Downtown Disney to Offer Valet Parking Now Through January

Just in time for the holiday shopping season, valet parking will be available at Downtown Disney West Side starting today. The service is offered 4 p.m. – 2 a.m. daily and can be accessed via Entrance 4 at Downtown Disney West Side. The cost is $15 per vehicle and gratuity is accepted. When you’re ready to pick up your car, you can check in at the valet booth or text a designated number for speedy retrieval.

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It is rumored that this service is free for Tables in Wonderland members when they show a receipt, but it has not been confirmed.

The service is scheduled to run through January 1, 2014. As always, parking in regular lots will continue to be complimentary.

Downtown Disney to Get Runner’s Resource with Addition of Fit2Run Store

With half- and full-marathons within the Disney Parks, athletes and Disney fans can combine their two passions. These athletes will be pleased to hear that Fit2Run, a Runner’s Superstore, will be coming to Downtown Disney next month.

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Within this Superstore, Fit2Run salespeople can help you find your perfect fit in athletic trainers.  Fit2Run will also offer a complimentary video-taped gait analysis and an iStep barometric scanning, assisting each guest with finding their ideal footwear.

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Guests can also try out the athletic trainers on Fit2Run’s indoor track, to make sure that they get the perfect fit, just like a Glass Slipper.

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At the Downtown Disney location, Fit2Run will also offer first releases on many shoes, with some special products available only at this location.

Co-owners Bill Robinson and his son, Parks, both runners themselves, are planning on attending some of their in-store events, clinics or new product introductions. Father and son started the company in 2006 and are very excited about the Grand Opening of Fit2Run at Downtown Disney.

Fit2Run is set to open in November at Downtown Disney’s West Side, in the Splitsville building, across from House of Blues.

Are you a Disney Runner? Will you check out Downtown Disney’s Fit2Run?

REVIEW: Superstar Catering Food Truck Debuts at Downtown Disney

Disney had announced that four food trucks will be moving into Downtown Disney’s West Side in November and the first one has arrived! In time for the Festival of the Masters this weekend, the Superstar Catering food truck pulled in and began serving food to guests.

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The menu consists of meatballs, meatballs and more meatballs served in a variety of styles and flavors. At $11 and $12 each, it seems a bit pricey for a quick food truck stop and for the amount of food you are getting. I did try the Spinach and Feta Beef Meatball Sandwich and it was very tasty. There is also the kids option at $4.25.

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A variety of Coca-Cola products, water and alcohol is also served here. The food truck is currently located among festival tents next to the Disney Artist Village.

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Marketplace Co Op Coming to Downtown Disney Marketplace in Early 2014

An exciting new concept shop is coming to Downtown Disney Marketplace in the Spring of 2014. The Merchandise Co Op will be moving into the space that is currently occupied by Team Mickey, located next to TrenD.

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The Merchandise Co Op features a unique “shop within a shop” concept. Within the co-op space, six shops will operate under one roof.  The Marketplace Co Op’s six new spaces will be:

  • Beautifully Disney – A beauty destination for woman featuring make-up, fragrance and beauty accessories.
  • Cherry Tree Lane – Accessories for the sophisticated woman with a passion for scarves, shoes, bags and jewelry.
  • D-Tech on Demand – A place to personalize and customize your own electronic accessories.
  • The Trophy Room- Vintage inspired, lifestyle sports apparel and collectibles.
  • Centerpiece – Home product for Guests that want a splash of Disney in their room furnishings, textiles and everyday ware.
  • Zoey and Pickles – A girls’ destination containing the latest trends and glamour for the up and coming fashionista.

Tom Sheldon, manager of retail design and development for Disney Theme Park Merchandise, suggests to “think about your favorite marketplaces from across the US. These unique shopping experiences in major cities like Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, or New York all have something in common – they are compelling and distinct, allowing visitors to connect to the environment, and fostering a sense of discovery. This is our goal with the Marketplace Co Op.”

“This public marketplace will serve as a laboratory to showcase new concepts and specialty products,” continued Tom. “It will be an incubator to introduce exciting new Disney retail shops and products.”

Embellishments to the building’s construction and design will reveal its craftsmen style identity. The Marketplace Cop Op also plans on keeping the original ceiling elements, especially the skylight.

Work on the new Marketplace Co Op will begin in early 2014.

Will you check out the new Marketplace Co Op? What do you think of the new marketplace co op concept?

Dirk Wallen’s 11/18/13 WDW (Magic Kingdom & Disney Springs) Photo Report

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited the Magic Kingdom and Downtown Disney yesterday and has a ton of newsworthy photos to share with us from his trip, so let’s take a look:

The statue with the Brer characters is back at Splash Mountain, but still behind walls for now

A look at the now-completed signage package at the Haunted Mansion

Peter Pan’s flight is back from refurbishment and looking great!

Legacy FastPass did return, but should be going away soon…

Walls up outside of the Village Haus

Work progressing on the Seven Dwarfs’ Mine Train

Structures rising and taking shape

Plenty of seasonal treats can be found nearby at Big Top Souvenirs

What was supposed to be the Triton’s Treasures gift shop is instead a Disney Vacation Club kiosk, but at least it is really beautiful

Great pieces on the wall

A map inside with characters from The Little Mermaid

It is really gorgeous and well-themed for what it is

A look back at Mine Train

The Tomorrowland Stage decorated for a Totally Tomorrowland Christmas

Mickey santa popcorn buckets available

Work is wrapping up on the new Magic Kingdom bus loop and it should be ready for Thanksgiving week

There is a strange floating bridge near the Grand Floridian… not sure what for

Work has begun on the Disney Vacation Club wing at Disney’s Polynesian Resort

Moving over to Downtown Disney

Vertical construction is starting on the parking structure

Disney Quest was repainted a few weeks back, and at night, there is some new lighting that really livens up the building:

Some work going on outside of the House of Blues

Fit 2 Run is now open on the West Side next door to Curl

Christmas Tree inside Splittsville

Wetzel’s Pretzels has closed and is becoming Starbucks

Starbucks will open here in the Spring of 2014

Pleasure Island is now the walkway…

Disney Springs construction is in full swing

Constructions walls are now adorned with concept art

Here’s a new piece we had not previously seen

We have out first new structure!

Another look at that new concept art

All that’s left is the outline of the building…

More new concept art for The Landing at Disney Springs

While the store is closed, you can buy Raglan Road merchandise outside

Work beginning on removing the Captain Jack’s Marina and installing a new bridge

You can meet Santa at Downtown Disney throughout the season

Olaf from Frozen is over here for some reason

Demolition should begin shortly on the Captain Jack’s building

Over on the new Pleasure Island by-pass bridge, you can catch the water transportation to and from the area

Another look at The Landing concept art

More new concept art

We saw this piece back when we leaked the Disney Springs information in March

Here, a parking structure will soon rise…

Tom Corless’ 12/1/13 WDW Photo Report

I made a few visits to the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and Downtown Disney over the last couple of weeks and have been taking quite a few photos to share with you, so let’s take a look at what’s new and exciting at Walt Disney World:

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Disney Infinity store displays can now be found in the parks

The gingerbread display at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is once again “it’s a small world” themed

There’s a tiny Contemporary made of out of gingerbread

Some of the offerings have Monorails filled with children of the world

There are even 5-legged goat crispy treats…

They also have a hidden Mickey cupcake!

Belle’s Village at the Magic Kingdom has been decorated for Christmas

Gaston uses antlers in all of his decorating…

There is now a Gaston’s Tavern antler hat

Also now for sale at the parks are these Disney food magnets

Moving to Downtown Disney, the path in the front of the West Side is now closed to guests

Pleasure Island is now the Walkway to the Marketplace…

The new bridge around Pleasure Island opened recently

Disney Springs artwork can be found on the construction walls

It seems all of the buildings not staying have been removed at this point and construction should go vertical soon

Captain Jacks and the marina should be removed very soon

Some new iPhone 5 cases with a better safety bumper came out recently

Also, we found the Master Gracey lenticular phone case

Another bumper case

Starbucks is coming to the West Side, replacing Wetzel’s Pretzels

Another look at Disney Springs construction

Another bumper case featuring Mickey Mouse

The food trucks have moved…

They can now be found between Disney Quest and La Nouba

The Namaste Cafe menu

The Superstar Catering menu

Disney Confirms Disney Springs Expansion Parking Changes

If you’ve ever driven to the Walt Disney World, you know that having a car on property can be a double-edged sword. You have the freedom to leave the Parks when you want/need to go, but you are also dealing with parking costs and issues. I can’t think of a more difficult parking lot to navigate on property than the ones at Downtown Disney.

With the exciting Disney Springs expansion coming over the next few years and construction already starting, many guests have questions about the new parking situation at Downtown Disney. The best part is that even MORE parking spots are coming and parking will continue to be complimentary.

Construction has started on the first of two multi-level parking garages. The first will be located near the AMC Theatres and Splitsville Luxury Lanes; this garage is expected to be completed in October 2014. The second garage will be located near the World of Disney store, and is set to open in 2016. There will continue to be surface parking spots in addition to the two parking garages.

Meanwhile, if you are planning on visiting Walt Disney World and Downtown Disney any time soon, there are some parking tips for your upcoming trip:

  • Let Disney do the driving. Even if you have driven to your chosen Resort, take the complimentary Disney buses to and from Downtown Disney.
  • If you are dining at Downtown Disney, or catching Cirque Du Soleil, be sure to arrive early to your reservation. Plan on arriving 60 minutes prior to your reservation.
  • If you DO drive, here are some tricks to parking your vehicle:
  1. There is additional parking across the street from Downtown Disney, which are open Fridays, Saturdays and holidays. These spaces are near the SunTrust and Casting buildings (see the map below). Be sure to use the signal lights and crosswalks when crossing to the Downtown Disney area.
  2. Guests can also use the Team Disney parking lot. There will be a complimentary shuttle with direct service to and from Downtown Disney’s West Side, or you can walk the short distance to your destination.
  3. To get between the West Side, Pleasure Island, and the Marketplace, you can use the Boat Transportation to get from one end of Downtown Disney to the other.
  4. If you are not sure of where to park, ask a Cast Member. They can direct you to the best available parking options.

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Downtown Disney’s “Foodtopia” Set to Premiere October 1st

During the month of October, Downtown Disney will be hosting “Foodtopia,” an event that will showcase the myriad of dining choices for the Disney Foodies out there. From the roasted chicken at Bongo’s Cuban Cafe, to the shrimp and grits and the House of Blues, to the milk-braised pork shoulder with garlic smashed potatoes, foodies will be able to try them all.

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From October 1st – 31st, the Foodtopia event  will feature seven Downtown Disney restaurants, each restaurant will be serving a three-course dinner for $30, with a $60 option at Fulton’s Crab House (tax and gratuity extra). The seven restaurants featured are Bongos Cuban Cafe, House of Blues, Paradiso 37, Planet Hollywood, Portobello, Splitsville Luxury Lanes, and Wolfgang Puck Cafe.

During October, Foodtopia will be held every day of the week between 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.  But don’t head over without advance planning! You must make a reservation and payment at least 48 hours in advance for this event. Beginning September 28th, you can call 1-407-WDW-DINE to make reservations. And don’t wait — space is limited for this event.

Although Foodtopia cannot be combined with other promotions, you can combine Foodtopia and Cirque Du Soleil tickets! If you make a Foodtopia reservation, you will receive a 20% discount on the Cirque Du Soleil “La Nouba” tickets for everyone in your party.

Three courses and a non-alcoholic beverage for $30 — What a bargain! But what is included in these fabulous dinners? As an example, at the Wolfgang Puck Café, you can start with garlic and white bean hummus, a Caesar salad or butternut squash soup. Entrees include pesto chicken, crispy pork loin or spaghetti bolognese. Desserts feature key lime pie, carrot cake or a brownie sundae. Paradiso 37 is offering blackened mahi sliders, a hearty beef burrito or chicken enchiladas paired with a starter and dessert. At Planet Hollywood, their Celebrity BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger is on tap for an entrée, or lasagna or their Southwest Salad. Splitsville lets you choose from eight appetizers and ten entrées, with a brownie and ice cream for dessert. And that $60 menu at Fulton’s Crab House? It includes either shrimp cocktail, steamed clams and mussels or jumbo lump crab cake to start; a whole Rhode Island lobster, cioppino or filet mignon for an entrée, and a Tollhouse Cookie sundae, key lime pie or root beer float for dessert. .

Will you be attending the Foodtopia event? At which restaurant will you dine? Which menu sounds the most appetizing?

Downtown Disney Will Feature 3-D Chalk Art for “Limited Time Magic” Celebration

Have you ever seen those chalk art pieces that make the sidewalk look like landscapes which you could just stroll into?

As part of the “Limited Time Magic” celebration, talented chalk artists will be transforming Downtown Disney sidewalks  into sensational three-dimensional works of art at Disneyland Resort and the Walt Disney World Resort.

‘Limited Time Magic’ Brings 3-D Chalk Art to Downtown Disney

Disneyland Resort’s Downtown Disney Chalk Art Festival will run October 4th -6th as a special “Limited Time Magic” celebration. In addition to walking around and checking out the art pieces, you will be able to meet with the artists, including artist Miss Mindy, who will be appearing October 4 – 5, 2013 from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District. Miss Mindy is a well-known artist who creates art pieces with several Disney muses, such as Alice in Wonderland and Mickey and Minnie. Also, Edward Allen and his Haunted Memories will be at WonderGround Gallery on October 5th and 6th from 1–4 p.m. each day.

At the Walt Disney World Resort, the Downtown Disney Chalk Art Festival will also run from October 4th-6th.  In addition to the 3-D chalk art, artist Greg McCullough will be appearing October 2nd – 6th at the Art of Disney in the Downtown Disney Marketplace. His new collection of colorful art pieces of beloved Disney characters will be display.

Come celebrate some of Disney’s best artists and their creations – on and off the ground –  at Downtown Disney at Disneyland Resort and the Walt Disney World Resort!

October’s Downtown Disney’s “Foodtopia” Menus Posted

Last week, I wrote about Downtown Disney’s “Foodtopia” event happening all month long in October. Now, the menus for the event have been released!

Below, check out the participating restaurants and their specialized Foodtopia menus:

Bongos Cuban Cafe

Appetizers (choose one):

  • Ceviche – marinated raw fish in lime juice, red onions, cilantro, and mild jalapeno peppers
  • Stuffed Potatoes – Fried and breaded mashed potatoes stuffed with Cuban criolla minced beef
  • Bongos’ Famous Cuban Fried Pork Chunks – Cuban mojo marinated fried pork bites

Entrees (choose one):

  • The Cuban Tour – A meat lover’s delight! Roast pork, shredded seared beef and shredded chicken; served with green plantains, white rice and black beans
  • Bongos’ Famous Roasted Chicken – Seasoned roasted half chicken marinated in a lemon juice, garlic, white wine and light tomato Cuban criolla sauce; served with sweet plantains, white rice and black beans
  • Shrimp with Garlic Sauce – Shrimp sautéed in our homemade Cuban garlic sauce; served with green plantains  and white rice
  • Cuban Style Skirt Steak – Tenderized skirt steak grilled to perfection; served with green plantains, white rice  and black beans

Desserts (choose one):

  • Traditional Cuban Flan
  • Rice Pudding
  • Cheese Flan

 

Crossroads at the House of Blues

Appetizers (choose one):

  • Skillet of Cornbread with Maple Butter – Jalapeño peppers and cheese
  • Basil Flatbread – Topped with basil pesto, oven-dried tomatoes with a blend of cheeses
  • Chicken Wings – Fresh chicken wings fried crispy and tossed in one of three house-made sauces: smoked tomato BBQ sauce, Jamaican style spicy jerk sauce or Buffalo hot sauce, served over house-made cole slaw
  • Pulled Pork Sliders – Two sliders layered with slow-smoked pulled pork, topped  with smoked tomato BBQ sauce and house-made cole slaw, served on a brioche bun

Entrees (choose one):

  • Shrimp & Grits – Pan-seared jumbo shrimp simmered in chipotle garlic cream sauce layered over a crispy grit cake and served with sweet teardrop tomatoes
  • Jambalaya – Marinated chicken, white rice, andouille sausage, sweet peppers and roasted green onion in a spicy traditional jambalaya sauce
  • ½ Rack of Ribs – Slow-cooked rack of ribs rubbed with adobo spice covered in smoked tomato BBQ sauce, served with BBQ baked beans and house-made cole slaw
  • Juicy Lucy Burger – Certified Angus beef and applewood bacon patty stuffed with cheese, topped with crispy pickled jalapeños and chipotle mayo on a brioche bun
  • Heat Seeker Burger – Certified Angus beef patty topped with pulled pork, pickled jalapeño peppers, buffalo sauce and pepper jack cheese on a brioche bun
  • Chicken Caesar Salad – Whole romaine leaves sprinkled with Cotija cheese and Caesar dressing served with crostini

Desserts (choose one):

  • Bread Pudding
  • Key Lime Pie

 

Fulton’s Crab House 

Appetizers (choose one):

  • Crab Cake  – Jumbo lump blue crab, maque choux, fried green tomato, remoulade
  • Clams and Mussels – Cedar Key, Florida littlenecks, Prince Edward Island mussels, tomato, spinach, white wine herb butter
  • Shrimp Cocktail – Jumbo shrimp, classic sauce

Entrees (choose one):

  • Narragansett, Rhode Island Lobster – 1 1/4-lb. lobster, shrimp, scallop, spinach and mushroom stuffing, toasted bread crumbs
  • Cioppino – San Francisco fisherman’s stew, crab, shrimp, clams, mussels, scallops, market fish, tomato white wine broth
  • Filet Mignon – Charcoal-grilled, roasted garlic butter, mashed potatoes

Desserts (choose one):

  • Classic Tollhouse Cookie Sundae
  • Key Lime Pie
  • Root Beer Float

 

Paradiso 37

Appetizers (choose one):

  • Caribbean Crab & Fish Fritters – Crabmeat, shrimp & fish combined with bell peppers & cilantro, fried to a golden brown and served with a coconut lime dipping sauce
  • Mexican Chips & Salsa – Fresh corn tortilla chips with house-made fire-roasted tomato salsa

Entrees (choose one):

  • Beef Burrito – Flour tortilla stuffed with beef, sautéed peppers, squash, red onions, imported cheeses and topped with sweet chipotle BBQ sauce; served with cilantro rice and black beans
  • Chicken Enchiladas – Corn tortillas stuffed with chicken and topped with mole verde sauce; served with cilantro rice and black beans
  • Blackened Mahi Mahi Sliders – Served on a toasted brioche bun with fries

Dessert:

  • Tres Leches

 

Planet Hollywood

Appetizer (choose one):

  • World Famous Chicken Crunch – Tender strips of chicken breast with a crunchy sweet coating served with Creole mustard
  • Zucchini Chips – Zucchini slices lightly battered, deep-fried and served with lemon aioli
  • Avocado Stack – Avocado, pico de gallo, sour cream, fresh lime juice and corn tortilla chips

Entrees (choose one):

  • L.A. Lasagna – A California twist to a classic lasagna! Fresh pasta tubes filled with ricotta cheese and bolognese meat sauce fried to a golden brown with garlic cream and tomato basil sauce
  • Southwest Salad – Fresh grilled chicken, corn, black beans, shredded cheddar jack cheese, diced tomatoes, tortilla strips and chiffonade of romaine tossed in a lime cilantro and peanut vinaigrette
  • Celebrity BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger – A USDA choice 10-oz. burger finished with hickory-smoked bacon, sweet BBQ sauce and cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle

Desserts (choose one):

  • Cool Planet Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwich
  • Key Lime Pie
  • Planet Hollywood® Original Cheesecake

 

Portobello

Appetizers (choose one):

  • Sicilian Eggplant Fries with Tomato basil sauce
  • House Salad  – Radicchio, arugula, fennel, celery, carrots, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red wine vinaigrette
  • Seasonal Soup

Entrees (choose one):

  • Cappellini Aglio Olio – Garlic, olive oil, chili pepper
  • Ravioli Gigante – Handcrafted ricotta- and spinach-filled pasta, tomato, basil, toasted garlic
  • Milk Braised Pork Shoulder – Garlic mashed potatoes

Dessert (choose one):

  • Portobello’s Signature Cappuccino Gelato
  • Panna Cotta
  • Seasonal fruit
  • White Chocolate Caramelized Custard

 

Splitsville Luxury Lanes 

Appetizers (choose one):

  • Cone of Fries – Classic crinkle-cut fries, lightly seasoned and served with chive dip
  • Loaded Fries – Fries smothered with nacho cheese, bacon, ranch, scallions and love
  • Parmesan Chicken Tenders – Chicken tenderloins hand-battered with our Parmesan breading  then fried and served with ranch dressing
  • Blazing Chicken – Grilled chicken tenderloins tossed in our spicy Buffalo sauce and served  with ranch dressing
  • Edamame – Steamed and served with kosher salt
  • Cheeseburger Sliders – Two mini-burgers served with cheese, caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato, pickle and special slider sauce
  • California Roll – Rice, Kani Kama crab, cucumber and avocado
  • Spicy Tuna Roll – Fresh tuna, spicy mayo, cucumber and scallions drizzled with sriracha hot chili sauce

Entrees (choose one):

  • Pulled Pork – Slow-cooked pork covered with BBQ sauce and served with fries and slaw, made with our special BBQ rub smuggled in from Polk County
  • Fish N Chips – Mahi Mahi tempura battered and served with fries, coleslaw and tartar sauce
  • Grilled Salmon with Broccoli – Fresh salmon grilled and topped with mango chutney and served with broccoli and sushi rice
  • Triple Pepperoni Pizza – Our homemade cheese pizza overloaded with pepperoni
  • Cheese Pizza – House-made crust, mozzarella and fresh tomato sauce like Mamma Mia used to make
  • Fiesta Chicken Bowl – Grilled chicken breast and “fiesta” veggies stir-fried in tataki sauce; served with sushi rice topped with avocado and cilantro
  • Steak Fajita Bowl – Grilled marinated steak served with sautéed red and green peppers and onions, then drizzled with tataki sauce; served with sushi rice and cilantro

Dessert (choose one):

  • Brownie à la Mode
  • Root Beer Float

 

Wolfgang Puck Cafe 

Appetizers (choose one):

  • Garlic and White Bean Hummus – House-made flatbread with olive oil
  • Classic Caesar Salad – Romaine hearts, shaved parmesan, and goat cheese crostini
  • Butternut Squash Soup – Roasted red pepper sauce

Entrees (choose one):

  • Pesto Chicken – Crispy potatoes, arugula salad
  • Crispy Pork Loin – Shaved fennel, oranges, radishes
  • Traditional Spaghetti Bolognese – Broccolini, ricotta cheese, parsley

Dessert (choose one):

  • Florida Key Lime Pie
  • Classic Carrot Cake
  • Brownie Sundae

Remember to make your reservations for Foodtopia at least 48 hours before your chosen date; call 1-407-WDW-DINE to make your reservation. Enjoy 3 courses for $30 at most participating restaurants, or $60 for 3 courses at Fulton’s Crab House.

Are you a Disney Foodie? Will you be attending Foodtopia?