Tag: Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza

Review! We’re Fired Up for Pizza — AND Dessert Knots! — at Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza in Disney Springs

Post author By disneyfoodblog.com
Post date June 9, 2020

Welcome back to Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza in Disney Springs!

Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza in Disney Springs

This isn’t our first stop back here since Blaze reopened on May 20th. We paid a visit to this popular quick service pizza joint to check out their new safety measures upon reopening. Today, we’re heading back to pick up a pie (and perhaps a little something sweet) for a full review!

So, get ready to fire it up with us at Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza once again!

Atmosphere

The new safety measures — which you can read about in full here — remain in place, of course, since reopening day. Among them are markers on the floor to promote physical distancing, and face masks are required for cast members (as they are for guests, as well, all throughout Disney Springs).

Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza

And the good folks at Blaze would like to remind you of a very important message: “Trust me, underneath that mask I’m smiling.”

Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza

As always, guests seat themselves. However, select tables are marked off with clever signs to further encourage distancing between guests.

Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza seating

Blaze Pizza

If you’ve visited Blaze before, you may remember the refillable drink station (which holds some fairly unique options for guests, including selections by Blue Sky).

Drink station

Though the refill station is marked off from guests at the moment, you can show your receipt to the cast member at the beverage station and they can help set you up with your refill from there.

Cast Member at Drink Station

You can also make requests for utensils and condiments (which were previously up for grabs at carts). Again, you can check out even more of the new measures implemented at Blaze by clicking here. But now, it’s time for…

Eats

It’s all in the name at Blaze Fast-Fire’d PIZZA!

Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza

Except…not entirely. We’ve been interested in trying the recently added Knots here, too.

Dessert and Dough Knots signs

You can go sweet or savory with the Dessert Knots (with Cinnamon & Sugar) or Dough Knots (Mozzarella & Garlic Pesto).

Dough Knots

Since we were going seriously savory with our pizza, we ordered up the Dessert Knots (four for $4.25) along with our Meat Eater Pizza ($9.95)!

Meat Eater Pizza

The Meat Eater — one of the spot’s Signature Pizzas — comes complete with pepperoni, meatballs (!!), red onion, mozzarella cheese, and a classic Red Sauce. We went with the Original Dough, but remember to “Know Your Dough” options when it comes to picking your pizza at Blaze! (And just a reminder that High-Rise and Gluten-Free dough are each $2.00 more.)

Know Your Dough

The Meat Eater is one of the two most popular pizza options here. (We were told the Build Your Own Pizza, as we expected, also ranks up at the top.) And it completely lives up to its name with TONS of meat from the plentiful pepperoni and meatballs.

Meat Eater Pizza

It’s seriously hearty. And, just like literally every other pizza we’ve had here, it’s also super tasty! Plenty of fresh toppings cover every inch of the pizza while the crust is nicely finished with a terrific char.

Meat Eater Pizza

We ordered the Meat Eater Pizza exactly as it comes, but next time we’d opt to add more veggies to balance it out a bit more. (Remember, customizing is welcome and even encouraged at Blaze!)

Meat Eater Pizza

To wash it down, we went with the fresh and fruity Blackberry Basil Agua Fresca. It’s one of the unique beverage flavors here, which also include Lemonades such as Blood Orange.

Blackberry Basil Agua Fresca

Agua Fresca and Lemonades

Oh, and aside from the drink, here’s a look at the new strawless lids in use here, which serve to reduce single-use plastic straws.

Blackberry Basil Agua Fresca

And NOW it’s time to finish it all off with those Cinnamon and Sugar Dessert Knots!

Dessert Knots

The Dessert Knots are totally yummy, with plenty of cinnamon baked into the thick dough rolls. Sure, we could use a little more icing (which is always the case with us here at the DFB for any cinnamon roll-style treat ) , but the “fast-fire’d” baking process gives these knots a unique twist (if you’ll pardon the pun).

Dessert Knots

But we do have one suggestion…

Dessert Knots

If you plan to order these, do so after you finish eating your pizza to enjoy on their own. We waited to have them as dessert, and while they were still very good, we think they should be eaten right away while at their fresh-from-the-oven best!

And that’s the latest from Blaze!

Nosh or Not

Fire up for a visit to Blaze if:

You LOVE oodles of options for customizing your pizza.
You’re looking for a lot of pizza bang for your buck!
You simply love a tasty pizza pie. (And really… who doesn’t??)

Blaze on by if:

You already have a Blaze Fast-Fired Pizza in your hometown and would prefer to dine somewhere unique to Disney Springs.
You’d like to linger a bit after your meal. This popular spot often has lots of guests hoping to snag a seat.

Overall

Our latest visit to Blaze only serves to reminds us exactly why this place is so popular with locals and Disney Springs cast members as well as guests. Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza serves up consistently fresh, tasty, and totally customizable pizza — along with some fun options for snacks or dessert — at great prices. There’s a reason why you’ll often spot a line outside this popular location.. and even if you do have to wait a little bit during your visit, we’ve found Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza is always worth it!

Is Blaze Fast Fire’d Pizza one of your favorite stops in Disney Springs? Please let us know with a comment!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Counter-Service, Disney Springs, Featured, Walt Disney World, Blackberry Basil Agua Fresca, Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza, blaze pizza, Dessert Knots, disney springs, Disney Springs Counter Service, health and safety measures, Meat Eater Pizza, Meat Pizza

Tags Blackberry Basil Agua Fresca, Blaze Fast-Fire'd Pizza, blaze pizza, Counter-Service, Dessert Knots, Disney Springs, Disney Springs Counter Service, Featured, health and safety measures, Meat Eater Pizza, Meat Pizza, Walt Disney World

Disney Parks Other

The Full GUIDE to Decoding Disney World’s Social Distancing Stickers

Post author By disneyfoodblog.com
Post date May 23, 2020

Disney Springs has finally re-opened to guests so they can enjoy dining and shopping locations all around the property.

Disney Springs

While we’ve taken you with us LIVE to check out the reopening, given you the deets on new health and safety procedures, and our overall experience, it can be a little bit confusing to navigate Disney Springs right now.

Since stores, restaurants, and the property in general have put up distancing signs and stickers, it’s a lot to take in (especially since it’s so new!). We totally understand that things can be a bit tricky to figure out when every place has their own way of promoting distance! There’s no set method for how signs or stickers should look quite yet, so it’s not as simple as hopping from one restaurant to the next and expecting the same stickers.

Disney Springs

Even though we know it can be a bit overwhelming to see all the new procedures, we’re here to help you navigate Disney Springs like a pro by giving you a guide to the new distancing measures!

Please Stand With Your Party Here

Many locations across Disney Springs have been using stickers on the ground to indicate where guests should and shouldn’t stand while they are waiting to enter an area. We’ve spotted a lot of different restaurants and stores using these pretty standard red and white indicators that ask guests to stand with their party on the stickers.

Pizza Ponte

But, a couple places like The Polite Pig…

Polite Pig

…and Basin have their own special stickers. But the concept is the same.

Basin Reopening

Group your part together, stand on a marker, and wait for the sticker in front of you to clear before you move forward.

Please Stand With Your Party Behind This Line

However, a couple of locations around Disney Springs are using social distancing indicators that ask guests to stand behind the safety line instead of on it! These are typically placed at the start of a line and ask you to stand behind the line before the next register or temperature check station are cleared for you to approach — or to remind you to leave distance between you and the Cast Member assisting you.

Distancing marker

Some of the places we’ve noticed this at include Wolfgang Puck Bar and Grill, 4 Rivers Cantina Barbacoa Food Truck, Sunshine Churros, and Häagen Dazs.

Sunshine Churros Marker

Just be sure to keep an eye out for the difference between the “please stand here” and “please stand behind this line” stickers as they look very similar!

Behind the Line? How Far Behind the Line?

Since Disney Springs is making sure to keep guests and Cast Members safe, it’s important to remember to distance yourself 6 feet apart from another person! And when a sticker says “stand behind this line,” guests could use a little direction about how far back they can actually stand while keeping distance from the party behind them. So Disney is also using markers to clarify where NOT to stand while you’re in Disney Springs.

World of Disney

When you first enter Disney Springs, the temperature check areas will have some of these signs to distance the guests waiting from the guests going through the temperature checks at the time. You’ll make your way through the line hopping from one “please stand here” sticker to the next, but right before you have your temperature checked, you’ll leave your “please stand here” sticker and walk forward until you reach a “stay behind this line” marker. You will pass over a “do not stand here” marker on the ground that reminds the guests behind you not to approach the temperature check until yours is complete.

New Protocols to Enter Disney Springs

Don’t be nervous, the “do not stand here” signs aren’t hot lava — you can walk over them. But please be respectful to other guests and make sure you’re not camping out on them or breathing down someone’s neck in line.

There are other forms of “do not stand here” stickers like at the Amphicars at The Boathouse. You are free to observe, but make sure your party stays outside of the “do not stand” zone to give other groups enough space.

The Boathouse Amphicar Do Not Stand Markers

Restaurants like Blaze Fast Fire’d Pizza have their own methods to show where visitors shouldn’t stand. We’d like to note that, during our visit, we perceived some of the “X” patterns on the ground as social distancing indicators. However, there might need to be some clarification to guests about what the safety protocol means and how to enforce it. We imagine the extra tape on the ground is to encourage guests to leave space between themselves and the sneeze guard for some extra protection.

Blaze Pizza

But in a case like Blaze Pizza, if the stickers don’t give explicit instructions, you may be better off asking a Cast Member for direction or defaulting to a little game of Frogger.

Specialty Directions

Since there is no set standard for how stickers should look, a few spots around Disney Springs have specialty indicators specific to their stores. At Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea, there are coffee beans on the ground for each party to stand on. One party is allowed to stand on each of the 6 bean spots in the coffee shop and must stay there until the bean in front of them has cleared. Note that guests can’t stay inside Joffrey’s to drink their coffee, though!

Joffrey’s Coffee Bean Distancing Markers

Blaze Pizza also used similar stickers, but with little flames to go along with their “Fast Fire’d Pizza!” Guests were asked to do the same as Joffrey’s by standing on a flame until the one in front of them cleared.

Blaze Pizza Line

We also noticed specialty stickers at Chicken Guy!…

Chicken Guy!

…and Earl of Sandwich. So when in doubt, hop on a sticker like these.

Earl of Sandwich

While Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC may not have cute little cookie stickers (suggestion, maybe??), the store is practicing a different form of distancing by only allowing one party into the bakery at a time. Guests are asked to stand behind the red tape and inside the square boxes while they wait for their order.

Erin McKenna’s Tape on the Ground

Physical Distancing Reminders

Since many guests are excited to be back in Disney Springs, it can be easy to forget to distance yourself when you’re walking through an open area. Stores and restaurants throughout the property have reminders on the ground to stay 6 feet apart whether you are waiting in line or not.

Pizza Ponte

Distancing Stickers

Ron Jon Surf Shop

The restrooms across Disney Springs also have signs out front that ask guests to keep the minimum distance between themselves and others.

Restroom Sign

Social Distancing may not be the firs thing on your mind as you’re roaming the open air pathways around Disney Springs. That’s why the dining and shopping district has put some arrows on its bridges to show the flow of traffic. Instead of risking bumping into opposing traffic, each side of the bridge has a marked direction to walk as you’re crossing.

Disney Springs Bridge

In short, treat it like you’re driving (in the U.S., that is), stick to the right side of the road!

Table Distancing

As a part of the social distancing measures in restaurants, seating and capacity have been limited. While the Cast Members have been trained to know where guests can go, there are also reminders on the tables about which spots are currently unavailable — in case you’re at a seat-yourself location (like Blaze Fast Fire’d Pizza).

Blaze Pizza

Table Stickers Wolfgang Puck

Note that seating at some to-go dining locations, such as The Basket at Wine Bar George, has been removed and reclaimed for dine-in guests of Wine Bar George restaurant only.

The Boathouse is even using black and white tablecloths to show which tables are open! Guests are seated at the white covered tables, while the black tables are off limits for the time being.

The Boathouse Reopening Interior

In summary, we know you are very capable of following basic directions…but once you actually get to Disney Springs, it can be a new experience and might take some getting used to. Know that everyone around you is also getting used to it at the same time, so it’s okay if you need to ask a Cast Member for extra guidance (there are plenty of them scattered all throughout Disney Springs). Most spots are using some sort of “please stand here” marker, whether it be little feet, dots, or rectangles. But be sure to steer clear of the big “do not stand here” rectangles and give the Cast Members a little extra space once you get to the front of the line. Remember to “be safe” and “be kind,” friends! Also, be sure to let us know if you still have questions about the reopening of Disney Springs or about the new distancing stickers!

Have you been to Disney Springs since its re-opening? Let us know your experience in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Counter-Service, disney dining tips, Disney News, disney parks, Disney Springs, Featured, Table-Service, Walt Disney World, 4 rivers cantina barbacoa food trick, Basin, Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza, disney dining, disney news, disney restaurants, disney springs, disney springs reopening, disney stores, Disney World, Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC, Haagen Dazs, joffrey’s coffee, social distancing, social distancing signs, social distancing stickers, Sunshine Churros, temperature checks, The Boathouse, The Polite Pig, Wolfgang Puck Bar and Grill

Disney Parks Other

PHOTOS and TIPS: Our FULL Experience From Disney Springs’ Reopening Day

Post author By disneyfoodblog.com
Post date May 21, 2020

Welcome back to Disney World! Disney Springs began a phased reopening today, May 20th.

Disney Springs

We have been taking you around Disney Springs to see the new safety procedures and how they affect guests’ shopping and dining experiences. We’re walking you step-by-step through a post-closure Disney Springs and going over exactly how your visit could look much different than your previous trips.

Entering Disney Springs

To control crowds and provide a more streamlined entry process, Disney Springs is limiting entrances and establishing additional safety procedures for guests.

Hours and Limited Capacity

Disney Springs is currently open from 10AM to 10PM.

Disney Springs

However, Disney Springs is limiting the number of people visiting the property, stores, and restaurants. Once the designated parking garages (Lime and Orange) are full, guests are not allowed to park and enter Disney Springs.

Orange Garage

That means, even guests with dining reservations at a Disney Springs restaurant will not be allowed in. But, cancellation fees for these reservations will be waived for guests unable to enter due to limited capacity.

Parking

All of the surface-level lots are currently closed so guests may self-park (no valet available at this time!) in the Orange and Lime garages. We were told that the Orange garage would be filled first, and we were able to choose our parking spot since there were no Cast Members directing traffic within the garage.

Orange Garage

But there were Cast Members inside the garage welcoming back guests! We also spotted distancing markers, warning signs, and hand sanitizer stations throughout the garage.

Warning Sign

We arrived early (before Disney Springs officially opened at 10 AM), so we didn’t have any issue finding a parking space. Really…NO trouble.

Parking Lot

Now, let’s take a look at actually entering Disney Springs!

Entrances

Guests are only permitted to enter Disney Springs from the following four locations: Orange garage, Lime garage, the Hotel Plaza Boulevard Pedestrian Bridge, and the rideshare location.

Disney Springs

Guests aren’t allowed to enter until they’ve completed a temperature screening.

Masks Are Required

Guests ages three years and older and employees are required to wear masks. These masks must cover your mouth and nose at all times, except when you are seated at a dining table.

Required Measures sign

Guests are required to bring their own face masks. Let’s say it one more time: no mask = no entry. If you want pack an extra! Better to be prepared than to make it all the way to Disney Springs and realize you can’t go inside because you dropped your mask while getting in your car.

Temperature Checks

Guests, Cast Members, vendors, and other employees are all required to have their temperatures checked prior to entering Disney Springs.

Temperature Screening

Temperature check stations are located at the second-floor exits of the Orange and Lime parking garages and the Marketplace Entrance (for guests from the Hotel Plaza Boulevard Pedestrian Bridge and rideshare drop-off).

Advent Health Signage

The temperature checks were completed with touchless forehead thermometers. Any guests who test 100.4 degrees or higher will be directed to a tent where they were allowed to cool off and rest for a few moments before attempting one more screening. If they test above the maximum accepted temperature again, their entire party will be required to leave.

New Protocols to Enter Disney Springs

The temperature check process only took a few seconds for us once we made it to the front of the line and the friendly employees completing the screenings made us feel at ease!

Open Dining Locations

Disney Springs reopened with select third-party dining locations — you can find a full list of available restaurants here!

STK

Click on each location below to check out our full experience at the reopening!

Reservations

Before Disney Springs reopened, we were able to make dining reservations through OpenTable and individual restaurants’ websites.

Wolfgang Puck

And if you’re planning on eating at a table-service location, we recommend trying for a reservation first — otherwise, you could find yourself with a bit of a wait. When we arrived at Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, there was an hour wait for walk-in guests.

Tips For Dining in Reopened Disney Springs

In addition to making a reservation, we picked up a few more dining tips as well. Make sure to keep an eye out for social distancing markers at quick-service dining locations, or anywhere else you might run into a queue.

Distance Markers at YeSake

Certain locations, like Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC, only allow one group inside at a time. So be careful to read signs, ask Cast Members if you have questions, and know that each location is operating a little differently.

Also, keep in mind that not all dining locations are reopened yet! We spotted signage for House of Blues and The Smokehouse indicating they’ll be back soon.

House of Blues Opening Soon Sign

Also, you might want to bring a few items along with you for your dining experience. If you’d like to sanitize your hands immediately before you eat, be sure to bring your own bottle of hand sanitizer. And if you’d prefer to use your own pen to sign receipts, don’t forget to pack one!

Eating On The Go With a Mask

If you’re a fan of grab-and-go style eating, you’re in luck! We noticed that the to-go dining experiences were pretty similar to what we’re used to in Disney Springs. We saw tables and chairs placed outside dining locations that wouldn’t usually have their own designated seating. We also didn’t notice any areas where seating had been entirely removed.

Sunshine Churros

On our visit to Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea, we learned that guests are allowed to walk around with their food or drinks in Disney Springs. And while guests are required to wear their masks at all times, they are allowed to lower masks to take a bite or drink — then recover their faces. We put this method to the test with the brand new Welcome Drink from Starbucks!

Welcome Back Drink at Starbucks

So, whether you’d prefer to snag a table, or take a stroll while you enjoy your snack or beverage, both options are available!

Open Retail Locations

Disney will start opening some of its Disney-owned locations on May 27th, but the following locations were open on the first day of Disney Springs’ reopening.

Anthropologie
American Threads
Free People
UNIQLO
Crystal Art by Arribas Bros.
Pele Soccer
Pop Gallery
Ron Jon Surf Shop
Basin
Chapel Hats
Columbia Sportswear
Edward Beiner Eyewear
Happy Hound
Lucky Brand
Luxury of Time by Diamonds International
Pandora
Royally Yours Arribas Bros
Sanuk
Savannah Bee Company
Sosa Family Cigars
Sugarboo and Co.
UGG
UNOde50
Volcom
Vera Bradley
Zara

Tips For Shopping in Reopened Disney Springs

As with dining locations, retail locations are also operating with reduced capacity. Be sure to keep an eye out for designated entrances and exits, since many locations are keeping them separate.

Ugg Store Exit Only

On a similar note, keep an eye out for those social distancing markers that show proper spacing!

Social Distancing Marker

Also, bring a non-cash form of payment, because some stores like Ron Jon Surf Shop are not accepting cash.

Ron Jon Surf Shop Not Accepting Cash Payments

It can be difficult to retrain ourselves to abide by these new measures, so try to be mindful on your next visit!

Changes in Stores

In addition to the distancing measures, designated exits and entrances, and some changes in payment methods, we also noticed signs asking guests to limit contact with merchandise.

Arribas Bros. Merchandise Sign

Plus, we also spotted social distancing markers and signs in front of cash registers like at Ron Jon Surf Shop.

Ron Jon Surf Shop

Overall, we weren’t too surprised to see the changes at retail locations, since they closely mirrored the reopened shopping at Universal’s CityWalk, but they can take some getting used to if this is your first experience.

Cashless Payment

Disney recommends guests use cashless payments such as debit cards, credit cards, and Disney gift cards whenever possible. Contactless payment or cash can be used to purchase gift cards at the Welcome Center and other select retail places throughout Disney Springs.

Welcome Center at Disney Springs

While we did find several locations that were accepting cash, some places like Ron Jon Surf Shop were not. So, we’d say plan on coming to Disney Springs with a non-cash method of payment just in case. Or, stop by the Welcome Center to buy a gift card if needed!

Additional Cast Members to Enforce New Procedures

Guest Relations Cast Members were stationed throughout Disney Springs to enforce social distancing and answer guests’ questions. Cast Members were each equipped with masks, of course.

Guest Relations Cast Member

One question we asked a Guest Relations Cast Member was: Are there any masks for sale within Disney Springs? And surprisingly, the only place we know of that’s selling masks (so far, at least) is Vera Bradley.

Access to Hand Sanitizer

We spotted hand sanitizer stations in the parking garage, at entrances to restaurants, and throughout Disney Springs.

Hand Sanitizer Locations

Plus, we also spotted it for sale at Basin.

Basin Reopening

We recommend carrying your own personal hand sanitizer so you can clean off whenever you need and don’t have to scramble to try and find a sanitizer station.

Crowds

While there was somewhat of a crowd when Disney Springs first reopened at 10 AM, the crowds dispersed throughout the day and were noticeably lower by mid-afternoon.

Disney Springs

The places where we felt the impact of the crowds the most was at dining locations. We noticed that some table-service locations had a wait for walk-in guests — like we mentioned from Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill. This was likely a combination of demand and reduced seating capacity.

Wolfgang Puck

And we did notice some long lines at quick-service dining spots too. Check out those people waiting for Chicken Guy!

Chicken Guy!

But again, outside of waits for dining locations, the crowds didn’t feel too heavy at all, especially as we were strolling around.

Overall

With Disney Springs being the first U.S. Disney attraction to reopen, Disney was tasked with keeping guests safe while delivering a comfortable, enjoyable environment to dine and shop. Similar to our initial thoughts at the reopening of Universal Orlando’s CityWalk, we were very impressed by Disney’s attention to detail, the friendliness of the staff, and the flow of operations. This new system will take some getting used to for guests and Cast Members alike. However, we are encouraged to see Disney put these new health and safety measures into practice diligently while still maintaining a positive experience for their guests.

What questions do YOU have about Disney Springs’ reopening? Let us know in the comments and we will do our best to get the info to you!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Counter-Service, Disney Springs, Featured, Snacks, Special Stuff, Table-Service, Walt Disney World, 4 rivers cantina barbacoa, 4 Rivers Cantina Barbacoa Food Truck, advance dining reservation, American Threads, anthropologie, Basin, Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza, cashless, cashless payment, cast members, chapel hats, Chicken Guy!, columbia sportswear, crystal art by arribas bros, Crystal Arts, dining, Disney, disney dining, disney masks, Disney merchandise, disney reservations, disney restaurant, disney shopping, disney springs, disney springs dining, Disney Springs merchandise, disney springs reopening, disney springs restaurant, disney springs shopping, Disney World, Disney World reopening, disney world resort, Earl of Sandwich, edward beiner eyewear, erin mckenna’s, Erin McKenna’s Bakery, food truck, free people, Frontera Cocina, hand sanitizer, hand washing, happy hound, health, Joffrey’s, Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea, joffrey’s coffee and tea company, lime garage, lucky Brand, luxury of time by diamonds international, masks, orange garage, Pandora, Parking, pele soccer, polite pig, pop gallery, reopening, Ron Jon Surf Shop, Royally Yours Arribas Bros, sanuk, Savannah Bee Company, shopping, sosa family cigars, Starbucks Coffee, STK Orlando, Sugarboo and Co, table service dining, temperature checks, The Boathouse, The Polite Pig, ugg, Uniqlo, unode50, Vera Bradley, volcom, walt disney world resort, Wine Bar George, Wolfgang Puck, Wolfgang Puck Bar and Grill, Zara

Tags 4 rivers cantina barbacoa, 4 Rivers Cantina Barbacoa Food Truck, advance dining reservation, American Threads, anthropologie, Basin, Blaze Fast-Fire'd Pizza, cashless, cashless payment, cast members, chapel hats, Chicken Guy!, columbia sportswear, Counter-Service, crystal art by arribas bros, Crystal Arts, dining, disney, disney dining, disney masks, disney merchandise, disney reservations, disney restaurant, disney shopping, Disney Springs, disney springs dining, Disney Springs merchandise, disney springs reopening, disney springs restaurant, disney springs shopping, Disney World, Disney World reopening, disney world resort, Earl of Sandwich, edward beiner eyewear, erin mckenna's, Erin McKenna's Bakery, Featured, food truck, free people, Frontera Cocina, hand sanitizer, hand washing, happy hound, health, Joffrey's, Joffrey's Coffee and Tea, joffrey's coffee and tea company, lime garage, lucky Brand, luxury of time by diamonds international, masks, orange garage, Pandora, Parking, pele soccer, polite pig, pop gallery, reopening, Ron Jon Surf Shop, Royally Yours Arribas Bros, sanuk, Savannah Bee Company, Shopping, Snacks, sosa family cigars, Special Stuff, Starbucks Coffee, STK Orlando, Sugarboo and Co, table service dining, Table-Service, temperature checks, The Boathouse, The Polite Pig, ugg, Uniqlo, unode50, Vera Bradley, volcom, Walt Disney World, walt disney world resort, Wine Bar George, Wolfgang Puck, Wolfgang Puck Bar and Grill, Zara

Disney Parks Other

See How Blaze Fast Fire’d Pizza Changed For Reopening Day in Disney Springs!

Post author By disneyfoodblog.com
Post date May 20, 2020

Disney Springs is now re-opened — with several stores and restaurants welcoming guests once again.

Blaze Pizza

We’ve been reporting live all day, but now we’re heading over to Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza to see if they can still crank out that super speedy pizza that we know and love!

Line

Walking up to Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza today, the building looked about the same as we remembered it!

Blaze Pizza

There is now a waiting area off to the side where guests can wait safely before entering. Markers on the ground indicate where each group should stand.

Outdoor Line

Since the restaurant wasn’t too crowded, we were able to walk right in. A greeter was on hand to manage the flow of guests. All employees were wearing masks, gloves, hats, and orange aprons — making them easily recognizable.

Blaze Pizza Line

We jumped on a little flame and waited our turn.

Placing an Order

Only a certain number of guests were permitted to approach the counter and build their pizza at a time. This area was designated with bright orange tape on the ground. To us, the “X” pattern on the floor seemed to indicate guests should stand further back from the counter. If so, Blaze might need to clarify this new safety protocol for their guests.

Placing an Order at Blaze Pizza

The glass sneeze guard that runs the entire length of Blaze Pizza’s counter has always been there, so we didn’t notice many modifications to their line.

Blaze Pizza

We also noticed Blaze Pizza didn’t make any menu cuts like we saw with some other Disney Springs restaurants. At the time we visited, all of their pizza options were available. They were also still operating their Fast Fire’d Pick-Up Station for mobile orders, but they had moved the station outside!

Pick Up Station at Blaze Pizza

This is super-handy for folks who want to take their pizza to-go without having to step foot inside!

Tables and Seating

Instead of removing tables, Blaze marked off every other table with a “please choose another table” sign.

Blaze Pizza

The signs are located on tables both inside and outside of the restaurant. Plus — their message gave us a little chuckle.

Blaze Pizza

Guests are free to choose their own seats from the tables without warning signs.

Overall Experience

We were happy to see Blaze Pizza adjusting to their updated operations while making their guests and employees feel safe and comfortable. Guests just might need a little more direction when it comes to the ordering line. Before your next visit, find out how Blaze Fast Fire’d Pizza stacks up against its Disney Springs neighbor, Pizza Ponte here!

Would you visit a fast food location with these protocols in place? Let us know in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Counter-Service, Disney Springs, Featured, Walt Disney World, blaze, Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza, blaze pizza, dining, Disney, disney dining, disney restaurant, disney springs, disney springs dining, disney springs pizza, disney springs reopening, disney springs restaurant, Disney World, Disney World reopening, disney world resort, pizza, Pizza Ponte, reopening, walt disney world resort

Disney Parks

PHOTOS: What It’s Like To Eat in a Reopened Disney World Right Now

Post author By disneyfoodblog.com
Post date May 20, 2020

We’re reporting to you live from Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort today for this first time since mid-March.

Line Outside T-REX

That’s because while the rest of Disney World’s theme parks and hotels will remain closed until further notice, some third-party restaurants and retailers have started reopening today.

We’ve been busy sharing with you our own guest experiences such as parking at Disney Springs, having our temperatures taken, and seeing what some of the recently reopened retail stores have been like inside. Now want to share with you what it’s like to dine at Disney Springs right now. Do note that each location is doing things a little differently!

As a reminder, masks can be removed when sitting and dining at a table service restaurant in Disney Springs.

Table Service Restaurants in Disney Springs

The Boathouse

At 11AM, The Boathouse reopened today. We made our reservation over the phone and were given the option to dine inside or outside. Tables were noticeably spaced apart in the main dining room.

Dining Room Inside The Boathouse

The restaurant is also taking walk-up reservations for patio seating and their indoor dining room is limited to 25% capacity. We spotted this sign stating face masks must be worn at all times unless seated at a table.

The Boathouse

We sat outdoors where the guest tables had also been spaced apart more than usual. The Boathouse has been using paper menus for some time, but are no longer passing them between guests — our sever even suggested we keep ours as a free souvenir!

Dated Paper Menu at The Boathouse

The servers at The Boathouse were all wearing masks and gloves. Cutlery was rolled in a cloth napkin while drinks were served in normal glassware with paper straws. We ordered the Jumbo Lump Cake with a side of Truffle Fries.

Food Runner at The Boathouse

And the Duck, Duck Razz, of course! Good to note: the bars are not open at The Boathouse yet, but they will make you a drink to go.

Duck Duck Razz

We DO love this martini. Can you blame us? Look at that little guy!

Servers were cleaning their own tables in between guests. We asked our server what her experience has been like. She said the restaurant staff was given the choice if they wanted to come back right away, and she was ready to go and is excited to be back. Training packets were sent out a week ago and yesterday team members were brought in for training.

The Boathouse

Everyone is being asked to change out their gloves in between tables while cooks in the kitchen have a timer that goes off every 15 minutes reminding them to stop, wash hands, and change gloves.

Frontera Cocina

Frontera Cocina also opened at 11AM today while the staff came in earlier this week for safety training. The restaurant is doing food-to-go and currently accepting reservations. We booked our table in advance on OpenTable and once we arrived, we noticed a new hand sanitizing station for guests and employees at the front of the restaurant.

Hand Sanitizing Station at Frontera Cocina

Frontera Cocina is using both disposable paper menus and digital menus. There’s a QR code at each table that you can scan to view the menu on your smartphone or you may view a paper menu instead. Our server told us paper menus are being thrown out after each use.

QR Code for Digital Menu

Beverages were being served in normal glassware with single-use agave straws. Unlike The Boathouse’s servers, the food runners at Frontera Cocina weren’t wearing gloves.

Frontera Cocina

We ordered the Flautas and the Play with Fire Margarita. Our food was delicious as it always is at Frontera Cocina.

Flautas and Margarita

Frontera Cocina is also operating a to-go window where you can pick up eats or sips without the full sit-down experience.

Frontera Cocina Drink To Go

Things were a little different at Frontera Cocina, but the staff was still friendly and the fare was still delicious.

Wine Bar George

Over at Wine Bar George we saw similar distancing efforts such as markings on the ground to guide the queue for entry.

Waiting on Wine Bar George

They also have a To-Go Booth with the full food and beverage menu available for purchase.

To Go at Wine Bar George

The check-in booth at Wine Bar George featured a plexiglass shield for the hosts.

Wine Bar George

As we were seated we noticed some significant health measures. The restaurant is using digital menus that you access via a QR code. You are also delivered a paper bag to hold your mask and two packaged wipes to clean your hands when you sit down. Standard glassware is used.

Wine Bar George QR Code for Digital Menus

George Miliotes was here today! You know him as the “George” part of Wine Bar George. He came and talked to us, telling about how hard it was for him not to be able to smile at customers. Such a nice guy!

George Miliotes

We ordered the Burrata and the Saganaki (read: cheese on fire) and they both delighted. We do love us some Wine Bar George.

Burrata and Saganaki

The servers were wonderful, as always, and took care to follow health measures. We noticed that our server was changing gloves often and he told us that they had undergone a good amount of training.

Saganaki on Fire

We had a nice time at Wine Bar George and they have put some thought into following the new health guidelines.

Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill

Our trip to Wolfgang Puck showed us some changes too. We had a reservation, but there was almost an hour-long wait for walk-in guests. We think this is partly due to demand and partly due to the fact that there are fewer, spaced out tables to allow customers to distance.

Wolfgang Puck

The restaurant has shifted its menu a bit. Instead of changing menus between lunch and dinner, they have one all-day menu that is slightly reduced. Since the menu is more similar to their dinner menu, they have opted to include more lunch options at the Grab and Go Window outside.

Wolfgang Puck

Some more of their health measures include heightened cleaning, sanitizer available at all bus stations, the sanitization of pens between uses, handwashing required anytime a team member enters the kitchen, and the use of gloves.

Wolfgang Puck

We opted to try the Bruschetta this time since our server said it was the most popular appetizer, and it did NOT disappoint. Think Caprese salad piled on fresh bread. Yeah, it’s good.

Bruschetta

At the To-Go Window, we tried the new Reese’s Cookie, the Banana Pudding Gelato, and the Kakamora Cocktail. Honestly, we’re not sure there is a more perfect dessert.

Wolfgang Puck To Go

We’ll be keeping an eye on Wolfgang Puck and the other dining locations to see how health measures develop over the next few days and weeks.

Counter Service Restaurants in Disney Springs

Starbucks

We stopped by Starbucks early this morning and discovered they have a new specialty drink called “Welcome Back!”

Welcome Back

It’s a cold drink made from mango, dragonfruit refresher, coconut milk, strawberries, blackberries, and pineapple ginger syrup topped with golden ginger whipped cream!

Instead of guests congregating around the order pick-up window, a friendly Starbucks employee retrieves your order and places it on a table for you to grab while you wait at a safe distance.

Starbucks at Disney Springs Today

Guests were also encouraged to socially distance themselves while waiting in line with some floor decals indicating where guests should stand.

Starbucks at Disney Springs Today

And while Starbucks was selling Reusable Cups today, they aren’t permitting guests to use them at this time. As for payment, they’re still accepting all forms, but we recommend downloading the Starbucks app as a touchless payment option!

Joffrey’s Coffee

We also swung by Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea Company to see how they’re adapting.

Joffrey’s Reopened

There were social distancing markers on the ground to keep guests six feet apart from one another. At Joffrey’s, they fittingly use coffee bean stickers to denote where to stand. There were also designated entrances and exits to keep the flow of traffic moving a certain way.

Joffrey’s Coffee Bean Distancing Markers

We were able to confirm that you can walk around Springs with your coffee, you cannot, however, stay and drink your coffee inside of Joffrey’s. They ask that you remove your mask to take a sip or bite, and replace it between sips or bites.

Joffrey’s Reopened

Joffrey’s is still serving a full menu of coffee and donuts when you need a pick-me-up.

The Polite Pig

You know we love The Polite Pig, so of course, we had to stop by and see how they’re contending with new health measures. Plus, they have a new item on the menu! Like pretty much everywhere, there are stickers on the floor telling guests where to stand.

Polite Pig

We also noticed that they had a heightened cleaning protocol. An employee was out wiping down the divider chains while we were there. The interesting touch here was that employees are wearing branded masks!

Polite Pig

When ordering, you can opt to use a digital menu through a QR code or you can use a paper menu to be disposed of after use.

Polite Pig Menu

A big thing here is that the sauce bar is out of commission. You can still get sauces, but the employees will bring them to you.

Polite Pig Sauce Bar Closed

We ordered the pork rinds (because they’re NEW) and a gloved employee brought them over to us. Pork rinds and sauce? We’re not sure we’ve had that before but we’re not complaining. They were tasty!

Polite Pig

As you can see, all the restaurants we visited have implemented different safety precautions with many following social distancing and sanitation practices. If you have any questions about our dining experiences, please let us know.

What did you think about some of our dining experiences at Disney Springs today? Let us know in the comments below.

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Counter-Service, disney merchandise, Disney News, Disney Springs, Featured, Snacks, Table-Service, Walt Disney World, 4 rivers cantina, Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza, Chicken Guy!, Earl of Sandwich, Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC, Frontera Cocina, gradual reopening, Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream, joffrey’s coffee and tea company, may 20th, phased reopening, Planet Hollywood, quick service restaurants, reopening, STK Orlando, Sunshine Churros, Table Service Restaurants, The Basket, The Boathouse, third party restaurants, Wine Bar George, Wolfgang Puck Bar and Grill, YeSake