Liberty Tree Tavern: A Delicious Feast that Celebrates America’s Historic Past

From its opening in 1971 to the early 1990s, the Liberty Tree Tavern was a colonial haven for Common Sense (you know, by Thomas Paine). In fact, when Disney World opened, it was the only place in Liberty Square that offered sit-down dining service. But by the 1990s, it was competing with many other restaurants in the Magic Kingdom. Some anachronistic changes would have to be made to keep Liberty alive – namely the addition of some (very patriotic) Disney cartoon characters.

The History of Liberty Tree

Liberty Tree Tavern’s historic significance starts with the fact that the Liberty Tree is a well-known Boston landmark. The famous elm tree was the site of protests planned by colonists in Boston. When those protests were successfully completed, residents would celebrate by hanging lanterns in the tree. (Lanterns? Like Tangled? Yup, this history was just asking to be Disney-fied.)

An oak replica of the Liberty Tree is located next to the Disney tavern, and swinging from its branches are 13 hanging lanterns. These lanterns represent each of the 13 colonies that originally made up America. Directly behind the tree lies the Hall of Presidents, a staple of Disney World and one of its most visited attractions. 

The Transformation of Liberty Tree Tavern

During the 1990s, Disney World decided to start incorporating some of their most popular characters into guests’ dining experiences. At the time, you could chow down in the tavern with Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, Chip, and Dale, each dressed in a colonial-era style costume. However, in 2009, this Magic Kingdom restaurant stopped offering character dining, only to begin offering them again one year later. This is a change the park made in order to compensate for the temporary closing of the Crystal Palace. 

The changing times also led to a new look for the Liberty Tree Tavern. It was refurbished (also in the 90s), bringing an even livelier touch of history to the restaurant. Each of its six dining rooms were transformed to reflect a name closely associated with American History. Thus, the rooms are now called:

• George and Martha Washington
• Benjamin Franklin
• Betsy Ross
• Thomas Jefferson
• John Paul Jones
• Paul Revere

Each dining room is arranged to reflect what history the person lived through and the accomplishments they’re known for. The Betsy Ross room is the best example of this, with her room honoring her memory with its emphasis on the American Flag. 

The George and Martha Washington room, along with the Thomas Jefferson room, are both elegant and stately since these qualities were so important during their lifetimes. But you get an extra bonus in the Washington room, where you’ll find the wooden teeth George Washington wore until the day of his death. (Okay, you caught us. The wooden teeth are actually a popular myth. . .Washington’s real dentures were made of ivory, gold, lead, and human teeth, but that’s not very appetizing for a dining room!)

The décor of the Benjamin Franklin room reflects his life’s passions: inventing and science. It also pays tribute to his work as a statesman and even includes his famous kite hung on the wall. 

Not surprisingly, if you get a glimpse of the John Paul Jones room, you’ll see it’s filled with strategically placed nautical equipment. Similarly, the Paul Revere room reflects his work as a silversmith.

Before you even set foot in one of these dining rooms, you’ll see the restaurant’s central lobby, which features a staircase where the wood creaks with each step you take.

Dining At Liberty Tree Tavern

The dining experience at Liberty Tree Tavern is nothing if not unique. Your wait staff are always decked out in period-piece garb. For the men, this means wearing high-collared vests and white stockings pulled up to the knee. For the women, it means wearing frilly caps and white aprons. (Makes me want to dress up, too – Hamilton cosplay for the win!)

It’s more than just their style that’s unique, though. When it’s time to head to your table, expect the host/hostess (referred to as the ‘town criers’) to call out your home state in addition to your last name. They do this to help you represent the “kingdom” you call home. 

Ordering your food at Liberty Tree Tavern is a lesson in choices. You can always start with the Crab & Lobster dip, which is hearty enough to feed two adults. 

And while you have the option of a ordering plant-based meal, which includes Impossible Meatloaf, and Johnny Appleseed’s Warm Apple Cake, most people order the family-style all-you-can-eat dinner. There are also traditional lunch and dinner menus to order from. 

Reading the all-you-can-eat menu itself (otherwise known as the Bill of Fare) can be an entertaining experience. Rather than using the traditional names of dishes and drinks served, the tavern uses theme-appropriate names. For example, you can order a drink called Patriot’s Punch. To add to the fun, you’ll get the drink in a tavern keepers mug. 

Theme-appropriate dishes that this restaurant serves include the Liberty Boys Sandwich, Declaration Salad, the Colony, the Pilgrims’ Feast, and the Patriot’s Platter. This dish consists of roasted turkey breast, oven-roasted pork and mashed potatoes, stuffing, vegetables, and macaroni & cheese. This is one menu option that’ll make you feel like any day of the year can be Thanksgiving day! The best part is that you can reorder any part of the platter you want, as many times as you want. (Yay stuffing!)

And while it doesn’t have a special name, the tavern’s most popular dessert is the Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake. This unique dessert is a hybrid of chocolate and toffee-colored cake with toppings in the form of a chocolate drizzle and ice cream. 

Hidden Mickeys at Liberty Tree Tavern

Some people use a visit to the tavern as an excuse to look for some of the park’s hidden Mickeys. You’ll find one in the restaurant’s lobby if look hard enough. This is a completely optional activity when visiting Disney World, but it’s one a lot of families enjoy, as it really does add to the fun!

The Final Verdict

It’s safe to say that Liberty Tree Tavern has something to offer everyone. From the park’s best food and drinks to amazing and memorable décor, and an accommodating and friendly staff, there’s no reason not to make dining at Liberty Tree Tavern part of your vacation experience in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom!

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Photo: Theme Park Tourist via Flickr

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