Last July, fellow Disney Parks Blog author, Pam Brandon, told you about the big changes that would be coming to Disney’s Yacht Club Resort dining. Now the wait is over! Reservations are now available at the new Ale & Compass Restaurant for dining on November 26, 2017, and beyond for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Ale & Compass Restaurant (formerly Captain’s Grille) has been completely transformed into a New England gastropub – Disney-style. The on-stage “hearth” oven area, where a select few diners can grab a seat, is the focal point of this warm and inviting space that is reminiscent of an off-shore lighthouse with rich, salvaged materials that are the decorative finishes.

But, for me, it is all about the food. The New England-inspired menus are creative and straight-up delicious — developed by the chefs of Disney’s Flavor Lab, a collaborative team responsible for all new food and beverage concepts across Disney.

Lenny DeGeorge, culinary director for the Flavor Lab, is from the Boston area and spent summers in Cape Cod — where his parents currently reside.

“The menu is inspired by all the great restaurants in the New England area that I have experienced growing up. The New England melting pot of flavors and ingredients from Italy, Portugal, and England, coupled with central Florida influences, are present on the menu that delivers modern gastropub classics.”

I had the opportunity to sample the menu items and suggest you go straight for the Blueberry-Bacon Pancakes for breakfast and the Mushroom, Caramelized Onion, and Gruyere Cheeseburger for lunch.

For dinner, it is a toss-up between the Fried Chicken and Waffles with House-made Pickles and Orange-Chili Honey or the Coastal Clambake (1/2 Maine Lobster, Clams, Corn, and Potatoes). Taste them both and you will know why it is hard for me to decide a favorite.

But those that know me know I am a lemon fiend. And Flavor Lab Executive Pastry Chef Stefan Riemer did not disappoint me as he created a delicious Lemon “Curd” Meringue Pie. But I bet the Twelve-Layer Chocolate Cake (Flourless Chocolate Cake and Ganache served with Milk-Coffee Chantilly) will be the guest favorite.

The expanded and beautifully re-imagined Ale & Compass Lounge is adjacent to the venue and will open at the same time as the restaurant. A variety of original and classic cocktails are the stars, but extensive lists of New England and local beers and wine are also available for your sipping pleasure. The lounge menu offers lighter bites such as Caramelized Leek and Chorizo White Clam Hearth “Pie,” Oven Roasted Oysters, and Parker House Rolls with spreads of Bacon Jam, Pub Cheese, and Smoked Trout.

Check out all the menus for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and the lounge.

For reservations, visit DisneyWorld.com/dine or call 407 WDW-DINE (407 939-3463).