We’re quickly approaching the 50th anniversary of the Walt Disney World resort, and so much has changed. Certain areas still resemble how they looked on opening day, but we’re a long way from 1971. The Magic Kingdom still has spots that hearken back to that era, thankfully. There’s a reason that Liberty Square has grown so much in my estimation. Its three primary attractions remain in place today and maintain a similar tone despite some changes. That’s also true of the land’s sit-down restaurant, The Liberty Tree Tavern. Opening its doors on October 1, 1971, this charming location deserves more attention from today’s guests.

I’ve visited Disney World many times but had never eaten at the Liberty Tree Tavern. It was time to change that fact, so I booked a lunch ADR for our trip over MLK weekend this past January. We were only planning our trip a little over two months out, so the most popular options were unavailable. After several lunches at Be Our Guest, I was ready try something different anyway. We planned a late lunch for our day at The Magic Kingdom, and it seemed right for our last park day.

Here’s a brief description of the Liberty Tree Tavern from the Disney website:

“Step back in time to the days of Colonial Williamsburg and sup in splendor on the fall harvest bounty proffered by the Sons and Daughters of Liberty Tree Tavern.”

While it’s a pretty silly sentence (“sup?”), there is one key phrase that summarizes the atmosphere. When Disney mentions that we’ll “step back in time”, they’re referring to the journey back to Colonial times. That theming is well done, but I’d argue the stronger resonance is the trip back to Disney World’s early days. The cast costumes, sedate theming, and generally quiet atmosphere connect to that different time. The reality of 1971 visits may not match our assumptions of what it was like, but we still feel that history in the Liberty Tree Tavern.

The Atmosphere

Our visit happened on the Sunday of MLK weekend, which was an extremely busy day at The Magic Kingdom. Most guests probably grabbed the remaining slots as the day got closer. We waited for 20 minutes or so after our ADR time, which is a common occurrence. I suspect that Disney’s assumptions about cycle time are optimistic. It’s similar to a doctor’s appointment; you typically wait beyond your reservation. I do love the touch where cast members announce your family and state (or territory) to start the meal. It’s a small move but sets the right mood.

The cast members gave us an enthusiastic welcome and led us to the Ben Franklin Room. My daughter was disappointed to learn there was no Alexander Hamilton space. She would have also enjoyed Betsy Ross, who does have a room in the Liberty Tree Tavern. The Franklin décor includes a painting plus many small details from his life. Our table was in the middle of the room, which is not the best location. Even so, we didn’t feel cramped and had a gigantic table for only four people. The space was fairly small, which helped to avoid a cafeteria feeling.

In a similar manner to the nearby Columbia Harbour House, the Liberty Tree Tavern can accommodate many people without feeling crowded. The reason is a tighter layout, which gives you a sense that you’re dining apart from the masses. It’s not on par with the library in the Skipper Canteen, but it was a pleasant atmosphere. I didn’t get the sense that we were dining right on top of the nearby guests. The Colonial décor also added to the quieter atmosphere.

Our Meals

Sit-down meals at Disney World are not cheap, even if you avoid the priciest locations. I understand the high prices and don’t mind if the food is solid. I’d read mixed reactions about the quality of the Liberty Tree Tavern, so this lunch was a cool surprise. My wife and I both had really good meals and large portions given the price. The menu includes an “all-you-care-to-enjoy” option, but we stuck with the a la carte dishes.

She chose Our Tavern Keeper’s Favorite ($20) — pot roast served with mashed potatoes and vegetables. It’s the type of meal that’s easy to phone in, but she raved about it. The pot roast is considered one of the top choices there and it did not disappoint. Green beans are everywhere at Disney World, but they’re still welcome compared to a lot of fare at The Magic Kingdom.

My pick was the Freedom Pasta with Grilled Chicken ($23), which also included mushrooms, artichokes, and tomatoes. I’m not sure it was the best choice compared to the pot roast, but this was still a decent lunch. The roasted red pepper cream sauce was not that distinctive. Even so, the chicken was well made. The portion was large, but I wasn’t too stuffed. This dish is also available with shrimp for the same price.

My daughters (9 and 5) are not adventurous eaters to put it mildly, so both selected the Macaroni & Cheese ($10) from the kids menu. It appeared to be a slight variation on the typical Disney mac & cheese but nothing too outlandish. I’m not sure it was their favorite meal, so other kids’ choices like the Oven-Roasted Turkey or Pasta with marinara sauce might work out better. The downside of paying $10 for a kids meal with picky eaters is that you may not get much value. Both girls loved the ice cream sundae dessert included with the meal (along with a drink), so all was not lost.

The Highlight

When you hear so many great things about a dessert at Disney World, it’s easy to expect a little disappointment when you experience the real thing. The Oooey Gooey Toffee Cake ($8) surpassed our expectations, and that’s saying a lot. Disney’s website describes this dessert as “Vanilla Cake with Gooey Toffee Filling, Caramel Sauce, and Vanilla Ice Cream” It’s a superstar.

My wife and I split this fine dessert, and that was definitely the right move. The $8 price may seem hefty, but it’s a huge portion. It’s hard to go wrong with caramel and vanilla ice cream, but the Oooey Gooey Toffee Cake is more than the sum of its parts. The flavors mix together to create something truly amazing. I’d eat at the Liberty Tree Tavern just for this dessert.

The Details

What I enjoyed the most about the Liberty Tree Tavern were the small touches. It was a little too crowded and hectic to explore them much, but it set the right tone. Small windows keep the busy streets of Liberty Square from encroaching much. The walls of the Ben Franklin Room include recreations of vintage pictures, his famous kite, and other appropriate décor. The keys in the above picture are also a cool touch.

Wood dominates the entire space, particularly in the lobby. Even the small bathrooms upstairs (not great for families) seem fitting. Each of the six rooms has its own nice details, which keeps return trips from becoming too predictable. The girls would probably disagree, but I enjoy this atmosphere more than Be Our Guest. That setting is so hectic due to its popularity that you don’t really escape the chaos of the parks. All the small items and the more laid-back atmosphere are a refreshing change of pace.

A Solid Alternative

Despite my comments about Be Our Guest, I see why it’s so popular. Getting the chance to dine in the Beast’s Castle and see the Rose Room is fun. The food is good too. What attracts me to other spots like the Skipper Canteen and Liberty Tree Tavern is escaping the hordes. You can find a quieter spot and have a good meal in an interesting space. With the Liberty Tree Tavern in particular, I enjoyed visiting a restaurant that’s going strong almost 47 years after it opened.

If you’d like to give the Liberty Tree Tavern a try, I’d suggest lunch for its a la carte options. The dinner is still a fixed meal, though I’m sure that’s good too. I should also mention that this restaurant now serves alcohol. A Samuel Adams beer at least fits with the overall theme; Bud Light is a harder sell (for so many reasons). Cider and wines are also on the menu. It’s another way to draw in adults that visit the park for something different from princesses.

Glancing at lunch ADRs for tomorrow, there is still availability at the Liberty Tree Tavern. You might think the openings are a sign of poor quality or service. Based on my experience, that is hardly the case. A Colonial theme just isn’t going to draw the crowds on most days. I’m glad there are still restaurants that don’t require ADRs months in advance. The Magic Kingdom needs more quality dining options like the Liberty Tree Tavern. Give it a shot; you won’t be disappointed.

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