PHOTO REPORT: Disney Springs 10/26/17 (DisneyQuest Demolition, The Edison, Wine Bar George, New Merchandise, ETC.)

WDWNT on November 2, 2017

Our latest photo report brings us to Disney Springs to see what’s new and exciting (or demolished) since our last visit.

Demolishing DisneyQuest

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The demolition of DisneyQuest is moving rapidly in preparation for the NBA Experience.

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It appears the building was thoroughly emptied before the demolition began.

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By the time you read this, most of the building is probably gone.

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The NBA Experience concept art is now on the construction walls outside.

The West Side

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Work is progressing on Jaleo, the restaurant that will replace the former Wolfgang Puck establishment on the West Side.

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It’s unclear how much of the existing building will remain, but a large portion is already gone.

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During a refurbishment not too long ago, signage and the interior of the MARVEL Super Hero Headquarters store were updated.

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The Edison

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Supposedly still opening later this year, work continues on the long-delayed club The Edison in The Landing.

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The construction walls are laughably short by this door, leaving a clear view of the facade and the construction workers finishing up the project.

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We can now see signage for The Edison up on the building.

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This and That

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Work continues on Wine Bar George, set to open in 2018.

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More items join the Comeback Kid collection of Mickey Mouse 90’s style apparel.

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We found this new Tinker Bell hat for sale at World of Disney.

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It retails for $21.99.

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The upcoming Christmas dress is still on display at the Dress Shop in the Marketplace Co-Op. The Haunted Mansion tightrope girl dress occupies the other window.

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The Little Mermaid line of home goods has arrived at the Marketplace Co-Op as well.

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Work continues on Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire, opening December 16th next door to what is left of Once Upon a Toy in the Marketplace.

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Frontera Cocina has some pretty awesome specials, we stopped by on Monday for $5 margaritas and they were pretty awesome.

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One last look at The Edison as we say goodbye to Disney Springs.

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Three New Italian Eateries Announced for Disney Springs, Walt Disney World

WDWNT on November 2, 2017

Three new eateries for The Landing at Disney Springs were announced this morning by Orlando dining columnist Scott Joseph on his blog.

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The new venues are Maria & Enzo’s, an Italian trattoria; Enzo’s Hideaway, a speakeasy; and Pizza Ponte, a fast-casual concept. All three are being developed by the Patina Restaurant Group and will be located in the Edison complex across from STK Orlando.

The trattoria occupies an abandoned airline terminal from the 1930’s in its Disney Springs backstory. Decor will feature air travel memorabilia and maps, while the dining room will have 50-foot ceilings and a view of Lake Buena Vista. The menu will have a Sicilian accent, with Arancini di Carne (rice balls stuffed with meat), Melanzane Parmigiana (eggplant Parmesan), and handmade pastas served tableside. Other highlights will include fresh fish, steaks and chops. This menu sounds somewhat similar to the now shuttered Portobello restaurant at Disney Springs…

Enzo’s Hideaway occupies supposed rum-rummer tunnels and is accessible through the interior of Maria & Enzo’s. Enzo’s Hideaway will feature Prohibition-style cocktails but will also serve a menu of more casual Italian dishes. This space was originally going to be the Neverland Tunnels and Walt’s Lounge, but Disney eventually handed the space over to the third-party Patina.

Pizza Ponte will be a fast-casual dining concept with pastries, pizza, Italian sandwiches, and espresso. It will feature Bomboloni, or Italian doughnuts, Triangolo (stuffed pizza bread) and Porchetta, as well as pizza by the slice.

All three restaurants are slated to open this holiday season.

REVIEW: The $8 Artisan S’mores from The Ganachery at Disney Springs are Life Changing

WDWNT on August 29, 2017

So, $8 seems like a lot of money for a s’mores, considering the average creation of a single serving of graham cracker, marshmallow, and chocolate probably would cost you less than $1 as a consumer. However, I don’t think you’ll be making s’mores quite like The Ganachery at Disney Springs…
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A relatively new offering, the above $8 s’mores can be ordered at the counter and the guest is then given a little sign to hold up at the window where the desserts are made. The artisan behind the glass will then begin to make your s’mores and brings it out to you. You can see this entire process in the video below:

So, how it it? Amazing, and certainly worth the hefty price tag. The quality of the chocolate is staggering and the flavor with the sea salt is perfection. The giant chunk of marshmallow makes sure every bite has more than enough, and the graham cracker isn’t terribly crunchy to the point where the entire thing falls apart. This thing can be a little messy, so be sure to grab a napkin… or all of the napkins. You may also want to share it if you don’t want to feel terrible about yourself afterwards, but hey, it’s your vacation so I won’t judge you if you eat the entire thing alone.

I can’t recommend this enough. It is undoubtedly the best s’mores I’ve ever had in my entire life!

So the next time you’re at Disney Springs, be sure to stop by The Ganachery in the Landing to try this for yourself (or try something else from here, you really can’t go wrong).

Brian Carey’s 2/17/15 Disney Springs/Downtown Disney Photo Report

WDWNT on February 26, 2015

One of our newest WDWNT reporters, Brian Carey, brings us his very first report today, taking a look that all that is new at Disney Springs/Downtown Disney:

The decorative panels on the outside of parking structure have started going up

What’s New? signs can now be found, helping guests find the newer additions

Sound Lion is now open

A look inside Sanuk

The Art of Shaving (not shown) and Apex (shown above) are now open as well.

Havaianas will be going in this location. For those unfamiliar, Havaianas sells flip flops and sandals from Brazil.

Chapel Hats is open

And of course the stands on the bridge (Village Causeway) are open

GHOSTS!

A look at the bridge from afar

Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC is still not open

Probably a lot of furnishing left to do based on this shot

The former Pleasure Island dead zone is now coming to life as The Landing

Still no details on Disney’s Hangar restaurant, which will be a table service location

The bar is located on a boat on the side of the building

The dock at the Boathouse is nearly complete

Back over to The Landing, inside the Art of Shaving

Shaving is expensive…

Thanks for the report Brian and welcome to the team!

BREAKING: New Shops Confirmed for Disney Springs at Walt Disney World

WDWNT on January 29, 2015

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The first new shops coming to Disney Springs at Walt Disney World, specifically in The Landing later this year, have been formally announced by Disney:

  • APEX by Sunglass Hut – offering the latest in sports and activewear sunglasses.
  • Havaianas – specializing in a wide array of flip-flops, including a station where Guests can create their own flip-flops.
  • Art of Shaving – premium shaving shop offering grooming essentials.
  • Sanuk – creatively inspired and distinctively designed footwear.
  • Chapel Hats – specializing in hats and headwear.
  • Sound Lion – offering the latest technology in headphones, ear buds, speakers, wireless music players and other digital sound and music products.
  • Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC – gluten-free, vegan bakery.

“STK Steakhouse Orlando” Coming to The Landing in Disney Springs

WDWNT on December 30, 2014

NEW YORK, NY – Dec. 17, 2014 — The 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.

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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.

Dirk Wallen’s 11/3/14 WDW Photo Report (Walls Down at Disney Springs, New Concept Art, Big Hero 6, Christmas Merch, ETC)

WDWNT on November 25, 2014

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited Disney Springs, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and Epcot this week and he has a ton of newsworthy photos to share with us in this HUGE photo report, so let’s get started:

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Plenty of roadwork still to be done for Disney Springs

A new piece of elevated track is rising on the West Side, between Splitsville and Wolfgang Puck

We now know this large building with be the Boathouse

Disney announced this new restaurant concept last week

They wasted no time in adding ads to the walls for the restaurant

Concept art for the façade of the Boathouse

The small waterside park in The Landing opened this weekend

A nice little area for relaxing and live entertainment

Some of the buildings are out from behind construction walls in The Landing

New concept art for the area now on construction walls

There is a giant inflatable Baymax from Big Hero 6 on the West Side…

These storefronts in The Landing are just about done

The bridge in the Marketplace is also nearing completion

Two small, temporary stores operated by Something Silver opened by Fulton’s recently

The Marketplace bridge with the Rainforest Café façade refurbishment in the background

Shifting gears, Christmas merchandise has invaded the resort

Ornaments

Some Star Wars holiday pins were released

Plenty of Big Hero 6 merchandise is available around the resort

2015 calendars available

New “I Conquered” shirt

Iron Man and Captain America shirts

New Star Wars character glasses

New Darth Vader t-shirt

Some new merchandise was released at the Art of Animation Resort

Over at Epcot, walls finally came down around the area that was closed when a water main was hit after the Flower and Garden Festival

No visible progress at Norway’s Frozen attraction

We tweeted these weeks ago, but if you haven’t seen, some new retro EPCOT Center merchandise has been released

A quick stop at Animal Kingdom reveals work walls near Pangani Forest and Kilimanjaro Safaris

No visible changes at AVATAR, it’s impossible to see from inside the park

Moving to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, work continues on Starbucks and the Trolley Car Café

Nah nah nah nah, nah nah nah nah, hey hey hey…

Big Hero 6 merchandise carts replace the Frozen carts

Banners up in the Animation Courtyard

Work has finally begun on the Big Hero 6 meet and greet inside The Magic of Disney Animation

Big Hero 6 billboard by The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow

Let’s journey inside the new Wandering Oaken’s

Purchase with purchase Frozen bag available

Jim Shore has released some Frozen statues

Osborne Lights are ready to go

No more Backlot Tour…

More Details & Concept Art Leaks for Downtown Disney’s Conversion to Disney Springs

WDWNT on November 25, 2014

Well, here we go again. You may remember when we “leaked” the original concept art and plans for Disney Springs in early 2013, but even with a formal announcement following that, Disney has remained very quiet through many stages of the construction process on this overhaul of Downtown Disney. Today, we have uncovered some recently released documents that point to more of what is on the way for Disney Springs.

The now confirmed back story of Disney Springs involves a town that grew around local springs. The Marketplace is essentially the suburbs where residents moved to as the town experienced a boom. The Landing is a commercial district with a train station, bottling co. (Morimoto Asia), dock, and a large ferry boat (Fulton’s). The Town Center is the shopping center of the area and will feature the bulk of the retail options for Disney Springs. The West Side feature remnants of the abandoned train tracks, but is a thriving entertainment district. Further speculative details on the back story can be found in our original pre-announcement story. It seems the original document is pretty much on par with the finalized back story.

Now, let’s get into some new details and concept art for the neighborhoods of Disney Springs, starting with the West Side:

  • On the West Side, Food Truck Park (which will otherwise be known as Exposition Park) slated to open this Summer will now be opening by the end of November 2014.
  • The abandoned elevated train tracks in that are will be called the Sunshine Highline. We still expect this to offer lounge and bar areas when completed.
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Waterview Park area of The Landing, looking towards Raglan Road

  • The new park that recently opened in The Landing next to the Boathouse is called Waterview Park. As you can see in the concept art above, there will be a fountain and more trees added soon.
  • In the next 6 months, The Landing should open with 12 retail locations and 7 restaurants including the Boathouse and Morimoto Asia.
  • The walkway between Paradiso 37 and the other stores to the West Side should be open by Thanksgiving
  • BET Soundstage and the Adventurer’s Club locations have been confirmed as venues for new restaurants, so the Adventurer’s Club return rumor can now be ruled out.
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New pathway between Raglan Road and Portobello, facing Boathouse in The Landing

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The path recently opened while work on the new buildings continues

The new, renovated area in front of Fulton’s and Portobello is Riverfront Square. Walls have come down in this area already:

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We did not get much in the form of new details about the Town Center area, but we did get several new pieces of concept art for this area replacing the Pleasure Island parking lot:

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The entry plaza for the Town Center

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The Town Center

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The entrance to Town Center from the new bus loop

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The Town Center

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The entrance to Town Center from the Marketplace parking structure

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New pedestrian bridge over Buena Vista Drive into the Town Center bus loop

Some notes on the Marketplace:

  • The lake will be called “Lake Buena Vista”, because, believe it or not, it wasn’t called that already.
  • The World of Disney expansion will come out towards Town Center, modifications inside of the store are already taking place
  • More pedestrian bridges will be built over Buena Vista Drive leading guests to and from Hotel Plaza Boulevard.
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The Disney Springs master plan

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A closer look reveals the World of Disney expansion and new pedestrian bridges to Hotel Plaza Boulevard

So, what do you think?

Tom Corless’ 11/17/14 WDW Photo Report (Disney Springs, Hollywood Studios, New Phone Cases, Big Hero 6, ETC.)

WDWNT on November 25, 2014

I recently visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Downtown Disney and I have a great deal of newsworthy photos to share, so let’s take a look at what’s new and exciting:

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The dancing ornaments are back at Hollywood Studios!

There are two limited edition pins for the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights this year, no passholder pin for the first time in over a decade

CHRISTMAS CUPS!!!

With photo touchpoints at the exit of Tower of Terror, you have a limited window to tap your media in order to claim your photo without going to the counter

Sorry for the blurry photo, but here is what the beautifully themed touchpoints look like

All quiet back at Soundstage 1… for now…

More and more of the Studio Backlot Tour is vanishing…

New Frozen phone cases for 5C and 6 are now at Wandering Oaken’s

Both the summer and holiday Olaf MagicBands available at Wandering Oaken’s

Santa Goofy now also meets before the Spectacle of Lights from 1PM-5PM

Specialty drinks at Osborne Lights this year, notably there is no eggnog…

A child wiped out an entire display of cookies… this was the worst tragedy to strike the park since American Idol closed…

The poor cast members started to restock the shelf as the child still dug through the wreckage to find a cookie she wanted to buy…

Moving to Downtown Disney/Disney Springs, Christmas decorations are up

An elevated track piece has also appeared between Splitsville, AMC, Wolfgang Puck’s and Bongo’s

Work continues on the bridge in the Marketplace over Lake Buena Vista

A ton of new phone case designs were recently introduced at D-Tech On Demand at the Marketplace Co-Op

A look at some of the newer options to choose from

New ladies shirts at Tren-D

3 different holiday big figs are available this year

Walls came down around Riverboat Square, the new area in front of Fulton’s and Portobello

The path between Porotobello and Raglan Road opened, so you no longer have to travel the long way around

Some facades are out from behind walls in The Landing

The Boathouse

Another façade

Waterside Park, now open in The Landing

Another elevated train track by the West Side Starbucks, this one appears to be just a lighting rig and decorative piece

A giant inflatable Baymax from Big Hero 6 was erected for the opening of the film

Dirk Wallen’s 10/10/14 Disney Springs/Downtown Disney Photo Report (The Landing, EPCOT Center, Food Truck Park, ETC.)

WDWNT on October 24, 2014

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited Downtown Disney (Disney Springs as it will be known soon) yesterday and has some great newsworthy photos to share with us from his trip:

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The large waterfront building in The Landing is coming along nicely

It was supposed to open Summer, but Food Truck Park still isn’t finished

The concept art

There’s an EPCOT Center bag hidden in the artwork…

A look at the new boardwalk and the large new structure in The Landing, which is currently still Pleasure Island

Originally, the Landing was supposed to be just new dining options, but some retail space has been built

New, small retail locations can be found in front of Fulton’s

The first one appears to sell bar accessories

The second is called Sublime… no idea what it is…

The Marketplace bridge will be completed by early 2015, maybe even for the 2014 holiday season

Even though it is only a year old, the Rainforest Café volcano is being fixed up

Ghirardelli has a new sundae

They also have some great holiday treats

MINI CHOCOLATE!