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Land West of Animal Kingdom being prepped for new development

Animal Kingdom

A recent report released by Growth Spotter indicates that a real estate developer is planning a future project west of Walt Disney World Resort. A Chicago-area company led by real estate developer and advisor Kimm Dodaro is under contract to purchase land west of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. Kimm Dodaro leads a company called the Walter Joseph Group, which specializes in helping charities accept gifts of real estate.

You can see the area of consideration in the above image. Their specific Land Use Plan application states that Dodaro is hoping to develop 260 short-term rental units and a nine-story hotel with up to 240 suites. The tentative real estate project would be done through a company she manages called Walter Blake Inc. The land area they are seeking is approximately 119 acres in size. It’s located north of U.S. 192 and west of Avalon Road.

The area would permit a mix of real estate services for future use. Specifically, it will present short-term rental and time-share opportunities for visitors. The real estate developer’s plans would present fun new options for where to stay while visiting Central Florida’s theme parks! We will provide updates when new information becomes available for the development of this land area west of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Photo Credit: Growth Spotter

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: News, Parks & Resorts, Walt Disney World, animal kingdom, Disney Construction, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort

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Disney Food Disney Merch Disney Parks Other

What’s New in Disney Springs: a NEW Caramel Sundae, Neon Merch Galore, and Refillable Popcorn Buckets!

Welcome back, friends! We’re here with another What’s New in Disney Springs!

Disney Springs

And, we’ve got plenty of merchandise, food, entertainment, and construction updates to share with you, so let’s dive right on in!

Disney Springs Food Updates

We’re starting this What’s New off with plenty of EATS!

B.B. Wolf’s

If you want a quick meal before heading around to explore Disney Springs, B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. has opened back up to cook up some sausage again!

BB Wolf’s

Did somebody say Maple Bacon Chocolate-Chip Cookie Dough??

Read more about what B.B. Wolf’s is serving up after reopening here!

Popcorn Refills

If you’ve been craving Disney popcorn like we have (all that buttery goodness should never be taken for granted), you’ll be ecstatic to know that Disney Springs is refilling popcorn buckets and selling new ones!

Refillable Popcorn Bucket

You can even bring your own popcorn bucket from home to get it refilled for $2! The Cast Members were careful, barely touching the bucket and wiping down the handle before passing it back.

Refilled Bucket

We are craving three refills of Disney popcorn now!!

Learn more about the refillable popcorn buckets in Disney Springs here!

Frontera Cocina

Since Frontera Cocina opened with all that great Mexican food, we’ve been daydreaming about their margaritas! And, the restaurant put a sign out front to let guests know they can sit down inside and also order to-go from their express window.

Frontera Cocina Sign

Don’t you worry, we took out time to sip a marg and see what the restaurant was like after reopening!

Check out our review of Frontera Cocina’s flautas and margs here!

Outdoor Pop-Up Bars

Although we love popping by The Basket to get a Frozcato, now you can stop by one of the outdoor bar carts around Disney Springs!

Disney Springs Pop-Up Bar Cart

They’re currently being operated by the Cast Members from Dockside Margaritas and Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar (so they obviously know their drinks!!).

Read more about the Outdoor Pop-Up Bars and see what drinks you can get here!

Paradiso 37

It’s time for EVEN MORE Mexican food, you guys! Paradiso 37 has reopened to guests (and we’re ready for some afternoon cocktails)!

Paradiso 37

If you’re in the area, you can pop over to get Happy Hour all day long with $5 beers and margaritas!

Lime Margarita

Right now, Paradiso 37 is only offering Red or White Sangria, as well as a Lime Margarita on the rocks!

Learn more about Paradiso 37’s AWESOME Happy Hour here!

Sprinkles Cupcakes

Sprinkles Cupcakes is back open in Disney Springs, folks! Although you have to order ahead of time to get pre-set boxes, you can still use the Cupcake ATM around the corner if you have a spontaneous cupcake craving.

Sprinkles

We decided to snack on a Sprinkles Cupcake (yes, that’s the name!) with all those crunchy sprinkles and that sweet, sweet icing that we love!

Sprinkles! Cupcake

Sprinkles is also offering June specialty boxes with Peach Pie and Red Velvet in one box or Peach Pie and Neapolitan in the other.

Sprinkles

The outdoor seating section is closed right now, so you’ll either have to eat your treat on the go or sit down somewhere else.

Check out our cupcake “transaction” and review from Sprinkles!

Ghirardelli

Best. Day. Ever. The Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop has also reopened in Disney Springs! While you can’t visit the retail side of the store for a complimentary chocolate square right now, the ice cream shop is open for business!

Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop

The indoor seating is closed at the moment. So, when you place your order, you’ll tell a Cast Member what you’d like and then wait outside for it to be brought out to you. Your tray will also come with silverware and napkins!

Indoor Seating Closed

We were the MOST excited to see a brand new menu item that had our name all over it! The Gold Rush Caramel Sundae had that incredible balance of salty and sweet, along with new white chocolate caramel squares on top.

The NEW Gold Rush Caramel Sundae

We’re still drooling thinking about it.

Read our full review of the new Gold Rush Caramel Sundae at Ghirardelli’s here!

Paddlefish

Paddlefish is back open with all the seafood you want to eat! The restaurant has a condensed all-day menu at the moment with to-go drinks available at the bar.

Paddlefish

And, if you stick around at night, you can eat on the rooftop bar in the evening!

New England Clam Chowder Soup

There is a paper menu and a QR menu to view, and Paddlefish will provide you with a bag for your mask before you dine.

Crab Cake BLT

While we were there, we tried the Beef Skewers, New England Clam Chowder, and the Crab Cake BLT (and we’ve got our full review coming soon!).

Learn more about the Florida resident discount at Paddlefish!

Terralina Crafted Italian

Craving some pasta?? (We are.) Terralina Crafted Italian has reopened with that bomb Italian food! Right now, the restaurant also has a condensed menu and there is no bread service as a precaution.

Terralina Crafted Italian

There are QR and paper menus and guests are given bags for their masks. You can get to-go drinks from the indoor and outdoor bars too (yaaas!).

Paper Menu

When we visited, we tried the Limoncello Mojito…

Limoncello Mojito

…Burrata (which was AWESOME)…

Burrata

…Rigatoni Calabrese…

Rigatoni Calabrese

…and Chocolate Paradiso Cake!

Paradise Cake

Spoiler alert: this cake was heavenly.

Check out our full review of our experience at Terralina Crafted Italian!

Disney Springs Merchandise Updates

Let’s go on a shopping spree, friends! And, there’s no better place to start than in World of Disney!

World of Disney

We’ve seen fluctuated amounts of people at the World of Disney, but it was pretty empty again when we visited! We had a MAJOR throwback when we saw the Pleasure Island Hat when we were visiting (anybody else still miss the OG Disney Springs spot??)…

Pleasure Island Hat

…and fell in love with the Disney Princess Loungefly Backpack all over again, which has been on shopDisney before but not in stores!

Disney Princess Loungefly Backpack

We also spotted more kids’ items from the newest Neon Line at the World of Disney too! Your kiddo can look as stylish as ever wearing the Hot Pink Minnie Tank…

Kids’ Neon Tank Top

…and the Mickey Balloon Tank Top for $24.99 each!

Kids’ Neon Tank Top

We’re totally “living that Disney life” here at DFB. How about you??

Kids’ Neon Tank Top

They can also cool off in the summer sun wearing the Hot Pink Tie-Up Tee…

Kids’ Neon Tie-Up Tee

…Yellow Mesh Shorts…

Kids’ Neon MeshShorts

…and Neon Biker Shorts for $24.99 each too.

Kids’ Neon Biker Shorts

Summer clothes AND Disney?? Sounds like a pretty sweet combo.

Take a look at EVERYTHING else new in the World of Disney here!

The Spice and Tea Exchange

The Spice and Tea Exchange is open again (and smells AH-MAZING) in Disney Springs!

The Spice & Tea Exchange

You can check out all the spice grinders to use in your kitchen…

Grinders

…the Float Teas that you can use with loose-leaf tea…

Float Teas

…and you can even grab your own custom blends of teas, spices, and more while you’re there!

Custom Blends

Don’t say we didn’t warn you — there are a LOT of choices.

Take a look at everything you can find in the Spice and Tea Exchange here!

Lego Store

Since the Lego Store reopened, there have been some BIG changes to the way you would regularly visit!

The only entrance to the LEGO Store

Right now, the interactive touch screens, build-your-own parts for mini figurines, and interactive bins are all unavailable. Plus, you are asked to stay behind the taped off areas when you’re looking around.

Taped off floor markings in the LEGO Store

If you want to check out a lego set, a Cast Member will help you.

See all the changes in the Lego Store here!

Kate Spade

Although Kate Spade is open right now, the store isn’t letting anyone inside! You can still place phone order and receive curbside pick-up.

Kate Spade

You can also window-shop and call the store if you see something you like!

Vera Bradley

Stores around Disney Springs have started to sell their own face masks to guests!

Vera Bradley Face Masks

Although Vera Bradley has previously had a few designs to choose from, there was only one in stock while we were there since they’re selling out quickly.

Read all about Vera Bradley’s face masks here!

Sephora

Sephora has opened back up to guests, but things are little bit different! At this time, there are no samples, trying on products, or beauty and skin services.

Sephora

You can return products after purchasing them, and you can also score a free tote with a $75 purchase!

Sephora

We noticed that Cast Members wore buttons with their faces on them (which were ADORABLE) so you know what they look like without a mask on.

Sephora

A Cast Member also told us that the store plans to sell their own face masks soon too (we only hope there are some colors that make our eyes pop!).

Check out Sephora’s SUPER crowded reopening in Disney Springs here!

Fuel Rod

If you’re in Disney Springs and you want to exchange your Fuel Rod, the experience is now contactless. Note that you will have to call the number listed on the machines so a Fuel Rod can be remotely dispatched to you.

Disney Springs Construction Update

We were happy to see that the new Shine Bar at Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ is in full swing to bring us a new place to kick back, sip on some cocktails, and maybe eat some Hummingbird Cake (fingers crossed).

Shine Bar

The construction sign gave us a little sneak peek of what’s to come!

Learn more about the new Shine Bar coming soon here!

Disney Springs Entertainment Update

The Stormtroopers were ordering around Rebel SCUM again (and empathizing with First Order supporters, of course).

Stormtroopers

We’ve also spotted them in a newer spot closer the the AMC Theater!

Check out the First Order invasion that happened in Disney Springs recently!

Well, that’s all for this What’s New in Disney Springs! We’re going to keep doing our part eating the latest food options, checking out stores as they reopen, and keeping you posted every step of the way!

Find out everything you need to know about Disney World’s reopening here!

What are you looking forward to seeing the most in Disney Springs? Let us know in the comments below!

Related posts:

  1. What’s New at Disney Springs: Dogs Wearing Face Masks, Four Pounds of Loaded Fries, and MORE!
  2. What’s New at Disney Springs! NEW Menu Items; Missing Menu Items; The CUTEST Valentine’s Day Cards; and FREE Cupcakes!
  3. What’s NEW at Disney Springs: The Her Universe Star Wars Collection, NEW Park Life Dooneys, and Rock the Dots Merch!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Counter-Service, disney dining tips, Disney Entertainment, disney merchandise, Disney News, disney parks, Disney Springs, Featured, Snacks, Table-Service, Walt Disney World, BB Wolf’s, Disney, disney construction, disney dining, Disney merch, Disney merchandise, disney news, disney restaurants, disney springs, disney springs reopening, Disney World, Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop, Kate Spade, outdoor pop up bars, Paddlefish, Paradiso 37, Popcorn Buckets, popcorn refills, sephora, Shine Bar, spice and tea exchange, sprinkles, stormtroopers, Terralina Crafted Italian, the lego store, Vera Bradley, World of Disney

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Disney Food Disney Parks Other

What’s New at Disney Springs: Dogs Wearing Face Masks, Four Pounds of Loaded Fries, and MORE!

Welcome back, friends! We’re here with another What’s New at Disney Springs!

The Landing

Now that the dining and shopping district has reopened its third party locations, we’re here to share all the new and exciting things happening again. And, we’ve got plenty of food, merchandise, entertainment, and construction updates to share with you so let’s dive right on in!

Disney Springs Entertainment Update

Parking

If you’re driving from I4 West, you currently cannot exit and then go directly into the Orange Garage like you used to be able to.

Disney Springs Parking

Right now, guests have to turn right, go down a ramp, and then U-turn at the designated light to get into the Orange Garage instead.

Disney Springs Parking

So, keep this in mind the next time you’re visiting Disney Springs!

Aerophile

Disney’s resident hot air balloon is open to guests again! At this time, you cannot walk around the hot air balloon during your flight on the Aerophile and availability is dependent on weather conditions.

Disney Springs

Tickets are $20 per person for those ages 10 and older, $15 for kids ages 3-9, and FREE for toddlers ages 2 and under.

Pin Trading

While Pin Trading isn’t currently available, the Cast Members we spoke with said that there may be Pin Trading on specified boards near the Marketplace Co-op and other locations in the future.

Marketplace Co-op

However, there likely won’t be any personal Cast Member pin pads or trading off of lanyards at this time.

Live Entertainment

At the moment, live entertainment isn’t taking place in Disney Springs. Cast Members are unsure of when it will return.

Disney Springs Food Update

STK Orlando

Cheers to a NEW week, friends! You can toast to the reopening of Disney Springs at STK Orlando with their happy hour specials right now.

STK Happy Hour

Plus, the restaurant opened up an outdoor bar with to-go drinks and menu items so you can grab and go.

STK Orlando Outdoor Bar

There is also indoor dining (that gets pretty busy!) where you can get drinks at designated tables in the bars upstairs and downstairs.

STK Orlando

Right now, STK Orlando’s hostess is inside of the restaurant whenever you check-in or walk up.

The Basket at Wine Bar George

While Wine Bar George is THE spot for many eats and drinks, we made our way over to its to-go area at The Basket to grab their NEW fries and frozen combo! Each basket of fries comes with a full POUND of loaded goodness for $8, while the drink options are $13 each. They aren’t sold together so you can mix and match your choices, but The Basket has suggestions for the best pairings.

Wine Bar George Menu

We picked up the Freaujolais while we were there…

Freaujolais

…along with ALL the fries available! That means we snacked on FOUR WHOLE POUNDS of Buffalo

Buffalo Fries

Togarashi, California, and Queso Fries — just for you guys! ?

Wine Bar George Fries

While you’re there, you can also pick up the NEW Teal and Lime Corkcicle that comes with YOUR choice of a frozen drink when you purchase it!

New Corkcicle

Right now, there aren’t any tables for The Basket diners, so you’ll have to find another spot to snack on your treats!

Planet Hollywood

Planet Hollywood has reopened! The restaurant is currently selling bottles of water and beer (Bud and Bud Light only for now) outside for guests to purchase.

Planet Hollywood

West Side Starbucks

Although West Side Starbucks originally reopened with Mobile Order only, the coffee shop has now opened a few of its registers for guests to purchase snacks and drinks.

West Side Starbucks

There is still no seating inside, so guests cannot hang around to sip on their Frappuccinos.

West Side Starbucks

Vivoli il Gelato

While Vivoli il Gelato was supposed to open along with the rest of the Patina Restaurant Group spots, its opening has been delayed. A Cast Member said that it would hopefully reopen within the next week.

Vivoli il Gelato

And, the Cast Member told us there will hopefully be specials coming to Vivoli soon to celebrate the gelato shop’s 5th anniversary on June 10th.

Joffrey’s Coffee

Perhaps one of the most EXCITING pieces of news that we have for you guys happens to be that FACE COFFEE HAS RETURNED (and the crowd goes wild)!

Joffrey’s Bakery Case

When we were at Joffrey’s Coffee earlier in the week, you could only get the pre-loaded designs like Mickey printed onto your latte or cappuccino.

Latte Art Sign

But, now you can use the Ripples app on your phone or Joffrey’s tablet to upload your selfie too!

The Polite Pig

If you’re looking for a spot to pick up a face mask in Disney Springs, The Polite Pig is selling their version with the restaurant’s logo for $12.50 at the register. But Polite Pig told us these are selling out quickly!

The Polite Pig Mask

While we were at The Polite Pig, we noticed that the Spinach Salad had been removed, but the Chili was back as a side! The Baked Beans are now vegetarian, and watermelon rind has also been added to the Tomato and Watermelon Salad. There are also two new bourbon flights that you can get at The Polite Pig’s Bourbon Bar too!

The Polite Pig Menu

The Private Barrel Bourbon Flight comes with Elijah Craig, Wellers 107, and Blantons for $20. And, The Three Little Pigs Flight comes with WhistlePig’s Piggyback six year, Farmstock, and 10 year private barrel for $33. And, now onto the BIGGEST eats and drinks! We tried the classic Grapefruit Margarita

Grapefruit Margarita

…to pair with the NEW Smoked Shrimp and Grits and Creamed Florida Corn! (IT HAS ALL THE CHEESE.)

Our Meal!!

Plus, we wrapped things up with the lovely Orange Blossom Pie that tasted like sweet orange juice!

Orange Blossom Pie

Morimoto Asia Street Food

The menu at Morimoto Asia Street Food has seen a lot of changes for the reopening. The menu has been removed from overhead and you can pick up a copy can by the cash register instead. Since the quick-service spot has reduced its menu currently, the ribs are gone along with the self-serve condiment bar. But, your server will give you any cutlery, chopsticks, napkins, and sauces you need.

Morimoto Asia Street Food

There were no sodas available for purchase when we went because their machine was broken. However, we could still purchase bottled water, draft beer, and other canned or bottled drinks.

We also noticed the BBQ Pork Tenderloin Rice Bowl has been switched over to a BBQ Beef Tenderloin Rice Bowl instead.

Morimoto Asia Street Food

During our visit, we tried the Spicy Pork Ramen and BBQ Pork Bun to get our pork fix for the day!

BBQ Pork Bun

When you’re visiting Morimoto Asia Street Food, be aware that the number of tables has been reduced, hand-sanitizing stations are available in the dining area, and plexiglass has been installed between guests and the cash register.

Morimoto Asia

We couldn’t visit the Morimoto area without dining inside of Morimoto Asia, of course! When you arrive at the restaurant, there is a stand-by line to the right of the main entrance and a line for guests with reservations to the left.

Morimoto Asia

They are currently offering a reduced menu that you can view with the QR code posted. Right now, there is no sushi bar or alcoholic bar service.

Morimoto Asia Sign

While we were there, we tried the Sparkling Belvedere and Forbidden Highball cocktails…

Forbidden Highball and Sparkling Belvedere

…and feasted on the Cauliflower and Cheese Springs Rolls (with beer cheese sauce!!)…

Buffalo Beer Cheese Sauce

Buri Bop

Buri Bop

…and Beef Lo Mein! And, boy, were they all AMAZING!!

Beef Lo Mein Noodles

Pizza Ponte

As a health and safety precaution, there is one-way traffic through the restaurant that exits in the gift shop.

Pizza Ponte Exit

There are no new menu items currently, but Pizza Ponte removed a few of its sandwiches to reduce its menu.

Pizza Ponte Menu

The pizza joint is using contactless payments currently with its menu available to view overhead or on your device using a QR code.

Pizza Ponte

The restaurant also added some barriers at the pizza display so Cast Members slide your food through a little window in the plexiglass to pick up.

Pizza Ponte

Sunshine Churros

Chocolate and minty goodness? Yes, the Thin Mint Churro is planning to return to Sunshine Churros!

Sunshine Churros

Although it wasn’t available during our visit, the Cast Members said that it should be back soon.

City Works

City Works may not be open yet, but we did see a drinks-to-go sign and people working outside.

City Works

We’ll keep you updated when we learn more about City Works reopening.

Disney Springs Merchandise Update

Happy Hound

To start this merchandise section off the RIGHT way, we had to show you the adorable dog bandana display that Happy Hound was showing off! They have face masks, you guys.

Happy Hounds

This would be a great way to bring your best friend a little present from Disney Springs! ?

Happy Hounds Bandanas

Bandanas or “doggie face masks,” you can pick these up at Happy Hounds!

Kiehl’s

Kiehl’s has reopened to guests so they can look at the shampoos, soaps, and more in the store!

Kiehl’s

Plus, you can say hello to this Funky Skeleton!! Bill Nye, is that you?

Kiehl’s

The store isn’t automatically offering samples, but you may be able to request them nicely from a Cast Member.

Kiehl’s

Tommy Bahama

Tommy Bahama has reopened once again to guests! While you’re looking around the store, you can find the Honolulu Company Cookies that Boutiki offers over at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. (YUM!)

Tommy Bahama

At this time, Tommy Bahama isn’t selling face masks, but the store said that could always change.

Tommy Bahama

American Threads

American Threads is… well, WAS selling face masks for $15. However, the store is currently waiting on another shipment and even looking into making different ones with straw holes.

Face Masks at American Threads

There are also no dressing rooms available right now, but you can return clothes with the tags on and receipts within 14 days.

Sunglass Hut

If you’re looking for some new sunnies to wear in the Florida weather or back home, Sunglass Hut has those ADORABLE Disney Ray-Bans!

Disney Ray-Bans

You can try on the glasses still, but you must put them in the designated bins afterward to let Cast Members sanitize them.

Sanitizing Bin

Sosa Cigar

Sosa Cigar has also reopened to guests and you are still able to smoke currently.

Sosa Cigar

Disney Springs Construction Update

M&M Store

If you’re a big chocolate fan like we are, we bet you’re SUPER excited for the new M&M Store coming to Disney Springs! There isn’t too much progress on construction…

M&M Store

…but there’s a QR code available for “exclusive offers.” We scanned it and it led us to a newsletter sign-up (we’ll let you know if we find free M&Ms). ?

M&M Store

Even with only select stores and restaurants open so far in Disney Springs, there are still PLENTY of opportunities for delicious food and great shopping if you decide you decide you’re ready to visit. Certain Disney-owned locations are scheduled to reopen this week, so we’ll keep you updated with more food, merchandise, entertainment, and construction updates!

Where are you heading to first the next time you’re in Disney Springs? Let us know in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Counter-Service, disney dining tips, Disney Entertainment, disney merchandise, Disney News, disney parks, Disney Springs, Featured, Snacks, Table-Service, Walt Disney World, aerophile, American Threads, City Works Eatery and Pour House, Disney, disney construction, disney dessert, disney dining, disney drinks, disney food, Disney merch, Disney merchandise, disney news, disney parking, disney restaurants, disney snacks, disney springs, disney springs hot air balloon, disney springs reopening, disney treats, Disney World, happy hound, joffrey’s coffee, kiehl’s, m&m store, Morimoto Asia, Morimoto Asia Street Food, pin trading, Pizza Ponte, Planet Hollywood, sosa cigar, STK Orlando, sunglass hut, Sunshine Churros, The Basket at Wine Bar George, The Polite Pig, tommy bahama, Vivoli il Gelato, west side starbucks