REVIEW: Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar Introduces Happy Hour and Seasonal Food & Drink Specials

Now, don’t adjust your computer or phone just yet, the title of this review does include the term “Happy Hour” and it is for a Disney-owned and operated restaurant. No, this is not clickbait and it isn’t a rumor, it actually currently exists.

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Now, we have taken quite a few “review” trips to Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar at Disney Springs since it opened last year. There was the first round of menu changes in May, followed by the radical menu changes in July, with the latter injuring the menu quite harshly. Jock’s opened with a lot of promise: souvenir mugs, good food, good drinks, collectible coasters, and an Indiana Jones theme. Sadly, the mug production issues (The Anything Goes still doesn’t exist), the sudden cease in the creation of more coasters, the removal of all of the themed drink stirrers, and the demolition of the original menu’s highlights have sort of killed the buzz around this once red-hot establishment.

In an effort to bring some life back to Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, two menu changes have been made. Recently, both a Happy Hour menu and a Seasonal Offerings menu were introduced at the bar, so we just had to go and check it out.

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar Happy Hour & Seasonal Offerings Menu

Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar Happy Hour & Seasonal Offerings Menu

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar Happy Hour & Seasonal Offerings Menu

Happy Hour is offered Monday through Friday, from 3PM until 6:30PM, offering 3 new appetizers, as well as slightly discounted beer pitchers, wines and cocktails. And yes, the reoccurring price on the menu seems to be seven…

Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar Happy Hour & Seasonal Offerings Menu

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar Happy Hour & Seasonal Offerings Menu

The seasonal specials menu currently offers Autumn flavors in both food and drinks.

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar – Drink Specials

Autumn Smash ($7)

Autumn Smash ($7.75)

Before you even ask, yes, they all came in the same silly, slanted glass. I really liked the Autumn Smash a lot, but it got hard to drink towards the bottom as the cinnamon settled down there.

Autumn Smash ($7)

Autumn Smash ($7.75)

Cubra-Libre ($7)

Cubra-Libre ($7)

I had never had a Cubra-Libre before, but it is probably the only drink we tried yesterday that I would try again. It was very smooth with little no to no alcohol taste.

Cubra-Libre ($7)

Cubra-Libre ($7)

Screwdriver ($7)

Screwdriver ($7)

The screwdriver was fairly standard, not much for my taste.

Smoking Bullet ($8.50)

Smoking Bullet ($8.50)

The Smoking Bullet is passable as well, but not something I would order over a Reggie’s Revenge or Anything Goes.

Belloq’s Bacon Fries ($7)

Belloq's Bacon Fries ($7)

Belloq’s Bacon Fries ($7)

I will say I enjoyed these a lot, even though they were a little skimpy on the toppings. At one pint, you may say to yourself, “Where’s the cheese? Oh, I guess that’s it.” The portion isn’t huge, but if you’re going to eat here and really like steak fries, this may not be a bad option. I’d probably still stick with the “not-as-good-now” Rolling Boulder Sliders and the Air Pirate’s Pretzels, but these are at least worth your consideration for being no less than 5.4 billion times better than the Plaza Loaded Fries.

Belloq's Bacon Fries ($7)

Belloq’s Bacon Fries ($7)

Jock’s Loaded Nachos ($7)

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One of the more (if not most) generic dishes I’ve ever had at a Disney bar and lounge, the nachos are just your everyday, run of the mill nachos. It’s a small portion nd chips aren’t particularly good, but if you really must have nachos, these will do the trick I suppose.

Classified X-3 Chicken Wings ($7)

Classified X-3 Chicken Wings ($7)

Classified X-3 Chicken Wings ($7)

The one real winner on the Happy Hour menu is the wings. These were perfect in every way. The chili garlic glaze has a nice kick to it, but there is still plenty of flavor as well. I highly recommend these as they might very well be my favorite thing on any portion of the Jock Lindsey’s menu.

Junior’s Thanksgiving Flatbread ($14)

Junior's Thanksgiving Flatbread ($14)

Junior’s Thanksgiving Flatbread ($14)

Thew often overrated Earl of Sandwich has made quite a bit of change selling a holiday sandwich which combines all of the flavors of a Thanksgiving meal, so why not try to replicate it on a flatbread? This is why, this is why you wouldn’t replicate it on a flatbread. There was no reason for this to be a flatbread. Also none of the flavors blend well on here, with or without the bread underneath. Did anyone in the kitchen try this as a whole, or just individual pieces of it? I wouldn’t recommend this under any circumstances, but I suppose it was still better than the Pizzafari Cheeseburger Flatbread, if that means anything.

OVERALL

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In its heyday (so Fall 2015-Spring 2016), I would visit Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar on a weekly basis. Since July, this is the first time I have been in the place and I am reminded why. The frustrating cuts in quality, the unceremonious destruction of the original menu, and the fact that 1, maybe 2 of the 5 new menu items were of any value really tells the story of the problems with this place currently. I used to rank this over Trader Sam’s at the Polynesian, but with their recent menu changes, I think Sam’s is now far superior. Sam’s always had a better drink menu, but Jock’s had the better food. This has completely switched over the last 3 months.

Jock Lindsey’s is not where I would choose to eat or drink at Disney Springs. I would much rather grab a bite a Blaze Pizza, the BOATHOUSE, or D-Luxe Burger, then maybe grab a drink at Homecoming, Morimoto Asia, or even Splitsville.

REVIEW: B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. Introduces Oktoberfest Special

B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. opened back in May along with many new eateries at Disney Springs, so it is pretty easy for it to get lost in the shuffle as it is just a kiosk. That being said, this little kiosk isn’t just blowing hot air. Per my original review (which you should check out if you have not):

Two of the three items we enjoyed at B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. are things I would order again, but the main problem here is seating. These aren’t items you can walk around and eat. They are too large and have to many toppings to be comfortably eaten walking through shops and such. While there are about 3 standing tables here, I’d like to see a few seats placed in the alcove off to the right of the restaurant, where there is plenty of room. Otherwise, B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. is a sturdy addition to Disney Springs former “stick and straw” lineup of food offerings during the Downtown Disney days.

While strolling through Disney Spring the other day, I was looking for something quick to eat before I made my way out. I was originally thinking of visiting either Blaze Pizza or D-Luxe Burger, but then I saw this sign…

B.B. Wolf's Sausage Co.

B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co.

B.B. Wolf’s offers an Oktoberfest special. I personally always fall for special “impulse buys” like this when I’m hungry. I almost always order the limited time offering when I visit any fast food establishment.

B.B. Wolf's Sausage Co.

B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co.

The menu itself was updated to include pretzel bread with cheese fondue and mustard.

B.B. Wolf's Sausage Co.

B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co.

Thankfully, they did also add plenty of seating nearby.

B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. Oktoberfest Special – Bratwurst with Cheese Spatzel, Pretzel Roll, and Pickles ($9.39)

B.B. Wolf's Sausage Co. Oktoberfest Special - Bratwurst with Cheese Spatzel, Pretzel Roll, and Pickles ($9.39)

B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. Oktoberfest Special – Bratwurst with Cheese Spatzel, Pretzel Roll, and Pickles ($9.39)

This honestly is one of my favorite counter service entrees at Walt Disney World right now. It is a HUGE portion of the cheese spatzel (popular side dish originating in Germany, spaetzle are little noodles or dumplings made from basic ingredients), which will fill you up alone. The sausage was also cooked well and packed a lot of flavor. If all of that wasn’t enough, there’s pretzel bread, which I especially enjoyed dipping in the cheese below. At $9.39, it is also cheaper than a considerable amount of much smaller counter service entrees around the parks. I certainly hope this stays past Oktoberfest.

B.B. Wolf's Sausage Co. Oktoberfest Special - Bratwurst with Cheese Spatzel, Pretzel Roll, and Pickles ($9.39)

B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. Oktoberfest Special – Bratwurst with Cheese Spatzel, Pretzel Roll, and Pickles ($9.39)

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Special Oktoberfest beers are also available just for the season.

BREAKING: Reedy Creek Approves a 3rd Parking Structure for Disney Springs

The Reedy Creek Improvement District has just approved plans to build a 3rd parking garage and another pedestrian bridge at Disney Springs.

Aerial view of Disney Springs, including the two existing parking structures

Aerial view of Disney Springs, including the two existing parking structures

The garage will be located across the street from Disney Springs near the Casting and Speedway parking lots. It will add approximately 2000 parking spaces for guests, cast members, and operating participant employees.

The new pedestrian bridge will span across, Buena Vista Drive for the safety and ease of pedestrians.

Work is slated to begin in 2017 and be completed by 2019.

Disney Princess Meet and Greet to be Offered at Disney Springs

If you’ve ever dreamed of meeting a Disney Princess during a visit to World of Disney at Disney Springs, that wish is about to come true during a one-month, limited-time offering set to debut on Saturday, October 1, 2016.

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With surprise appearances each day, you could meet Cinderella, Snow White, Aurora, Tiana or another visiting princess – there are no set times for specific characters, but you’re always sure to receive a royal reception.

Entertainment Show Director Tom Vazzana shared the background story of the experience:

“Cinderella had a wish for her and her fellow royal princesses to have a place to meet new friends. The Fairy Godmother was able to grant her this wish, and now, tucked away in a magical corner of World of Disney is a location befitting Cinderella’s request. A magical ‘royal hall’ was created complete with tapestries and images inspired by classic fairytales.”

A Disney PhotoPass photographer will be on hand to capture each interaction, so pictures will be available for guests to purchase or download as part of their Memory Maker product purchase.

The experience will be offered from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily from October 1 – November 1, 2016. Once you check in, a cast member will share the approximate wait time and return instructions; when it’s time for you to return to the queue, you’ll be moments away from meeting a Disney Princess.

STK To Undergo Changes Due to Under-Performance at Disney Springs

STK Orlando has come to realization that what has worked so well for them in other markets may not work at Disney Springs.

STK Orlando

STK Orlando

While we did enjoy our first dinner at STK Orlando, it is possibly pricey enough to rule out a visit from many Disney World guests. The much cheaper lunch service was also not stellar in our review, probably a problem as that offering would open the establishment up to more families.

Jonathan Segal, CEO of the parent company One Group stated today that many of the more expensive steaks offered have not been popular and STK Orlando will be altering their menu and changing exterior signage in an effort to improve their visitor count and guest satisfaction. They are also considering the addition of an outside hostess stand.

STK Orlando opened in May at Disney Springs at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Cirque Du Soleil – La Nouba Offering Two Special Ticket Discounts

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La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil announces two new special offers
Families with kids and Florida’s hospitality employees can each save with new ticket packages

La Nouba Discounts

La Nouba Discounts

Save 50% on Kids Tickets Now

Families can save big on La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil at Disney Springs now through Dec. 16 with half off tickets for kids nine and under. With the discount, kids’ tickets start at just $24. The offer gives families one more reason to see the stimulating show that combines acrobatics, dazzling choreography, vibrant music and whimsical characters.

For more information or to book, please visit www.lanouba.com. Offer requires the purchase of at least one adult full price ticket. Tickets and seating are subject to availability. Offer is not valid for previously purchased tickets, gift certificates or combined with any other discounts.

Florida’s Hospitality Employees Save on Thursdays

Starting Oct. 4, La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil will give Florida’s hospitality employees a chance to save up to 36 percent on show tickets every Thursday night through Dec. 16. Employees who work in hotel lodging, event planning, theme parks, transportation, cruise line and restaurants can take advantage of the discount for themselves and up to five guests. Discounted ticket prices start at $48 (category 3).

Hospitality employees can book the offer at www.lanouba.com. Hospitality employee ID or paystub required. Tickets are available for sale beginning Sept. 19 for Thursday night shows Oct. 4 – Dec. 16.

Disney Springs Celebrates National Ice Cream Day with STK and Vivoli Gelateria

If you’re looking for a great way to spend National Ice Cream Day today (or observe the holiday on your next trip), you’ll probably want to stop by a few places at Disney Springs…

STK Orlando

STK Orlando

STK Orlando

STK’s freshly churned ice cream is pure dessert decadence. Presented as a trio of mini cones, guests can choose from a variety of fabulous fall flavors such as cinnamon, salted caramel, vanilla bean, and toasted marshmallow. Whether indulging your sweet tooth on your own or sharing these scrumptious treats with friends, it is the perfect way to celebrate National Ice Cream Cone Day! When guests read this list of tantalizing choices off of the STK menu, it inspires visions of mini ice cream cones dancing in their heads.

STK Orlando

STK Orlando

Vivoli Gelateria

Vivoli Gelateria

Vivoli Gelateria

Vivoli Gelateria transports guests to the cobble stone streets of Florence, Italy with their hand-crafted gelato cones. With a “cone-a-copia” of 24 authentic flavors to choose from, Vivoli offers everything from a classic cream to a sultry brandied cherry. Fresh ingredients such as cocoa powder, pistachio, and hazelnut add rich and succulent undertones to these sweet masterpieces that could have easily served as Michaelangelo’s muse. A scoop of Vivoli’s coffee gelato or silky strawberry sorbet melts on the tongue and paints a vibrant picture for guests to daydream about strolling through the Tuscan countryside’s rolling green hills and miles of sunflower fields. There is no better way to celebrate National Ice Cream Cone Day than by taking a quick trip to Italy through Vivoli Gelateria.

"We use only the freshest ingredients in our gelato, but the most important ingredients are love a passion. You can't buy those, but it is in every bite of the gelato at Vivoli." - Sylvana Vivoli

“We use only the freshest ingredients in our gelato, but the most important ingredients are love a passion. You can’t buy those, but it is in every bite of the gelato at Vivoli.” – Sylvana Vivoli

 

Happy national ice cream day from Disney Springs!

PHOTO REPORT: Disney Springs 9/4/16 (Hatbox Ghost, Ride Models, Mosquito Repellent, ETC.)

Our latest photo report brings us to Disney Springs for a look at lots of new merchandise, the addition of complimentary mosquito repellent stations, but mostly just for pizza…

Complimentary Mosquito Repellent

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Disney Springs is home to several kiosks touting the complimentary mosquito repellent for guests to use.

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The Cutter bottles are now only being given out in resort rooms, while the kiosks around the resort are switching to a lotion bottle.

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Another kiosk at the Welcome Center.

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A kiosk by the Lime Garage.

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Another kiosk inside the World of Disney store.

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An additional kiosk inside what was guest relations, between Arribas Bros. and Marketplace Co-Op.

Odds & Ends

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It isn’t a trip to Disney Springs without a stop at Blaze Pizza these days. I honestly think I’ve been there about 5 times already. Please check out our review for more info and to find out why I like so much.

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The billboard on the back of the T-Rex Cafe is finally finished.

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Balloon peddlers have been a more common sight at Disney Springs as of late.

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I hadn’t seen the Finding Dory balloon before this encounter.

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World of Disney now carries the new Bambi line from Disney Baby (mixed in with some random Disney Parks Bambi plush).

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More New Pirates of the Caribbean Toys

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More and more Pirates of the Caribbean/Fab 5 merchandise keeps popping up.

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The big set with the ship retails for $54.99.

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The small set retails for $24.99.

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This Captain Playlet is $12.99.

Metal Earth Disney Parks Collection

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A few months ago, Metal Earth released a few Disney Parks exclusive Star Tours models for purchase. There is now a large collection of Disney Parks icons on sale, only at the domestic Disney theme parks and resorts.

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Swarovski at Arribas Bros.

They retail at $16.95 each or 4 for $49.99.

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The Swarovski section of the Arribas Bros. store was recently remodeled.

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Wonderground Gallery Haunted Mansion Collection

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The Wonderground Gallery in the Marketplace Co-Op has a selection of new and exclusive Haunted Mansion items.

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This and That

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Trash can ornaments anyone?

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The Art of Disney at Disney Springs also had the small, framed Haunted Mansion Stretching Portraits for sale.

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The LEGO Cinderella Castle was on display at the LEGO store, it is now on sale.

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I would buy it, but I’m not crazy about the lack of depth to the piece.

PHOTOS: Disney World Rolls Out Free Mosquito Repellent to Combat Zika Virus

On Saturday, we told you about the introduction of complimentary bug repellent at the Disney World theme parks and Disney Springs to help combat the Zika Virus presence in central Florida. On Sunday, Disney rolled out the program resort wide. Here’s how it works…

Mosquito Prevention Kiosk in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom

Mosquito Prevention Kiosk in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom

These kiosks are located all around the parks and Disney Springs. Cast members are handing pamphlets out to guests about mosquito prevention and then invite them to apply repellent to themselves. On Sunday, cast were tallying the number of guests using the program. By mid-afternoon, one kiosk at Disney Springs informed us that they already had over 50 guests who had taken advantage of the program.

Repellent Basket at a kiosk in Disney Springs

Repellent Basket at a kiosk in Disney Springs

Guests do not actually receive anything to keep with them, but they can stop at these kiosks and apply the repellent to themselves. All resort rooms at Walt Disney World have similar bottles of repellent placed in them by housekeeping. Guests do in fact get to keep these bottles distributed to their guest room.

It is unknown for how long Walt Disney World will offer the repellent, but it will likely be until the threat of Zika is gone from the Central Florida area.

REVIEW: Morimoto Asia Street Food Introduces New Daily Specials at Disney Springs

Introduced in May, Street Food is the counter service component of the Morimoto Asia restaurant located The Landing at Disney Springs. Recently, the location introduced a line-up of daily specials that rotate day-to-day in and out of the menu. To celebrate the changes, we were invited to a small media event to try some of the items.

Morimoto Asia Street Food Menu

Morimoto Asia Street Food Menu

Morimoto Asia Street Food Menu

Morimoto Asia Street Food Menu

A number of the menu items were put on display for pictures.

Morimoto Asia Street Food

Morimoto Asia Street Food

Morimoto Asia Street Food

Morimoto Asia Street Food

Morimoto Asia Street Food

Morimoto Asia Street Food

Morimoto Asia Street Food

Morimoto Asia Street Food

Morimoto Asia Street Food

Morimoto Asia Street Food

Morimoto Asia Street Food

Morimoto Asia Street Food

For this review, we will be focusing on some of the new special available at Street Food. If you would like a full review of the regualr menus, please refer to our first review of Morimoto Asia Street Food from back in May.

New Daily Specials Menu at Morimoto Asia – Street Food

Specials Menu at Morimoto Asia Street Food

Specials Menu at Morimoto Asia Street Food

While they rotate through different special items on a daily basis, we decided to try two of these new specials to see how they are (and because we’ve had most of the regular menu at this point).

Specials at Morimoto Asia Street Food

Specials at Morimoto Asia Street Food

Singapore Slush ($8)

Singapore Slush ($8)

Singapore Slush ($8)

A lemonade with lime vodka, the Singapore Slush is a unique and refreshing offering. This is a great drink for a particularly hot day in Central Florida (which it was), with none of the flavors really overpowering the others. A well-mixed concoction that you may not even realize is alcoholic until after you finish it, if you know what I mean.

Menchi Katsu Sliders ($12)

Menchi Katsu Sliders ($12)

Menchi Katsu Sliders ($12)

The sliders are a real stand out from the other specials. People love sliders; maybe it’s the cute size or maybe they just seem trendy, but these will probably be the most popular item off of the specials menu.

Menchi Katsu Sliders ($12)

Menchi Katsu Sliders ($12)

An award winning recipe of Chef Morimoto’s, they are unique from the ones offered in the Forbidden Lounge (review to come). They had a really good, unique flavor to them that I really enjoyed. The crunchy exterior on the burger makes them a strange, yet satisfying take on the slider.

Spicy Pork Pho Ga ($12)

Spicy Pork Pho Ga ($12)

Spicy Pork Pho Ga ($12)

The spicy pork pho ga was my second choice, simply because I like spicy. That being said, this wasn’t particularly spicy, but it did pack in a really nice flavor over the large tub of noodles. This is an ungodly huge portion and probably can easily be shared between two people.

Spicy Pork Pho Ga ($12)

Spicy Pork Pho Ga ($12)

The noodles were tender and the broth added a somewhat spicy, yet pleasant pork flavor tinge to every bite.

Spicy Pork Pho Ga ($12)

Spicy Pork Pho Ga ($12)

Spicy Pork Pho Ga ($12)

Spicy Pork Pho Ga ($12)

Overall

I thought both specials were great. Street Food has a really strong menu, and other than me not enjoying the octopus, I have felt like every other dish I have eaten here is one I would order again. Morimoto Street Food is a solid counter service option worth exploring at Disney Spring son your next visit.