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Disney Food Disney Parks Other

Review! Are Killer Fries Enough to Make Us Love Planet Hollywood in Disney World?

We’ve been eating our way around all the newly reopened restaurants at Disney Springs. Now it’s time to take a trip over to Disney Springs’ local observatory, Planet Hollywood to see how the food has fared since reopening.

Planet Hollywood

While we’ve already taken you with us to Terralina Crafted Italian, Morimoto Asia, The Polite Pig, and more, we’re heading back to Flavortown to see if the food is a hit or miss.

We’re typically cautiously optimistic when we eat at Planet Hollywood. The food is ok. Is it the BEST food in Disney Springs? Nah, probably not. But, there’s a decent variety offered here, and with Guy Fieri designing much of the menu, the food has his unique flair to it. Want mac and cheese on your burger? They got that. Want not one but THREE kinds of fries with your meal? Yep, got that too. Those big, crazy milkshakes in a mason jar? You get it. ?

But while the menu boasts some unique options, we’ve been largely underwhelmed by this spot in the past. Would this trip change our minds?

Atmosphere

If you’ve never been to Planet Hollywood, it’s right across from the AMC Theatres! As we walked inside the restaurant, we spotted multiple health and safety guidelines from the get-go. There are hand-sanitizing stations and hand-sanitizer canisters placed around the area for guests and Cast Members to use.

Hand-Sanitizing Stations

There were social distancing stickers placed on the ground before you greeted the hostess at the front with a plexiglass barrier.

Planet Hollywood Entrance

Since Planet Hollywood also has two stories, there are distancing markers on the ground leading upstairs as well! (Wave hi to Chewie on your way up to your table!!)

Staircase

If you’ve never been here before, be sure to stop and check out some of the movie memorabilia on the walls. They have some REALLY unique props and costumes from some of your favorite movies and it’s totally worth checking out.

Inconceivable! They Have Princess Bride Costumes on Display!

Although seating is available inside the restaurants so you can watch some movies while you eat on the domed ceiling…

Planet Hollywood Indoor Seating

…we decided to enjoy the sunshine on the rooftop since outdoor seating is currently open as well.

Planet Hollywood Outdoor Seating

Time to eat!

Eats

Planet Hollywood has a limited menu at the moment, and your server will provide you with a paper menu to look at while you decide what you want to snack on!

Planet Hollywood Menu

The restaurant is using wrapping cutlery wrapped in napkins, so there’s no contact!

Cutlery

The drinks are in glass cups that the servers are careful to touch minimally…

Water Glass

…and the restaurant is also using compostable straws in drinks.

Compostable Straw

Our server told us that since it’s been very quiet at the restaurant and there’s a limited menu, our food would come out pretty quickly after it’s ordered. And, boy was she right! We received our whole meal within a few minutes of placing our order (!!!). It was CRAZY fast!

Our Meal!

Drinks

First up, we ordered a frosty drink. The B-A-N-A-N-A-S Boozy Milkshake for $17.99 used to be known as the Space Monkey, but now it appears to be named after Gwen Stefani’s “Hollaback Girl” (because why not??). The milkshake is served in a souvenir glass and mixed up with Cruzan coconut rum, banana liqueur, coconut purée, and chocolate milk.

B-A-N-A-N-A-S Milkshake

Although it might be a milkshake, B-A-N-A-N-A-S tasted more like a banana piña colada! While the name implied a LOT of banana flavor, it was more of a coconut and chocolate drink with just a hint of banana.

B-A-N-A-N-A-S Milkshake

We would have loved to had a stronger banana flavor, but we still thought the “cocktail” (it’s more like a dessert tbh) was smooth and sweet!

B-A-N-A-N-A-S Milkshake

This drink is pretty hefty sized though, so be careful not to fill up on shake instead of food! ?

Eats

We tried the “Bird Is the Word” Chicken Sandwich, which reminded us of a Nashville Hot Chicken sandwich! You can grab this for $17.99. The sandwich was piled with fried chicken, buttermilk ranch dressing, hot honey sauce, pickles, cheddar cheese, and cole slaw.

Bird is the Word Chicken Sandwich

Although we’re big fans of the chicken sandwiches you can get at Chicken Guy! or Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ right around the corner, the “Bird Is The Word” was still very tasty!

Bird is the Word Chicken Sandwich

The honey was the most prominent part of the sandwich, which gave a hint of spiciness to the sandwich. We thought there could have been a bigger punch of spiciness to balance things out. Buuut, we did LOVE all the pickles on top!

Bird is the Word Chicken Sandwich

IF you’re not a fan of spice, this should still be enjoyable for you. We picked up way more sweetness than spice on this one! We do have to say, though, that Planet Hollywood’s fries ROCKED!!

Fries

These are Guy Fieri’s Triple Fries which basically means they dump three styles of fries in the frier instead of one. We ain’t complainin’. We had standard french fries, waffle fries, and filmstrip type fries in our mix. They were delightfully seasoned and crispy, which complimented the sweetness of the chicken sandwich.

Fries

If you want to add some ketchup to your fries, your server will currently give you packets instead of a bottle.

Ketchup Packets

We’ll give credit where credit is due — the fries here are legit. They’re REALLY good.

Paying

At this time, Planet Hollywood isn’t using checkbooks, so your server will bring your check out on a plate with a towelette.

Check

And, before you leave, you can also use hand-sanitizer located at the tables inside Planet Hollywood!

Hand-Sanitizer

Nosh or Not

Consider dining at Planet Hollywood if:

  • You’d like to experience a unique atmosphere. Planet Hollywood has an array of movie memorabilia (like Chewbacca’s costume) that you can look at.
  • You want approachable comfort food like burgers, pastas, more.
  • You want a fun experience for your whole family! While grown-ups may be able to enjoy the cleverly named menu items a little more than the kids, your whole party can enjoy the entertainment at Planet Hollywood. Whether you want to watch movies while you eat or have a beautiful view of Disney Springs at night, there’s something for everyone here.

Planet Hollywood Server

You may want to skip Planet Hollywood if:

  • You are looking for really great, unique food. Disney Springs has a lot of awesome places that just have better eats and drinks — to put it simply. If you want a chicken sandwich like the one we had during our visit, we recommend visiting Chicken Guy! or Homecomin’ instead for some awesome options.
  • You want something on the cheaper side. While Planet Hollywood is not as expensive as other places like The Boathouse or Wine Bar George, it still can be pricey. Plus, for the food you’re getting, you can get better options at quick-service locations for a lower price.

Planet Hollywood Meal

Overall

So is it our favorite restaurant in all of Disney Springs now? Nope, sorry guys. BUT, we still enjoyed our meal. Planet Hollywood checks a lot of boxes for certain families looking for a unique meal in Disney Springs, which we can appreciate. We LOVED the crazy quick service and the fact that our server was a total sweetheart. However, our meal was just okay for the price we paid. But, we would totally go back to Planet Hollywood just to have another basket of fries all to ourselves. ?

Do note that Planet Hollywood closed again. While we don’t know when they will be reopening, we will be sure to keep you updated. You can read about this closure here.

These are the 5 restaurants you should skip during your next trip to Disney World!

What is your favorite thing to eat at Planet Hollywood? Let us know in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: disney dining tips, Disney News, disney parks, Disney Springs, Featured, Snacks, Table-Service, Walt Disney World, bananas boozy milkshake, bird is the word, chicken sandwich, Disney, disney dining, disney news, disney restaurants, disney springs, disney springs reopening, Disney World, Planet Hollywood, planet hollywood reopening

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Disney Merch Other

Here’s How to Have an EPIC Disney Pool Party in Your Backyard!

Warm weather means more time outside! And since we’re spending way more time at home, our pools may be getting a lot more love this summer (even if they’re the tiny inflatable kind!). You may be heading outside to work on your tan or to throw the ultimate backyard barbecue, but don’t leave that pool neglected!

A Dip in Your Resort Pool May Be Just the Break Your Day Needs!

Let’s throw one EPIC at-home Disney pool party! We found swimsuits, towels, pool toys, and more that will guarantee your pool will be your favorite destination this summer!

Swimsuit up!

First thing’s first, you gotta dress for the occasion! That means swimsuits for the whole family! We all have our favorite go-to Disney everyday outfits, but do you have a Disney pool outfit? 

© Disney

Luckily for you, we found some super cute and chic swimsuits, starting with this scoop neck swimsuit for juniors! Minnie Mouse is sporting some serious poolside style with her sunglasses and bow! It’s priced at $49.99.

Shop for this stylish scoop neck swimsuit here!

We also found THE cutest Mickey Mouse ruffle swimsuit at Torrid! Who’s the leader of the pool club?

© Torrid

YOU are when you rock this look all summer long! This one-piece swimsuit is $99.50.

Shop for the Mickey Mouse ruffle swimsuit here!

And for guys, don’t worry about being left out! We found a fun way to match at the pool this summer.

© Disney

These Mickey Mouse swim trunks are the perfect touch of Disney style (and Mickey’s even got his shades on ready to hit the pool). You can get it for $34.99.

Be the coolest Mouse at the pool with these swim trunks!

Give your feet some love!

Keep your feet safe AND chic with some Disney flip flops. Havaianas has given us some of our favorite Disney flippies over the years, and we found a couple of pairs that will match just about any pool look.

© Zappos

The first pair up are these Mickey Mouse flip flops for women. You can rep Mickey from head to toe! These flip flops are $26.00.

Grab a pair of these Mickey Mouse flip flops by Havaianas here!

But we all know ONE pair of flip flops isn’t enough! You need options! So we went ahead and found another cute pair of Havaianas for all you Minnie fans out there.

© Disney

We’re obsessed with the color of these flip flops — they’re super tropical, complete with flamingos! These cuties are $30.00.

Step into poolside style with these Havaiana flip flops!

Get the party started with these pool toys and party activities!

We all know that for some folks, laying on your towel is all the pool interaction you need to slip into paradise. But for those who are looking for a little more recreation, we got you! After all, it’s not an EPIC pool party if you don’t have some fun toys and activities for the pool!

© Amazon

Dive “Under the Sea” like in The Little Mermaid or float in space like Star Wars! If you’re looking for a challenge, this Little Mermaid catch and dive toy set adds the perfect Disney touch! Turn it into a competition amongst your family! You can get these for $20.88.

Shop for the Little Mermaid pool toy set here!

Get ready for your pool to transform into a galaxy far, far away with this next set of toys! We found a Star Wars inflatable ball set that would be perfect for your epic pool party.

© Amazon

Each set comes with R2D2, BB8, and a rather cute Death Star. The set of 3 is $39.99.

Stock up on this Star Wars inflatable ball set for your backyard pool party here!

When you’re tired from all those fun and games and you want to just kick back and relax, don’t just chill on any old, tired float! Keep the Star Wars party going with this Millennium Falcon pool float!

© Amazon

The fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy is now the most relaxing hunk of junk in your pool! You can get this uber awesome float for $59.99.

Blast off with this Millennium Falcon pool float!

Let’s keep the Star Wars theme going because we KNOW there are lots of you out there who just love all things Star Wars! We also found this adorable BB8 pool float that would make a great companion to any pool party.

© Amazon

You can get your very own for $24.98.

Get your very own BB8 pool float here!

We all know an epic pool party is more than just toys and cute swimsuits. Sure, that’s a good start, but you need some food and drinks that’ll keep the party going all afternoon long! Why not make your epic pool party an epic backyard barbecue?

© Super Hero Stuff

While you’re at it, keep your drinks safe (and perhaps a bit on the dark side) with this Darth Vader can cooler! Get your own can cooler for $12.99.

Make sure your beverages are ready to party with this Darth Vader can cooler!

Wrap up in a cozy towel

When it’s time to get out of the pool, obviously you’ll need a fresh set of Disney towels to dry off! And if your idea of an epic pool party looks more like lounging instead of swimming, you’ll still need a stylish towel to lay on! Either way, we found some cute Disney towels to add to your collection.

© Amazon

For the kiddos, this Mickey Mouse towel is perfect for an afternoon at the pool! Get your very own for $29.99.

Shop for this Mickey Mouse towel here!

This next towel really makes a STATEMENT. That’s because this Star Wars towel is OVERSIZED.

© Super Hero Stuff

So stretch out and relax, or wrap yourself up three times over — either way, your love of Star Wars will be loud and proud. This towel is priced at $34.99.

Shop for this oversized Star Wars towel here!

Do you find yourself coming back to the water, no matter how hard you try?

© Target

As the weather gets hotter and hotter it’s only going to get more difficult to say no to an afternoon by the pool, so embrace your destiny like Moana with this fun towel for $10.00.

Shop for this cute Moana towel here!

Whether you have a full-sized swimming pool or a sprinkler that you can run around in, we hope you have some ways of staying cool this summer! With all of us spending more time in our backyards this year, it’s more important now than ever before to show our patio, lawn, and pool some love! That also extends to us to make sure we’re dressed in true Disney style. So lather up on sunscreen and enjoy the warm weather!

See how to throw a mega cool Disney Backyard BBQ here!! 

What are your pool party MUST haves? Let us know in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: disney merchandise, Featured, News, Special Stuff, Disney merchandise, disney pool party, disney pool toys, disney swimsuit, flip flops, Mickey Mouse, minnie mouse, pool party, pool toys, star wars, swimsuit

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Disney Food Disney News Disney Parks Other

NEWS: Amorette’s Patisserie Reopened in Disney World Today

While some Disney-owned businesses have reopened at Disney Springs including The Daily Poutine, B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co., and more recently Once Upon a Toy, we can now add Amorette’s Patisserie to the list!

Amorette’s

We noticed the bakery was finally open today, so we walked on over to check it out!

According to the Cast Member we spoke with, Amorette’s full menu isn’t quite available yet, but they’re hoping to be able to offer all of their items (including sammies) by this Sunday once they get up to speed!

Get the latest scoop on what’s new at Disney Springs here!

Amorette’s Bakery Case

There aren’t any new menu items since we last visited Amorette’s Patisserie back in March. In fact, we spotted an item that’s been around since Valentine’s Day — which we’ll get to in a sec!

Amorette’s Menu

We were happy to see there Wine Slushy machines were up and runnin’ today tho! Hello Shiraz and Moscato!

Wine Slushy Machines

In the dining area, the tables have been moved further apart while social distancing markers on the ground show guests where they should stand while ordering at the counter.

Amorette’s

We also noticed Amorette’s has the new utensil dispensers we’ve spotted previously! These things are so cool because you only touch the hand of the utensil you’re grabbing!

Learn more about Disney World’s new utensil dispensers here!

Amorette’s

Plexiglass shields have been installed at the cash registers and the pastries you order are now served on disposable paper trays. They’re also still accepting all forms of payment.

Amorette’s

But now it’s time to get down to the nitty GRITTY and do what we do best — EAT STUFF! Remember that V-Day treat we mentioned earlier? Well, here it is! Looks-wise, it kinda reminds us of the rose-shaped dessert we enjoyed at Epcot’s Festival of the Arts earlier this year!

Rose Pastry

We can see why this stunning beauty stuck around for a while to give folks time to enjoy it now that Amorette’s has reopened! The Rose Pastry features chocolate mousse, a layer of spongy chocolate cake, and a sweet raspberry filling! We also love how it’s dusted with a rose-red cocoa powder and “dew drops” made of gel icing. It even comes topped with a touch of edible gold leaf!

Rose Pastry

The bottom cake layer of the Rose Pastry was very soft and moist while the mousse texture was almost more like a pudding which we really enjoyed. The raspberry filling’s texture was a little too solid for our liking. It just sort of fell out as a whole and wasn’t too flavorful.

Rose Pastry

All in all, we thought the Rose Pastry is great if you love desserts that combine rich, creamy chocolate with sweet, tart raspberry flavors! You can pick up the Rose Pastry for $8 at Amorette’s Patisserie, now open in Disney Springs!

Check out these adorable Forky socks we just spotted at Disney Springs here!

Are you excited Amorette’s Patisserie is now open? Let us know if you’ll be stopping by in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Counter-Service, Disney Springs, Featured, Snacks, Walt Disney World, 2020 closure, Amorette’s Patisserie, Dessert, disney springs, Disney World, reopened, review, rose pastry

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Disney Parks Disney Rumors & Gossip

Will Disneyland Open in July? Here’s Why It Might!

Disney World is set to open on July 11th, but we haven’t heard a peep about reopening from Disneyland!

Sleeping Beauty Castle

The original Disney park has been closed since March in response to the global health crisis, and many are wondering about reopening. With Disney World set to open next month, could Disneyland Resort follow a similar pattern to open in July? Some signs point to yes!

Reservations are currently available starting July 15th.

Originally, Disneyland Resort was only accepting reservations for June 1st and later. After a few weeks, that date got pushed back to July 1st. Now, it has been pushed AGAIN with the earliest reservations available starting July 15th.

Disneyland Main Entrance

On one hand, the fact that reservations have been pushed back might make it seem like Disneyland will be closed for longer. BUT, the fact that the date was only pushed back further into July and not all the way into August could be a good sign. If things were still looking like late summer or beyond, they may have wanted to push it back even further.

it’s a small world in Disneyland

In Disney World, new reservations and ticket sales are currently halted so that they can accommodate those who already had reservations as they get ready to open on July 11th. Disneyland’s reopening could be handled differently, but if Disney uses the Disney World reopening as a model — the July 15th date could mean that the parks will reopen near that date.

Disneyland would be permitted to reopen in Phase 3 of California’s reopening plan — as early as June.

The reopening of Disneyland depends on the restrictions that have been put in place by the California government. Right now, the government has indicated that the state is moving towards Phase 3 of reopening, which includes its theme parks. Governor Newsom stated that the next phase could be less than one month away.

Partners Statue at Disneyland

Disneyland isn’t the only theme park waiting for a reopening. Several other major theme parks in California are looking to open in July. Legoland California is hoping to reopen on July 1st and Universal Studios Hollywood is pushing to be allowed to open next month as well.

Universal Studios

The lifting of government restrictions would be a huge step towards the reopening of Disneyland. Still, Disney HAS erred on the side of caution. Even as theme parks begin to open in Florida, Disney opted for a reopening date of more than a month later than other theme parks. Again, if Disneyland follows a similar model, then entry into Phase 3 in June could still mean a July reopening for the theme park.

Positive response to Disney World’s reopening could help Disney executives make decisions about Disneyland.

With Disney World potentially opening prior to Disneyland, the results of the Florida opening could indicate what the company can expect. Disney executives like Bob Chapek and Bob Iger looked to success in Shanghai Disneyland to help with the plan for Disney World, and they may look to Disney World when reopening Disneyland.

Disneyland Magic Happens Cupcake

Even prior to opening, Disney can look to indicators of demand and customer satisfaction for how a Disneyland reopening will look. Plus, Disneyland has more local visitors than Disney World which will simplify the effects that travel could have on theme parks. If Disney World sees success, Disney may have more confidence in reopening the California parks.

Magic Happens Parade

Even if Disneyland waits a while for Disney World to reopen, a mid to late July reopening is still possible.

Disneyland Hotel

So far, there are a few indicators that Disneyland could possibly reopen in July. Ultimately though, it will be up to when the California government, health officials, and Disney executives determine that a reopening can happen responsibly. We’ll be sure to keep you updated about all of the new information for Disneyland’s reopening!

When do YOU think Disneyland will reopen? Share your thoughts in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: disney california adventure, disney parks, Disneyland, Disneyland Resort, Featured, California Government, disneyland closure, Disneyland reopening, Theme Park Reopening

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Disney Parks Other

Here’s a Look At Universal Orlando’s Grand Reopening Crowds Today!

We’re reporting LIVE from the grand reopening of Universal Orlando today.

Universal Studios

And while we’ve already stopped by to check out theme parks earlier this week during an Annual Passholder preview, today is the first day Universal is open to the general public!  Let’s go check it out!

Universal is limiting its capacity, but they aren’t implementing a reservation system like Disney World will be offering when its theme parks reopen next month. Since guests aren’t required to purchase a ticket beforehand, we were curious just how many folks would show up!

Universal Crowds

Turns out A LOT of people were heading to Universal this morning! We got stuck in a bit of a traffic jam waiting to enter the parking garages! The gridlock took about an hour to clear up — not our favorite way to start the day!

Entering Universal

With so much action just trying to get to Universal, we feared the worst — but actually, the rest of getting inside Universal was smooth sailing! There wasn’t a back-up at the temperature screening area and we quickly made it through the checkpoint without a hitch!

Temp Checks

Since many folks hadn’t purchased their tickets yet, we did notice some long lines at the ticket booths. When we asked an employee how Universal would be limiting their capacity, they told us once a park was full an attendant would stand out front. Once guests exited whichever theme park had reached capacity, more people would be admitted in.

Universal Ticket Line

The lines were much shorter at the turnstiles and once we arrived, we noticed very few people were around. The parks officially open at 9AM but they started letting guests in a little early. At 8:45AM, the place was still virtually a ghost town!

Universal Studios

And it has remained pretty quiet all morning long! Doctor Doom’s Fearfall was a walk-on!

Doctor Doom’s Fearfall

There wasn’t a wait for The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man either!

Universal

In fact, there seems to be far fewer people here than there was during the Annual Passholder preview we attended earlier this week. Even Hogsmeade looks relatively much calmer!

Hogsmeade

The line for Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure looked a lot more manageable! We’ll return to Hogsmeade a little later in the day and see what the crowds are like around mid-day!

Hogsmeade

Remember, Universal is offering a virtual line system for most of the attractions. This helps to space guests out in line, so even if there are crowds, you should be able to distance yourself from others.

Virtual Line

We’ll be updating this post throughout the day as the park fills up, so check back!

Have you been to Universal before? Let us know in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Featured, News, crowds, no crowds, no wait, Universal, Universal crowds, Universal Orlando, universal orlando reopening, walk on