Disney's Bluezoo is Haute!

Celebrity Chef Todd English’s Bluezoo Restaurant is one of Walt Disney World’s best-kept secrets. Who knew that a restaurant with a Miami-like, energetic vibe was housed at the Swan and Dolphin Resort complex in Lake Buena Vista, Florida?

The idea of “bluezoo” came from English’s interpretation of a movie about sea creatures on IMAX that he watched with his kids. The diversity of sea life sparked the idea of a “bluezoo” in his mind. “Having a restaurant in Walt Disney World is very exciting,” said English. “My hope is for bluezoo to be a mix of other Olive Group Restaurants combined with the merriment and fun of Disney.”

Bluezoo is the place to make a splash… you’ll marvel at the interior, created by highly acclaimed designer Jeffery Beers. It’s sleek and sexy with blue lights illuminating a curved bar with a school of aluminum fish completing the backdrop. Iridescent bubbles hanging from overhead light fixtures in the dining room add an aquatic feel that flows throughout the room.

Bluezoo is more than a place for fresh food—it’s English’s contemporary take on upscale dining at Walt Disney World. It features a raw bar with daily harvested oysters and littleneck clams, an impressive wine list and a host of coastal cuisine incorporating an innovative selection of fresh seafood, beef, chicken and pork with both international and New American culinary influences.

One of Bluezoo’s signature dishes is the dancing fish, a spit-roasted whole fish that’s presented as if it’s grooving in the air on a stick. You can actually see Executive Chef Chris Windus and his staff preparing it as you walk through the dining room and glance at the open fire grill and kitchen.

The two pound Maine Cantonese Lobster in a sticky soy sauce is another favorite dish at Bluezoo. You’ll also love the Teppan Seared Jumbo Sea Scallops over braised beef short rib, and silky cauliflower puree. Olive's Classico Flatbread with roasted tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and torn basil can quickly become a guilty pleasure, but the amazing Shrimp and Grits will have you coming back for more.

If you opt for dessert, try the decadent Warm Chocolate Cake with a liquid ganache center, Maracaibo chocolate cream pudding, and peanut ice cream. It’s like finding buried treasure. You’ll also love the 1000 Grand Marnier Cream, caramelized puff pastry napolean, mango sauce and orange saffron sorbet, citrus comfit, and orange agar.

Prices at Bluezoo range from $8 to $15 for appetizers and salads, but you might want to bring a little extra cash for the entrees with prices from $27 to a little more than $60.

Haute Tip!

If you decided to head over to Bluezoo for adult dining after a day of park hopping at Walt Disney World with the kids, you’ll get two hours of babysitting service. Valet is also complimentary!

To learn more about Bluezoo visit http://www.swandolphinrestaurants.com/bluezoo/

Will you try Bluezoo?