Disney is full of delicious dining options for guests to enjoy. A fan favorite used to be the Wave of American Flavors located in Disney’s Contemporary Resort. In honor of Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary, The Wave has been transformed into an all new dining venue, Steakhouse 71. While Steakhouse 71 is replacing a hidden gem favorite, it has become a fan favorite in its own rite. During my last two trips in June and November 2022, I was able to secure a coveted reservation for Steakhouse 71 and give it a try. 

Location

Steakhouse 71 can be accessed from both the front entrance of the Contemporary and through the monorail station.. If you’re entering through the front, just pass the check-in desk and you’re there! If you are taking the monorail, take the escalators down to the lower level and Steakhouse 71 will be right in front of you. When in doubt, look for the lobby of the resort and you’ll be in the right place. 

Vibe

Steakhouse 71 definitely gives off a different vibe than the Wave. On approach the restaurant is sleek and “contemporary.” As mentioned, this restaurant was created in honor of Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary and in particular, Disney’s Contemporary Resort. The resort is full of nostalgia featuring photos of Walt Disney and WDW throughout the last 50 years. The restaurant itself is definitely a departure from what was the Wave in terms of decor. Guests can find muted colors such as creams, woods and golds. 

The Menu

With a name like Steakhouse 71, you should be sure to expect lots of steak dishes on the menu. The menu features an appetizers section with items such as the French Onion Soup, Shrimp Cocktail, Bacon & Eggs and Lump Crab Cakes. For the carnivores,  guests can enjoy Beef Tenderloin Medallions, Filet Mignon, Top Sirloin Steak and a Dry-aged Pork Chop. Guests receive one side and one sauce of their choosing with their entree. If steak isn’t your thing, the menu offers options such as Chicken Chasseur and Vegetable Wellington. There is also a separate cocktail menu featuring expertly paired wines, beers and cocktails. 

Our Experience

Once we were seated and had a chance to review the menu, we placed our drink orders. During both of my visits I ordered the Florida Beer Co. Key West Sunset Ale, from Cape Canaveral. Funny enough, years ago I was able to visit and take a tour of the Florida Beer Co. during a cruise stop to Orlando. 

After drinks, we placed our appetizer order. We ordered three of the more signature items on the menu. These included the Steakhouse 71 Onion Rings, the Sea Salt-dusted Potato Brioche and the Steakhouse 71 Chopped Salad. The appetizers were amazing. While bread is an upcharge here, it is worth it. It was warm and pulled apart super easily. Plus, it had a nice added flavor from the salt. The Onion Rings are amazing! They are crispy with a delicious batter and essentially melt in your mouth. While I didn’t try the Chopped Salad, the member in my party who did really enjoyed it and would order it again. 

Now to the main event, the entrée! I ordered the 12 oz Roasted Prime Rib and Classic Yorkshire Pudding with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Au Jus. Honestly, this is my favorite dish! I love a good Prime Rib but sometimes it can be too fatty. This is not the case here! The seasoning is delicious and the steak remains juicy. The Yorkshire pudding is almost like a popover and soaks up all the juices which is also delicious! I also really enjoyed the mashed potatoes which were super creamy and not chunky at all. Overall, this is a stellar dish in my book! Other members in my party ordered the 10 oz NY Strip with Broccolini and absolutely loved it as well.

After all of that food, you are probably saying, “how do these people have room for more food?” Well, if you see Steakhouse 71’s famous chocolate cake, you’ll know why we had to split a piece. It is layers of Jack Daniels infused Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Mousse. It is the perfect way to end a meal! Just thoughts of it make my mouth water. 

Pricing

When you think steakhouse pricing you probably think wow, this is going to be so much money. Steakhouse 71 is actually one of the most reasonably priced restaurants in WDW, especially for a Steakhouse. If you are looking for a delicious meal at an affordable price, this is your place! 

Overall Review

Steakhouse 71 is a 10/10 in my book! The food, drinks and atmosphere are awesome and offer a chill environment! Plus, you can take a walk down memory lane while checking out some of Walt Disney’s photos. If you are spending a day at Magic Kingdom and want to wind down with dinner not at the parks, this is an amazing option! You won’t regret visiting!

Have you tried Steakhouse 71 before? Let me know in the comments below and what you tried when you visited! 
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