Walt Disney World officially opened Morimoto Asia on September 30, 2015 as the newest addition to Disney Springs, the shopping and dining district formerly known as Downtown Disney. Morimoto Asia, located at the Disney Springs The Landing is the Japanese Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s first-ever pan-Asian restaurant featuring Peking Duck, Dim Sum and Sushi Rolls. This pre-opening media event on September 29 featured culinary arts from Iron Chef Morimoto that included making a 60-foot long maki roll from a 100lb Hawaiian big eye tuna. Chef Mickey, along with many guests joined Chef Morimoto in making the 60-foot long sushi roll. Chef Morimoto and Patina Restaurant Group CEO Nick Valenti were joined by Walt Disney World Resort executives including George A. Kalogridis, President, Walt Disney World Resort; Maribeth Bisienere, Senior Vice President, Disney Springs; and Keith Bradford, Vice President, Disney Springs to kick off this special event. Other entertainments at the media preview night included traditional Matsuriza Japanese Taiko drummers, Wah Lum Kung Fu Temple Chinese Lion Dance, Chinese Calligraphy demonstration, Japanese Origami demonstration and a traditional Sake toast.
