Tag Archives: Downtown Disney

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!

Feb 10 2015

Starbucks In Disney World

Coffee

For all of you Starbucks fans out there who just can’t start your day without your favorite beverage, you are in luck. Now there are several Starbucks locations throughout the resort. As with all change, the addition of Starbucks to Disney World angered many people. It seems that the dust has finally settled on this battle and guests are now growing accustomed to having this famous chain mixed in with the Disney magic. So the next time you’re in Disney World and are in need of a cup of your favorite brew, you’ll be able to get your fix. Keep in mind that each Starbucks varies in theme, menu offerings, and hours. Here’s a little bit more information about each location:

Downtown Disney Marketplace

Starbucks Marketplace

In the Marketplace section of Downtown Disney, Starbucks is served at a walk up window directly in front of the World of Disney store. This location is generally open from 8am to midnight. For the complete menu, click here.

Downtown Disney West Side

In the West Side section of Downtown Disney, Starbucks has a large restaurant. This location is generally open from 9am to midnight. For the complete menu, click here.

Magic Kingdom

In Magic Kingdom, Starbucks is served at the Main Street Bakery located on Main Street, U.S.A. This location is open during park hours. For the complete menu, click here.

Epcot

In Epcot, Starbucks is served at Fountain View located by the World Fellowship Fountain (aka Fountain of Nations). This location is open during park hours. For the complete menu, click here.

Hollywood Studios

In Hollywood Studios, Starbucks is served at The Trolley Car Café located on Hollywood Boulevard. This location is open during park hours. The Trolley Car Café just opened last week, so be sure to check back soon for the complete menu.

Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom Starbucks

Coming this summer to Animal Kingdom, another Starbucks location will be opening in the place of the Creature Comforts shop. Look for this spot to open mid-June 2015.

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:

Do you like Starbucks? How do you feel about it being in Disney World?
Please leave a comment!

Dec 15 2014

Disney World News – Holiday Happenings At Downtown Disney

Downtown Disney Christmas Tree

It’s that time of year again when Walt Disney World goes all out for the holidays! Let’s check out some of the holiday happenings being offered at Downtown Disney during its Festival of the Seasons:

  • You can meet Santa now through Christmas Eve when Santa Goofy takes over from December 25 – 29. There are PhotoPass Photographers available to snap your picture from 12pm – 9:30pm daily. A nice addition this year is that you can check in at the Santa Chalet podium and pick up a pager that will buzz when it’s your turn to meet the big guy!
  • As we’ve come to expect there is plenty of shopping available all throughout Downtown Disney. Favorite stops are the World of Disney store and the Marketplace Co-Op. Each location is featuring lots of fun holiday merchandise.
  • There is also loads of holiday entertainment to enjoy at Downtown Disney including carolers, stilt walkers, live musicians and dance parties. Be sure to pick up a times guide so that you can join in on the celebration!
  • And no holiday extravaganza would be complete without some tasty treats and beverages. Stop by Ghirardelli for some rich hot chocolate or Starbucks for one of their famous holiday specialties. In the mood for a dessert? Venture over to Goofy’s Candy Company for one of their festive delights!

Looking for more Disney World holiday fun? Be sure to check out these posts, too!

Disney World Decorates For The Holidays
Frozen Gingerbread Castle At Contemporary
A Frozen Holiday Wish Now Appearing At Magic Kingdom
Jungle Cruise Transformed To Jingle Cruise
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2014
Holiday Treats At Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Holidays Around The World At Epcot
Holiday Happenings At Hollywood Studios
The Osborne Family Spectacle Of Dancing Lights Returns
Disney’s Christmas Cookie Cocktail
Celebrating New Year’s At Disney World

(all photos courtesy of Disney Parks Blog)
Happy Holidays!

Nov 25 2014

Honoring The Disney Turkey Leg

Turkey Leg

In honor of Thanksgiving this week, I thought this would be the perfect time to pay tribute to the famous Disney turkey leg. These Flintstone-like hunks of meat are a fan favorite and even a rite of passage for many park-goers. The Disney turkey leg has such a loyal fan base that Disney even offers turkey leg merchandise such as t-shirts, pins, air fresheners (That’s right folks, you can make your car smell like a turkey leg!), magnets and more. Here’s a little turkey leg trivia for you:

  • Disney Turkey LegThe Disney turkey leg made its debut in the late 1980’s at a kiosk in Frontierland at Magic Kingdom.
  • More than 1.8 million pounds of turkey drumsticks are consumed every year in Disney World’s four theme parks – Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
  • Each drumstick weighs about 1.5 pounds.
  • Despite the persistent rumors that these are emu legs, the drumsticks do in fact come from male turkeys that generally weigh 50 pounds or more.
  • Each turkey leg is approximately 720 calories with about 36 grams of fat.
  • The turkey legs range in price from $10 – $13 depending on the location and if it comes with a side dish.

If you are going to be in Disney World for Thanksgiving (or anytime) and want to try one of these enormous drumsticks, they can be found at:

Anyone hungry for turkey now? Happy Thanksgiving and I hope you have a wonderful holiday!

What do you think of Disney turkey legs? Love ’em or hate ’em? Please leave a comment!

Making a trip to Disneyland, Disney World or both? Need help planning your dining? If so, please check out my book, A Tale of Two Resorts: Comparing Disneyland and Disney World. This reference guide offers a complete listing of every dining location from table service to snack stand available at both resorts plus helpful information about each and every dining spot such as location, atmosphere, cuisine type, meals served, dress code, menu selections, kid’s meal options and more.
Available from Amazon!

 

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