and when you dipped them in the house made maple syrup, they were even better!
Ron’s plate came piled with chopped pork, chow-chow slaw and baked mac ‘n cheese. The pork had just a little barbecue sauce on it. There was a side of warm barbecue sauce that came with the meal so that you can use as much or as little as you like. The mac ‘n cheese was tasty as well. Neither of us could finish our meal and we did bring home some leftovers.
At Chef Art Smith’s Homecoming, entrees cost between $15-39.99 each. There is a full menu and a full bar. you can read the menu here. Everything was do delicious I even dreamed about it Sunday night and I haven’t stopped telling people about it all week. We highly recommend this restaurant and it is one table service credit on the Disney Dining Plan. If you are thinking about planning your trip to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Aulani, the Disney Cruise Line or Adventures by Disney, please Email Me so we can start planning your next magical vacation.
Rod Thorell says
Agree on every point! My wife and I decided that next time we have to come with other people to be able to try the deviled eggs and pimento cheese appetizers. Then maybe split an entree so we can try one of the desserts. Really a great addition that we will be back to more than once (we are about 25 minutes away).
cindy says
Thanks, Rod! Yes, there is so much more on the menu we want to try!
Joni says
I have been waiting for this restaurant since I first heard about it last year.
I have eaten here twice so far and have a reservation for Dec.
I can’t even try the entrees because I can’t stop myself from eating the appetizers lol Fried Green Tomatos, hush puppies, deviled eggs, I’m making it a priority to get the chicken in Dec. or the Shrimp and grits!!!
And leave room for the Hummingbird cake, I may have to go twice lol