We are in Disney Springs today for the reopening of Walt Disney World’s shopping and dining district. We are taking in all the experiences, which now include following new safety measures along with dining and shopping among the currently open restaurants and shops.
Along the way, we’re stopping at newly reopen table service restaurants like Wine Bar George, Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, The BOATHOUSE, and more to see the new measures in action when it comes to dining. But Disney Springs is also well-known for all sorts of counter service options including grab-and-go spots. What’s it like to eat and drink around Disney Springs when you’re not doing so at a sit-down restaurant?
We have visited both Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea and Starbucks in the Disney Springs Marketplace, and we stopped by the outside counter at Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, among other locations.
Neither Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea or Starbucks offer indoor or have dedicated outdoor seating, and in all cases you queue up to order your food and drink. So, let’s do exactly that!
Physical Distancing in Queues
We are finding that Counter Service locations have easy-to-spot signage on the ground so you know where to stand to keep to the recommended physical distancing measure of 6 feet from other guests.
At Joffrey’s, guest flow is directed by dedicated entrances and exits. And you may already be familiar with the line flow at Starbucks, which always had directional “ropes” since it’s always a busy spot, but they have been extended to allow for more space between guests.
Placing and Getting Your Order
As a reminder, all cast members — and guests — in Disney Springs are required to wear a face mask. Placing your order itself is otherwise the same, though cashless payment is encouraged.
At Starbucks specifically, a barista presented each person their drink.
This is opposed to having guests gather by the pickup window as was previously done.
Alcohol in Disney Springs
Both Joffrey’s and the Wolfgang Puck outdoor counter served beverages with alcohol before (and without, of course!), and continue to do so. At Wolfgang Puck, the outdoor drinks were all previously frozen beverages. However, a selection of cocktails is also available now.
You see, several table service restaurants also typically feature bar-only service. However, bars-only are not operating in this initial reopening phase. As such, Wolfgang Puck is providing a to-go option, with drinks made by a bartender inside. And Frontera Cocina is also serving drinks at their To-Go window.
And, because the bars are not currently open, we found out you are even able to get a drink to go from The BOATHOUSE. As to where you can imbibe… .
WHERE You Can Eat and Drink
As it turns out, enjoying your grab-and-goes is a lot like it was before. We are still spotting tables and chairs placed outside nearby dining locations that do not have their own designated seating, and have not noticed any areas where they have been entirely removed.
And you CAN stroll with your goodies as usual. The biggest logistical question here is the wearing of face masks, which again, are required. And we were informed by several cast members that guests who have food and drink in hand may have their face coverings lowered while eating and drinking.
These new measures at grab-and-go dining echo those in place all around Disney Springs, and you can read more about all the new measures in full by clicking here. To learn more about the status of Disney Resorts and parks around the world, you can visit any of the links below.
Where do you like to grab a bite or beverage 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, disney springs, Disney Springs May 20th, disney springs reopen, Frontera Cocina, health and safety measures, Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea, Starbucks, Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill