When Will My Life Begin Chicken and Pasta: The Magical Dish That’s Still Enchanting Disney Foodies

I couldn’t stop thinking about the “When Will My Life Begin” Chicken and Pasta from Cinderella’s Royal Table. Have you ever eaten something at Disney World that was so magical that you couldn’t stop? During Disney’s 50th anniversary celebration, this dish inspired by Tangled stole my heart. I’m happy to say that it’s still available, though it has a slightly different name and presentation!

The Enchanting History of Rapunzel’s Signature Dish

During the 50th anniversary celebrations at Walt Disney World, Cinderella’s Royal Table served a Tangled-themed dish called “When Will My Life Begin Chicken and Pasta.” The name of this dish comes from Rapunzel’s famous song from the movie. It quickly became a favorite among Disney food friends like me.

The original presentation was absolutely gorgeous – fettuccini pasta topped with slow-braised chicken all arranged to capture the whimsical spirit of Tangled. The dish was a perfect tribute to Rapunzel’s creative spirit and love for cooking that we see throughout the film.

Is It Still Available Today?

The good news for Disney fans is YES! According to a recent planDisney response from April 2023, the beloved Tangled-inspired dish is still featured on Cinderella’s Royal Table menu, though with some changes:

• It’s now listed as “Slow-braised Chicken with Fettuccini Pasta”
• The presentation has been modified from the 50th Anniversary version
• The core components and flavors remain similar to the original

As Ashley F. from planDisney confirmed, “After doing a little digging, it looks like the When Will My Life Begin Chicken and Pasta is still featured (albeit with a different presentation) on the current Cinderella’s Royal Table menu in the form of the Slow-braised Chicken”

What Makes This Dish So Special?

I’ve tried LOTS of Disney dishes over the years, but there’s something truly special about this pasta. Here’s why it continues to enchant guests:

1. The Tender Chicken: Slow-braised to perfection, the chicken practically melts in your mouth
2. The Pasta: Perfectly cooked fettuccini that complements the chicken beautifully
3. The Disney Magic: Even with the name change, it still carries that special Tangled connection
4. The Royal Setting: Enjoying this dish inside Cinderella Castle adds an extra layer of magic

Where to Find It and What to Expect

If you’re planning to try this magical dish, here’s what you need to know:

• Location: Cinderella’s Royal Table in Magic Kingdom
• Meal Times: Available during lunch and dinner service
• Reservations: Highly recommended (book 60 days in advance)
• Current Name: Look for “Slow-braised Chicken with Fettuccini Pasta” on the menu
• Price Range: $$$ (as of 2023-2024)

The Dining Experience at Cinderella’s Royal Table

It’s not just the food at Cinderella’s Royal Table; it’s a royal experience all around! When I went with my family last summer, we were blown away by how fancy it felt.

As you walk into the castle, you’ll find yourself in the grand hall, where you might even meet Cinderella. Next, take the spiral staircase up to the royal dining room. The dining room is decorated in a medieval style with high ceilings, flags, and beautiful stained glass windows that look out over Fantasyland.

During your meal, Disney princesses visit your table for autographs and photos (though character experiences may vary). It’s truly a magical setting that makes the When Will My Life Begin Chicken and Pasta (or its current incarnation) taste even better!

Other Must-Try Disney Dishes for Pasta Lovers

If you’re like me and can’t get enough Disney pasta, here are some other incredible options to try during your next visit:

• Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano at Hollywood Studios – Try their Charred Strip Steak with Four-Cheese Macaroni
• Tony’s Town Square at Magic Kingdom – The Spaghetti and Meatballs is a classic
• Tutto Italia at EPCOT – Their Lasagna al Forno is heavenly

Fan Reviews and Reactions

I’m not the only one obsessed with this dish! Here’s what other Disney fans have said:

“We had dinner at Cinderella’s Royal Table last week and I ordered the slow-braised chicken pasta. It was AMAZING! Definitely lived up to the hype!” – Disney fan on social media

“The pasta was perfectly cooked and the chicken was so tender. Even my picky eater cleaned her plate!” – Review from a family visit

“I was worried they changed it too much after the 50th, but it’s still delicious! The flavors are just as good even with the different presentation.” – Disney foodie blogger

Tips for Getting Reservations

Let’s be real – getting reservations at Cinderella’s Royal Table can be TOUGH! Here’s what worked for me:

• Set an alarm for exactly 60 days before your visit (reservations open at 6:00 AM Eastern)
• Have multiple devices ready to go
• Be flexible with your dining times – lunch is sometimes easier to book than dinner
• Check regularly for cancellations, especially 24-48 hours before your desired date
• Consider using a Disney travel agent who can help snag those hard-to-get reservations

Creating Your Own Version at Home

Missing the magic between Disney trips? I’ve experimented with recreating this dish at home. While it’s not exactly the same (there’s something about Disney pixie dust that can’t be replicated), here’s a simple version that captures the essence:

Homemade “When Will My Life Begin” Chicken and Pasta

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless chicken breasts
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
• 1 teaspoon herbs de Provence
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 oz fettuccini pasta
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper
2. Heat olive oil in a large pan and brown chicken on both sides
3. Add garlic and onion, sauté until fragrant
4. Pour in chicken broth and wine, add herbs
5. Simmer covered for 25-30 minutes until chicken is tender
6. Remove chicken and shred with two forks
7. Continue reducing sauce while cooking pasta according to package directions
8. Add heavy cream and butter to sauce
9. Return shredded chicken to sauce
10. Toss with drained pasta
11. Garnish with fresh parsley

Planning Your Disney Dining Strategy

When I’m planning a Disney trip, I always create a dining strategy. If trying the When Will My Life Begin Chicken and Pasta (now Slow-braised Chicken) is high on your list, here’s my advice:

1. Make Cinderella’s Royal Table a priority reservation
2. Consider visiting during a less busy time of year
3. Have backup options in case you can’t get the reservation
4. Consider lunch instead of dinner (sometimes easier to book)
5. If you can’t get in, check out other princess dining options like Akershus Royal Banquet Hall at EPCOT

The Magic of Disney-Themed Food

One thing I absolutely love about Disney is how they weave storytelling into everything – even the food! The When Will My Life Begin Chicken and Pasta is a perfect example of how a dish can connect you to a beloved character and story.

Disney continues this tradition with many other character-inspired dishes throughout their parks and resorts. From Grey Stuff at Be Our Guest (it’s delicious, don’t believe me? Ask the dishes!) to Ohana’s bread pudding, these special meals become part of your Disney memories.

Final Thoughts: Worth the Royal Treatment?

So, is the When Will My Life Begin Chicken and Pasta (now known simply as Slow-braised Chicken with Fettuccini Pasta) worth the effort to get a reservation at one of Disney’s most popular restaurants?

In my opinion, absolutely YES! The combination of the iconic setting, the character interactions, and the delicious food makes for a truly magical meal. While the dish may have evolved slightly since the 50th Anniversary celebration, its heart remains the same – a delicious tribute to Tangled that continues to delight Disney fans.

If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World and are a fan of Tangled or just love good pasta, make sure to add this royal dining experience to your must-do list. The magic of dining inside Cinderella Castle while enjoying this special dish creates memories that will last long after your Disney vacation ends.

And remember, as Rapunzel would say, sometimes the best part of life begins when you take a chance on a new adventure – or in this case, a special Disney meal that might just become your new favorite!