Tag: disney springs

Explore the New Bourbon Trail at Disney Springs
There’s something exciting – and tasty! – coming to Disney Springs on May 1. Kick off your summer by exploring this brand-new Bourbon Trail, where guests ages 21 and older can discover bourbon-inspired beverages and food pairings. Meander through the many shops and restaurants throughout the area and find your favorites!

Each of these drinks has been carefully paired with a delicious dish, and there’s even a map that shows where to find all of them! Whether you’re a bourbon aficionado, or just enjoy sipping and savoring new drinks, this trail is perfect for an afternoon stroll or a night out with friends.

Here is your guide to everything being offered on the trail, so be sure to read up and prepare your taste buds, because these offerings will only be available through June 17 and you won’t want to miss out!

House of Blues Restaurant & Bar
- Fine and Mellow – featuring Knob Creek Bourbon, St. Elder, lemon juice, strawberry, and rhubarb bitters
- Hurry Sundown Old Fashioned – featuring Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Benedictine, butter pecan syrup, bitters, and caramel pecan bacon
- Smoked Brisket or Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwich
- Homemade Bread Pudding – topped with toffee sauce and bourbon butter
Splitsville Dining Room
- The Trifecta – a stirred concoction of Old Forester 100, Carpano Antica Vermouth, Benedictine, and Pimento Dram
- BBQ Chicken Pizza – smothered in BBQ sauce, topped with marinated grilled chicken, BBQ sauce, smoked gouda, mozzarella, cilantro, and red onion
Bongos Cuban Café
- Angel’s Envy Bourbon Mojito – featuring Angel’s Blue Envy Bourbon, simple syrup, soda water, and fresh mint leaves
- Authentic Cuban Style Churrasco Certified Angus Beef – a 10-ounce skirt steak hand-cut and served with house-made chimichurri sauce, white rice, and beans
YeSake
- Strawberry Bourbon Sour Slushie – bourbon, sweet strawberry puree, and lemonade
- Citrus Fresh – salmon, green leaf lettuce, cucumber, onion, spinach, and jalapeño tempura crunch wasabi ponzu sauce (available as a bowl or wrap)
Planet Hollywood Observatory
- Bulleit Frontier Old Fashioned – featuring Bulleit Bourbon, sugar, and bitters
- BBQ Ribs – fall-off-the-bone St. Louis-style ribs, slow cooked in-house, smothered with BBQ sauce, and served with triple fries
STK Orlando
- Double Down – featuring Woodford Reserve and lemon juice
- Double Smoked Bacon – served with date chutney, oven-dried tomatoes, and crispy garlic
- Bag O’ Donuts – enhanced with dulche de leche filling and spice chocolate and raspberry sauces
Enzo’s Hideaway
- Enzo’s Bourbon Swizzle – featuring Bulleit Bourbon, lemon juice, ginger syrup, bitters, and fresh mint sprigs with notes of spice, rye, and cedar
- Salumi and Formaggi Board – an impressive selection of meats and cheeses
The Edison
- Peach Tree Downs – a refreshing peach mint julep with a nutty pecan finish featuring Knob Creek Bourbon and Old Camp Peach Pecan Whiskey, with a rich, sweet, woody, full-bodied and almost-fruity flavor and aromas of toasted nuts, grain, and oak
- DB Clothesline Candied Bacon – maple and black pepper-infused bacon served with a sour pickle
Paradiso 37, Taste of the Americas
- Kentucky Sunrise – featuring Jim Beam Bourbon, orange juice, and grenadine
- Argentinian Skirt Steak – 10-ounce char-grilled skirt steak topped with caramelized onions and chimichurri and served with wasabi or truffle fries
The Ganachery
- Woodford Reserve Bourbon – comprised of more than 200 delectable flavor notes, from bold grain and wood to sweet aromatics: spice, fruit, and floral notes
Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant
- The Gold Cup – featuring Bulleit Bourbon, Jameson Black Barrel Irish Whiskey, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and muddled mint, lime, and cucumber
- Dub Schpuds – herb roasted potato wedges with a Smithwick’s & Dubliner cheese dip
Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar
- Coffee Old Fashioned – Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Kahlua Coffee Liqueur, Joffrey’s Cold Brew Coffee, Vanilla Syrup, Aromatic Bitters, and served with a coffee ganache square
- Snakebite Sliders – three gourmet beef sliders with tomato-bacon jam, house-made pickles, shredded lettuce and cheese
The Boathouse
- Orlando Pride – featuring Old Forester Bourbon and a homemade blackberry citrus purée
- Calamari – hoisin chili marinated calamari rings lightly fried with a medley of peppers and served with a side of hoisin chili sauce
Paddlefish
- Southern Sangria – featuring Medley Bros. Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, peach liqueur, Tempranillo, and seasonal fruit with warm notes of caramel, oak, and spices that are followed by touches of creamy vanilla, milk chocolate, and caramelized sugar
- The Pork Chop – a 10-ounce pork chop served with house-made applesauce and fresh green beans
The Polite Pig
- Winner’s Circle – featuring Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Pamplemousee grapefruit liqueur, and elderflower tonic, with a rich and complex flavors and hints of vanilla, toffee, and candied fruit
- The Southern Pig Sandwich – mouthwatering pulled pork, fennel-apple slaw, tangy mustard BBQ and Dukes Mayonnaise
Frontera Cocina
- Bórbon Néctar – featuring Basil Hayden’s Bourbon, 3 dashes of organic agave, 5 drops of Elemakule Tiki Bitters, and orange peel with lean oak, corn, and caramel flavors and finishes of warm toffee, spice, and drying wood
- Carne Asada – garlic and red chili-marinated Creekstone Natural Black Angus Steak, black beans refritos with queso fresco, and caramelized plantains with crema and Cotija cheese and served with tomatillo salsa and warm tortillas
D-Luxe Burger
- Smoked Bourbon Gelato Shake – vanilla gelato blended with Knob Creek Single Barrel Bourbon, hickory smoke, and dark chocolate sauce and topped with a bacon strip
- Southern Burger – signature blend beef patty topped with a fried green tomato, pimento cheese, lettuce, grilled onion, and bacon
Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’
- The Old Fashioned Elder – featuring Michter’s Bourbon and St. Germain Elderflower
- Basil Hayden’s Mint Julep – featuring Basil Hayden’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky, simple syrup, and sprigs of fresh mint
- Famous Thigh High Chicken Biscuits – three biscuits topped with Chef Art’s fried chicken thighs, drizzled with hot honey, and served alongside bread and butter pickles
Everything on this tasty Bourbon Trail will be available at Disney Springs from May 1 to June 17, so come on out, grab a drink and a snack, and take a walk with around Disney Springs! You can even pick up a Bourbon Trail Passport that contains all of this info and more at the Disney Springs Welcome Center and at any participating location.
April 29, 2018
New Must Have Disney Parks-Inspired Spring Looks Unveiled At The Dress Shop

The Dress Shop at Cherry Tree Lane at Disney Springs always has the cutest dresses and now they just have unveiled some new Disney Parks-Inspired Looks For Spring that are totes adorbs! I’m just absolutely in love with these new dress, purses and accessories and they are a must have for Disney fashion lovers!

The delightful apparel and accessories collection – which was created especially for Disney Parks – has been a fan-favorite since it was introduced more than a year ago. The collection was designed for guests who want to emulate their favorite Disney characters or theme park attractions in a fun, retro way. The collection contains perfect outfits for guests who have a passion for Disney style. The dress styles are classic in design, yet all the styles have modern fits which make them wonderful outfits to wear when visiting Disney Parks.

New styles for this spring include a dress silhouette inspired by “it’s a small world” and Main Street, U.S.A., at Magic Kingdom Park.

Check out these styles inspired by “Monsters, Inc.,” and “Mary Poppins.” That penguin purse is an adorable must-have for any Poppins fan!

A new Orange Bird dress and accessories debuted at the shop in January, however, Orange Bird Dooney & Bourke handbags just hit shelves this month.

Another guest favorite in this location is the selection of apparel by Her Universe that includes items inspired by Mad Tea Party in Fantasyland, Main Street, U.S.A., and the Haunted Mansion.

Some items are available on the Shop Disney Parks app, while others are available exclusively at The Dress Shop at Cherry Tree Lane, one of the locations inside the Marketplace Co-Op at Disney Springs.

April 28, 2018
Disney Springs Gets Its Spring On with Late-Night Offerings and Trend-Setting Styles

Springtime in Florida means longer, sun-filled days followed by warm-breezy nights perfect for spending time outside. And with dynamic, late-night entertainment, fresh dining experiences and stylish new stores, Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort is the place to be this spring.

Enjoy Late-Night Your Way

Every Thursday through Saturday after the clock strikes 10 p.m., Disney Springs comes alive with late-night offerings until 2 a.m., perfect for those wanting that extra zing for an adult fun-filled weekend.

The Landing neighborhood is the place where late night is taken to the next level with a collection of venues offering a variety of unique experiences, all within steps of each other. Guests can mix and match their options to design the perfect night, with choices that range from sophisticated to laid back; romantic candlelight to high-energy dancing; and the ability to hop to each venue (with complimentary parking and no cover charges).

Flapper-style dancers lead the way to the dance floor at The Edison. The lavish “Industrial Gothic” – themed restaurant offers hand-crafted cocktails and live entertainment. Follow the sake sangria to the sophisticated Forbidden Lounge at Morimoto Asia, where a separate entrance welcomes guests for a late-night menu and libations. Or witness the art of pouring the perfect pint at Raglan Road, singing is a must to keep up with the Irish spirit.

Other venues welcoming late-night explorers include Enzo’s Hideaway, Paradiso 37, The BOATHOUSE, STK Orlando, Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar and Vivoli Il Gelato.

New Retail Locations

Fresh and fabulous trends will debut at Disney Springs with the May arrival of DisneyStyle. This Instagram-worthy location will have fans swooning over spirit jerseys galore and an endless supply of Disney Parks-inspired accessories.

DisneyStyle will join the lineup of other Disney-chic locations such as The Disney Corner. Open for a limited time, this retail location is a two-story Disney dream come true filled with apparel for kids – including infants – a fun mix of accessories and selfie-worthy backdrops.

Also in Town Center, Ever After Jewelry Co. & Accessories is now the ultimate spot for high-end fashion jewelry from Disney Parks. It offers an even larger selection of favorite brands and products including PANDORA Jewelry, Alex & Ani bracelets and charms, handbags by Dooney & Bourke, stylish headwear and more.

Delicious New Flavors Coming Soon

The highly-anticipated Wine Bar George will open its doors later this spring, bringing the expertise of Master Sommelier George Miliotes to Disney Springs. The wine list will feature more than 135 wines by the ounce, glass and bottle, and the menu will include small plates, cheese and charcuterie, and sharable entrees. The design of the two-story space will reflect the style of a winemaker’s home estate, with a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere. Guests will learn about food and wine pairing while enjoying stunning views of Disney Springs.

Also opening this spring is Terralina Crafted Italian. The new dining experience, curated by celebrity and James Beard Award-winning Chef Tony Mantuano, will transport guests to the splendor of the Italian countryside with cuisine combining authentic Italian flavors and an unparalleled ambiance.

Disney Springs is open every day of the year from 11:00 a.m. to midnight, with select restaurants, lounges and entertainment locations open late-night hours until 2:00 a.m. on select nights.

April 21, 2018
Pulse Nightclub Shooter Originally Planned To Attack Disney World

According to prosecutors Omar Mateen, the Pulse nightclub gunman, was originally targeting the Disney Springs entertainment center at Walt Disney World in Orlando, but he later decided to attack the Pulse nightclub.

You can get a full look at him scouting and making preparations in the video below:

Jurors deliberated all day Thursday and still no verdict on day two of deliberations. Jurors began deciding Wednesday whether the widow of the Orlando nightclub shooter lied to the FBI and helped her husband in the attack that killed 49 people or was an abused wife who knew nothing of his plans.

Noor Salman is charged with obstruction and providing material support to a terrorist organization. She faces up to life in prison if convicted of all charges.

She lied to the FBI about the number of guns her husband had and his internet use, which included watching beheadings and visiting Islamic State group websites and she knew he was buying ammunition for his AR-15 in preparation for a jihadi attack.

“She does not have to be his equal in the attack, and in fact she is not,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Sweeney said.

Salman was born in California to Palestinian parents was described by defense attorneys as a simple woman with a low IQ. Her husband cheated on her with other women and concealed much of his life from her and he abused her, they said.

Attorney Charles Swift said there was no way Salman knew that Mateen would attack the Pulse nightclub because even he didn’t know he would attack the nightclub until after he went to the Disney Springs complex.

“It’s a horrible, random, senseless killing by a monster,” Swift said. “But it wasn’t preplanned. The importance to this case is that if he didn’t know, she couldn’t know.”

Salman’s confession was coerced and she signed it because she was tired and scared of losing her son, he said.

The statement said in part that “the last two years, Omar talked to me about jihad.” Swift said Salman was not capable of such a discussion because she wasn’t an extremist.

*UPDATE*
After three days of deliberation, Noor Salman, the wife of Pulse nightclub shooter Omar Mateen, was declared not guilty on all counts Friday morning.

March 30, 2018
DisneyStyle Opens This May at Disney Springs in Walt Disney World Resort

At Disney Springs you can find a one-of-a-kind environment combining family-friendly entertainment, dining and shopping and this May, a new shop, DisneyStyle, will join Disney Springs West Side as the destination for fresh and stylish apparel and accessories inspired by beloved attractions at Disney Parks and timeless Disney characters.

Modern Disney fashionistas will find a curated assortment of fashion forward products at DisneyStyle, from Spirit Jerseys with nods to Disney Princesses to playful headwear with a Disney twist. Guests can easily create stylish outfits perfect for visiting Disney Parks by mixing and matching fun shirts with accessories such as handbags, headbands, hats, socks, and more. The location will be found adjacent to Star Wars Galactic Outpost.

DisneyStyle will complement an already stellar lineup of Disney-themed merchandise locations at Disney Springs.

Ever After Jewelry Co. & Accessories in Town Center is now the ultimate spot for high-end fashion jewelry from Disney Parks, with an even larger selection of Guests’ favorite brands and products including PANDORA Jewelry, Alex & Ani, handbags by Dooney & Bourke, stylish headwear and more.

This weekend, celebrate the luck of the Irish and find your own pot ‘o gold at Ever After Jewelry Co. & Accessories with a special CRISLU jewelry showcase. Guests attending the event will receive a complimentary gift with any qualifying Disney by CRISLU purchase, while supplies last.

The Disney Corner, the newest pop-up shop also located in Town Center, is home to apparel, collectibles and accessories fit for princesses of all ages or fans of Mickey and Minnie Mouse. The location also carries fun Disney apparel for infants and toddlers. This enchanting two-story space will only be open for a limited time.

Specialty boutiques offer a dazzling array of the latest trends and seasonal products from Disney Parks Merchandise making Disney Springs one of the best places at Walt Disney World Resort to discover unique merchandise.

March 19, 2018
The Raglan Road Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival Returns to Disney Springs March 16 – 18
St. Patrick’s Day revelers may go for the perfect-pour Guinness when U2 tribute band Elevation launches into “With or Without You.” Families with kids can opt for a fish-and-chips party as award-winning traditional Irish band The Maguires – new to Raglan Road Pub – tunes up their talent dubbed “insanely awesome” by Milwaukee Irish Fest.

And more award-winning bands are lined up for three non-stop days of live music, Irish dance, first-rate food and fun during the Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival 2018 at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant in Disney Springs March 16-18. Here’s the complete lineup:
- Young Dubliners – One of Celtic rock’s hardest working bands, the Young Dubliners play hundreds of shows to thousands of fans across the United States and Europe every year. Young Dubliners are known for their hearty rock and Irish-infused live performances.
- Elevation (U2) — Back by popular demand, this stellar U2 tribute act will play two special nighttime shows March 16 and 17. They appeared at Raglan Road’s Great Irish Hooley last September during U2’s world tour celebrating 30 years of the groundbreaking Joshua Tree album.
- The Maguires – Called “brilliant” by IrishCentral news, The Maguires traditional Irish family band comprises Emma, 17, on fiddle, flute and whistle; Aoife, 15, on concertina and uilleann pipes; Sean, 12, on bodhrán; and their dad, Philip, on guitar. Trad favorites and modern tunes combine with syncopated, infectious rhythms sure to wow Mighty Festival crowds.
- Briste — This inspiring all-female trio includes Emma Robinson (flute, whistle), Joanna Boyle (banjo, vocals) and Alison Crossey (bodhran, guitar). They grew up listening to and playing traditional Irish music, winning numerous awards at County, Ulster and All Ireland competitions, quickly gaining themselves a fine reputation in traditional music circles. Blending together their rich musical backgrounds, Briste creates a fresh and exciting mix of country, folk and Irish traditional music.
- The Byrne Brothers — An exceptionally talented traditional Irish music family from Donegal. They are Luca, 13 (button accordion); Finn, 11 (banjo, mandolin and whistle); Dempsey, 8, (whistle and bodhran); and father,Tommy (guitar, Uilleann pipes, fiddle, whistles, bagpipes and bodhran). Their show combines exciting traditional Irish tunes with modern dance beats, and they love to interact with every audience.
- The Raglan Roots Coalition – This edgy house band is known for its soul-rockin’ Celtic bluegrass with hip-swingin’, knee-shakin’ funky roots beats.
- Reel Republic – Hailing from the southwest corner of Ireland, Aisling Egan-Sage (fiddle); Liam O’Keefe (box, vocals); and Colin Foley (guitar, vocals) are Reel Republic 2.0, three seriously talented musicians always pushing to make the next gig better than the last.
- Out the Gap – Niall McIlroy (guitar, ukulele bass, whistles and flute); Deirdre Ni Mheachair (fiddle); and Aidan Byrne (guitar, vox, keys and percussion) make up the pub’s newest house band performing a sweet combination of innate musicianship, beautiful tune playing and fairly outrageous virtuosity.
- The Raglan Road Irish Dancers – Plucked from the cast and stages of the world’s greatest Irish dance shows, the Raglan Road Irish Dancers perform throughout the Mighty Festival. You can even learn some traditional Irish dance steps – no experience necessary!
Guests can enjoy a mighty selection of beers, spirits and craft cocktails to pair with exceptional pub grub and more elegant Irish fare while musicians and dancers perform on multiple stages, indoors and out, from noon-1:30 a.m. March 16 and 10 a.m. until 1:30 a.m. March 17 and 18. Mighty Festival guests can accent their Irish holiday attire with complimentary face painting available for up to nine or 10 hours each festival day. On March 17, St. Patrick’s Day, guests will be seated on a first-come, first-served basis with a cover charge of $10 for each guest age 18 and older.
March 15, 2018
New Disney Princess Flip Flops By Havaianas Are A Wish Your Heart Makes

Flip Flops are a wish your heart makes… So with spring break right around the corner, it’s time to start sporting that beachwear again and Disney’s latest collaboration with Havaianas has produced the perfect footwear for the occasion. The Brazilian flip flop brand has created the perfect line of Disney Princess Flip Flops that are both stylish and comfortable.

Havaianas are the perfect footwear for the pool or beach, but also great for a day in the Disney Theme Parks, too. These designs are totes adorbs with the princess on one flip-flop and a quote from their movie on the other.

If you’re not into princess then don’t worry. There are plenty of other options featuring Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Star Wars, Marvel and more, no doubt there is a perfect pair to flaunt your favorite Disney style. You can find all of you favorite Disney Designs at Havaianas.com.

“We are constantly looking at ways to delight our guests through the assortment of merchandise we offer as tangible memories of the time guests spend with us,” said Kenny Funk, Disney’s vice president of merchandise. “The combination of the Havaianas brand and Disney’s magical merchandise makes for an appealing combination for our guests.”

The company has been the official flip-flop of Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort for the past several years and has three branded locations inside the parks. Guests can shop Disney-themed flip flops by Havaianas, as well as the brand’s core and fashion styles at shops in the Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon water parks in Walt Disney World, and at California Adventure in Disneyland

You can find the new princess designs at The Landing in Disney Springs where the Disney mega shopping center has unveiled quite few new items perfect for spring break including the newest Mickey Mouse Ray-Bans that would go perfect with your flops, whether you are celebrating at Disney Parks or anywhere.

March 10, 2018
The Disney Corner Now Open at Disney Springs
The Disney Corner is now open at Disney Springs! It is a magical two-story store filled with princess fun, Minnie must-haves and selfie-worthy spots galore.

It’s a delightful shop for women and girls, but this new retail venue is open for a limited time while The World of Disney is being remodeled. So make sure to make plans to visit during your next outing to Disney Springs.

The opening is being celebrated with a full weekend of special surprises all the way through Sunday. Shoppers should be on the lookout for extra in-store magic. Here’s is the details on what you can expect:
- Thursday, Feb. 15, 2018: All day long, enjoy a cute-as-a-button special surprise with every Disney Corner purchase, while supplies last.
- Friday, Feb. 16, 2018: Experience a karaoke style princess sing-a-long, every hour on the hour.
- Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018: Disney PhotoPass photographers will be roaming the store from noon to 4:00 p.m., capturing memories for guests willing to strike a pose.
- Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018: Be surprised!
If you can’t make it this week, there’s still plenty of time to visit and discover toys, dolls, apparel and accessories for princess’ of all ages. Construction on The World of Disney is expected to be completed in phases throughout 2018, so it should be open through out the year.
February 15, 2018
Celebrate the Season of Love and Friendship at Disney Springs

This February, take a fresh approach to celebrating Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s Day (Feb. 13) or any fun night out with friends by exploring what’s new at Disney Springs.

Recently recognized by The New York Times as one of the top places to go in 2018, Disney Springs is home to Central Florida’s hottest new restaurant and entertainment venues. It’s the place to set sail for romance aboard a stunning 40-foot Venetian water taxi or treat friends to a vintage amphicar ride. And it’s the destination for one-of-a-kind entertainment that ranges from a hyper-reality Star Wars experience and luxury bowling to an eclectic array of street performers and live entertainment.

Here are some memorable ways to surprise your Valentine, gal pals or best friends this month – or any other time of the year.

From Romantic to Electrifying Dining

In honor of Valentine’s Day, a number of restaurants at Disney Springs are offering special menu items. The list includes surf-and-turf for two at STK Orlando, fresh catch selections at Paddlefish, a delectable special menu at Paradiso 37 and a specialty cocktail at Morimoto Asia.

Friends and lovers can also check out some brand-new Disney Springs restaurants. Guests can share plates of spaghetti and other tasty Italian dishes at the new Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante. Following the Disney Springs story line, this chic restaurant is set in a once-abandoned airline terminal from the 1930s. The open and airy dining room features 50-foot ceilings and views of Lake Buena Vista. For a more casual experience, head below ground to Enzo’s Hideaway – a speakeasy located in storied rum-runner tunnels – that serves up Prohibition-era cocktails and hearty Roman dishes.

Next door, The Edison dials up the excitement with electrifying entertainment, craft cocktails and contemporary American fare. At night, this “industrial Gothic”-themed space transforms into a nightlife hot spot with weekends featuring live bands, cabaret dancers and aerialists.

These are just some of the options at Disney Springs, which is home to more than 50 food and beverage locations including five by James Beard Award-winning chefs.

More to See and Do Together

Shared time together is arguably the best gift of all. At Disney Springs the options for sharing time with friends or that special someone are off the charts.

Venture to The VOID and embark on the new hyper-reality, multi-sensory experience, Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire. In groups of four, teams suit up and go undercover as Stormtroopers to capture imperial intelligence vital to the budding rebellion’s survival. The experience is untethered and unbelievable.

At The BOATHOUSE, couples can set sail on The Venezia, a breathtaking Italian water taxi, for a romantic guided tour of Disney Springs complete with chocolate-covered strawberries and a champagne toast. There are also vintage amphicar rides – rare vehicles that travel both on land and in the water.

Other favorite hotspots for a fun night out include Splitsville Luxury Lanes, a modern upscale bowling alley, and AMC Fork & Screen Dine-in Theatres. Or, simply stroll the promenade and catch some of live performers and entertainment – more than 25 acts nightly.

Indulgent treats

Nothing says Valentine’s Day better than chocolate. Stop by The Ganachery and watch expert chocolatiers create richly exotic treats. Sample in store and take home an elegant, hand-packaged gift box for that special someone. Decadent hot-fudge sundaes – perfect for sharing – can be found at the world-famous Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop. There is also a gallery of goodies at Amorette’s Patisserie – a sophisticated pastry shop filled with Disney-inspired cakes, cookies, cheesecake, macarons and eclairs.

Step beyond everyday gift giving

It’s easy to get creative with gift giving at Disney Springs. For the guy who likes a little pampering there’s The Art of Shaving. This handsome shop features high-end grooming products for the modern man. Guys can even get a haircut and shave onsite in The Barber Shop.

Ladies will enjoy the fairytale ambiance of Ever After Jewelry Co. & Accessories, the ultimate destination for Disney-themed baubles, handbags and fashion. For elegant fine jewelry and designer watches, Luxury of Time by Diamonds International offers a wide selection in their upscale boutique.

Complimentary self-parking is available at all Disney Springs garages and surface lots. Walt Disney World Resort guests enjoy complimentary transportation between their Disney Resort hotels and Disney Springs.

About Disney Springs
Disney Springs is a one-of-a-kind retail, dining and entertainment district located in the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. With its namesake springs, beautiful open-air promenades and lakefront setting, Disney Springs evokes the charm of Florida waterfront towns at the turn of the 20th century. It’s also home to a collection of more than 150 shops and restaurants, including top-name retail brands, specialty boutiques and dining experiences created by celebrity and award-winning chefs. Located in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., Disney Springs is open daily.

February 3, 2018
Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante Opens at Disney Springs

National Spaghetti Day was Thursday January 4 which made for the perfect day to welcome the newest Italian Dining Gem, Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante, to Disney Springs! The opening showcased the stunning new Italian restaurant located at the reimagined Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort — Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante.

The new dining destination brings to Disney Springs the warmth of Italy and the dreamiest Italian cuisine this side of the Atlantic, courtesy of Executive Chef Theo Schoenegger. The restaurant officially began serving dinner to the public on January 5. Lunch and brunch service will begin later this month.

Fittingly, the media sneak peek on January 4 coincided with National Spaghetti Day, providing the perfect Italian backdrop for the occasion. A dedication ceremony featured Italian ambassadors, chefs, executives from Patina Restaurant Group, Delaware North (Patina Restaurant Group’s parent company), Disney; and very special guests Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.

Disney restaurants often have a backstory, part of the company’s tradition of immersive storytelling. Mirroring that tradition, Patina Restaurant Group collaborated with Walt Disney Imagineering to create the story for Maria & Enzo’s.

“The story behind Maria and Enzo is one of travel, food, love and friendship, all steeped in Italian tradition,” said Valenti, referring to the backstory of Maria and Enzo, an Italian couple that immigrated to Central Florida in the 1920s. “Their story is set in a long-forgotten sea-plane air terminal that became the setting for the restaurant.

“We couldn’t be happier to have a chef as talented as Theo Schoenegger,” Valenti continued. “A native Italian with an incredible repertoire, his cooking has a delicious authenticity that brings the story to life.”

Following the dedication, media and special guests enjoyed the food and hospitality at Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante, where Chef Schoenegger presented a variety of signature dishes including, of course, spaghetti in honor of National Spaghetti Day.

Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante

An intimate Italian trattoria set in the once-abandoned Disney Springs airline terminal from the 1930s, now transformed into a restaurant. The dining room is open and airy, featuring 50-foot ceilings with views of Lake Buena Vista. The restaurant interiors showcase artifacts that recall air travel of the time, with brightly illustrated pictographs, reimagined air terminal boarding gates and a First Class Lounge where randomly selected guests are upgraded upon arrival. The menu, created by Michelin star-rated Chef Theo Schoenegger, features a variety of handmade pastas including Busiate con Granchio (spiral pasta with crab), Rigatoni all Norma (eggplant, chile, tomato, ricotta salata) and ‘Ncasciata al Forno (Sicilian baked pasta) – served tableside. Other highlights include Braciola di Maiale (Berkshire pork chop, plum mostarda), Nodino di Vitello (grilled veal chop) and Tonno (grilled ahi tuna steak, pistachio pesto) all served with rosemary potatoes and tempura fried vegetables. The spectacular wine list of more than 100 bottles is – lovingly — primarily Italian. The restaurant is open from 11:30 a.m. to 12 midnight daily, with weekend brunch coming soon.

The backstory is that the restaurant was the dream of Maria and Enzo who met in Italy before moving to Florida and wanted to introduce Italian cuisine to the townfolk of the bustling Disney Springs. An airline pilot, Enzo was drawn to an abandoned airline terminal, which became the spacious setting for the restaurant.

Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar

A speakeasy inspired by Roman aperitivo bars, located in the storied rum-runner tunnels that adjoin Maria & Enzo’s. Inspired by Florida’s true history of rum running, Enzo’s Hideaway pours Prohibition-era cocktails and serves a casual menu of hearty Roman dishes, such as the city’s legendary Bucatini alla Carbonara (hollow spaghetti with creamy egg and pancetta sauce) and Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe (square-cut spaghetti with pecorino and black pepper). In honor of the weekly dinners Enzo hosted for family and friends, the tunnel bar hosts Sunday Supper, a family-style meal each week. Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar is open from 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily.

The backstory tells the tale of Enzo and Maria discovering a long-hidden cavern below the terminal that connected to abandoned sections of the next-door power plant (which today is called The Edison). To Enzo’s astonishment, he came across a Prohibition-era hideaway where a team of flying rum-runners once gathered. Evidence of smuggler activity was everywhere, untouched for decades. Bottles and casks of rum were found along with a roster of flying operatives and their code names. It was a fascinating glimpse at an unknown chapter of the town’s past. Enzo shared his discovery with the local historical society and also decided that the space might make an irresistible spot for dining and socializing. Now it is a cozy gem of a hideaway for Enzo to highlight the family recipes he grew up on, featuring specialties from Rome and nearby regions.

Pizza Ponte

A fast-casual concept and the perfect place for a quick bite serving pastries, pizza, Italian sandwiches, and espresso. Pastry specialties include Bomboloni (Italian doughnuts) Sfoglia di Riso (pastry with rice cream) and Tiramisu. Savory items include signature Triangolo (stuffed pizza bread) sandwiches, Porchetta (roast pork) and Pizza al Taglio, Sicilian-style pizza by the slice. Pizza Ponte is open from 8 a.m. to 12 midnight daily.

The backstory reveals that Maria began a simple cafe inside the lobby of what was once the bustling Disney Springs air terminal. Pastries and pasta were the initial offerings, but eventually the family was able to install wood-fired pizza ovens that helped make them even more successful. Pizza Ponte is accessed from the entrance beneath the air terminal’s old Control Tower. Within this entrance, guests can view family photos from Maria and Enzo’s many cousins, uncles, aunts and others who began to arrive as their business began to thrive. An elegant wraparound window anchors the space and catches a lot of attention from pedestrians crossing the bridge from the Disney Springs West Side. Offerings reflect many of the most popular foods from both Maria’s roots in Southern Italy and Enzo’s favorites from the region around Rome.

January 9, 2018