Category: Other

One of the special traits about Disney Springs is the mix of local Orlando businesses that have a presence here. For these local businesses it must feel like being called to the big leagues. Two local Orlando businesses have gotten that call, joining other locals already at Springs. One is open now, and one opens tomorrow.

Wondermade Marshmallows just opened its own pop-up shop at Disney Springs, in front of Paddlefish restaurant. This cozy kiosks offers some of Wondermade’s signature flavored marshmallows including Birthday Cake, S’Mores, Bourbon, and more. Wondermade Marshmallows was started by a husband and wife, and it is still family-run. They have a wholesale branch now and have an adorable shop in historic downtown Sanford – with some of the best ice cream in all of Central Florida.

More sweets are coming to Disney Springs. On our visit today we noticed some employees out front of Gideon’s Bakehouse. They indicated training was happening today and they intend to open tomorrow. Gideon’s Bakehouse has its original location in East End Market just outside of downtown Orlando. East End Market is a fantastic destination if you’re ever looking to explore one of Orlando’s best local neighborhoods. The cookies and cakes offered at Gideon’s are intense! They are dense and made with rich ingredients. Their signature cookies were offered at Polite Pig for quite some time, and it is exciting to see them get their own storefront, in a prominent location in The Landing.

Two other local businesses that have had a residence in Disney Springs are still going strong. One such business is 4 Rivers, which is a very successful BBQ restaurant that has grown into a large chain across Florida and beyond. 4 Rivers has a cantina-style food truck, which was located at the Marketplace, but has moved to the Food Truck Park at West Side.

The Polite Pig is one of the top-rated restaurants at Disney Springs. It is a concept from some of Orlando’s best known restaurateurs, James and Julie Petrakis, chefs and owners of The Ravenous Pig, Cask & Larder, and Swine & Sons in Winter Park. If you ever get the chance to explore Winter Park, it is one of Orlando’s most-loved areas with lots of great dining.

During our visit today we figured we’d toast the local love, and had lunch at The Polite Pig. Our research team sunk their teeth into the Butcher Board. This big platter comes with Pork Shoulder, Smoked Chicken, Brisket, and BBQ Cheddar Sausage with Slaw, House Pickles, two Cornbreads and a choice of two Sides. For $39.00 it is not a bad deal considering it works out to $20.00 a person, and you get more than enough food for two people, plus you get to try a lot of different flavors. Our team enjoyed the brisket the most and recommends substituting the ribs and asking for more brisket isntead. It was one of the most satisfying and delicious meals our team has had in a while, and they dine at Walt Disney World quite a bit.

Are you excited about either of these local businesses? What’s your favorite spot at Disney Springs?

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From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Dining, Disney Springs, News, Shopping, disney desserts, disney springs dining, gideon’s bake house disney springs, wondermade marshmallows disney springs

Pizza is a serious business; and if the Boardwalk Pizza Window has taught us anything, it’s that not all pizzas are created equal. But with over 200 places to grab a meal at the most magical place on earth, how do you know where to find the best pizza pie?

Today I’m breaking down the top three Walt Disney World restaurants known for serving up delicious pizzas according to your reader and user rankings. Let’s take a look and see if you agree!

Via Napoli

EPCOT’s Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria serves up Neopolitan pizza made from ingredients imported from Southern Italy and cooked in wood-burning ovens named after Italy’s active volcanoes! Expect traditional pizzas like the Margherita and Pepperoni to white pizzas like the San Gennaro. The best of the best just might be the Carciofi topped with artichokes and truffle oil.

Lines 2.0 app Rating: 89%

Lines 2.0 app Ranking: #20 of 106 in WDW

Price: Lunch and Dinner $4.00 to $49.00 for adults and $9.50 to $11.50 for kids.

Blaze Pizza

This popular Disney Springs location allows guests to build their own pizza with over 40 toppings and sauces and watch it baked in 90 seconds. It’s fast, customizable, affordable, and it offers fresh quality ingredients. In addition to build-your-own pizzas, guests can also order signature pizzas like the Red Vine, White Top, Meat Eater, and Art Lover.

Touring Plans Rating: 93%

Touring Plans Ranking: #19 of 106 in WDW

Price: Lunch and Dinner $7.45 to $13.95 for adults and $2.50 to $13.95 for kids.

California Grill

California Grill is a signature restaurant located on the 15th floor of the Contemporary Resort and known for its views of the Magic Kingdom. While this location is known for fine fare ranging from steak to seafood, California Grill also serves up artisanal pizzas cooked in a wood-burning oven and with house-made pepperoni! But keep in mind, this particular dining destination is only open for dinner.

Touring Plans Rating: 93%

Touring Plans Ranking: #12 out of 106 at WDW

Price: Lunch and Dinner $36 to $65 for adults and $11.00 to $19.00 per child

What’s your favorite place for pizza at Walt Disney World? Let us know in the comments!

The post The Top Restaurants for Pizza at Walt Disney World appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Dining, Walt Disney World (FL), Best Pizza at Disney World, Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza, Blaze Pizza, California Grill, Contemporary Resort, disney dining, Disney Springs, disney world, Disney World Pizza, Epcot, Pizza at Disney World, Via Napoli, walt disney world

Maybe I’m just bitter that the best quick service restaurant in Magic Kingdom is still closed. But when I saw that Tomorrowland Terrace was reopening with a menu that is similar to what Columbia Harbor House usually offers, I got excited for a minute. Then we dove into the menu and sent Chrissy to review it during her research visit to Magic Kingdom, and I quickly realized that this menu was a poor replacement. There are some highlights, though, so let’s dig in.

Tomorrowland Terrace is most likely reopened just for the busy holiday period. Like most other Disney operated quick service restaurants, the focus is on mobile ordering. One big plus to this location is it is outdoor dining only, and it is covered and has nice views of Main Street, Cinderella Castle, and Tomorrowland.

Here’s the Tomorrowland Terrace Menu:

• Trio Platter: A combination Fried Shrimp, Fried Fish, and Chicken Breast Nuggets served with Hushpuppies and choice of French Fries or a Cuties Mandarin – $13.99
• Chicken and Fish Platter: Served with Hushpuppies and a choice of French Fries or a Cuties Mandarin – $12.49
• Chicken and Shrimp Platter: Served with Hushpuppies and a choice of French Fries or a Cuties Mandarin – $12.49
• Fish and Shrimp Platter: Served with Hushpuppies and a choice of French Fries or a Cuties Mandarin – $12.49
• Chicken Breast Nuggets Platter: Served with Hushpuppies and a choice of French Fries or a Cuties Mandarin – $12.49
• Fried Fish Platter: Served with Hushpuppies and a choice of French Fries or a Cuties Mandarin – $12.49
• Fried Shrimp Platter: Served with Hushpuppies and a choice of French Fries or a Cuties Mandarin – $12.49
• Plant-Based Harbour Salad: Mixed Greens, Chickpeas, Apples, Candied Walnuts, Onions, and Vinaigrette -$9.99

As you can see, the menu is primarily fried seafood and chicken nuggets. The condiments available reflect the seafood menu, with cocktail sauce, hot sauce, and malt vinegar.

We polled our wonderful Twitter followers to find out what they wanted Chrissy to order, and the Lobster Roll won.

We’re grabbing lunch at Tomorrowland Terrace today. It’s open for the busy holiday season and serving some Columbia Harbor House type items.

What should we get?

— TouringPlans (@TouringPlans) December 17, 2020

Lobster Roll enthusiasts will not be impressed by what is served at Tomorrowland Terrace. But, Chrissy reports it was flavorful – a little light on the lobster, and a little heavy on the onion. It was good, not great. You can see from the photo below that the lettuce to the lobster mixture ratio is ridiculous. The hushpuppies are the star here. For $15.99 it is one of the most expensive quick service items in the park. If you don’t want something fried, it is a decent option, though the Harbour Salad would be much easier on your wallet.

Chrissy also opted to try the non-dairy ice cream now being offered at Tomorrowland Terrace. It is listed as Soy Based Frozen Dessert, which does not sound appealing at all. Then again since there is no actual cream in it, perhaps ice cream is not the right term. Chrissy selected the chocolate flavor and reports it is very good, a nice option for those that are not doing dairy.

We have listings and ratings for all Walt Disney World restaurants, and Tomorrowland Terrace currently has a 78% thumbs up rating, and it is only ranked number 97 out of 106 quick service options. If you want seafood, this is about the only option for quick seafood in the park. Otherwise, Pecos Bill Tall Tale Café and Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café have higher ratings. Hopefully someday soon my beloved Columbia Harbor House will reopen. After all, this is supposed to be the place where dreams come true.

Have you ever dine at Tomorrowland Terrace? What do you think of this menu?

 

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From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Dining, Magic Kingdom, magic kingdom dining, magic kingdom food, Magic Kingdom Restaurants

Disney’s Boardwalk Resort is truly a classic Disney resort. Its Atlantic boardwalk theme is full of fun and whimsy. And being located mere steps away from Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT is ideal. Now, the iconic Keister Coaster pool has a new look. The creepy clown is gone – to the pleasure of many Disney fans. Come take a peak at the redesigned waterslide and the beauty of Disney’s Boardwalk.

What do you think about the new design at the Keister Coaster Pool? Do you prefer Mickey and Friends or the Clown?

The post PHOTOS – The Beauty of Disney’s Boardwalk Resort appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Disney Vacation Club, Photos and Video, Resorts, Disney Pools, disney’s boardwalk resort

Visiting Magic Kingdom all day can be tiring. It’s a good idea to take frequent breaks. Each Walt Disney World theme park has designated areas where guests can sit and take off their mask for a little bit. Known as Relaxation Stations, they can be a helpful place during your day.

Location of Relaxation Stations at Magic Kingdom

There are Relaxation Stations at Storybook Circus, Frontierland, and the Tomorrowland Terrace. The Storybook Circus location is a rare indoor Relaxation Station. It is located at Pete’s Silly Sideshow, which used to operate as a character greeting location. Personally, I am not too keen on being indoors, especially without a mask on – not that you have to take your mask off at the Relaxation Station. But this is the only Relaxation Station at the back of the park.

At Tomorrowland Terrace, which is on the edge of Tomorrowland near Main Street USA, you can enjoy fresh air and a lovely view of Cinderella Castle. During the busy holiday weeks Tomorrowland Terrace is operating as a quick service location with fried fish, fried shrimp, lobster rolls, and other fare. The left side of the terrace is open as a Relaxation Station.

Finally in Frontierland, the outdoor seating area for Golden Outpost is being used since this snack location is not currently open. This station can get a quite crowded during lunch time due to its proximity to Pecos Bill’s Tall Tale Café.

How to Use Relaxation Stations at Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom has so much packed into it – the most rides, the most characters, the most attendance. So while there are three stations, it can be rough to get to one right away if you need it. It is rare for the stations to reach capacity as many guests do not know about them, but the Frontierland one is at a very prominent location and seems to be popular.

On busy weekends or holidays they tend to be utilized a little more. The tables are placed six feet or more apart, and need to remain as positioned. If you have a larger group it is asked that you keep your party spread among multiple tables at the designated distance.

Guests should keep their masks on until they are seated at their table. Once you are seated you can remove your mask whether you have food and drink, or if you just want to sit and relax. There is no time limit on using the stations, so sit back and relax. If you need to get up from your table, it is asked that you put your mask back on before departing your table.

Cast Members frequently clean and sanitize the tables, chairs, and the general area. The Relaxation Stations can have limited hours. They do not always open right when the park opens, and generally close a little earlier than the park itself does.

Have you made use of the Relaxation Stations yet? Do you think they are helpful?

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From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Dos and Don’ts, Magic Kingdom, Trip Planning, disney covid, disney relaxation stations, disney reopening