Let's take a stroll around Disney Springs and talk about new food, desserts, where to find a cool spot for a break, great shopping with a benefit, how to take a spin around the lake and top it all off with an ice cold beverage...aaah! Ready? Fantastic! Just follow me.
There have been so many additions and changes over the past few months as the Disney Springs expansion project is coming to completion so I thought I would give you an update on what can now be found here! It's all very exciting to see it come to fruition. Disney Springs is now a destination all of its own and worth taking a little time to explore. Getting here is no longer the chaotic problem that it once was last year. There are now two parking structures..each equipped with the new smart technology to notify you exactly how many parking spaces are available on each floor. There are now two new bus depot locations, one at West Side and one for Marketplace, and don't forget the new skyway pedestrian bridge if you find yourself parking across the street from Disney Springs. There's no more having to cross four lanes of traffic.
There have been so many additions and changes over the past few months as the Disney Springs expansion project is coming to completion so I thought I would give you an update on what can now be found here! It's all very exciting to see it come to fruition. Disney Springs is now a destination all of its own and worth taking a little time to explore. Getting here is no longer the chaotic problem that it once was last year. There are now two parking structures..each equipped with the new smart technology to notify you exactly how many parking spaces are available on each floor. There are now two new bus depot locations, one at West Side and one for Marketplace, and don't forget the new skyway pedestrian bridge if you find yourself parking across the street from Disney Springs. There's no more having to cross four lanes of traffic.
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Disney has also put in a new ferry boat dock to drop off resort guests at the end of Marketplace. There is a ferry that runs to each end of Disney Springs to take you from Marketplace to West Side. Tip: If you arrive by ferry boat and are heading to a dining reservation in "The Landing" section or "Town Center," use the new walking bridge that takes you across the lake right into "The Landing" area near The BOATHOUSE.
Since every thing else in this area was being re-imagined to reflect the new back story for "Disney Springs," a brand new Guest Relations area was added. This a is a beautiful area located right near the new "springs" complete with chairs on the covered porch where you can take a little break from shopping or use it as a "Let's meet back here." spot if your group all wants to head in different directions to shop. When you walk inside you will now find plenty of couches and chairs to sit on while you wait in the cool air conditioning, which is a HUGE plus right now with this summer heat. This is also where you would go if you have any issues with your Magic Bands, tickets or My Disney Experience app working correctly. You name it, and they can most likely remedy the issue for you.
New Guest Relations located in Disney Springs
Now, let's talk FOOD, and there is surely no shortage of options for that in Disney Springs these days! There have been some new counter service locations opened up over the past few months that I want to share with you.
Let's start with B.B. Wolf's Sausage Co. If you are a fan of sausage and peppers, or sausage dogs in general this may be the place for you to try out. They offer a variety of themed sandwiches as seen on the menu below. This is a "grab and go" option.
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Poutine is another counter service option offering quick "grab and go" items. "Poutine" is a classic dish you will find in many Canadian eateries and usually consists of french fries covered in a gravy and cheese. Here you will find a few different variations of this classic side dish.
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AristoCrepes is another fantastic "grab and go" option while you are shopping. The reviews on this one have been consistently good with menu options including both savory and sweet options to fill your crepe craving. Have a look at their menu.
D-Luxe Burger is a counter service location on the dining plan offering gourmet burgers, build your own burgers and chicken burger, hand-cut fries and great milkshakes. This location offers indoor seating so you can get out of the elements or outdoor seating overlooking the springs. The reviews of this new burger joint have been "two thumbs up" all the way, so be sure to check it out. Hint: It's a GREAT bang for your buck if you are using the dining plan.
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If you'd like to take a little spin around the lake and see it all from the water or maybe to just check out those really cool little amphicars...then point yourself in the direction of The BOATHOUSE in "The Landing" neighborhood, and you'll find what you're looking for.
The amphicars only run through a certain hour in the day, with operating hours ending before dark, so be sure to not wait too late in the day. Be ready to open your wallet for this little fun ride because it will run you around $125 for a thirty minute car/boat ride around the lake. If you're not quite sure about taking the plunge in the water with one of the well-trained amphicar captain's no problem. You can hang out on the deck there and snap some fun photos of others as they make their splash head first into the water! Bon Voyage!
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New Table Service Dining Locations Now Open! Two new sit down table service venues have just recently opened within the month in the new Town Center neighborhood, and they are Fontera Cocina and Homecoming: Florida Fresh.
Frontera Cocina is a Mexican themed venue inspired by chef Rick Bayless. This location is currently accepting reservations and participates in the Disney Dining Plan, so if you are planning a visit soon and would like to dine here, please let me know so that I can work on securing you a dining reservation. The menus are posted outside the front doors of the restaurant, allowing you an opportunity to check out the options offered here before you enter.
Frontera Cocina is a Mexican themed venue inspired by chef Rick Bayless. This location is currently accepting reservations and participates in the Disney Dining Plan, so if you are planning a visit soon and would like to dine here, please let me know so that I can work on securing you a dining reservation. The menus are posted outside the front doors of the restaurant, allowing you an opportunity to check out the options offered here before you enter.
Chef Art Smith's (Some of you may remember when he was Oprah's personal chef many years ago.) new Homecoming:Florida Fresh restaurant has a menu inspired by his native home state of Florida with some local favorites, including chopped barbecue sliders, buttermilk brine fried chicken, fried green tomatoes chicken and dumpling sout and more, including various seafood dishes as well. Many of the ingredients used in his restaurant are being procured from local growers.
As of this week, Homecoming: Florida Fresh is officially open but will not begin accepting reservations until July 21st. I do not have confirmation at this time whether or not this establishment will be included on the Disney Dining Plan, so stay tuned as more details become available. I have been waiting for this venue in particular to open so I can be sure to try on when I head back down to check out all the new places and things! Again, if this location appeals to you, and you would like to give it try please let me know so that I can be sure to try to secure you a dining reservation.
As of this week, Homecoming: Florida Fresh is officially open but will not begin accepting reservations until July 21st. I do not have confirmation at this time whether or not this establishment will be included on the Disney Dining Plan, so stay tuned as more details become available. I have been waiting for this venue in particular to open so I can be sure to try on when I head back down to check out all the new places and things! Again, if this location appeals to you, and you would like to give it try please let me know so that I can be sure to try to secure you a dining reservation.
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If you have a sweet tooth, you're in luck! There are several new places sure to satisfy the sweetest of desires! The hardest decision you may have is where or what to try first. so let's begin with the NEW places.
Vivoli Gelato is a true Italian inspired gelato buffet! I could certainly have some fun here...haha!
Vivoli Gelato is a true Italian inspired gelato buffet! I could certainly have some fun here...haha!
The Ganachery......home to all of your chocolate indulgences located in one special shop just for chocolate aficionados! You can even just stand there and watch these masters of all things chocolate work creating these decadent treats.
Amorette's Patisserie is an upscale boutique style bakery/pastry shop with nice artistic details like painted designs on the ceiling, pops of color around the open show kitchen and vintage style glass cloches holding macaroons. They are known for their signature eleven-layer cake, several different specialty cakes and beverages. Make sure you plan to at least stop by this location to walk in and be amazed at the creations and cute character mini cakes being made in the show kitchen.
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The Signature eleven layer cake is available is a large version or a mini cake version (mini version has vanilla fondant icinng unlike the larger version). This eleven layer cake includes: Red Velvet Cake, Chocolate Cake, Cherry Mousse, Chocolate Mousse, Raspberry Pate de Fruit Jelly and Italian Buttercream - all under a blanket of Hibiscus Fondant.
Minnie fans will fall in love with the Minnie Cake. This one features a Lemon Chiffon Cake and White Chocolate Mousse with the Pate de Fruit is Strawberry. You can also find domed cakes fashioned after your other favorite classic Disney characters: Mickey, Donald, Goofy and Pluto and are available for order and pick up.
Minnie fans will fall in love with the Minnie Cake. This one features a Lemon Chiffon Cake and White Chocolate Mousse with the Pate de Fruit is Strawberry. You can also find domed cakes fashioned after your other favorite classic Disney characters: Mickey, Donald, Goofy and Pluto and are available for order and pick up.
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The Beverage Station offers milk for your cookies, Joffreys' Coffee and Espresso, or if you'd rather step up to the adult beverage area there champagne, a variety of sparkling wines or Amorette's Hot Chocolate Ganache with Chantilly and Shaved Dark Chocolate.
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Sprinkles cupcake bakery shop specializes in....you guessed it CUPCAKES! Sprinkles is located in Town Center near the Springs and has become quite known not for their open show kitchen but for their cupcake ATM. Yes, an ATM cupcake vending machine located at the front of the building where you can choose your desired cupcake flavor and have one pre-boxed cupcake delivered to you via the ATM window.
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Many great retailers can now be found right at Disney Springs making trips outside of Walt Disney World® Resort property to the nearby malls unnecessary. One of the best features of the areas in the newest Town Center neighborhood is the covered outdoor shopping areas. This allows you to get out of the direct hot sun or those notorious Florida pop up rain showers.
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When you're all done shopping, eating and dessert tasting make your way back to The Landing area and enjoy a refreshing cocktail at Dockside Margarita, Jock Lindey's Hangar Bar or Homecoming: Florida Fresh with their new take on some local favorites.
I hope you've enjoyed taking this tour around Disney Springs with me today, and enjoy your next visit in person.
You're almost to the weekend!
Cindy
You're almost to the weekend!
Cindy
