New Magnolia Terrace: Epcot Flower and Garden Festival celebrates Gulf Coast classics

Located in the American Adventure, the new Magnolia Terrace outdoor kitchen brings Gulf Coast classics to the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival.

Get your spork ready. The new Magnolia Terrace outdoor kitchen at this year’s Epcot Flower and Garden Festival is a must for any foodie. While the iconic smoker has been moved to Regal Eagle restaurant in the American Adventure, this new food option has brought a touch of Southern flare to the newest outdoor kitchen. Ready to take a taste?

While many guests gravitate to their favorite Epcot Flower and Garden Festival dishes, the new options usually encourage people to think outside of the box or focus on a food trend. Given the popularity surge in Southern cuisine, Magnolia Terrace brings a Disney spin to that food trend.

In an approachable way, this outdoor kitchen brings a taste of the Gulf Coast to Epcot. Without going too far outside of the box, these dishes are a great way to spark an interest in the ingredients and flavors of this style of cuisine.

Most likely the most popular new dish, the Southern Seafood Boil is a hearty dish. Filled with shrimp, mussells, crawfish, Andouille sausage, potatoes and corn, it has a nod to a traditional boil. Since the dish requires you to eat part of it with your hands, make sure that you grab extra napkins.

Cooked in beer, the broth at the bottom of the bowl is delightful. It almost makes you wish that there was a piece of French bread to sop up the broth.

Also, do not miss the opportunity to suck the head of the crawfish. Although some people might be unwilling, it is the best part of the dish. The flavor in that bite will make you want to order another dish.

The grilled oysters are a nice touch for Fresh Epcot. Served in the shell, the oysters are simply finished with Cajun butter. If you have never had a Gulf oyster, this dish is a perfect reason to try one.

For a traditional Louisiana dish, the boudin two ways is a great choice. The traditional sausage and the boudin ball are served side by side. With a little spicy mustard, the layered flavors come through in each bite.

Make sure to pair that boudin with one of the specialty beers at Magnolia Terrace. The citrus forward Wild Heaven Beer Session Citrus Lager offers a touch of brightness to balance the richness of the boudin. Or, the Duck-Rabbit Amber Ale is another great pairing. Truthfully, the beer flight might be the best way to see how the Southern beer pair with the various dishes. There isn’t a bad beer in the bunch.

Since every food tasting deserves a sweet ending, the pecan praline is a must try. It has the perfect balance of rich, sweet and a little savory. It makes you wish that this dessert could be served at your Thanksgiving dinner.

Magnolia Terrace is one of the 16 outdoor kitchens at Epcot Flower and Garden Festival. The festival runs now through June 1, 2020.

What is your favorite Epcot Flower and Garden Festival dish? How often do you visit a Disney Park just for the food?