Epcot’s Via Napoli is family friendly without catering to kids
Fri, 06 Aug 2010 Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse arrive at Epcot's Italy pavilion at Walt Disney World for the grand opening of Via Napoli. (Kristin Ford/Orlando Sentinel) At the grand opening of Via Napoli on Thursday, it was apparent that Epcot’s new Italian pizzeria is family friendly — without being a restaurant that caters to children.
The dining room’s long tables, open kitchen and vaulted ceilings suggest a comfortable atmosphere, where children don’t have to worry about which utensil to use or whether they are speaking too loudly. And, of course, most kids aren’t opposed to eating pizza, no matter what the setting.
The children’s menu (for ages 9 and younger) offers dishes kids usually favor, without resorting to the typical macaroni and cheese, chicken nuggets or hamburgers. Prices are higher, though, than many other table-service restaurants on Walt Disney property. Children’s entrees at Via Napoli include a drink (no refills); everything else is a la carte. At comparable Walt Disney World restaurants, kids’ meals include an appetizer, entree, dessert and drink with refills for $8.59.
Here’s a look at the children’s menu:
Appetizers
Insalata Verde (cucumber, celery, green apple, spinach, citrus dressing) $6
Fruit Cocktail (orange, apple, strawberry, red grapes) $6
Entrees
Pizza Margherita (Tomato and mozzarella kids’ size pizza) $9.50
Calzoncino (Mini ham and cheese calzone) $9.50
Spaghetti con Polpettini (Spaghetti and meatballs) $9.50
Desserts
Coppetta di Gelato (Chocolate or vanilla Italian sundae) $5
Ruota di Carretto (Vanilla gelato cookie sandwich) $5
Specialty Drink
Graspia (A blend of grape and orange juices with a splash of seltzer water) $3
Via Napoli does not offer children’s entertainment or character visits during the meal, which may be a blessing, depending on your preference. There is no need to interrupt family conversation for stick-pony rides and loud calls for ketchup or to jump up for a parade of furry friends’ photos and autographs. (I have to admit it was fun, though, to see Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in their Italian-themed costumes for the grand opening ceremony.)
Instead, children and adults might be inclined to get an up-close look at the three giant pizza ovens that are named for the Italian volcanoes Stromboli, Etna and Vesuvius. Guests can see the pizzas being created and cooked. Watching the dough being tossed has a timeless appeal, perhaps reminding adults of a certain age of childhood dinners at local pizza places.
Via Napoli is open to walk-in guests through Sept. 9. Reservations can be made for Sept. 10 and later by calling 407-WDW-DINE.
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