Rick Bayless Restaurant in Disney Springs

[disneylove16]

DF and I are HUGE fans of Rick Bayless. I can't believe that I didn't know he's opening a restaurant in DS! All the info I can find is that it's opening "Summer 2016". Anyone have any idea on a date? I'm hoping it's open in time for our August trip. That would be an amazing surprise for DF!

Update: Frontera Cocina will be opening Monday 6/27!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I don't think a date has been announced. They have a facebook and Twitter account and I think I saw that they posted the menu. I'm looking forward to it opening as well. I never thought I'd say it but there are almost too many good options in Disney Springs now!

 

[disneylove16]

I don't think a date has been announced. They have a facebook and Twitter account and I think I saw that they posted the menu. I'm looking forward to it opening as well. I never thought I'd say it but there are almost too many good options in Disney Springs now!

Tell me about it! I'm trying to decide which ADR to give up if they open in time for our trip!

 

[OnceUponATime15]

The menu was posted on a few Disney blog's today. No solid opening date.

Name is now officially Frontera Cocina.

http://www.wdwmagic.com/dining/frontera-fresco/menus.htm

 

[disneylove16]

Thank you @OnceUponATime15 ! I did also find their FB page as @2xcited2sleep suggested, and looks like they're currently hiring staff. So I may just get lucky!

 

[ShaSoPa]

Oooh!! I love him! Thanks for this news. Hope to make it there in October.

 

[Shellyb84]

I'm really hoping it will be open for our July trip!

 

[disneylove16]

I wonder if it will be on DDP. I can't seem to find any info about that online.

 

[carmelhp]

I love to watch and listen to Bayless cook on PBS but his Chicago restaurants I'm imaging are very high priced. If it goes on DDP I would bet it's a 2 credit.

 

[disneylove16]

So, I messaged Frontera Cocina's FB page asking if they had an opening date in mind. I also mentioned that I was hoping they'd be open by our trip in August. Their response was:
"We will be announcing an opening date soon but rest assured we will be open by then and look forward to welcoming you!"

ETA: I asked if they will participate in DDP, and was told they will be, and it will count as 1 TS. Will not be a signature.

 

[cigar95]

I love to watch and listen to Bayless cook on PBS but his Chicago restaurants I'm imaging are very high priced. If it goes on DDP I would bet it's a 2 credit.

Looking through his web site, the "Frontera Grill" looks to be mid-level priced, and it's the type of place that seems to fit well with Disney Springs.

If it goes well, and the rumors of some other existing restaurants closing are true, it's conceivable he might open one of his higher-end places there, along the lines of Wolfgang Puck having a couple different places at different price levels.

 

[Keels]

UGH. I am SOOO excited about this one - and it's great to hear news that it will be open soon and with a more laid-back feel than some of his higher-end places (which I LOVE). I was hopeful based on the cocina title - which here in Texas generally equates to a more laidback kitchen. If the menu features any of the tortas from Tortas Frontera, I will be OVER THE MOON.

 

[gorjus121]

I was just able to make reservations on OpenTable for July!

We had the pleasure of dining at his restaurant in Chicago (Frontera Grill) about 6 years ago...the food was delicious and the highlight of the night was Rick Bayless coming out of the kitchen to greet everyone. I was impressed he was onsite cooking there. I'm looking forward to dining at his new restaurant in DS! Great post.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I was just able to make reservations on OpenTable for July!.

Thanks for posting! I just made reservations on OpenTable as well. Really looking forward to it. Would be thrilled if he happened to be there cooking!!

 

[Pacolovestacos]

Absolutely bummed that they will be on DDP. Disney will ruin this place like they do almost all of their other offerings.

 

[disneylove16]

I was just able to make reservations on OpenTable for July!

We had the pleasure of dining at his restaurant in Chicago (Frontera Grill) about 6 years ago...the food was delicious and the highlight of the night was Rick Bayless coming out of the kitchen to greet everyone. I was impressed he was onsite cooking there. I'm looking forward to dining at his new restaurant in DS! Great post.

Can you tell me what OpenTable is? If I book a reservation on it, do I need to cancel and rebook an ADR once it's released? Im so happy you got a reservation!

 

[gorjus121]

Can you tell me what OpenTable is? If I book a reservation on it, do I need to cancel and rebook an ADR once it's released? Im so happy you got a reservation!

Either visit OpenTable.com or download the app to your smartphone. It's a reservation system where you also earn points you can redeem for a dining check. I would keep a reservation on open table over an ADR for the fact that you can cancel your reservation on OpenTable the same day if necessary. You need to cancel your ADR in advance so you don't get charged per person by Disney. I like having that flexibility. Plus you earn points! There are other restaurants like the new STK in Disney Sprngs that uses OpenTable too.

 

[disneylove16]

Either visit OpenTable.com or download the app to your smartphone. It's a reservation system where you also earn points you can redeem for a dining check. I would keep a reservation on open table over an ADR for the fact that you can cancel your reservation on OpenTable the same day if necessary. You need to cancel your ADR in advance so you don't get charged per person by Disney. I like having that flexibility. Plus you earn points! There are other restaurants like the new STK in Disney Sprngs that uses OpenTable too.

Thank you so much! What a great app, I just booked a reservation for August. So excited!

 

[disneylove16]

I feel like I'm researching this way too much, but just for the heck of it I entered today's date on OpenTable to see what message it would give, and it says "Frontera Cocina will be available for online reservations as of Sunday, June 26th and after."

I wonder if that's their planned opening date?

 

[Minnesota!]

The menu was posted on a few Disney blog's today. No solid opening date.

Name is now officially Frontera Cocina.

http://www.wdwmagic.com/dining/frontera-fresco/menus.htm

That menu makes me happier than any other menu I have read for ANY OTHER WDW restaurant EVER...

Also, I read it in Rick's distinctive voice. I love that man!

I feel like I'm researching this way too much, but just for the heck of it I entered today's date on OpenTable to see what message it would give, and it says "Frontera Cocina will be available for online reservations as of Sunday, June 26th and after."

I wonder if that's their planned opening date?

Of course it is - cuz I go back home on June 25 and won't be back to WDW for TWO WHOLE YEARS!!!!!