Cue a horse-drawn carriage with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in festive Italian attire … a comical Italian grape-stomping … a fanciful ribbon cutting … Thursday’s celebration made for fun to officially open the doors of Via Napoli, the newest Epcot restaurant located in the Italy Pavilion.
On hand were Dan Cockerell, vice president of Epcot; Nick Valenti, CEO of Patina Restaurant Group (PRG), which operates Via Napoli; and Chef Joachim Splichal, founder of PRG and one of the most talented chefs on the American culinary scene. Among guests we sighted Paul Bocuse, the legendary French chef who opened Les Chefs de France at the Epcot France Pavilion. Architects, designers and others who created the light-filled restaurant were celebrating en masse.
Though official opening is not until Sept. 10, the restaurant is welcoming walk-ins. You can start making reservations today for Sept. 10 and thereafter (407-WDW-DINE).
Pizzas were flying as news cameras roamed the restaurant to record the happy occasion. Here are some photos shot by our own Disney crew:
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24 Comments 3 Replies
Scott from IL on August 6th, 2010 at 12:47 pm
Very exciting. I made my reservations today for our family trip in December. Cant wait to try those authentic looking pies!
mary from AZ on August 6th, 2010 at 1:10 pm
When can we make reservations online?
Kathleen from NJ on August 6th, 2010 at 1:13 pm
My daughter and I will be arriving on monday aug 9….hopefully we will be able to “walk-in” !!!
I am so excited !!!
Rhoda from PA on August 6th, 2010 at 1:23 pm
You CAN make them online today! I made mine this morning! I wouldn’t wait, though…a lot of people have been waiting for today to come (the first day to make reservations). I’d think that they will go quickly, especially for travel this fall!
lisa from MA on August 6th, 2010 at 1:24 pm
JUST MY RESERVATION NOV 2ND ALONG WITH FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL!!!!!
CAN’T WAIT LOOKS GREAT!
suzanne on August 6th, 2010 at 1:25 pm
can’t wait to go looks like fun.
cathy on August 6th, 2010 at 1:26 pm
Just made mine for January.
Kelly on August 6th, 2010 at 1:26 pm
Where is this located in connection with Tutto Italia? Next to it, on the side of it. Trying to guess by the pictures given and having a hard time registering where that is.
It looks beautiful and I love the mouth brick ovens! Can’t wait to try it out first hand in October.
Pam Brandon on August 7th, 2010 at 2:27 pm
Via Napoli is at the bak of the pavilion space, to the right of Tutto Italia.
Kelly from MN on August 6th, 2010 at 1:50 pm
Is there outside seating?
Pam Brandon on August 7th, 2010 at 2:28 pm
Yes, tables under cover but outdoors!
Jim on August 6th, 2010 at 2:04 pm
made our reservations this morning. can’t wait til December!
Vance from FL on August 6th, 2010 at 3:08 pm
I was at the grand opening yesterday (even participated in the pre-ceremony entertainment) and had a great time. I can’t wait until I get the chance to book an ADR to get the full Via Napoli experience.
Mindy on August 6th, 2010 at 3:24 pm
I made my reservation this morning. I can;t wait until September!!!
Robert from FL on August 6th, 2010 at 3:56 pm
A few years ago on the Backstage Magic tour they went through costuming and they said they make all the costumes for events, ports of call, etc.. for Mickey and Minnie as needed for each event. They said it was expensive, so it’s nice to see something in Epcot getting that level of attention.
Gary on August 6th, 2010 at 4:38 pm
Just booked a table for sept! cant wait……….
Sabrina from MS on August 6th, 2010 at 4:55 pm
Made mine as soon as I saw facebook posting for Oct 3rd. I am excited.
Paul on August 6th, 2010 at 10:17 pm
I just made our ADR for our October trip!
Gregory from PA on August 7th, 2010 at 12:31 am
I hope you are going to have photo ops with Mickey and Minnie in their festive Italian attire!!
Sam from FL on August 7th, 2010 at 1:16 am
I’d like to have one of those Mickey shaped pizzas. Was that made special for this event, or will it be offered on the standard menu?
Pam Brandon on August 7th, 2010 at 2:29 pm
The Mickey-shaped pizza was made just for the grand opening.
Jan from NC on August 7th, 2010 at 7:27 am
I’ve got my ressies for Sept. 17th. Can’t wait!
JANET on August 7th, 2010 at 10:35 am
I made my reservation this morning for my trip in September. Looks wonderful! Love Minnie and Mickey’s Italian costumes!!!
Karen from MA on August 7th, 2010 at 10:56 am
Via Napoli looks beautiful! Can’t wait to have a meal there on our next visit.
Amy on August 7th, 2010 at 11:53 am
We have reservations for Christmas eve dinner there! So excited!!!
Wondering if we’ll be able to link our reservation to the candlelight procession???
Rene on August 8th, 2010 at 6:04 pm
We will be there 10/1 how will the dining plan work with the pizzas? Thanks…can NOT wait!
carolena on August 31st, 2010 at 3:43 pm
these are the most greatest day,s of my life
24 Comments