Hello and welcome to my Dopey Challenge 2025 trip report! Read all the entries in this report here. Today we’re diving into the restaurant scene with a review of Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ at Disney Springs. Onward!
In the interest of full disclosure, let me say up front I did not invent the phrase “Put A Little South In Your Mouth.” That’s a Homecomin’ special and you can have it on a t-shirt!
Now that we’ve set the tone, let’s discuss lunch at Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ in Disney Springs. Follow along with the menu here.
WHAT’S HOMECOMIN’ LIKE?
Homecomin’ is, in a word, relaxed. The vibe is chill but I would also venture to say grown up? Not that children aren’t welcome here, nor to suggest that it’s a “date night” kinda place. Rather that the feel, to me, tends more toward a bar atmosphere. I don’t know, I find the appeal to be more adult. Unless of course your kids are into moonshine, in which case we should probably talk about your parenting style.
This is also a very popular restaurant, and I highly recommend making an advanced dining reservation if you care to eat here. On the other hand, if you don’t mind eating at the bar, we noticed several available seats at noon on a Thursday. I’ve sat at the bar before and enjoyed it; the bartenders tend to be personable, even with an awkward weirdo like me. 😀
There’s also an outdoor bar and dining area, which we elected not to eat in due to the weather. We noticed after being seated, however, that they have heaters outside when the temperature calls for it.
DRINKS AT HOMECOMIN’
Given that it was only day one of my Dopey Challenge, I hadn’t planned to order a cocktail at this meal. This is rather a shame given the awesome moonshine options available (see photo at the top of this post), but I was determined to play it safe… until I wasn’t.
Suddenly I found myself on a mission: upon texting Pat that I was at one of his favorite Disney restaurants, he requested I order a Tropical Itch. Homecomin’s version of the traditional backscratcher drink (bourbon, rum, cointreau, passionfruit, pineapple, lemon) comes with an actual backscratcher. Already the proud owner of one, he wanted another so he could double-fist it against back itches. And who was I to deny him?
Upon my first taste of my Tropical Itch, I was right back on the safety train: there was no way I was gonna finish this thing, because hoo boy, is it strong. This cocktail really rides the line between “you can taste the alcohol!” and “it’s so smooth you barely notice the alcohol!”
The bourbon in particular really comes through, but it marries so nicely with the juices that it never overwhelms. Somehow it manages all of this without being too sweet, which is quite a feat. If you like a heavy pour but want something more interesting than a standard liquor shot, the Tropical Itch might be just the ticket. As it was, I gave about two-thirds of mine away. 😅
IN PURSUIT OF CHARCUTERIE
On to appetizers! Becky of Disney In Your Day and I have a new goal: we are determined to try every charcuterie board on Walt Disney World property. A tall order, I know, but we’re ambitious sorts. Wowbagger the Infinitely Prolonged had insults; we have Disney snacks.
Anyway, when we saw the Jasper Board advertised as southern charcuterie on the appetizer menu, we had to give it a go. What constitutes southern charcuterie, you ask? Per the menu: shaved honey ham, smoked sausage, country ham, pimento cheese, tomato-bacon jam, B&B pickles, candied pecans, crostini, and crackers.
Not listed on the menu? GRAPES. I don’t simply hate grapes; I fear them. Probably this is a problem specific to me, but if you also hate grapes, ask for your board without, because ours showed up with. Icky!!!
The rest is quite good, though, with the standout for me because the tomato-bacon jam. It nicely incorporated the savory element of the bacon without overpowering the sweetness of the tomato. The pimento cheese was also delicious if you like that sort of thing. The meats were all pretty much standard issue, which is to say tasty but not transformative. I very much enjoyed the candied pecans as well.
Ultimately, the Jasper board is a somewhat unconventional take on charcuterie, and that’s what makes it fun!
OFF HOMECOMIN’S BEATEN PATH…
Again keeping my upcoming race(s) in mind, I went slightly off the usual Homecomin’ book… and then right I hopped right back on it.
Off book: I ordered a salad. I know! And not even the fried chicken salad! I selected the Harvest Salad, described on the menu as mixed greens tossed with fire-roasted red peppers and corn, shredded white cheddar cheese, heirloom cherry tomatoes [I opted out of these], and house-made balsamic dressing; topped with grilled chicken, avocado, and hushpuppies.
Look, it’s certainly not the sexiest item on this southern kitchen menu, but I really enjoyed it. All the ingredients were fresh and well mixed. Maybe Art doesn’t study grilled chicken like he does fried; still, what the kitchen produced was juicy and flavorful. I consider avocado a worthy addition to just about anything, but it was the hushpuppies in place of croutons that provided that unique finishing touch. If you’re in the mood for something a little lighter, the Harvest Salad is a solid choice.
… AND THEN RIGHT BACK ON IT
On book: I also got a side of mac and cheese. Now we’re talking southern staples! I mean, you need pasta before a race, right?
Homecomin’s mac and cheese doesn’t score points for originality, nor does it need to. If you like mac and cheese – real mac and cheese, not the Kraft box stuff – then you need to try it. It’s gooey and cheesy and salty and delicious. It’s like the platonic ideal of mac and cheese. Nothing about it will surprise you, but you will be satisfied.
Incidentally, between the salad and the mac and cheese, I was able to take half my meal home and eat it for dinner. Tasty AND cost effective!
IN CONCLUSION (OF MY MILLIONTH HOMECOMIN’ REVIEW)
Whelp, this is the fourth review of Homecomin’ to appear on this blog, so I’d say my opinion of the place is pretty obvious. Homecomin’ serves up quintessential comfort food, perfect for a vacation mindset. I wouldn’t go so far as to call it an every trip must do, but it’s certainly one of the first ideas I throw out when discussing Disney Springs dining options. One of these days I gotta get back there for brunch… and more moonshine!
Don’t forget, you can follow FRoA on Threads @fairestrunofall and on Instagram @fairestrunofall. If you have any questions or thoughts, leave a comment or email fairestrunofall@gmail.com. See ya real soon!
This was a great meal! That Tropical Itch was quite good, and stronger than I expected – so, that’s what friends are for 😉
We definitely need to go back sometime when you are up for drinking more moonshine!
Also, I told Eric about our charcuterie challenge and he said something like “aren’t all charcuterie boards mostly the same?” I explained the Jasper board with the Pimiento cheese and all, and now he understands lol.
lol, I’m glad we can spread the gospel of charcuterie >D