Tag Archives: Disney Springs

Apr 28 2016

More Than A Dozen New Restaurants At Walt Disney World

D- Luxe Burger 1

If you’re a “foodie” heading to Walt Disney World this year, you have plenty to get excited about. With more than a dozen new restaurants at the resort, there is something that everyone is sure to enjoy. Here’s everything you need to know about the newest options courtesy of Disney:

From a stellar line-up of celebrity chefs at Disney Springs to trend-setting creations from Disney’s new global test kitchen, the Walt Disney World culinary team exceeds expectations of food-savvy guests. Here’s the buzz for 2016:

Disney Springs

Planet Hollywood ObservatoryCelebrity eats and fast bites: Coming this summer: Chef Art Smith’s Homecoming – Florida Kitchen and Shine Bar; Chef Rick Bayless’ Tablas Frontera; and STK, a modern steakhouse mixed with the ambiance of a sleek lounge. They join recently opened Morimoto Asia by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto and The BOATHOUSE starring seafood and dream boats from the 1930s, ‘40s and ‘50s. Also look for a re-imagined Planet Hollywood at Disney Springs by summer as the flagship venue is transformed into a star-themed Planet Hollywood Observatory to match the look and feel of Disney Springs. By fall, Fulton’s Crab House reopens with a new concept.

Jock Lindsay's 6Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza opens this summer, a modern “pizza joint” known for custom-built artisanal pizzas. Guests will flip for Disney’s D-Luxe Burger featuring gourmet burgers made from a signature blend of beef, plus all-natural chicken and vegetarian burgers, hand-cut fries and gelato shakes in a relaxing Town Center location with outdoor seating overlooking the Spring. Also look for three new Disney kiosks: Aristocrepes, with sweet and savory crepes; The Daily Poutine, with hot fries and four different toppings, and B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. featuring artisan sausages. Jock Lindsay’s Hangar Bar opened in 2015 along the waterfront at Disney Springs with 150 seats inside and out. The bar cleverly features salvaged equipment, spare airplane parts and travel mementos collected by Jock, Indiana Jones’ pilot in the first film.

Ganachery 1Next gen of sweets: Recently opened, The Ganachery showcases the beauty of chocolate, with Disney’s proprietary recipe for the custom-made ganache, a luxurious mixture of melted chocolate and cream. Opening in May, Amorette’s Patisserie will feature classic and contemporary pastries by the Disney chefs, with custom cakes that are works of art. Also coming this summer is Sprinkles, serving up handcrafted cupcakes, slow churned ice cream and homemade cookies. (Their innovative Cupcake ATM will satisfy sweet-toothed epicureans 24/7.)

In the Disney Resorts

Narcoossee Brunch 3For those who brunch: For those who like a leisurely Sunday morning, Disney added two new brunches. The new Brunch at the Top at California Grill atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort features both a buffet (with an extraordinary Bloody Mary bar) and table service, plus a remarkable view from the 15th floor. Narcoossee’s Waterfront Brunch at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is a three-course delight with Mimosas, Champagne or Bloody Marys. For reservations, 407-WDW-DINE.

Trader SamsNew lounge for small bites, original cocktails: At Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is a favorite of Disney fans, with more than 1,200 pieces of memorabilia. Hand-crafted cocktails and small plates are a hit with guests.

Redux: Flying Fish Café at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort temporarily closed at the end of January, but reopens this summer with a whole new look – and while the kitchen is working on new menu items, the chef promises that potato-wrapped snapper and the popular New York strip steak will be back.

New in the Theme Parks

Tiffins 3Global cuisine at two new restaurants: At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Tiffins opens Memorial Day weekend, featuring food from places that inspired the creation of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Open for both lunch and dinner, Tiffins has waterfront views and is situated at the entrance to Pandora: The World of AVATAR, opening in 2017. (“Tiffin” is an Indian English word for a midday meal or a type of container used to carry food while traveling). Adjacent to Tiffins, Nomad Lounge features hand-crafted cocktails with African, Asian and South American flavors; beers, and sustainable wines from those regions, plus specialty non-alcoholic beverages and small bites.

Skipper Canteen 17The new Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen in the Magic Kingdom is the first restaurant inspired by a classic attraction. Just steps from the legendary Jungle Cruise attraction in Adventureland, the 222-seat restaurant features bold, flavorful tastes of Asia, South America and Africa for lunch and dinner.

Great Food Among the Flowers and More of The Best Food Fest: The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival has expanded to 90 days, and Epcot International Food & Wine Festival kicks off September 14 and runs through November 14 this fall. That means almost two additional weeks – from 53 days to 62 – of deliciousness, foodie fun, culinary events, celebrity chefs, seminars, music concerts and more.

What Disney Does Best

Allergy-friendly menus are found in more than 120 quick-service and table-service locations at both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, along with more ways to make the special-diet-request process easier. Guests are still able to consult directly with a restaurant chef or special diets trained cast member. Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is the recipient of a FARE (Food Allergy Research and Education) Award for dedication to providing a safe and enjoyable dining experience for vacationing families and Disney chefs have been recognized for their commitment to food allergy awareness, education and management.

Where It All Starts

Ever wonder how a new dish makes it on the menu? Or how a cocktail comes to life? The Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Flavor Lab brings the chefs, front-of-house managers, sommeliers, mixologists and more together in a state-of-the-art research and development facility. The new 7,000-square foot Flavor Lab serves as a hub of new product, packaging and equipment innovation for food and beverage programs across Walt Disney Parks and Resorts around the globe. While not open to the public, Disney guests will be the ultimate benefactor of all the testing, measuring and collaborations that will happen in the expansive new space.

501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Which restaurant are you most looking forward to trying?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Apr 19 2016

Disney Springs Continues To Expand

Disney Springs 1

There are so many changes happening all around Walt Disney World right now, from Pandora – The World of Avatar and Rivers in Light in Disney’s Animal Kingdom to Star Wars Land and Toy Story Land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but the one place that has received the biggest transformation recently has to be the newly reimagined Disney Springs. Dozens of new shops, bars, and restaurants have recently opened, and believe it or not even more are coming very soon. Here’s everything you need to know about the ever growing Disney Springs, courtesy of Disney:

Wrapped in Florida-inspired, made-for-strolling promenades, arcing footbridges, flowing streams and waterfront charm, Disney Springs treats Walt Disney World Resort guests to an exciting blend of shopping, dining and entertainment with a Disney touch.

Disney Springs 3By day or night guests can expect a vibrant scene, whether they are shopping world-class brands, enjoying high-quality entertainment, having that special dining experience, pleasure boating on Village Lake or hopping a balloon skyward for spectacular views of Walt Disney World and beyond.

The former Downtown Disney completes a dramatic, multi-year transformation in 2016, renamed Disney Springs and more than doubling – to 150 — the number of shops, restaurants or other venues for guests to explore and enjoy. In creating the largest expansion in its history, Disney planners infused Disney Springs with the same focus on storytelling and attention to detail that are hallmarks of Disney theme parks, resort hotels and cruise ships, creating a welcoming space that only Disney can provide.

That story begins as Florida’s did, with bubbling springs and natural beauty that first attracted settlers to the area. Turn-of-the-century waterfront towns sprang up, dotting Florida’s landscape. Today’s Disney Springs fittingly starts with a clear water stream and fans out to exciting precincts for entertainment, dining, lounging and shopping.

Guests will find four outdoor neighborhoods, each with its own personality:

  • All-new among the Disney Springs neighborhoods and opening this summer, The Town Center will offer a sophisticated mix of shopping and dining along with a lushly landscaped promenade where guests can relax, refresh and reconnect at the water’s edge. Town Center features Spanish “Revival” style architecture, drawing from a rich history of explorers that landed in Florida centuries ago. At the heart of Town Center is The Spring, themed to early Florida settlements. Guests will find Town Center a shopper’s haven. Prime retailers such as Anthropologie, LACOSTE, Under Armour, kate spade new york, Sephora and Oakley will call Town Center home. Among dining choices awaiting Town Center guests, Tablas Frontera will serve up gourmet Mexican cuisine on planks (not plates!) from the menu envisioned by celebrity chef Rick Bayless, a six-time James Beard Foundation winner.
  • A colorful and thriving district called The Landing offers inspired dining and breathtaking waterfront views. High-quality retailers including Erwin Pearl for fashion jewelry and Havaianas for sandals are found along its lantern-lined byways. Grab a signature gelato at Vivoli Gelateria, dine off a shipshape menu at The BOATHOUSE or enjoy, at Morimoto Asia, Pan-Asian cuisine from celebrity chef Matsaharu Morimoto, of Iron Chef fame. Coming later this spring: STK Orlando, a fine dining experience set in chic, contemporary surroundings.
  • Disney Springs 2The family-friendly Marketplace will continue to delight guests of all ages by combining new experiences such as an over-the-water pedestrian causeway, along with classic Disney favorites, including an expanded World of Disney store.
  • The West Side provides an exuberant atmosphere with lively entertainment, retail and dining along with a series of new elevated spaces that provide both shade and an overlook to the activity below. From Cirque du Soleil to iconic restaurants to colorful food trucks to bowling with a stylized twist at Splitsville, West Side offers something for everyone. There is even the opportunity to lift off in a tethered balloon. Characters in Flight rises from the banks of Village Lake for eye-popping, 360-degree views (on a clear day you can see Florida’s east coast).

Thanks to new slot-smart parking decks where green lights indicate available spaces, parking is convenient to the entire Disney Springs scene – and free. Valet parking also is available. Disney Springs is easily accessed from I-4, Central Florida’s major interstate, and connected to the rest of Walt Disney World Resort by motor coach and watercraft.

501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

What are you most looking forward to at Disney Springs?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Mar 30 2016

D-Luxe Burger To Open In Disney Springs

D- Luxe Burger 1

Hey burger lovers, listen up, do I have good news for you! D-Luxe Burger is scheduled to open at Town Center in Disney Springs this May just in time for the busy summer season in Walt Disney World. In addition to indoor seating, this dining location will offer covered outdoor seating with gorgeous views of The Springs. The menu will feature gourmet burgers, hand cut fries, and specialty shakes.

Some of the gourmet burgers slated to be on the menu (courtesy of Disney):

  • D- Luxe Burger 2Classic Cheeseburger: beef patty topped with cheddar, lettuce, tomato and pickle
  • Barbeque Classic Burger: beef patty topped with a fried onion ring, smoked Gouda, bacon, barbeque sauce and lettuce
  • El Diablo Burger: chorizo-and-signature-blend patty, fried banana peppers, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato and chipotle mayonnaise
  • Southern Classic Burger: beef patty, topped with fried-green tomato, pimento cheese, lettuce and bacon
  • Cluck Burger: ground chicken patty, garlic herb sauce, avocado, lettuce and tomato
  • Veggie Burger: house-made patty topped with Tzatziki, green bean salad, lettuce and tomato

Rotating shake flavors may include chocolate, raspberry, strawberry, salted caramel, s’mores, and cake. And adults can try spiked versions like Smoked Bourbon and Godiva Raspberry.

But the item on the menu that I’m most interested to try has to be the painstakingly crafted Red Velvet Burger Macaron complete with its version of raspberry ketchup. It’s almost too beautiful to eat!

D- Luxe Burger 6

501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Will you be trying D-Luxe Burger in Disney Springs?
Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!

Mar 10 2016

Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day In Walt Disney World

Raglan Road

If you will be visiting Walt Disney World around St. Patrick’s Day and are looking for a fun place to celebrate, look no further than Raglan Road Irish Pub in Disney Springs. This year’s Mighty Festival runs from March 11 through March 17.

Raglan RoadThe Raglan Road Mighty Festival is not your average celebration; this is a weeklong fun-filled bash that is sure to get you in the spirit even if you aren’t Irish! There are performances by Irish bands including The Raglan Roots Coalition, JigJam, Cooney & Ryan, Avi McGourty and The High Road plus some of the best Irish dancers that you’ve ever seen. There is complimentary face painting for the kiddos and lots of giveaways making this an event the entire family can enjoy. And of course, what’s a party without delicious Irish food and a huge selection of craft beers and cocktails.

The Mighty Festival runs from 4pm – 1:30am on March 11, 14, 15 and 16; from 12pm – 1:30am on March 12 and 13; and from 11am – 1:30am on March 17. On St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, guests will be seated on a first-come, first-served basis with a cover charge of $10 for each guest age 18 and older.

Here’s a look at the entertainment schedule:

Schedule Courtesy of RaglanRoad.com

Schedule Courtesy of RaglanRoad.com

501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Will you be visiting Walt Disney World for St. Patrick’s Day?
Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!

Mar 3 2016

Amazing New Experiences Coming To Walt Disney World This Summer

Cinderella Castle

Are you planning a Walt Disney World vacation this summer? If so, you are in luck, because Disney is adding several amazing new experiences for guests to enjoy. Here’s everything you need to know, courtesy of Disney:

An unbeatable lineup of blockbuster attractions will debut at Walt Disney World Resort this year starting with the April 4 launch of a new live stage show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. On Earth Day, April 22, a sweeping immersive, animal-themed theatrical production, “Rivers of Light,” will premiere as the first-ever nightly show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

An epic array of shows and attractions will continue to open throughout summer, creating exciting new guest experiences across all Disney theme parks and entertainment venues. A new Magic Kingdom castle show will bring favorite characters from “Tangled” and “Princess and the Frog” for the first time to the grandest stage in Walt Disney World. Stars of the runaway Disney hit, “Frozen,” will take a bow in multiple Disney parks, and the first Frozen-themed attraction will sail into guests’ hearts at Epcot. Even more Star Wars-themed original entertainment, nighttime Animal Kingdom experiences and Disney Springs openings will set the stage for endless summertime fun.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

The magic of nature after dark takes center stage at Disney’s Animal Kingdom when the all-new Rivers Of Light waterside show premieres April 22, Earth Day — marking the Walt Disney World theme park’s thrilling transformation from a day-into-nighttime experience.

  • Rivers of Light 2“Rivers of Light,” an immersive nighttime extravaganza blending performers, floating lanterns, special effects and stunning theatrical imagery projected upon giant water screens, will premiere in a new Discovery River waterside theater.
  • The park’s iconic Tree of Life will awaken each night amid a lively celebration of Discovery Island music and dance. Through stunning visuals, animal spirits appear and enchanted fireflies reveal stories of wonder as the tree morphs to showcase the magic of nature.
  • Kilimanjaro Safaris transitions to a new nighttime adventure. Each evening, the popular Kilimanjaro Safaris daytime experience is artfully bathed in the look of sunset with special lighting allowing guests to explore and enjoy this attraction well into the night.
  • For the first time, hyenas and African wild dogs join the safari trail creature feature.
  • Hungry adventurers can have lunch or dinner at the new Tiffins signature restaurant, opening later this summer on Discovery Island. Guests seated in the restaurant’s travel-themed dining rooms or on the waterfront patio can sip libations and savor dishes featuring African, Asian and South American flavors.
  • Across the park, guests can experience long-time favorites such as Expedition Everest, DINOSAUR, and Kali River Rapids with more time to enjoy them into the night.

Epcot

Anna, Elsa and other beloved characters from the blockbuster film, “Frozen,” will give the summer season a warm hug at Epcot and several other Disney parks. Meanwhile “Turtle Talk with Crush” makes fun waves and Soarin’ takes guests to new heights.

  • Frozen Ever AfterStep into the kingdom of Arendelle with Anna, Elsa and their co-stars as they welcome guests aboard the new Frozen Ever After boat ride at the Norway pavilion, featuring the most advanced Audio-Animatronics to date. Passengers will celebrate a “Summer Snow Day,” visit the ice palace, and hear beloved film tunes plus new lyrics by Oscar-winning “Let It Go” songwriters Bobby Lopez and Kristen Anderson.
  • Also at Norway pavilion, Anna and Elsa will greet guests in the new Royal Sommerhus, modeled after a traditional Norwegian cabin.
  • In Future World, guests will celebrate the U.S. debut of the new Soarin’ Around the World attraction at The Land pavilion this summer. Now with a third Epcot theater, plus new digital screens and projection systems, the expanded attraction takes guests on an exhilarating “flight” above spectacular global landscapes and man-made wonders.
  • Guests will also find new additions at “Turtle Talk with Crush” beginning in early-May with characters from Disney•Pixar’s “Finding Dory.” When Crush the sea turtle swims up to the “Human Tank” at Epcot, he’ll be joined by Dory and some of her new friends that guests will get to know when “Finding Dory” swims into theaters on June 17, 2016.

Magic Kingdom

Classic Disney characters will join contemporary animated film stars this June in a new extravaganza on the grand Cinderella Castle stage; and Magic Kingdom guests can experience a new dining adventure.

  • Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire 1For the first time, modern Disney characters Tiana of “Princess and the Frog,” and Rapunzel of “Tangled,” co-star with Anna and Elsa of “Frozen,” and a host of classic characters in the new Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire. Performed on the grandest stage in the kingdom, the star-studded tale of friendship presents Mickey Mouse and his troupe of Merry Makers — Minnie Mouse, Donald, Daisy and Goofy – who invite 10 new friends from different animated worlds to join the celebration. This “timeless fairytale” of a show combines grand dance, fireworks and stunts with memorable music, an original song and special effects.
  • Next door to the legendary Jungle Cruise, guests can enjoy the bold flavors of “World Famous Jungle Cuisine” served by the wisecracking crew of the new Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen. It’s the first Disney full-service restaurant themed after a specific park attraction.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

In the galactic wake of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, new Star-Wars-themed experiences shift into light speed.

  • Star Wars FireworksThe next generation of Star Wars-themed fireworks shows, “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular,” will premiere this summer with new themed fireworks, lasers, special effects and video projections of characters and scenes from the complete saga, all set to the iconic score of the film series.
  • The live stage show “Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away” will debut April 4, celebrating iconic moments from the Star Wars saga with live vignettes featuring popular characters such as BB-8, Kylo Ren, Chewbacca, Darth Vader, and Darth Maul.
  • The March of the First Order Stormtrooper procession led by Captain Phasma from the Star Wars Launch Bay to the park’s Center Stage adds menace to the entertainment. The just-opened Star Wars Launch Bay showcases large-scale artifacts and encounters with characters including Kylo Ren. The re-imagined Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple experience also features new characters. And at Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, guests buckle up for an enhanced high-speed journey with new Force Awakens characters and a visit to Jakku.
  • In the park’s Hyperion Theater, the Royal Historians of Arendelle host a jolly sing-along tale of their “Frozen” kingdom with special appearances by Anna, Elsa and Kristoff. And at Celebrity Spotlight, guests can meet Olaf and give him a warm hug.

Disney Springs and Water Parks Make a Splash

Disney guests will spend their first summer at Disney Springs as it continues its transformation. The charming waterfront town, comprising The Landing, Marketplace and West Side, expands to debut its fourth neighborhood, Town Center, adding more shops, restaurants and architectural detail than ever.

  • Disney Springs Town CenterNew high-profile tenants are coming onboard at Disney Springs, including Anthropologie, Under Armour, kate spade, Sephora and Lucky Brand, among others. Other new shops opening in 2016 include: Zara, Tommy Bahama, Lilly Pulitzer, UNIQLO, PANDORA, UGG, L’Occitane en Provence and Edward Beiner.
  • A total of 32 new tenants will be coming to Disney Springs this summer, including 29 retail shops and three new dining venues.
  • Morimoto Asia recently celebrated its grand opening and more new eateries are firing up the scene in 2016 including the upscale STK steakhouse with the only rooftop dining in Disney Springs; The Edison, a lavish, “industrial Gothic”-style restaurant, bar and nighttime destination; Sprinkles, the world’s first cupcake bakery; Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza, a modern-day “pizza joint” with artisanal pies; and the reimagined, star-themed Planet Hollywood with new outdoor terrace and live entertainment.
  • Celebrity Chef Rick Bayless and renowned Chef Wolfgang Puck join master Chef Masaharu Morimoto in a growing collection of James Beard Award winning chefs at Disney Springs.
  • At Cirque du Soleil’s “La Nouba,” the new B-Boys hip-hop, breakdancing threesome showcase a rare mix of rhythm, strength and “how-did-they-do-that?” moves. As part of the show’s ongoing evolution, the masterful Aerial Bamboo act joins recent additions of madcap clowns and a breathtaking rolla bolla juggling act.

Meanwhile, Disney’s Water Parks will ramp up with playful spirits and summer fun faster than Olaf can beg for warm hugs.

  • Blizzard BeachAt Blizzard Beach, Olaf from Disney’s animated hit “Frozen,” will be living his “In Summer” dream as he and Kristoff host The Frozen Games at Blizzard Beach of friendly, fun competitions.
  • Typhoon Lagoon castaways can splash down on a sandy summer beach with a cold ale and savory snack after a wild slide on Crush ‘n’ Gusher water coaster.

Disney guests will have a blockbuster summer wherever they play, dine, relax or celebrate at Walt Disney World theme parks, entertainment venues and resort hotels.

501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

What are you most looking forward to this summer at Walt Disney World?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!