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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

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Review! A Cookie Monster Cupcake — But Make It Vegan. We’re In Disney Springs Visiting Erin McKenna’s Bakery!

Disney Springs has reopened, and we we’re checking it all out!

Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC

We’ve been bring you a bunch of Disney food with reviews of Morimoto Asia, The Polite Pig, and MANY MORE while we wander around the shopping and dining district. And, today, we’re back to treat ourselves to something sweet at Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC!

Since Erin McKenna’s is following the health and safety guidelines that Disney Springs has put in place, the bakery is only letting one party in at a time to place an order (you can read more about that here!). And, while everything looked SO GOOD (can we have one of each, please??), we went with the Cookie Monster Cupcake and Veggie Bomb!

Erin McKenna’s Bakery Case

The Cookie Monster Cupcake was a vanilla blonde cupcake with chocolate chips sprinkled throughout. The top was covered in Erin McKenna’s signature frosting, a chunk of one of the bakery’s chocolate chip cookies, and a chocolate drizzle.

Cookie Monster Cupcake

WOW, this cupcake might be one of the best things we’ve ever had at Erin McKenna’s! The cake was moist and the cookie on top was soft — and we totally forgot it was vegan! Although we usually love lots of frosting on our cupcakes, we did like that there was only a decent amount on the Cookie Monster Cupcake. It didn’t take away from any of the other flavors and let each part of the cupcake stand out on its own! We’d have this over and over again (and it just makes us want to try MORE cupcakes at Erin McKenna’s!).

Cookie Monster Cupcake

On the more savory side, the Veggie Bomb had a texture like a biscuit with broccoli, peppers, and vegan cheese mixed inside.

Veggie Bomb

The flavors in the Veggie Bomb were great, and you could taste the peppers and cheese with each bite! Buuuut if you’re thinking about it as a biscuit, it was a little on the drier side. And, while we enjoyed the taste of Erin McKenna’s version, we’re pretty partial to the Cheddar Drop Biscuits at Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, so you might want to pop over there if you’re looking for some awesome biscuits.

Veggie Bomb

However, the treats at Erin McKenna’s are vegan — so you might be able to find something for everyone in your party to enjoy!

Veggie Bomb and Cookie Monster Cupcake

We might need to swing back around for seconds on the Cookie Monster Cupcake (or even a dozen tbh)! ? But, if you’re looking for even MORE places to get some dessert, you can also take a look at all the restaurants open in Disney Springs here!

What is your favorite treat to get at Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC? Let us know in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Counter-Service, Disney News, disney parks, Disney Springs, Featured, Snacks, Walt Disney World, cookie monster cupcake, Disney, disney cupcakes, disney dessert, disney dining, disney food, disney news, disney restaurant, disney review, disney snacks, Disney Spring, disney springs reopening, disney treats, Disney World, erin mckena’s bakery review, erin mckenna’s, Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC, veggie bomb

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Review! Shrimp, Grits, AND Cheesy Corn?? We’re Reviewing NEW Menu Items At The Polite Pig In Disney Springs!

We’re back again in Disney Springs to bring you all the food news after its reopening!

Disney Springs

While we took you on a tour of the reopening restaurants, we’re returning for seconds at The Polite Pig (and to try a few new menu items!).

Menu

In keeping with Disney Springs following strict health and safety protocols, The Polite Pig is offering a QR menu option you can access using a smart phone. You can pick up a plastic menu if you need, but there are also digital menu boards behind the registers.

The Polite Pig Menu

We noticed Polite Pig’s Chili is back, but the Spinach Salad is no longer listed. Our server told us the Polite Baked Beans are now vegetarian, and the Tomato & Watermelon Salad now includes watermelon rind.

Drinks

We started off our day at The Polite Pig with the Grapefruit Margarita (heart eyes) made with corazon tequila, citrus, and grapefruit liqueur for $11. It tasted like grapefruit heaven! While the tequila gave it a little bite, it was mostly tangy and sweet, which was perfect for this hot Florida weather!

Grapefruit Margarita

The Polite Pig added a new Private Barrel Bourbon Flight with Elijah Craig, Wellers 107, and Blantons for $20. They also added The Three Little Pigs Flight with WhistlePig’s Piggyback six year, Farmstock, and 10 year private barrel for $33.

Eats

For our main course, we ordered up a feast with the Shrimp and Grits and Creamed Florida Corn that are NEW to the menu.

First up, the Creamed Florida Corn was The Polite Pig’s latest seasonal side topped with queso fresco and spiced breadcrumbs that were BOMB.

Our Meal!!

While the grilled street corn is already one of The Polite Pig’s best sides, the creamed corn was extremely fresh and tasty. Since the recipe opted for queso fresco, this version of creamed corn was lighter compared to ones we’ve had before. There were also peppers sprinkled throughout the side to add a bit of a kick alongside the crunch from the bread crumbs.

Smoked Cream Corn

We told you about the Smoked Shrimp and Grits coming to The Polite Pig, but we didn’t prepare you for how awesome they were.

Shrimp and Grits

The smoked grilled shrimp was topped with a honey peppercorn glaze and served over creamy cheddar grits. So, if you’re a big fan of cheese (totally us), you’re going to want to pair the Shrimp and Grits with that new Creamed Corn!! The shrimp had a nice smoky flavor that the honey peppercorn glaze brought out with each bite. The grits had LOTS of flavor, while staying smooth and not overly creamy.

Shrimp and Grits

In case you need even MORE flavor for your shrimp, The Polite Pig is still offering their signature sauces. Although the Sauce Bar is closed to guests, you can still ask your servers for whichever sauce you’d like with your meal, and they will get them for you!

The Polite Pig

And, what would a meal at The Polite Pig be without dessert?? While we can’t get a Gideon’s Bakehouse Cookie right now (we’re just as sad as you are), we went with the Orange Blossom Pie instead for $7!

Orange Blossom Pie

The citrus flavors in this pie were AMAZING and almost tasted like you were snacking on an orange juice-flavored treat. It paired really well with the rest of our Grapefruit Margarita with that bit of orange zest!

Overall

The Polite Pig is a great destination in Disney Springs if you’re looking for more of a home-cooked meal vibe paired with some GREAT drinks (have you tried their Bourbon Bar??).

Polite Pig Overview

Whenever you’re there to grab one (or all) of the menu items, be sure to check out the new Pork Rinds while you’re at it! And, The Polite Pig has been cooking up a lot of new options lately, so don’t forget to ask about the Chef’s Smoker Special and Seasonal Side — you might just stumble onto something as wonderful as these shrimp and grits!

What is your favorite thing to get at The Polite Pig? Let us know in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Counter-Service, Disney News, disney parks, Disney Springs, Featured, Snacks, Walt Disney World, creamed florida corn, Disney, disney dessert, disney dining, disney dining review, disney food, disney news, disney restaurants, disney review, disney snacks, disney springs, disney springs reopening, disney treats, Disney World, Grapefruit Margarita, orange blossom pie, polite pig dining review, shrimp and grits, The Polite Pig, the polite pig review

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Wanna Know Where You Can Find Dole Whip (Kind of!) Near YOU?!

Each Disney snack has a special place in our hearts, buuuut you voted and ranked Dole Whip at the top of your lists!

Pineapple Dole Whip

Although we could eat three of them in the parks AND you can even make them at home from scratch, Dole Whips tend to see new twists throughout our time Disney. We’ve seen the Kakamora Float, lime Dole Whip, and even a Tajin Dole Whip (Spicy pineapple, anyone??). But, we spotted a new Dole Whip trend at a restaurant by our houses.

Whether Taco Bell is your go-to spot for a late night snack or you’re a MEGA Quesarito fan, you’re going to want to hop in your car and go there ASAP. While Taco Bell has rolled out the Pineapple Freeze Slush, now they’re mixing up the Pineapple Swirl Freeze Slush (AKA a Dole Whip Slushy).

Pineapple Whip Freeze

And, of course, we had to put this new version to the test (we’ll have a Dole Whip in any capacity right now). The Pineapple Whip Freeze is mixed up with pineapple slush on top and condensed milk on the bottom. We found it is actually pretty similar in taste to a Dole Whip, but the texture might throw you off a bit.

Dole Whip Slushy

The slushy part has a bite to it similar to a Baja Blast. While it’s a bit sweeter than Disney’s Dole Whip, the texture of Taco Bell’s frozen slush isn’t quite as creamy as the Disney treat. Pro tip: if you mix up the slushy and condensed milk parts of the drink, it helps a bit to make it smoother (we had to pop off the top and really get in there to mix it well). But, you’ll need to give it a little stir between sips, because the parts started to settle and separate after a bit.

Dole Whip Slushy

Although it might not be what we normally would expect from a Dole Whip (but how do you beat Dole Whip??), Taco Bell’s Pineapple Swirl Freeze is a great option when you’re really missing the famous pineapple treat! And, running to Taco Bell to get one of these slushies is just another excuse to stock up on a bunch of tacos while you’re at it. ?

What is your favorite kind of Dole Whip in the Disney Parks? Let us know in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Counter-Service, disney dining tips, Disney News, disney parks, Featured, News, Snacks, Disney, disney dining, disney food, disney news, disney slush, disney snacks, disney treats, Disney World, Disneyland, dole whip slushy, pineapple swirl freeze, pineapple swirl freeze slush, taco bell

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REVIEW! We Tried Three Whole Pounds of LOADED FRIES at The Basket in Disney Springs!

Disney Springs re-opened its third-party restaurants and stores, and we’ve been taking you all around property with us to get snacking!

Buffalo Fries with Freaujolais

We’ve visited one of the Happiest Restaurants on Earth (AKA Wine Bar George) to check out its new procedures AND stopped by its quick service spot, The Basket, to try one of their new Fries and Frozen drink pairings. But, if you think that our love for fries stopped there, think again!

We are back for another round of the new fries that The Basket at Wine Bar George has recently rolled out. Each basket of fries is $8 and comes with an entire pound of crispy treats.

Wine Bar George Menu

So that means we totally ate three pounds of fries for breakfast — just to review them for you guys! ;D But, don’t worry — we used the plastic forks so our hands didn’t get too messy!

Wine Bar George Fries

We’re starting off with our favorite out of the three, because why not?? The Queso Fries (!!!) were loaded with queso and peppers so they’re the ultimate form of cheese fries.

Queso Fries

The queso was house-made with a blend of 4 different cheeses (the cheesier, the better). While the queso wasn’t that spicy, the peppers added a GREAT kick to each bite! While we could totally indulge in three pounds of the Queso Fries alone…

Queso Fries

…we’ve got more fries to review for you! The California Fries were made with avocado cream and bacon — and they were just as good as they sound.

California Fries

The avocado cream was lighter than the queso, so the dish wasn’t as heavy. But, there was still plenty of flavor from the sauce and the bacon bits. While some bacon tends to get a little too crispy on fries, the bacon on the California Fries was wonderful and added a hint of smokiness to the taste.

California Fries

Last, but not least, the Togarashi Fries were topped with sesame seeds and a chili sauce! Plus, there was a lime wedge so you could mix a little zest into the flavors.

Togarashi Fries

Although the first couple bites of the Togarashi Fries weren’t all that spicy, the kick snuck up on us as we were eating them! However, we do wish that there had been more chilis in the sauce to make the fries spicier. The sauce was just that awesome that we could have used more! Out of all three of the fry baskets we tried, the Togarashi Fries had the most flavors going on in the dish. Who knew that fries could be spicy and tangy?

Togarashi Fries

Wine Bar George, you’ve done it again! The fries in each of the baskets were super seasoned and salty (our favorite). And, since each basket comes with a pound of fries, you could definitely share these with a friend or family member. Or, you can treat yo’self, you know! ?

What is your favorite thing to get at The Basket or Wine Bar George? Let us know 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, Snacks, Walt Disney World, california fries, Disney, disney dining, disney food, Disney fries, disney news, disney restaurants, disney snacks, disney springs, disney springs reopening, Disney World, queso fries, togarashi fries, Wine Bar George