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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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Here’s the FULL List of NBA Teams That Are Expected to Finish Their 2020 Season in Disney World

Lots of change has been happening around Disney World lately! Even though the parks have remained closed since mid-March, things are really starting to heat up.

Bob Iger ©Disney

Some Disney Springs businesses have recently begun to operate and Disney World’s theme parks now have an official reopening date. Now, sports fans’ attention is centered around the NBA’s decision to resume its season on Disney soil. The OFFICIAL announcement is expected to be made TODAY once the plan is approved.

But while we await further details regarding the NBA finishing its 2020 season at Disney World’s Wide World of Sports Complex, we have found out WHICH Western and Eastern Conference teams are likely going to play in Disney World! Sports columnist Adrian Wojnarowski has provided the following list!

Photo c/o Adrian Wojnarowski

Wojnarowski posted on his Twitter account the NBA will be inviting these 22 teams to Orlando from July 31st through October 12th (which will hopefully be finalized with a vote today). The conference will include eight-regular season games per team.

We hope to provide more details once the NBA makes an official announcement.

See where the NBA players could potentially stay in Disney World here. 

Will your favorite NBA team be competing in Disney World? Let us know in the comments below!

Related posts:

  1. The NBA Discusses Latest Possible Play Off Dates and Hotel Arrangements in Disney World
  2. Disney Springs Area Hotels DISCOUNT Alert!
  3. Expo Hours and DISCOUNTS For 2020 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend Runners!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, Featured, Walt Disney World, agreement, Disney World, Disney World Resorts, eastern conference, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, finish 2020 season, nba players, NBA Playoffs, nba teams, nba teams that are going to disney world, western conference

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Disney News Disney Parks Other

News! Disney World to Start Calling Thousands of Theme Park Cast Members Back to Work SOON

Earlier we reported some Disney World restaurants and hotels had started notifying their employees about returning to their jobs. With Disney World reopening on July 11th, there is a lot to do around the parks and there are lots of new procedures that Cast Members need to learn.

Animal Kingdom Lodge

And while Disney hasn’t officially released a statement, thousands of furloughed employees are also gearing up to go back to work at the parks.

First reported by The Orlando Sentinel, Local 362’s leader Eric Clinton says full-time Cast Members (as well as a significant number of part-timers) will be called back to work this month.

According to Clinton, “Beginning in June, all Disney full-time attractions and custodian workers, as well as a significant number of part-timers, will get called back to work.”

There is a need for Cast Members that will clean around ride queues and for people to take positions that maintain social distancing in lines while guests wait for their temperatures to be taken prior to entering the parks.

Magic Kingdom

Since Disney World’s water parks aren’t expected to reopen right away, Union members who work at these parks can transfer to other jobs where there are shortages. Especially since Disney World’s future cultural and college programs have been canceled this year and aren’t likely to resume anytime soon according to Clinton.

Also mentioned was that cultural ambassadors will be replaced by domestic employees for the time being (which you can read more about here). 

Disney World

“…There’s going to be a massive need for attractions workers across property. …There’s going to be a lot of work that needs to be done.” Clinton said.

As many as 8,000 Cast Members could be called back to help clean the theme parks and get them ready to receive guests again. And as mentioned previously, Cast Members will need to undergo temperature checks before they’re allowed to work. Clinton emphasized Cast Members who have a temperature over 100.4 degrees will be sent home but get paid time off while they quarantine.

Magic Kingdom Sign

According to Clinton, “Employees will also need to staff Spaceship Earth, the ride inside Epcot’s iconic globe, since the ride’s rehabilitation is postponed indefinitely and will remain open.”

Read MORE about Spaceship Earth’s halted refurbishment HERE! 

Spaceship Earth

As you may know, Disney has postponed fireworks and parades for the time being. Clinton went into detail and also stated Hollywood Studios’ Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage might not resume, at least not initially. This is one of the first times a specific show has been mentioned, so we will continue to look for more updates on the status of entertainment offerings.

We’ll continue to follow this developing story and keep you informed of any official statements released by Disney. We know that this is a crazy time and that a lot of new information is being released. So if you have ANY questions, please let us know and we will do our best to get you the answers you need.

Read MORE about Disney’s reopening plan here! 

Are you excited about Cast Members returning to work at Disney World and Spaceship Earth’s refurb being postponed? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Related posts:

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From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Animal Kingdom, Disney News, disney’s hollywood studios, Epcot, Featured, magic kingdom, Walt Disney World, attractions, cast member, cast members being called back, college programs, custodial, disney cultural exchange program, Disney World, furloughed workers, paid sick leave, return to work, sick leave, Spaceship Earth, theme parks, transfer, transfers

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Time for Fish and Chips! Cookes of Dublin Has Officially Reopened at Disney World!

Slowly but surely, more restaurants are reopening at Disney Springs.

Disney Springs

And today, you can add another quick service restaurant to the list of opened spots: Cookes of Dublin!

The Irish restaurant best known for its Famous Fish and Chips and gut-busting Hog in a Box is serving guests once again!

Cookes of Dublin

Like other restaurants at Disney Springs, Cookes of Dublin has new health and safety measures, including temperature checks for cast members, increased sanitization, single-use items when possible, a one-way queue system, safety markers on the floor for social distancing, safe screens, and more.

Cookes of Dublin health and safety measures

The bar next door, The Hole in the Wall, has also reopened! However, if you want to dine at Raglan Road, you’ll have to wait — it won’t reopen until June 10th.

Hole in the Wall and Cookes of Dublin at Disney Springs

So if you just CAN’T wait until Epcot reopens on July 15th to get your fish and chips and pints of beer on, you can indulge now at Disney Springs!

For the ULTIMATE guide to the reopened Disney Springs, click here!

Is Cookes of Dublin on your must-eat list now that it’s open again at Disney Springs? Let us know in the comments!

Related posts:

  1. Gluten- and Dairy-Free Fish and Chips at Raglan Road and Cookes of Dublin in Disney Springs
  2. The 2020 Mighty St. Patrick’s Day Festival Kicks Off at Raglan Road on March 13th!
  3. We Officially Have Reopening Date for Cookes of Dublin in Disney World

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, Featured, Walt Disney World, Cookes of Dublin, Cookes of Dublin reopen, disney springs, disney springs reopening, Fish and Chips, Hog in a Box, Hole in the Wall, Irish food, irish food disney world, Raglan Road, sandwiches

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New Happy Hour Specials at Cookes of Dublin in Disney Springs!

If you didn’t know, Disney Springs is back open and ready for business.

Cooke’s of Dublin

While neighboring Raglan Road Irish Pub opens June 10th, Cookes of Dublin reopened TODAY and you can stop by to indulge in these sweet happy hour specials!

Cookes of Dublin, an Irish-themed quick service restaurant in Disney Springs, reopened today and is offering some STELLAR happy hour deals.

Happy Hour!

Premium Draught beers & Premium Well liquors at the Hole in the Wall Bar are both $5 during happy hour!

Beers at the Hole in the Wall Bar

If you’re in the mood for Premium Draught beers or Premium Well liquors, you can stop by Cookes of Dublin Monday-Friday anytime between 12PM-6PM to capitalize on these happy hour prices!

Check out some more restaurants in Disney Springs!

Will you be stopping by Cookes of Dublin? Let us know!

Related posts:

  1. Find Out Where There’s a $5 ALL DAY Happy Hour in Disney World RIGHT NOW!
  2. We Officially Have Reopening Date for Cookes of Dublin in Disney World
  3. Raglan Road in Disney World Has Officially Announced A Reopening Date

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, Disney Springs, Featured, Walt Disney World, beer, Cookes of Dublin, Disney Happy Hour, disney springs, happy hour, liquor, Raglan Road