WASHINGTON, D.C., May 23, 2013 – Just six months after opening its doors, Be Our Guest Restaurant at Magic Kingdom Park earned national recognition for the groundbreaking dining experience being provided to guests in New Fantasyland.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts received an Operator Innovation Award from the National Restaurant Association (NRA) for the technology at the restaurant. An independent panel of expert judges recognized Disney for driving advancement in the foodservice industry.

“The 2013 Operator Innovations Awards winners redefine how the industry views innovation and will serve as the benchmark for other operators to apply the same innovative spirit within their own operations,” said Jeffrey W. Davis, convention chair for NRA Show 2013.

At Be Our Guest Restaurant, state-of-the-art touch-screen terminals allow guests to customize their ordersso chefs can efficiently prepare and serve a meals to their liking. The personalized, streamlined experience enables Be Our Guest restaurant to serve more than 3,000 meals at lunch each day.

Be Our Guest Restaurant at New Fantasyland continues the evolution of Disney’s food and beverage offerings with great storytelling and several other elements, including “flex” dining, transforming from a fast-casual location during lunch to a table-service dining experience each evening.