Tag Archives: Disney Springs

Feb 25 2015

New Menu Items For Downtown Disney Food Trucks

Disney Springs

Disney Springs is continuing to take shape. Not too long ago we saw the opening of the Food Trucks in their permanent location at Exposition Park in the West Side. But like everything else in Disney World, things are always changing. New items are being added to the menus at the Superstar Catering Food Truck and the Fantasy Fare Food Truck. Here’s the scoop on all four fantastic food trucks (photos courtesy of Disney)…

Fantasy Fare Food Truck

This truck offers favorite foods from Disney Parks around the world such as hand-dipped corn dogs from Disneyland, chicken & waffles from Magic Kingdom and Croque Monsieur from Disneyland Paris. New to this menu are sweet potato puffs topped with marshmallow cream and candied pecans.

Namaste Café Food Truck

This truck offers foods from Disney’s Animal Kingdom such as tandoori shrimp, naan with samosas, butter chicken and lamb kefta.

Superstar Catering Food Truck

This truck offers the flavors of Disney’s Hollywood Studios with a brand new menu including items such as pork shank served with Gruyere macaroni & cheese, a sausage and caramelized onion flatbread, and “A Taste of Hollywood Studios” featuring samplings of the BLT Soup from Sci-Fi Dine-In Restaurant plus the Famous Cobb Salad and a mini grapefruit cake from The Hollywood Brown Derby.

World Showcase of Flavors Food Truck

This truck features favorites from Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival such as pierogies, beef sliders and a grilled chicken breast gyro.

I’m so excited to try some of these delicious dishes on my next Disney World vacation!

Need help planning your Disney World vacation?

Be sure to check out these resources to make the most of your time in Disney World:

Heading 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 money:

Have you tried the food trucks yet? What did you think?
Please leave a comment!

Feb 17 2015

Disney World Reality Versus Rumor – February 2015 Edition

Welcome to the February 2015 edition of Disney World Reality vs. Rumor where we’ll take a look at the stories that are currently circulating to see which ones are confirmed and which ones are purely speculation.

Disney World Reality

  • It has been confirmed that Disney World ticket prices will be increasing this month. Sources say a single day Magic Kingdom ticket will exceed $100.
  • It has been confirmed that the Creature Comforts location in Animal Kingdom will reopen this summer as a Starbucks.
  • It has been confirmed that Be Our Guest Restaurant in Magic Kingdom will start accepting advance dining reservations for lunch beginning February 25.
  • It has been confirmed that the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad refurbishment has been moved to April.
  • It has been confirmed that the Richard Petty Driving Experience and Exotic Driving Experience will be closing this summer as well as the entire race track will be demolished to make way for future transportation improvements near Magic Kingdom.
  • It has been confirmed that the Tomorrowland Arcade in Magic Kingdom has closed due to changes in Florida law. All prize counters and claw-like games have also been removed from the arcades throughout Disney World.
  • Disney World confirmed that it has pulled the Epcot coffee mug, part of Starbucks’ “You Are Here” collection, because it included a purple-colored monorail train. Disney retired Monorail Purple after its involvement in a deadly crash in 2009.
  • It was confirmed that Disney filed paperwork to build a new “Frozen” meet and greet that will take up the space between the Mexico and Norway pavilions.
  • It has been confirmed that the Great Movie Ride in Hollywood Studios will soon see a much need update thanks to a new deal with Turner Classic Movies.
  • It has been confirmed by Disney Parks CEO Bob Iger during an interview with Bloomberg Television that there will be a lot more Star Wars in Disney Parks in the near future.
  • It has been announced by Disney that the following shops will be coming to Disney Springs: APEX, Art of Shaving, Chapel Hats, Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC, Havaianas, Sanuk, and Sound Lion.

Disney World Rumor

  • It is rumored that Disney is currently testing LCD displays at select resort bus stops that will display the estimated wait time until a particular bus should arrive.
  • There are many rumors that the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction in Magic Kingdom will undergo a lengthy refurbishment later this year to deal with the last row in the new boats taking on water, safety concerns after a guest seated in the back row lost a finger, and general maintenance.
  • Permits were recently filed spurring speculation that a new restaurant will be built in Adventureland in Magic Kingdom. Rumors are that its theme will tie into the Jungle Cruise.
  • It is being speculated that a third theatre is being added to Soarin’ to help accommodate the crowds.
  • There are also rumors that a new Soarin’ movie is being filmed that will replace the current film and will highlight well-known landmarks from around the world.
  • It is being speculated that a new country pavilion may be added to World Showcase. The most popular country being talked about is Brazil.
  • There are rumors that Echo Lake, Min & Bill’s Dockside Diner, and Gertie the Dinosaur will be removed this spring to make way for a Star Wars themed land in Hollywood Studios.
  • It is rumored that a third track is being added to Toy Story Mania to help accommodate the crowds.
  • There are rumors that a Pixar Place/Toy Story Land may be built in Hollywood Studios using part of the space made available with the closing of the Backlot Tour.

Look for another edition of Disney World Reality vs. Rumor in April 2015!

Are you excited about any of these changes – real or rumored? Please leave a comment!

Feb 11 2015

The Latest On The New Disney Springs Restaurants

Disney Springs

So many changes are happening during the transformation of Downtown Disney to Disney Springs. New parking garages and roads are being built, many new shops are appearing, and of course several new restaurants are opening soon. In case you haven’t heard, here’s the latest from Disney about the three new dining options that are slated to open later this year. (all photos courtesy of Disney)

BOATHOUSE

BoathouseOpening Spring 2015 as one of the new venues in The Landing at Disney Springs – a re-imagined and exciting district of entertainment, dining and shopping — The BOATHOUSE will be an upscale, waterfront dining experience featuring spectacular floating artwork: dream boats from the 30’s, 40’s & 50’s.

The incredible culinary experience of The BOATHOUSE will be showcased in an expansive restaurant with three distinctive bars including The Captain’s Raw Bar, The Admiral’s Club Bar and The Dock Bar, which is built over the water. Other spectacular nautically-themed rooms include The Runabout, Twin Transoms, and The Lake House. There will also be two private dining rooms for special events, conventions and presentations: The Regatta and The Trophy Room. The BOATHOUSE restaurant will be managed by internationally renowned and award-winning Gibsons Restaurant Group, celebrated for exceptional food and extraordinary service (recently named Best Steak House in Chicago). Guests will enjoy a gourmet menu served daily until 2 a.m. featuring steaks, chops, fresh seafood and a raw bar.

The BOATHOUSE restaurant will immerse guests both on land and on water with live music and romantic Captain’s guided tours aboard The Venezia, a beautifully crafted 40-foot wooden Italian Water Taxi featuring champagne toasts and chocolate-covered strawberries. There also will be the exhilaration of guided Amphicar rides that launch from land, entering the water with a splash, taking guests on a 20-minute tour of the landmarks of Disney Springs.

The Harbor Master will orchestrate daily flag ceremonies, accompanied by a lively musical performance of beloved bugle songs, performed aboard a classic 1800’s antique steam boat. Authentic nautical items, custom engraved paddles, distinctive lake-themed merchandise, and other unique items “Made on Earth™” will be available at The Ship’s Store, adjacent to The BOATHOUSE restaurant.

“Combining dining with interactive entertainment, The BOATHOUSE helps bring to life our vision of Disney Springs as a welcoming place for guests of all ages to enjoy with their friends and family amid the charm of a waterfront town center,” said George A. Kalogridis, president, Walt Disney World Resort. “We are very excited that The BOATHOUSE is joining the Walt Disney World family at Disney Springs,” said creator Steven Schussler. “We are proud to bring the culinary expertise and impeccable service of Gibsons Restaurant Group to The BOATHOUSE. The outstanding cuisine, the excitement of Amphicars, the Italian Water Taxi, and live music will make The BOATHOUSE a must-see destination for Walt Disney World guests from all around the world. Walt Disney Imagineering has created a wonderful, interactive, culinary and entertainment experience at Disney Springs. We are proud to be part of this magical experience.”

Morimoto Asia

MorimotoChef Masaharu Morimoto is teaming up with Patina Restaurant Group to open Morimoto Asia as Walt Disney World Resort brings to life Disney Springs, an entertainment-dining-retail district re-imagined from Downtown Disney. To open in summer 2015 at The Landing, in the heart of Disney Springs, Morimoto Asia is the Japanese master chef’s first pan-Asian dining experience.

Morimoto Asia’s extraordinary, 36-foot tall, two-story layout includes a vast range of areas to explore including open terraces, grand hall, private rooms, long bar, cocktail lounge, waterside seating and more. The restaurant is being designed by STUDIO V Architecture.

“We are delighted to work with Morimoto to create this one of a kind restaurant, which will be a spectacular dining destination at the new Disney Springs,” said Nick Valenti, restaurateur and CEO of Patina Restaurant Group.

“I’m very excited to bring this new concept to Disney, something I’ve always dreamed of,” said Chef Morimoto. “It’s a wonderful chance to share some of my favorite foods from across the Asian continent.”

Morimoto Asia’s culinary elements will provide flavors from across Asia, while exhibition kitchens will showcase the continent’s traditions. Included among them are street-food stalls, Peking duck carving and dim sum. Morimoto’s inspiration and perspective will create an unmatched dining experience in this richly layered setting.

“We’re thrilled to bring Chef Morimoto’s renowned culinary style to Disney Springs as we expand the range of dining experiences for our resort guests as well as local Florida residents,” said George A. Kalogridis, president, Walt Disney World Resort.

STK Orlando

STK OrlandoThe ONE Group Hospitality, Inc. (“The ONE Group”) (OTCQB:STKS), known for developing upscale, high-energy restaurants, today announced plans to open a STK in Disney Springs at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. STK Orlando is expected to open in The Landing at Disney Springs in 2015, with the full completion of Disney Springs expected in 2016.

The new STK will be located within the waterfront setting of The Landing at Disney Springs, a completely re-imagined shopping, dining and entertainment complex that will double the number of shops and restaurants currently found at Downtown Disney. The Landing is the first phase of Disney Springs and will be home to unique and memorable dining experiences such as STK, Morimoto Asia and The BOATHOUSE, plus a number of still-to-be-announced innovative restaurants and boutique shops.

STK’s unique ambiance blends the elements of a modern steakhouse with a sleek lounge, including a DJ, emphasizing a social, fun environment. At approximately 14,000 square feet, the Orlando outpost will be one of the largest STK locations. STK Orlando will have two dining floors—including a main level and the only rooftop dining venue in Disney Springs.

“We are thrilled to join the Disney Springs family with the launch of STK Orlando,” said Jonathan Segal, CEO of The ONE Group. “The combination of an innovative menu and high-energy atmosphere has driven the success of STK, and we believe it will be an ideal addition to Disney Springs, and will help further cement its status as a place for friends and family to gather for fine dining and entertainment.”

Segal added, “Our entrance into the Orlando market represents another example of our continued growth strategy. We remain on track with our expansion plans for 2015 and hope to continue to partner with exciting world-class brands like Walt Disney Parks and Resorts moving forward.”

“STK Orlando is a welcome new addition to Disney Springs.  With its innovative, high-energy atmosphere, STK is the perfect complement to our growing array of dining, entertainment and shopping offerings,” said George A. Kalogridis, president, Walt Disney World Resort.

In the future guests will be able to make advanced dining reservations for BOATHOUSE, Morimoto Asia, and STK Orlando by visiting DisneyWorld.com.

Need help planning your Disney World vacation?

Be sure to check out these resources to make the most of your time in Disney World:

Heading 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 money:

Which of these restaurants are you most looking forward to trying?
Please leave a comment!

Nov 19 2014

Disney World News – What’s Happening With Disney Springs?

Disney Springs

There are always changes happening at Disney World and one of the biggest that is taking place right now is the transformation of Downtown Disney into the newly reimagined Disney Springs. When Downtown Disney’s largest expansion in history is complete in 2016, the dining, shopping and entertainment options will have doubled, Buena Vista Drive will have been expanded to ten lanes (including a dedicated bus lane), an I-4 interchange will have been added to allow for direct access, two pedestrian bridges will have been built as well as two parking garages (the first of which opens tomorrow offering 4,000 guest parking spaces).

Disney Springs will include four areas known as The Landing, Marketplace, West Side and Town Center that will be host to over 150 shopping, dining and entertainment venues. A lot of progress has already been made with the addition of two Starbucks locations, nightly entertainment at the Waterview Stage, the announcements of THE BOATHOUSE and Morimoto Asia, and the recent installation of the Springs Bottling Co. sign. Check out this time-lapse video:

Another soon-to-be-realized change is the walkway between The Landing and the West Side will be fully opened by the end of November.


Later this month, we’ll also see the opening of the Food Trucks at Exposition Park in the West Side which will serve as their new permanent home. If you haven’t tried them yet, here’s the scoop:

Fantasy Fare Food Truck – This truck offers favorite foods from Disney Parks around the world such as hand-dipped corn dogs from Disneyland, chicken & waffles from Magic Kingdom and Croque Monsieur from Disneyland Paris.

 

Namaste Café Food Truck – This truck offers foods from Disney’s Animal Kingdom such as tandoori shrimp, naan with samosas, butter chicken and lamb kefta.

 

Superstar Catering Food Truck  – This truck offers the flavors of Disney’s Hollywood Studios with menu items such as a pot roast sandwich, margarita flatbread and a turkey meatball sub.

 

World Showcase of Flavors Food Truck – This truck features favorites from Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival such as pierogies, beef sliders and a grilled chicken breast gyro.

 

Would you like to know more about the back story of Disney Springs? Check out this interesting video:

I’m so excited to explore all of the changes to Downtown Disney on my next visit and I can’t wait to see the World of Disney Store once it has been expanded. I better start saving souvenir money now!

What are you most looking forward to with the reimagined Disney Springs?
Please leave a comment!

(all photos, concept art and videos courtesy of Disney)

Destinations in Florida - Florida Travel Specialists

Oct 29 2014

Disney World News – New Restaurants Announced For Disney Springs

Disney Springs

Earlier this week the details of two new restaurants located in the reimagined Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney) were released. The first location, opening in the spring of 2015, will be the BOATHOUSE featuring steak and seafood. The second location, opening in summer of 2015, will be Morimoto Asia offering pan-Asian cuisine. Here are the latest details from Disney Parks Blog:

It was just announced that Chef Masaharu Morimoto, who many of you know from his appearances on Iron Chef America, is opening a one-of-a-kind dining experience in the heart of Disney Springs at the Walt Disney World Resort. Morimoto Asia will be the Japanese master chef’s first-ever pan-Asian restaurant featuring flavors from across the continent. This Disney Springs dining destination will include unique exhibition kitchens showcasing traditions like Peking duck carving, and dim sum. “I’m very excited to bring this new concept to Disney, something I’ve always dreamed of,” said Chef Morimoto. “It’s a wonderful chance to share some of my favorite foods from across the Asian continent.” The two-story restaurant is scheduled to open in the Summer 2015 at The Landing (formerly Pleasure Island) in Disney Springs. Morimoto Asia will feature waterside seating, terraces, a grand hall and a cocktail lounge.

Also today, another new concept dining experience, The BOATHOUSE, was announced for The Landing in Disney Springs. The BOATHOUSE will be an upscale, waterfront dining experience that’ll immerse guests both on land and on water with live music, guided tours aboard the Captain’s piloted 40-foot Italian Water Taxi with champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries and guided Amphicar rides that launch from land, enter the water, and take guests on a 20-minute tour of the landmarks of Disney Springs. “We are very excited that the BOATHOUSE is joining the Walt Disney World family at Disney Springs,” says creator Steven Schussler. “Walt Disney Imagineering has created a wonderful, interactive, culinary and entertainment experience at Disney Springs. We are proud to be part of this magical experience.” The BOATHOUSE will open in the Spring of 2015 in Disney Springs. The restaurant’s gourmet menu (served daily until 2 a.m.) will feature steaks, chops, seafood and a raw bar. The BOATHOUSE is the latest project of Schussler Creative, the creators of Rainforest Cafe, T-Rex and Yak & Yeti at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Are you excited about all of the changes and additions to the newly reimagined Disney Springs? Please leave a comment!

Destinations in Florida - Florida Travel Specialists