Tag: disney springs restaurant

REVIEW! We Ate at the Reopened Wolfgang Puck Bar and Grill (AND Their To-Go Counter!) in Disney World

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

It has been a day. We have been taking you all around Disney Springs on its re-opening day.

Wolfgang Puck

Now we’re heading to Wolfgang Puck Bar and Grill to see how they modified their restaurant with new health and safety protocols. Care to join us (virtually) for lunch?

Reservations

Wolfgang Puck Bar and Grill re-opened to guests today at noon. We snagged a reservation from OpenTable, but you can also make a reservation on the Wolfgang Puck website. While they were accepting walk-in guests, the wait was between 45 minutes and an hour for parties of two (with an even longer wait for larger groups) without reservations when we arrived at 12:30PM.

Wolfgang Puck

The wait seemed to be partially due to demand, and partially due to the reduced seating, with the table spaced farther apart to allow customers to distance.

Seating

Speaking of seating, the tables were spaced noticeably farther apart than before the closure. For reference, here’s an idea of the seating the last time we visited the restaurant.

Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill interior

In contrast, the tables in the center of the restaurant are now spaced farther apart, and some tables were purposely left empty in order to allow guests to distance.

Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill

Here’s a closer look at one of the empty tables with a sign indicating that it was to remain vacant.

Empty Table at Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill

The seating was noticeably reduced, and we had no trouble maintaining our distance from other guests with the restaurant layout.

Service

There were a number of health measures followed by all of the restaurant staff, including heightened cleaning, sanitizer available at all bussing stations, the sanitization of pens between uses, handwashing required anytime a team member enters the kitchen, and the use of gloves.

Wolfgang Puck

Our server also informed us that the staff came in on Monday for safety training and arrived early today to rearrange the tables. All of the food runners were wearing gloves, and any servers who deliver food must change gloves and wash their hands before and after dropping off the plates.

Food

Our server said the Bruschetta is the best-selling appetizer on the menu, so we decided to give it a try. And wow, we’re glad we did — it was SO GOOD!

Bruschetta

The bread was perfectly crispy, and the veggies on top were super fresh. It reminded us of a Caprese salad on top of fresh bread, and we would definitely order this delicious appetizer again!

To-Go Options

As mentioned earlier, the to-go window also reopened with grab-and-go options. In addition to lunch and snack items, guests can also order drinks at the to-go window, prepared by a bartender from the restaurant.

Wolfgang Puck

We grabbed the Kakamora’s Dart Cocktail, themed for Moana. It was a blend of Plantation Pineapple Rum, Malibu Coconut Rum, and Lime. We really enjoyed this drink — it was refreshing, and not overly sweet like some tropical cocktails can be.

Kakamora’s Dart Cocktail

We also tried a few desserts! The Salted Caramel Banana Pudding was soooo good! The banana pudding was super creamy with big chunks of banana and vanilla wafers, topped with a scoop of salted caramel gelato. We’ll definitely grab this again the next time we’re in Disney Springs!

Salted Caramel Banana Pudding

And the Reese’s Cookie was also a winner! It might sound a little basic, but this huge, soft peanut butter and chocolate chunk cookie was stuffed with Reese’s Pieces making it the ultimate blend of dessert flavors.

Reese’s Cookie

One thing to note if you’re grabbing something from the to-go window — the seating options are super limited. The seating here was always sparse, and now that the tables are extra spread out and reduced, it can be tough to find a spot!

Wolfgang Puck Seating

But they do have signs indicating the seating is reserved for Wolfgang Puck guests at least! So if you see a table you’d like, ask a host if you can sit there.

Overall Experience

While things were definitely a little different than our last visit, we had a positive experience on our visit today. The food both inside the restaurant and at the to-go window was incredible, the staff was super friendly and helpful, and we had plenty of room to enjoy our eats.

Wolfgang Puck To Go

Just keep in mind that there was a pretty long wait for walk-in guests, so try to grab a reservation if you’re looking to eat inside the restaurant anytime soon! For an even more detailed comparison, you can check out our full review of Wolfgang Puck Bar and Grill from before the closures here!

What do you think of Wolfgang Puck’s new dining experience? Let us know in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, Disney Springs, Featured, Special Stuff, Table-Service, Walt Disney World, advance dining reservation, banana pudding and salted caramel gelato, bruschetta, dining, Disney, disney dining, disney reservations, disney restaurant, disney springs, disney springs dining, disney springs restaurant, Disney World, disney world resort, kakamora’s dart, reeses cookie, table service dining, walt disney world resort, Wolfgang Puck, Wolfgang Puck Bar and Grill

Disney Parks

The Chicken Guy! Reopening in Disney World Had LONG LINES and New Procedures. Check Out Our Experience Here!

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

You’ve already joined us for many of our Disney Springs stops today if you’ve been following along with our live coverage, and now it’s time to make another one!

Disney Springs

Let’s head off to Chicken Guy! next to see how it compares to our pre-closure visits.

Line

It looks like a bunch of folks were gearin’ up for some Guy Fieri goodness this morning before the restaurant officially opened. Chicken Guy! will be open every day from 11:30AM until 9:30PM for the time being.

Chicken Guy!

We got a kick out of the markers indicating where guests could stand out front which had little chicken feet on them. Very clever!

Chicken Guy!

There was also a Chicken Guy! greeter manning the front door. Since Chicken Guy! is rather small, he was only allowing guests in a few at a time.

Greeter

Inside the restaurant, a plexiglass shield has been installed at each cash register and also along the counter where the food is prepared.

Chicken Guy!

The chicken feet markers showing guests where to stand were present on the inside as well.

Ordering

When it was our turn, we walked up to the counter and placed our order.

Cash Register

Chicken Guy! was still accepting all forms of payment while the workers who were taking orders and payment weren’t doing anything else. Their card reader was a swipe-your-own-card type of situation.

Limited Menu

Chicken Guy! had previously announced they are using single-use menus instead of their reusable menus. We also noticed their menu board appeared to show everything as available (many other locations have offered limited menus).

Chicken Guy! Menu

Service

All employees were wearing face coverings (which are required for all guests and cast members in Disney Springs). When it was time to pick up our food, a server called out our name and handed us our food (that way, people didn’t huddle up by the pick-up window.)

Chicken Guy

Another server was stationed at the self-serve beverage station to get your drink for you.

Serving Soft Drinks

Tables and Seating

While it can be hard to find a table inside Chicken Guy! sometimes, it might be even more difficult now that tables are more spaced apart and there appear to be fewer of them.

Chicken Guy!

Chicken Guy! announced they altered their seating arrangement to promote social distancing and are sanitizing tables between each party. It’s too bad their expansion project hasn’t been completed yet since this restaurant could use some extra indoor seating.

Food

Since we’d already stuffed ourselves silly, we didn’t order a meal at Chicken Guy! today. Instead, we opted for this very light and refreshing Triple Double Mint Shake instead!

Chicken Guy Triple Double Mint Shake

We’re just kidding around — there’s nothing LIGHT about any of Chicken Guy’s milkshakes! They’re the real DEAL!

Overall Experience

Chicken Guy! was visibly implementing all of the safety measures they’d announced before opening. The biggest takeaways were the full menu and the fact that you won’t be able to use the self-service beverage station for the time being, Before your next visit, you can check out our full review of Chicken Guy! from before the closures 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, Chicken Guy!, dining, Disney, disney dining, disney fast food, disney quick service, disney restaurant, disney springs, disney springs dining, disney springs reopening, disney springs restaurant, Disney World, Disney World reopening, disney world resort, fast food, quick service, reopening, table service dining, walt disney world resort

Disney Parks

The Rubber Duckie Drink RETURNS! We’re Back at The Boathouse in Disney Springs on Reopening Day

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

We’ve been making our way around Disney Springs for its re-opening today.

The Boathouse Sign

Disney-owned locations won’t be opening until May 27th, but third-party stores and restaurants opened today with new health and safety guidelines. So we’re heading to the dock for a bite to eat and a view of the lagoon!

The Boathouse and The Boathouse Boatique have officially re-opened as of 11AM this morning. Along with the new health and safety measures being taken by Disney Springs, The Boathouse has previously stated that they will be taking “extra precautions to ensure the safety of our staff and customers.” Here is what we experienced while we were there.

Check In

When we first arrived to check in at The Boathouse there was already a line formed behind the host stand, and parties were spacing themselves apart without any markers on the ground.

The Boathouse Disney Springs line

The restaurant is limiting capacity to 25% in dining rooms. In order to dine there, guests can book their reservations in advance for guaranteed inside seating. Walk-ups will also be accepted for outdoor seating where the patio tables are spaced six feet apart.

Seating

Guests were required to be wearing masks at all times, unless you are seated at your table.

The Boathouse

The interior of The Boathouse looked similar to how we remember it, but they had taken away chairs from certain tables and placed black table cloths over them to denote guests were not to be seated here.

The Boathouse Reopening Interior

Dining Room Inside The Boathouse

The Boathouse Reopening Interior

We were seated outside with a great view of the water.

The Boathouse Outdoor Seating

However, the outdoor bar was not in service. You are still able to order drinks to your table, though.

The Boathouse

Service

Since this was our first time back at The Boathouse, you know we had to get a rubber duckie drink. You may know it by its proper name, the Duck Duck Razz.

Duck Duck Razz

We watched the little duckie bob up and down as our server carefully delivered him to the table. Our server was not wearing gloves, but she was careful to only touch the bottom of the glasses.

Sever at The Boathouse

She mentioned the staff was given training packets a week ago and were brought in yesterday for additional training. She said she has has worked in several restaurants and said this is the cleanest she has ever seen a restaurant — even before the closures.

The food runners wore gloves to deliver our plates and noted they change out their gloves between each table.

Sever at The Boathouse

They also shared that the chefs are on 15 minute timers to remind them to stop, wash their hands and change gloves.

The Boathouse Food Runner

Our server cleared our plates for us once we had finished and she told us that the staff was given the choice to come back to work, so everyone there seemed excited to be back.

Food

Our drinks were served with regular glassware and the silverware was traditional flatware wrapped in a cloth napkin.

The Boathouse Silverware

We ordered a Jumbo Lump Crab Cake that was served with Coleslaw and Brandied Cocktail Sauce.

The crab cake was delicious. It had more crab than breading, but it still had a great sear on the outside — adding a little extra crunch to every bite. The Brandied Cocktail Sauce made for a tangy, creamy addition as well.

The Boathouse Disney Springs Jumbo Lump Crab Cake and Brandied Cocktail Sauce

The Boathouse Disney Springs Jumbo Lump Crab Cake

And you know we can’t resist some fries OR truffles (Don’t believe us? Find out just how many truffles we can pack into a meal here.), so we ordered Truffle Fries to snack on. Lil Rubber Duckie looked jealous in the background… .

The Boathouse Disney Springs

The Boathouse Truffle Fries

The Boathouse Disney Springs

The fries were another tasty, crispy addition to the Crab Cake. Our plates did not have an extra “handling plate” like we saw at Margaritaville in Universal’s CityWalk, but we appreciated the food runners using gloves and the plates were plenty big to prevent the runners’ hands from coming in contact with the food.

Payment

Once we were finished, our server brought us the check just like The Boathouse normally would pre-closure and we paid with a card. Margaritaville in CityWalk eliminated an extra trip to the server station by allowing guests to add a tip immediately when their checks were delivered. However, The Boathouse took the two trips we are used to seeing at restaurants — one check with your subtotal and another once your card has been processed.

The Boathouse Boatique

After we ate, we visited The Boathouse Boatique to see if they had any nautical masks to add to our stash, but they said they are not selling masks at this time.

Amphicars

The Amphicar Launch is scheduled to open today, but when we stopped by, there were not any guests using them. There were markers on the ground for guests to observe the cars — er, boats — er, amphicars.

The Boathouse Amphicar Do Not Stand Markers

Overall Experience

After our visit to The Boathouse, we thought that the new health and safety measures were well thought out and executed by the staff. Everyone we interacted with seemed happy to be back and were kind and attentive to guests. Although we felt like the servers were being careful and safe, we noticed The Boathouse’s approach was much less overt as Margaritaville in CityWalk. Margaritaville thoughtfully explained what was going on and how they were handing each item for our safety. The Boathouse was careful with distancing and sanitizing, but it felt like they were looking to maintain a similar guest experience to a pre-closure meal whenever possible.

What restaurant will you be visiting first when you go back to Disney Springs? Let us know in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: disney dining tips, Disney Springs, Featured, Table-Service, Walt Disney World, advance dining reservation, Amphicars, crab cake, dining, Disney, disney dining, disney news, disney parks, disney reservations, disney restaurant, disney restaurants, disney springs, disney springs dining, disney springs reopening, disney springs restaurant, Disney World, Disney World reopening, disney world resort, reopening, rubber duckie, table service dining, The Boathouse, The Boathouse Boatique, walt disney world resort

Disney Parks

Review: One of the BEST Disney World Restaurants to Come Home To ❤️

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

We’re taking you along with us today as we visit the newly reopened Disney Springs.

Welcome Back to Disney Springs

Disney released a new set of safety procedures prior to the reopening and we are here to find out how these new protocols impact guests’ dining experiences. Come along with us as we explore dining at Wine Bar George.

Reservations

Wine Bar George opened today, May 20th, at noon. We made a dining reservation shortly after Wine Bar George announced they were reopening, so there was a table waiting for us when we arrived.

Wine Bar George

Wine Bar George is checking in all guests with advance dining reservations digitally so once we arrived, we texted Wine Bar George to be seated. Walk-up guests were instructed to wait in line on special markers until the next available table was ready.

Standing Outside of Wine Bar George

We also noticed Wine Bar George is offering a full to-go food and beverage menu if you don’t feel like dining in.

Wine Bar George Food To-Go

A plexiglass shield has been installed on the hostess’ stand.

Wine Bar George

And hand sanitizer was left out for guests to use at the bar.

Hand Sanitizer

Once we were seated, our server provided us with a brown paper bag to store our masks in while we ate. We were also given some individually wrapped hand wipes.

Wine Bar George

As we looked around, we noticed the tables were all spaced out accordingly while we saw managers wiping down each table and chair after each set of guests left.

Before visiting, we noticed the White and Dark Chocolate Trifle and Teriyaki Salmon Salad had been taken off the online menu, but there didn’t appear to be any additional menu cuts. We ordered the Saganaki on Fire and Burrata Cheese apps — two of our absolute Wine Bar George FAVORITES!

Service

Before the restaurant reopened, Wine Bar George announced some of the additional safety measures it would be following. These included ensuring all team members are certified in safe food handling, strict kitchen sanitation standards, requiring all team members to pass a health check before their shift, and strict handwashing policies.

Wine Bar George

The restaurant also said that all place settings, tables, chairs, utensils, and condiments in both dining areas and common areas will be sanitized after each use. We found this was most certainly the case with our dining experience today. Normal glassware is still in use with disposable straws…

Glassware at Wine Bar George

…and paper disposable napkins are being used with regular cutlery rolled up inside.

Paper Napkin and Cutlery at Wine Bar George

When our Burrata came to the table, our server was wearing gloves. After not seeing this small plate of wonderful cheesiness for some time, it was a sight for sore eyes.

Service at Wine Bar George

And when our Saganaki on Fire showed up, the food runner who brought it to us was also wearing gloves. Look out for those flames!

Saganaki on Fire

Normally the server squeezes a fresh slice of lemon over the top for us, causing the flames to grow even higher, but we were instructed to do our own lemon-squeezing.

Saganaki on Fire

Payment

We noticed our server switched gloves before bringing us our check which he said is standard practice for them now. We asked him if he felt comfortable being back and he said yes — “they’ve had a lot of training and feel safe.”

Today’s Lunch at Wine Bar George

All of Wine Bar George employees were very welcoming, especially THIS Wine Bar George employee, George Miliotes himself!

George Miliotes

George told us he is very happy to be back! He also said it feels weird not being to smile at his guests but the master sommelier made it a point to tell us he is, IN FACT, smiling beneath his face mask.

Overall Experience

Overall, the restaurant felt clean, calm, and welcoming. The staff informed us that they felt well-trained and excited about being back. The entire process ran smoothly. Reservations for Wine Bar George are currently available on the My Disney Experience app starting the second week of June as well as available earlier on OpenTable.

Would you visit Wine Bar George with these new measures in place? Let us know in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney Springs, Featured, Table-Service, Walt Disney World, advance dining reservation, dining, Disney, disney dining, disney reservations, disney restaurant, disney springs, disney springs dining, disney springs restaurant, Disney World, disney world resort, table service dining, walt disney world resort, Wine Bar George

Tags advance dining reservation, dining, disney, disney dining, disney reservations, disney restaurant, Disney Springs, disney springs dining, disney springs restaurant, Disney World, disney world resort, Featured, table service dining, Table-Service, Walt Disney World, walt disney world resort, Wine Bar George

Disney Merch Disney Parks

You’ve NEVER Shopped in Disney World Like This Before

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

Today, we’re LIVE at the reopening of Disney Springs in Disney World.

Disney Springs

We’ve already shown you a look into parking, temperature checks, and we have also reviewed the new “Welcome Back” drink at Starbucks! But now its time for us to hit a few Disney Springs shops!

Disney announced many third party stores along with non-Disney owned restaurants would be permitted to reopen starting today, May 20th. We’re going to be stopping by each location to see how they each approached the new health and safety protocols, but we’ve got A LOT of ground to cover, so we’ll keep updating this post as we visit more stores!

Disney Springs

And remember — Disney-owned locations (such as World of Disney) will begin reopening May 27th, but for, now, here’s what’s happening at some the Disney Springs retailers!

Anthropologie

We stopped by clothing and home decor retailer Anthropologie to see what modifications they’ve made for their reopening.

Anthropologie

A notice at the front welcomes guests back and includes a few of the safety measures the store is taking to keep guests and staff safe. This includes social distancing, keeping the store extra-clean with increased sanitary practices, and having associates available to address any concerns guests might have.

Anthropologie Sign

The biggest physical difference we spotted at the store is a large plexiglass shield has been installed at the cash registers.

Plexiglass at Anthropologie’s Cash Registers

We also saw a large bottle of hand sanitizer was put out for guests and employees to use.

Anthropologie

Uniqlo

We popped into Uniqlo to see what precautions they’re taking to keep their guests and workers safe. A greeter stationed at the door was also available to help with any online in-store pick-up orders!

Uniqlo

There was also new signage posted throughout the store including this welcome back sign which included some of Uniqlo’s new policies! They’re limiting capacity, practicing social distancing, accepting mobile payment, modifying some of their guest services such as having restrooms and fitting rooms open to guests while also encouraging guests to bag their own items.

Uniqlo Sign

Markers have been guided to add guests throughout the store. They’re more subtle than some of the markers we’ve seen other stores using, but they’re present.

Markers at Uniqlo

Plexiglass barriers have been installed at the cash registers at Uniqlo as well.

Plexiglass Shields at Uniqlo’s Cash Registers

We also saw Uniqlo employees wiping down the card readers at the checkout counter between each guest’s transaction!

Basin

We stopped by Basin bright and early this morning to see what was happening inside this store that sells luxury bath and body products!

Basin

This store sells tons of beautiful soaps, bath bombs, and all sorts of wonderful smelling-stuff! Even though we were wearing our face masks, we could still smell all the wonderful scents in the air! While you CAN still handle the product, Basin requests you keep your “touching of stuff” to a minimum.

Basin Reopening

We also discovered Basin has bundles of travel-sized hand sanitizer for sale — it’s their own Premium brand and includes essential oils to keep your hands from becoming too dry! $20 will buy you a three-pack!

Hand Sanitizer at Basin

You CAN still test the products and wash your hands inside of Basin (do note that there are portable handwashing stations outside)! The samples are applied using disposable wooden sinks, which you can rinse them off using a touchless faucet.

Basin Reopening

Social distancing for customers was also being encouraged while markers showed guests where to stand while waiting to checkout.

Arribas Bros.

Next, we stopped by Arribas Bros. to see what changes they are implementing.

Arribas Bros.

Overall, the store looked pretty normal with loads of sparkly glass sculptures and crystal ornaments everywhere we turned.

Arribas Bros.

We noticed a sign on the counter which provided additional safety information to guests. Cashless payments are not required but they are encouraged at this time.

Arribas Bros.

And Cast Members were on hand to answer any questions! So far, each shop we’ve visited has had a greeter stationed right at its front door!

Arribas Bros.

Signs on the counter also requested guests not to handle merchandise excessively. Additional items weren’t on display but you could request a Cast Member to show them to you.

Arribas Bros.

There were also some signs on the ground indicating where guests should stand while waiting in line to make a purchase.

Arribas Bros.

Ron Jon Surf Shop

At Ron Jon Surf Shop, we were able to have a quick chat with one of the managers. He said the team came in about a week ago to start cleaning the store and set up to welcome back guests. At check out, employees are now wiping down touchscreens in between each guest.

Ron Jon Surf Shop

The team has also been having weekly calls to discuss the new procedures so that everyone would be ready to go once the store reopened. Everyone came in an hour early today to receive additional training while new signage had been put up and requesting guests to stay 6 feet apart while shopping.

Ron Jon Signage

Ron Jon is ONLY accepting cashless payments at this time.

Ron Jon Surf Shop Not Accepting Cash Payments

Free People

We were too early to get in Free People, but we’ll circle back soon to check it out!

Free People reopening today

We did notice a sign on the door. Here’s what it said.

Sign on Free People’s Door

Free People has stated certain procedures and policies will be modified such as increased cleaning routines, masks required for all employees, reduced hours, social distancing reminders, limiting occupancy, and installing plexiglass guards at the cash registers. We’ll be back to check them out shortly.

Volcom

Again, we were a little too early for Volcom, but we did see an announcement posted on its door.

Volcom

The letter made us very interested to see what safety measures they’ve instituted. We’ll definitely be back after our dining reservations to check out their stuff.

Volcom

We’ve got some meals to run off to, but for now, check out everything you need to know about wearing face masks in Disney Springs!

We will be updating this post with new information, so be sure to check back. And if you have ANY questions about shopping in Disney Springs, please let us know!

Which protocols would help you feel safest as a shopper? Let us know in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: disney merchandise, Disney Springs, Walt Disney World, advance dining reservation, American Threads, antropologie, arribas bros, Basin, chapel hats, columbia sportswear, crystal art, crystal art by arribas bros, Disney, Disney merchandise, disney reservations, disney restaurant, disney shopping, disney springs, disney springs dining, disney springs reopening, disney springs restaurant, Disney World, Disney World reopening, disney world resort, edward beiner eyewear, free people, happy hound, health, lucky Brand, luxury of time by diamonds international, merchandise, Pandora, payment, pele soccer, pop gallery, reopening, ron jon, Ron Jon Surf Shop, sanitation, sanitizer, sanuk, Savannah Bee Company, shopping, sosa family cigars, Sugarboo and Co, ugg, Uniqlo, unode50, Vera Bradley, volcom, walt disney world resort

Tags advance dining reservation, American Threads, antropologie, arribas bros, Basin, chapel hats, columbia sportswear, crystal art, crystal art by arribas bros, disney, disney merchandise, disney reservations, disney restaurant, disney shopping, Disney Springs, disney springs dining, disney springs reopening, disney springs restaurant, Disney World, Disney World reopening, disney world resort, edward beiner eyewear, free people, happy hound, health, lucky Brand, luxury of time by diamonds international, merchandise, Pandora, payment, pele soccer, pop gallery, reopening, ron jon, Ron Jon Surf Shop, sanitation, sanitizer, sanuk, Savannah Bee Company, Shopping, sosa family cigars, Sugarboo and Co, ugg, Uniqlo, unode50, Vera Bradley, volcom, Walt Disney World, walt disney world resort