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3/12/2024 • Tips, Walt Disney World •
Let’s embark on a journey into the enchanting world of Disney Springs—a hidden treasure at Disney World often overlooked by first-time visitors. Consider this your Disney Springs 101 lesson, where we'll navigate through its dynamic history, diverse geography, culinary wonders, shopping extravaganzas, and the latest in entertainment. Lesson 1: The Evolution of Disney Springs Our journey commences in 1975 when Disney introduced Lake Buena Vista Village, originally envisioned for on-property residents. Fast forward to 1989, and the area transformed into Pleasure Island, catering to adult nightlife. Over the years, it underwent several name changes, eventually becoming the beloved Downtown Disney District in 1995. The most recent transformation occurred on November 18, 2010, giving birth to Disney Springs—a themed town inspired by a twentieth-century waterside town. Lesson 2: Navigating Disney Springs Disney Springs is divided into four distinct themed areas: -The Landing -The Marketplace -The Westside -Town Center Each area contributes […]
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2/6/2024 • Reviews, Walt Disney World •
I had the pleasure of eating at Maria and Enzo's on my most recent trip to Walt Disney World. It’s located at The Landing at Disney Springs. The eclectic ambiance is inspired by an old abandoned 1930s airline terminal which is transformed into an elegant restaurant. Upon entering the restaurant, you are greeted with lots of Art Deco theming and old airline memorabilia that makes you feel like you are ready to board the next Pam Am flight overseas. The main part of the restaurant is a two-story rotunda and it’s absolutely beautiful. It boasts amazing murals showcasing where this airport would have flown and lots of destination posters of that time period. Now let’s get to my favorite part...the food! Maria and Enzo’s offer a huge menu featuring classic Italian dishes such as pasta, pizza, seafood, and more. We started with tomatoes and mozzarella for an appetizer. There is […]
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9/19/2023 • Blog, Walt Disney World •
As I am assisting families with planning their vacations, I am often asked for recommendations for activities during a day when they will not be visiting the parks or leaving the parks early. One of my most frequent suggestions is a visit to Disney Springs! Disney Springs is a bit of a lesser-known gem at the Walt Disney World Resort. If you visited Disney World in the past, you may also know it by its previous name- Downtown Disney. Here you will find a plethora of entertainment, dining, and shopping options for the whole family. Disney Spring is in the southeastern corner of the Walt Disney World Resort property, and just across the lagoon from Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort. You can arrive via bus from any of the on-site Disney resort hotels or if you’re staying at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, it’s a simple walk to the eastern entrance. If […]
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3/17/2023 • Blog, Walt Disney World •
Did you know there is a professional photography studio at Disney Springs where you can have family and individual portraits taken? It's true! Located in the Marketplace of Disney Springs is where you'll find this not-so-hidden gem with unique backdrops and fun props. The best part is that it's free of charge if you have already purchased the Memory Maker photo package! No reservations are needed. Just stop by and get in line! My family popped in for a quick 15–20-minute session during our Disney Spring/break day and got some great shots. We arrived about 15 minutes before they opened and were second in line. By the time the studio opened, however; there were about 20 people behind us, so plan accordingly because it can get busy. Hours change daily, so be sure to check your My Disney Experience app before arriving. Even though the sessions are quick, the photographers […]
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9/6/2022 • Blog, Universal Studios, Walt Disney World •
Their names are synonymous with fun family dining- T-Rex and Rainforest Café. Both restaurants are housed at Disney Springs and attract families from all over to dine and experience the food and unparalleled atmosphere they offer! Because of their popularity, reservations should be made as close to 60 days in advance of your room check-in as possible. But what if you couldn’t get dining reservations? No worries- they Landry’s Select Club to the rescue! Both T-Rex and Rainforest Café are Landry’s restaurants, and as such, they are eligible for the benefits associated with Landry’s Select Club. Joining the club is a one-time $25 fee, and you receive $25 off of your bill the first time using the card at any Landry’s location! You also receive a $25 gift on your birthday as well as PRIORITY SEATING! Yes! If you show your Landry’s Select Club card at the hostess stand, you […]
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4/7/2022 • Reviews, Walt Disney World •
My family loves to spend part of our Walt Disney World vacations visiting Disney Springs to explore the new restaurants and shops. This is a great way to use a day you may not be visiting a park or on your arrival or departure days and you need a few hours to fill your day. One of our new favorite eateries is Frontera Cocina by celebrity chef Rick Bayless. They offer delicious Mexican food with a “twist”. They are open for both lunch and dinner and offer specials Monday – Thursday. The inside of the restaurant is bright and inviting or you can be seated outside where it is a peaceful setting overlooking a small lake and great for people watching. A nice way to unwind after a busy day at the parks. The outside seating area is small and provides a more quaint and quiet dining experience. Even if […]
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3/15/2022 • Blog, Reviews, Walt Disney World •
Who doesn't love a good donut? They certainly seem to be all the rage and we were glad to see this new addition to Disney World! So, while we were in Disney Springs this month, we decided to head over to check out Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew. Our family loves us some donuts...and we were fresh off a 3 day trip to Universal where we enjoyed Voodoo Donuts for breakfast the morning before (I’ll talk a little bit more about how they compare below). First things first, I don’t love the location of this donut shop. It’s tucked way back over by the entrance to the orange garage. If you take the bus to Disney Springs or drive into one of the other garages, there’s a chance you would miss this completely. You really don’t even know it’s there unless you turn the corner. This does this delicious little […]
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7/30/2019 • Walt Disney World •
If you are looking for a tropical adventure, look no further. The Disney property is filled with so many new experiences and dining, here is no exception. Venturing into a tropical rainforest while on Disney property is easy with two convenient Rainforest Cafe locations found at the Disney Springs Marketplace and outside the Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Neither location requires a theme park admission. The Disney Dining Plan is accepted at both locations. Reservations are recommended and can be made 180 days prior to your travel start date. As this experience attracts a large number of explorers, wait times can be rather extensive. You may want to apply to join the Landry’s Select Club in advance to receive priority seating without a reservation. There is a $25 cost to join, but you will get a $25 welcome reward applied to your account which can be used as a credit to […]
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6/11/2019 • Reviews, Walt Disney World •
When one thinks theme parks, sophistication doesn’t usually come to mind. However, Disney Springs is changing the game with several new additions of James Beard award-winning restaurants, including the only wine bar in Florida led by a Master Sommelier, Wine Bar George. George Miliotes is one of only 256 Master Sommeliers in the world and he brings his passion and expertise to Disney Springs. Wine Bar George offers more than 140 wines available by the glass! In addition, they offer hand-crafted cocktails and craft beers alongside a full menu of small plates, cheese and charcuterie, family-style plates, and sweets. As if that wasn’t enough, Wine Bar George features Wine Country Brunch with the famed Dole Whipped Mimosa which is perfect for the 90-degree days in Orlando. I can speak first-hand that these are delicious and really hit the spot when you’re out in the heat. My husband and I were […]
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5/21/2019 • Walt Disney World •
Located at Disney Springs, Splitsville is a vintage, retro-style bowling alley with a modern feel. It offers a fun vibe for the whole family. Even if bowling is not your sport, Splitsville offers so much more than just bowling. You will find a massive entertainment complex spanning two floors - offering 30 bowling lanes, dining with indoor/outdoor patio seating, five bars, pool tables, televisions, music, and live entertainment. Splitsville is in a league of its own when it comes to dining. Guests will experience quality food, large quantities, and value pricing. The menu has a wide variety of choices from delicious burgers and pizzas to fresh-rolled sushi. Gluten-free menu items are available as well. The menu offers many appetizers that can be shared. My favorite appetizer is an order of the loaded fries. The order is huge! If you like ranch dressing, be sure to ask for extra. The ranch […]
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