Theme Park Scope

Let me set the scene. It’s fall at Magic Kingdom, I’ve got a tray of Old West small plates in front of me, a very sticky rib in one hand, and I am fully prepared to declare this the best new thing in Liberty Square.

Then the mini corn dogs showed up. More on that heartbreak in a minute.

First, a little background for anyone who hasn’t been to The Diamond Horseshoe in a while. This spot first opened back in 1971 as a Western-themed dinner show, and for years it has been known for family-style meals served in an Old West music hall tucked between Liberty Square and Frontierland, right next door to Liberty Tree Tavern. Starting October 4, the family-style spread is stepping aside for a limited-time pop-up menu of small plates, specialty cocktails, and a handful of non-alcoholic sips. Disney hasn’t announced an end date yet, so if you’re planning a visit, keep an eye out (and know that reservations have been going fast).

Walking in, honestly, you won’t notice a ton of difference from the regular dining experience. The atmosphere is the same cozy saloon feel you remember, with the only real change being some fall garland strung around the dining room for the season. It’s a sweet touch, but if you were hoping for a full redesign, this isn’t it.

Here’s where I have to be a little honest, because I walked out feeling like something was missing. The only entertainment is the self-playing piano, which kicks on intermittently for a short stretch before you’re back to hearing Frontierland-esque tunes overhead while you chat and eat. It’s pleasant. It’s just not much. If you’re picturing a lively Old West show to go with your cocktails, this is a much quieter experience than the venue’s history might suggest.

A few practical notes before you book. The tables are mostly set up for four, with a six-person max at any one table, so a big group is going to have a harder time. If you’re bringing more than six, plan to split up your reservations, try to book them as close together in time as you can, and request to be seated near each other. Also, no Annual Passholder discounts or Disney Vacation Club discounts apply here, so budget for full price.

The menu itself is small and built for sharing. There are six small plates priced from $12 to $22, five specialty cocktails plus a seasonal holiday one, four non-alcoholic specialty drinks, wine, and draft beer. No entrees at all, so go in knowing this is a grazing situation. I tried every food item and six of the drinks, so here’s the full rundown.

Food:

Charcuterie ($22) — Cured beef, candied bacon, smoked pork, green chile cheese, smoked cheddar, and pickles.

This was great, but pricey for what you get. The candied bacon was the star of the whole board, and the spicy cheddar slices were right behind it, with the ham chunks and pickles rounding things out nicely. Here’s the fun part: this is now the only place in Magic Kingdom you can get that beloved candied bacon. It used to be served in a thicker cut on a skewer at Westward Ho, so if you’ve been missing it, mosey on in for a taste of what used to be.

• Glazed Sticky Ribs ($16) — Glazed in Barq’s Root Beer and served over cowboy beans with jalapeño crisps.

These were superb. They practically fell apart with a fork, so tender, and the ratio of fat to sticky glaze to meat meant I never felt cheated on a single bite. If you only order one thing, I’d make it this.

Sweet Golden Corn Fritters ($12) — Served with red chile honey.

These were exceptional and easily the best small bite I tried. Think of a sweet hushpuppy meets cornbread, with full pieces of corn inside and a honey glaze on the bottom where they stuck to the pan. Our server told us the gold flakes on top were mined from the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and honestly, with how they glistened, I’d believe her.

• Queso Fundido with Barbecue Burnt Ends ($15) — Served with warm tortilla chips.

This one was fine, but not what I was hoping for. The consistency didn’t look or taste like a traditional queso fundido. It was much closer to the queso you’d get next door at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe. The chips were crunchy with just the right amount of salt, but this is a dish I’ll probably skip next time.

• Mini Hot Dog Platter ($12) — Wrapped in pastry and served with tortilla chips and queso.

This was my biggest disappointment of the whole menu. They tasted like pigs in a blanket you’d pick up at the grocery store. Please do not expect Casey’s Corner mini corn dogs here. If that’s what you’re craving, you’re better off going somewhere else.

• Chipotle Chicken Tostada ($14) — Queso fresco, lime crema, and pickled cactus salsa.

These were great, but they left me wanting more. For the price, I really would have loved to have had more than 4 mini tostadas considering even at EPCOT’s Food and Wine Festival you can get a tostada the size of your head practically for less than half this price. The toppings were fresh and the chipotle chicken will tickle your savory taste buds, but definitely plan it as an appetizer or snack and not a full meal.

Drinks:

• Cactus Rose Margarita ($17) — LALO Blanco Tequila, prickly pear, lime, and agave.

This was very good, not bad at all, but the prickly pear got a little overpowering at times. Honestly, it could have held its own as a standard lime margarita. But this is Disney, and they love their prickly pear lately, so of course it showed up.

• Coal’d Fashioned ($19) — Buffalo Trace bourbon, Mr. Black cold brew coffee liqueur, cinnamon syrup, and bitters.

It was supposed to have cold brew worked in, but I couldn’t pick it out. To me, it tasted like a standard Old Fashioned at the end of the day.

• High Plains Huckleberry ($19) — Huckleberry vodka, crème de cassis, lemon juice, and cranberry.

The standout of the alcoholic drinks, no contest. It was sweet but made my mouth pucker just a little, like biting into a fresh berry.

• Whinnyin’ Whiskey Lemonade ($18) — Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, Aperol, strawberry purée, Minute Maid lemonade, and basil.

This was the most refreshing cocktail on the list. The lemonade and strawberry kept it sweet and bright; the Aperol added a light bittersweet edge, while the basil gave it a fresh, herby finish that keeps the whiskey from feeling heavy. If you want something sippable on a warm Florida fall afternoon, this is the one to try.

• Enchanting Ember Lemonade ($6.49) — Minute Maid lemonade, strawberry, and hot honey, with Tajín on the side.

A little weird, if I’m being honest. It’s a lot sweeter than I expected from a lemonade, and with that Tajín, it probably would have worked better as a cocktail.

• Caramel Root Beer with Sweet Cream ($6.99) — Barq’s Root Beer flavored with caramel and topped with sweet cream.

It tasted like a sarsaparilla with a hint of caramel drizzled over cold cream. Not groundbreaking, but a crowd-pleaser.

• Orange Cream Soda ($6.99) — Fanta Orange with vanilla and cream.

This one tasted like a dreamsicle soda float, which is exactly as fun as it sounds.

So, would I go back? Yes, but with a plan. The food was good overall, and the ribs, fritters, and that candied bacon are worth the trip alone. I’d skip the mini hot dogs and the queso, and I’d go in with realistic expectations about the entertainment.

This is a great fit if you love Old West flavors, want a sit-down break in Liberty Square that isn’t a full meal, or you’re a candied bacon devotee who has been mourning Westward Ho. It’s probably not for you if you’re traveling with a big group, expecting a lively show, counting on a discount, or hoping for a hearty entree.

Want more honest, first-hand looks at Disney’s limited-time menus before you book? Keep it locked on Theme Park Scope, because we’ll be back with updates as soon as we learn how long this pop-up sticks around.