The new look balloon for Characters in Flight was inflated today at Disney Springs.
The new design features no characters, a request made by Disney in keeping the new story of Disney Springs cohesive.
The Coca-Cola Store at Disney Springs has offered international flavors of soda since it opened back in July, including the infamous Beverly drink from Italy. The drink is well-known from the nearly 2 decades it has spent at Epcot as part of Club Cool (formerly Ice Station Cool), surprising unexpecting guests from around the globe with it’s “unique” flavor. Basically, a lot of people really dislike Beverly.
Well, the Coca-Cola store at Disney Springs is now mixing up the “palate cleanser” in a alcoholic concoction as part of a revamped late-night menu of adult beverages.
Beverly’s Revenge is made up of Hendrick’s Gin, Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur, and, as you might guess, Beverly.
I’m one of the few people who generally finds Beverly tolerable. It isn’t my favorite drink and I wouldn’t choose to drink it (unless it is placed in an alcoholic beverage that might be particularly bloggable in this case), but I could drink it and not be repulsed if challenged to do so.
Being incredibly intrigued once I heard about this offering, I had to go and try it. Honestly, it wasn’t bad. Actually, to be honest, I kind of enjoyed it. It almost tasted as if Beverly was meant to be a mixing soda, tasting bad on its own, but really blending well into a drink like this. The drink is of a good size for the price (compared to other places at Walt Disney World, not what you might pay for such things in the rest of the known universe) and I felt there was enough alcohol in it to get a slight buzz, which doesn’t happen to me very often at Disney.
It tasted like an orange-Beverly soda with gin in it, as you might guess by the description. I would order this again if I happened to end up with some friends at the rooftop tasting bar of the Coca-Cola Store at Disney Springs, but to be honest, this isn’t the hippest hangout in Orlando. That being said, I like the rooftop tasting bar a lot and I think it is worthy of at least a visit if you have never been and enjoy soda.
For more on the Coca-Cola Store at Disney Springs and a look at the two exciting tasting trays they offer, please check out our original post from when they opened back in July.
Disney Springs undoubtedly won the dining war of 2016, introducing the Disney World to Blaze Pizza, Frontera Cocina, Homecoming, B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co., and of course, D-Luxe Burger (We’re going to pretend that the Daily Poutine doesn’t exist, ok?).
When D-Luxe Burger opened back in May, the chef there informed us that they would occasionally be adding burgers and seasonal milkshakes to the menu. While we have had a few different milkshakes to try out, we finally have a new burger on the menu. Thankfully, nothing from the original menu was removed to add this one, so our original review of the restaurant (which includes every dish, so you should read it if you haven’t) is still good.
So let’s talk about what is new…
This new burger is a “Signature Blend topped with Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Bacon, Onion Jam and Bleu Cheese”. I’m not a fan of onion jam or bleu cheese, but they blend well on this and this burger works. I suspect anyone who enjoys bleu cheese will want this and I think they would be quite happy with it. Personally, I would still take the El Diablo, Barbecue Classic, Southern Classic, and Cluck Burger over this one though.
They already have a solid line-up at D-Luxe, and adding this kind of burger certainly only strengthens the existing array. If you haven’t been yet, be sure to make D-Luxe a must for counter service dining in 2017.
The T-Rex Cafe at Disney Spring is offering a special Breakfast with Santa package on December 17th, 18th, 22nd, and 23rd from 8-10am.
The package offers a breakfast buffet, early bird shopping at the World of Disney from 9am-10am, as well as the T-Rex Dino Store. Guests will also be able to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus.
The price is $32 for adults , $20.50 for children ages 4-9, and free for children 3 & under.
Reservations can be made at TRexCafe.com and by calling 407-828-8739.
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — The unveiling of a magical, mythical world of floating mountains, bioluminescent rainforests and soaring Banshees anchors an exciting 2017 at Walt Disney World Resort – a year filled with new water park fun, a new festival for Epcot, more openings at Disney Springs, an awe-inspiring nighttime experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and much more.
Opening in summer 2017 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Pandora-The World of Avatar will bring a variety of new experiences to the park, including a family-friendly attraction called Na’vi River Journey and new food & beverage and merchandise locations. Pongu Pongu (pictured here) will be a special drink location with a design that is as eclectic as its Expat owner. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is one of four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Disney Parks)
Here’s a roundup at what the new year has in store:
Pandora – The World of Avatar – A transformational experience unlike any other, Pandora – The World of Avatar, opens in summer 2017. In collaboration with filmmaker James Cameron and Lightstorm Entertainment, Disney is bringing to life the fantasy world of Pandora, inspired by Cameron’s epic film AVATAR, in a breathtaking new land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Avatar Flight of Passage will send guests flying above the jungles of Pandora on a Mountain Banshee. Bioluminescent rainforests dramatically wrap around Na’vi River Journey, a family-friendly boat ride.
Hungry adventurers can recharge at Satu’li Canteen, the main dining location, or Pongu Pongu, a drink kiosk with a design as eclectic as its expat owner. Shoppers can stock up on Na’vi cultural items, toys, science kits and more at Windtraders. “From the place making to the two extraordinary attractions that will be in the land…these promise to set new high-watermarks for the experiential magic we give our guests,” said Bob Chapek, Chairman, Disney Parks and Resorts.
More Additions to Disney Springs in 2017 – With the multi-year makeover of this hip, happening district for dining, shopping and entertainment in the homestretch, still more exciting openings are on tap for 2017. Great new food and beverage venues lead the way.
Home to four distinct neighborhoods, Disney Springs treats guests to a world of beautiful open-air promenades, flowing springs, arcing foot bridges and waterfront charm. Venues have doubled – to approximately 150.
New Family Raft Ride at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park – Aboard this family-style raft adventure, guests will be immersed in the story of Captain Mary Oceaneer. Legend holds that this treasure hunter roamed the seven seas in search of undersea artifacts – until a rogue storm marooned her at Typhoon Lagoon. Guests gently ascend in treasure rafts, only to plunge into a whitewater adventure where they will encounter some of Mary’s deep sea booty. When it opens in spring 2017, it will be one of the longest attractions (2 minutes) at Disney’s Water Parks.
Rivers of Light – Coming in 2017, this powerful theatrical production takes Disney’s Animal Kingdom guests on a magnificent emotional journey – a visual mix of water, fire, nature and light choreographed to an original musical score. Continuing the park’s transformation from a day-into-nighttime experience, the amazing after-dark show on the banks of Discovery River celebrates the majesty of nature and the connection between animals and humans in the world. With innovative and never-before-seen technology, Rivers of Light will be unlike any other production ever staged at Walt Disney World Resort.
Epcot International Festival of the Arts – Epcot welcomes an all-new festival playing winter weekends and treating guests to a triple scoop of artful fun. For six colorful weekends (Fridays through Mondays) Jan. 13-Feb. 20, visual, culinary and performing arts will take center stage. Each weekend will feature taste bud-tempting and eye-dazzling creations from the Disney culinary team. Meantime, exciting new art from various media will tempt art lovers. Because the artwork will change out, it’s a new art festival every weekend. In addition, the lagoon-side stage at American Gardens Theatre will pulse with favorite showtunes performed by Broadway talent. In a collaboration with Disney Theatrical, songs from some of Disney on Broadway’s award-winning shows including The Lion King, Newsies and Aladdin will be performed.
Unique All-New Experiences for Dining, Star Wars Fans – A new adventure in Disney dining and the ultimate Star Wars tour are being offered to guests in 2017.
Disney’s famed monorail is your connection in a movable feast called Highway in the Sky Dine-Around. The new experience gives guests priority boarding on the monorail for a distinctly Disney dining experience with stops for cocktails, appetizers, dinner and dessert. From a welcome cocktail at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, guests call at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort (apps), Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (entree) and back to the Contemporary for dessert, cordials and coffee. Offered Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
For the ultimate Star Wars fan comes the ultimate tour. An all-new Star Wars Guided Tour is a seven-hour immersion in all current Star Wars experiences at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Character greetings, themed dining, ride experiences, insider’s tours, dessert party and VIP viewing of Star Wars: a Galactic Spectacular are among highlights. Offered Mondays and Saturdays, it’s part of several new Star Wars additions announced in December 2016 for the park, including a new onstage sequence in the daytime experience “Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away.” Star Wars-themed lands are planned for Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.
New Cabins and Deluxe Villas coming to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – In 2017, a proposed new Disney Vacation Club Resort, Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort, is scheduled to open, featuring new Resort accommodations that include plans for Deluxe Villas and unique waterfront cabins. Other enhancements coming to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge include a brand-new bar & grill, in addition to a quick-service restaurant. A sweeping re-imagination of the former Hidden Springs Pool, part of Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, is also scheduled to open in summer 2017. Named Boulder Ridge Cove, this area will feature an expanded sun deck and zero-depth-entry pool.
New Cheerleading, Dance Venue for ESPN Wide World of Sports – A first-of-its-kind venue specifically designed for the high-energy world of cheerleading and dance team competition opens its doors in 2017 at ESPN Wide World of Sports. The complex is collaborating with Varsity Spirit, the nation’s top cheerleading organization, in bringing the new multi-use venue to life. The venue will include a flexible design that allows for as many as four competition areas. With the ability to seat more than 8,000 guests, the sports and entertainment venue also can accommodate six regulation basketball courts, six regulation volleyball courts or be configured for concerts.
It seems the Planet Hollywood Observatory at Disney Springs will not be opening in mid-December 2016 as originally anticipated…
Guests with mid-December reservations were contacted today and told that their reservations were cancelled. Those with late-December reservations have still not received word if their reservations will be honored, most likely because Planet Hollywood simply does not know at this time. The official website for the Planet Hollywood Observatory is now only taking reservations beginning January 3rd, 2017.
We will keep you updated as more information becomes available.
Back in July, we told you that the NBA presence at Disney Springs was likely cancelled. Well, as of today, Disney is telling cast members that DisneyQuest will remain open into 2017.
DisneyQuest at Disney Springs will continue to operate into 2017
Despite being removed from annual passes, DisneyQuest has no closing in sight as Disney continues to have problems finding a tenant for the building who doesn’t want to just knock it down. Cast members were originally told that DisneyQuest would close sometime in 2016.
Just days after switching to seasonal operation and menu, the AristoCrepes at Disney Springs has brought back crepes and it’s names.
The savory crepes are gone and what remains are three of the sweet crepes. You can find the old menu in our original review of the AristoCrepes. The new snack items that were introduced after the crepes were removed are still available as well.
The sweet crepes temporarily moved to Amorette’s Patisserie in the interim, but are now back at AristoCrepes. Amorette’s now has a separate crepe menu:
Black Friday will kick off at Disney Springs on November 25-26. With earlier opening hours at 8 a.m. and deals in every neighborhood, Disney Springs provides a one-of-a-kind shopping experience with extra entertainment and breakfast offerings including mimosas and small bites from dining locations across the property. While all of the special offers are subject to availability, there’s a lot to choose from.
The following locations will open early on November 25 and 26 (operating hours subject to change):
World of Disney and other familiar favorites will feature great deals while supplies last: A Vera Bradley “Midnight with Mickey” hipster bag for $24.99 at Marketplace Co-Op, Storm Trooper Action Figures for $14.99 at Star Wars Galactic Outpost, just to name a few.
Additional locations will offer special sales and promotions, including the following:
With more than 60 locations planning special sales and great promotions, Disney Springs will definitely become “the place to be” for shopping this Black Friday. Check back for more participating locations.
Join us this evening at 6:45 pm for a live video stream of the premiere performance of the “Starbright Holidays” Drone Light Show at Disney Springs.
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