Author: disneyfoodblog.com

The global health crisis continues to require significant regulation around the United States.

With cases on the rise in Florida, we recently saw a new travel advisory put in place for entering and leaving the state. Now, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation has announced a statewide ban of on-premises alcohol consumption at bars.

In a tweet this morning, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation announced the new ban.

Effective immediately, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation is suspending on premises consumption of alcohol at bars statewide.

— Florida DBPR (@FloridaDBPR) June 26, 2020

At the time of writing, no additional details have been shared. This is a developing situation and we will continue to update this story as we learn more. Stay tuned.

Click here to learn more about Florida’s reopening.

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Featured, Walt Disney World, alcohol ban, florida, florida bars, florida department of business and professional regulation, florida governor, Florida State, governor desantis, governor ron desantis

Since Disney Springs began its phased reopening back in May, we’ve been eating our way around the newly reopened restaurants. And Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar has now joined the list of locations that have welcomed back guests!

We’ve already had the chance to check out fan-favorite spots like Morimoto Asia, The Polite Pig, The Boathouse, and more. And with awesome theming, fun specialty drinks, and inventive appetizers, we were eager to see how Jock Lindsey’s stacks up!

Atmosphere

Guests will find Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar in The Landing area of Disney Springs. Fans of the Indiana Jones franchise will have all kinds of fun Easter eggs to search for! Jock Lindsey is Indy’s pilot (you can spot him at the beginning of Raiders of the Lost Ark!), and he came across this waterfront spot while searching for the Fountain of Youth with Indiana himself! So, you can expect tons of nods to their travels in the decor.

We noticed a number of changes inside the restaurant to help promote social distancing. The tables in the indoor seating area were pushed closer together so one party could fit in a space that used to accommodate multiple parties.

There was an ample amount of space to maintain distance from other groups while walking through the restaurant.

There was bar seating available, but the bar stools were grouped together and spaced apart from others to allow separate parties to maintain distance. There were also signs reminding guests about the social distancing guidelines.

We also noticed arrows on the ground to show guests the correct flow of one-way traffic.

There was outdoor seating available, and the tables were spaced apart from each other.

We opted for the outdoor seating for our visit!

Eats

As with a number of other restaurants around Disney Springs, Jock Lindsey’s is offering a digital menu. They didn’t have any disposable paper menus available, so Cast Members provided guests with a QR code to scan which pulls the menu up on a smartphone.

They aren’t currently offering any new menu items, but they are offering Happy Hour specials on Monday-Friday from noon-3PM which includes appetizer, beer, wine, and cocktail specials! Since we stopped by during Happy Hour, we chose menu items that were included in the specials!

We started off with the Happy Hour Specialty Cocktail of the week — Reggie’s Revenge! This concoction is made with Florida Cane ‘Orlando Orange’ Vodka, Midori Melon Liqueur, white cranberry juice, and lime juice, and was priced at $12 for Happy Hour (outside of Happy Hour, it will run you $14)!

The drink was pretty sweet, but we enjoyed it — we especially loved the orange flavor! Here’s a look at the backside of the themed glass it was served in!

Get a closer look at this green goodness! It’s so pretty

Reggie’s Revenge from Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar! pic.twitter.com/k7jJ4xCIq5

— AJ Wolfe (@DisneyFoodBlog) June 25, 2020

 

We also tried a few appetizers, starting with Doctor Astorga’s Queso Dip  — a skillet of melted soft cheeses topped with pico de gallo, green peppers, and cilantro and served with corn tortilla chips!

This was some seriously GOOD queso! It was a great size for sharing and the green peppers on top were absolutely delicious! Plus, the queso had a nice soft and creamy consistency that it kept even after sitting for a while. And at $8 during Happy Hour (or $12.50 outside of Happy Hour), this is definitely an appetizer we’d order again! Here’s a closer look at that cheesy goodness!

We also gave Satipo’s Empanadas a try! The app came with two crispy-fried empanadas stuffed with beef, onions, peppers, potatoes, olives, cheese, herbs, and spices and served with a side of chimichurri aïoli! The Happy Hour price for these was $7.50, but you can grab them outside of Happy Hour for $10.50.

We’d say this appetizer is a winner as well! The empanadas had a lot of flavor — they weren’t spicy, but the peppers really kicked up the taste. And the crust was perfectly crispy!

So, we were three for three as far as menu item successes!

So, is Jock Lindsey’s the right spot for you to hit in Disney Springs?

Nosh or Not

Consider dining at Jock Lindsey’s if:

• You’re a huge Indiana Jones (or Star Wars!) fan and want to soak in all of the awesome details in the decor!
• You’re more interested in appetizers and small plates rather than a large selection of entrée options.
• You’re looking for a solid drink selection that you can enjoy either outside by the water or inside amongst all of the impressive theming details!

You may want to skip Jock Lindsey’s if:

• You’re looking for a wide variety of choices on the food menu to satisfy picky eaters or cater to a variety of tastes.
• You’re super hungry and are in search of a substantial entrée to fill you up.

Overall

Despite the temporary closure, our love for Jock Lindsey’s stays strong! The level of detail in the theming creates such a unique atmosphere that’s almost worth a visit in itself! While our drink was on the sweet side, it was still enjoyable. And both of our two appetizers were home runs that we can’t wait to order again! So, while they might not have the largest selection of food options, if you’re looking for a small bite, delicious drinks, and a unique atmosphere, Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar will probably hit the spot for you too!

Check out the hidden details and intricate theming at these Disney World restaurants!

Have you been to Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar? Share your experience in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: disney restaurant review, Disney Springs, Featured, Table-Service, Walt Disney World, Beef Empanadas, disney springs, disney springs restaurant, disney world restaurant review, doctor astorga’s queso dip, empanada, empanadas, happy hour, Jock Lindsey, jock lindsey’s hangar bar, jock lindseys, queso, Reggie’s Revenge, Satipo’s Empanadas

We’ve been spending the last few days exploring the select Disney World resorts that have just reopened on June 22nd so we can answer ALL of your questions about what’s changed since your last stay!

And while we’ve had our fair share of surprises, now we’re going to spill the beans on a few things we found to be super weird and INTERESTING! We didn’t do full articles about these, but we still think they’re important for you to hear if you’re headed to the Disney resorts sometime soon.

Calling Your Front Desk Might Be Much Faster Than Virtual Chat

Initially, we couldn’t wait to try the new Virtual Chat feature Disney told us they would be launching on the My Disney Experience app. Instead of going to the front desk, you can use the app to connect with a Resort Cast Member…in theory.

Well, first, we were looking for the virtual chat feature in the “my resort” section of the My Disney Experience app. It wasn’t there. So we asked cast members. They didn’t know anything about it. Finally, we asked a Concierge Manager who told us that the “new” virtual chat feature was the same “chat with us” feature that was already on the My Disney Experience app and the Disney World website. Except once you actually get through to a Cast Member, they make you fill out a guest information form before you connect to someone from your actual resort hotel.

Unfortunately, the system seems to be running VERY SLOW and every time we tried to access Virtual Chat on our phones, we got a “hang on we’re experiencing high chat volume so it may be a moment” warning — like you would from the “Chat with Us” feature on Disney’s World’s website.

Click here to read what’s up with Disney World’s new Virtual Chat!

The average wait time for the Virtual Chat was 1.5 to 2 hours each time we tried it, so if you need a quicker response (or need to request extra towels, Housekeeping, etc.), you’re probably better off just phoning the front desk for now!

Your Mileage May Vary On Resort Entrance

On our way to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge for a dining reservation, we had a little hiccup!

The Security Cast Member who checked our information at the entrance originally said we were too early for our dining reservation. He also didn’t seem too happy the rest of our group wasn’t riding with us. While he did permit us to enter and park, he told us we had to wait in our car until the rest of our party arrived.

When our buddy we were meeting for dinner drove in a little while later, she didn’t encounter any issues. Through this experience, we learned even if you have a dining reservation and are technically allowed to enter a Disney World resort OTHER than the resort you’re staying at, you might still have to undergo a little extra scrutiny.

But here’s a little note — we are now hearing that guests are allowed to resort hop without a dining reservation if they have an official Disney World Resort hotel reservation. While Disney hasn’t published that information, several cast members did tell us that the policy changed yesterday. So that’s something to test out!

Security and Sandwich Boards Are Keeping Guests At Bay

Another unusual encounter we had happened over near Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort. Since Disney’s Yacht Club Resort hasn’t reopened yet, we saw signs blocking the walkway to the resort as we walked around Crescent Lake.

There were also Security Cast Members near the entrance to Epcot’s International Gateway making sure no one wandered too close since the theme park won’t be reopening until July 15th. We were allowed to get close enough to hear the World Showcase music, though!

And we even saw one of Epcot’s Flower and Garden banners was STILL up! Even though the festival was cut short this year, we’re looking forward to enjoying the new Flower and Garden/Food and Wine mash-up festival that will be debuting on the first day of Epcot’s grand reopening!

Click here to learn more details about the new Taste of EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival that’s coming soon!

Resorts May Have Different Policies

In addition to keeping our distance, we found out some places were being super strict about who they were allowing into certain locations! Gasparilla Island Grill at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort wouldn’t even allow guests inside unless they were purchasing something — no window-shoppers allowed.

And when we said we’d like to purchase a cupcake, a cast member put all available cupcake types onto a tray and brought it outside to us to see before we were allowed in to purchase. This was definitely not something we experienced anywhere else.

Unlike Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort didn’t have a Welcome Back Cupcake for its guests, but they DID have this gorgeous creature!

Some Spots Will Be SILENT

One of the most surreal things we experienced happened on our first night at the resorts. Naturally, we HAD to stop by Beaches and Cream at Disney’s Beach Club Resort to see how our favorite soda shop was doing!

Read more about our first meal back at the newly reopened Beaches and Cream here!

Other than the rearranged seating, disposable paper menus, and squeeze bottle condiments no longer being left out on the table, we spotted another HUGE difference — the jukebox wasn’t working! 

In fact, one of the Cast Members told us the records had been removed during the temporary closure, so instead of listening to some golden oldies on the ol’ Wurlitzer, someone was crankin’ out tunes on their phone — until they finished their shift and took their music with them.

We gotta say, sitting in a mostly-silent Beaches and Cream dining room feels pretty strange, so we hope the 45s make their way back to the jukebox soon rather than later!

Empty Resorts

And since we’re on the subject of the surreal, probably the weirdest part of our whole experience being back at the Disney World resorts is how EMPTY they look and FEEL!

Click here to see how empty the Disney World resorts were on their grand reopening days here!

It’s a very Omega man-y, last-person-on-Earth sort of feeling at times when you’re literally the only person standing in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort’s lobby! Usually, this great room is packed with guests!

We’ll be interested to see how the crowds pick up once the theme parks begin their phased reopening on July 11th! Until then, we’ll keep exploring the Disney World resorts and reporting back our findings (especially the weird ones) to you guys! And if you’re planning on being at Disney World for the grand reopening click here to read our Ultimate GUIDE!

Have you made your theme park reservations yet? Learn more about Disney World’s Park Pass reservation system here!

Have you visited any of the Disney World resorts that have reopened? Tell us about any weird encounters you had in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Featured, Grand Floridian Resort, Polynesian Resort, Walt Disney World, Wilderness Lodge, Yacht Club Resort, Beaches and Cream, Disney World Resorts, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, disney’s wilderness lodge, Disney’s yacht club resort, ecpot international gateway, empty, first week open, front desk, Gasparilla Island Grill, no browsing, no crowds, no people, reopening, security cast member, silent, too early, virtual chat

Disney World’s phased reopening plan is centered around managing attendance levels with a new reservation system called Disney Park Pass. All guests are now required to have both a park ticket and reservation to visit.

Disney World’s Park Pass reservation system originally went live on June 22nd, but only guests with valid theme park admission AND a hotel booking were allowed to access it — until now.

The booking window for Annual Passholders (who didn’t previously have a hotel reservation) is now open and Passholders are allowed to reserve their theme park passes. Just like the general public, Disney World’s APs must make a reservation for EACH day of entry and may only visit one theme park per day (no park hopping).

The system opened up pretty early this morning. We were able to make new reservations for Annual Passholders before 7AM ET!

Click here to see how many days Annual Passholders can reserve at one time!

While some days had originally “booked up” at certain parks, Disney added more park passes to the formerly “sold-out” dates so that Annual Passholders would have the opportunity to snag them. On the other hand, the first two days of reopening — July 11th and 12th — were already showing as unavailable by the time we accessed the site.

Theme park reservations are currently available through September 26, 2021.

Read our Disney World Park Pass System FAQ here!

Despite the fact that several days in the first week of reopening are unavailable for resort guests for Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, we were able to make new park passes this morning for Hollywood Studios on July 15th through 17th — days that are full for resort guests. This means that Disney DID add more available park passes for the new wave of bookings.

As a reminder, Annual Passholders (without resort reservations) are allowed to make THREE days of Disney Park Pass reservations at one time. We double-checked and we WERE cut off at three days.

Update: Some Passholders WITH hotel reservations are noticing they can book right now only the length of their hotel reservation. So it appears Passholders don’t get their resort stay days AND three additional AP days to book.

And even though the system has been a bit glitchy since its launch, Disney Park Pass reservations are subject to availability, so you don’t want to delay if you have any specific dates in mind. Though Disney has not released capacity numbers for the reopened parks — we know that there is a significant limit on attendance.

Note: Once the clock struck 7AM EST (when everyone kind of assumed the system would roll over) we ALREADY started noticing dates “selling out” so act FAST, APs!

If you have any questions about using the new Disney Park Pass System, don’t hesitate to drop us a line! And for you folks who aren’t Annual Passholders or DIDN’T have park tickets AND hotel reservations, your day will soon be here! On June 28th the booking window for existing ticket holders will open, so you only have to sit tight a little while longer!

Click here for answers to five of the BIGGEST questions Annual Passholders have about the new Disney Park Pass System!

Are you a Disney World Annual Passholder? Let us know if you were able to reserve your Disney Park Passes in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Animal Kingdom, Disney News, disney’s hollywood studios, Epcot, Featured, magic kingdom, Walt Disney World, annual pass, annual passholders, annual passholders without reservations, booking window, Disney Park Pass, disney park pass reservation system, Disney World, june 26th, number of days, phased reopening, reopening, theme park admission

Select Walt Disney World resort hotels are open now, and the theme parks are officially reopening on July 11th and July 15th.

But even though the resort is coming back to life, not EVERY experience is open or will be open this summer, including some of our favorite hangout spots, like Jellyrolls.

But, after shutting its doors, this spot along Disney’s Boardwalk has FINALLY announced a reopening date! That’s right…we’re talking about Jellyrolls!

According to a post on Jellyrolls’ official Facebook page, the adults-only lounge with dueling pianos will reopen on October 1st!

Fans of Walt Disney World will know this date is significant — the Walt Disney World resort officially opened on October 1st, 1971!

Jellyrolls hasn’t elaborated much on their reopening plans, but if it’s anything else like a reopened Walt Disney World, you’re likely to see social distancing measures, limited capacity, and maybe even a limited menu.

Spending time at Disney’s Boardwalk (especially Jellyrolls!) is one of the things you’ve never tried at Walt Disney World but NEED to. And while we don’t know a TON about Jellyrolls’ reopening plans, the moment we do, you know we’ll fill you in on EVERYTHING you need to know about this fan-favorite spot!

For more about what Disney dining will look like upon reopening, click here.

Are you excited to visit Jellyrolls when it reopens? Let us know in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Boardwalk Inn and Villas, Disney Entertainment, Disney News, disney resorts, Featured, Walt Disney World, Boardwalk Inn, Disney World, Disney World reopening, Disney’s Boardwalk, jellyrolls, Jellyrolls reopening