WDW Daily News

Five new dining concepts debut as early as Fall 2017, joining the stellar line-up of awarding-winning restaurants at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort:

Opening in 2018 on the West Side is Jaleo, a concept by world-renowned Chef José Andrés’ ThinkFoodGroup. Bringing the spirit and flavors of Spain, the Disney Springs restaurant will feature an extensive menu of tapas that reflect the rich regional diversity of traditional and contemporary Spanish cuisine, such as paella cooked over a wood fire, hand-carved Jamon Iberico de Bellota and wood-grilled Iberico pork. With five locations in the United States and Mexico City, this will be the first location in Florida. The first floor of the multi-level restaurant will feature a “grab-n-go” storefront with Spanish-style sandwiches. Designed by noted Spanish designer Juli Capella, the multi-level space will feature vibrant, theatrical décor representing the colorful culture of Spain.

Also in 2018, a new Wolfgang Puck concept will open in a new location in Town Center. Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, will modernize the traditional “bar and grill” concept in a setting inspired by traditional farmhouses with a touch of elegance. The restaurant, designed by tonychi, will capture the essence of laid-back California dining made popular by Puck at Spago, his flagship restaurant in Los Angeles. The menu will highlight the best of Puck’s signature dishes with Mediterranean influences, innovative takes on comfort food classics and handcrafted specialty cocktails, beer and wine.

This fall, Chicago-based Levy Restaurants is introducing a new Italian concept at Disney Springs with James Beard award winner and “Top Chef Master” Chef Tony Mantuano leading development. The new restaurant will replace Levy’s Portobello Country Italian Trattoria and will feature dishes inspired by Mantuano’s adventures in Italy.

Opening later this year, The Edison, a lavish “Industrial Gothic” restaurant, bar and nighttime destination will debut. A collaboration of Patina Restaurant Group and Kinetescape’s Andrew Meieran, The Edison is noted for classic American food, craft cocktails and live entertainment including cabaret. (The Disney Springs location is inspired by its sister location in Los Angeles.) With Old World sophistication and romance, The Edison will be themed to a 1920s-era electric company, recalling an exuberant era of invention and imagination with entertainment that includes contortionists, aerialists, DJs and more.

Also opening in late 2017 is Wine Bar George, with Master Sommelier George Miliotes bringing his expertise to Disney Springs with an unparalleled wine list including more than 100 selections by the bottle and glass in a range of varietals, vintages and prices. Shareable plates, cheese and charcuterie will complement the wine list, featuring local artisans and seasonally relevant dishes. Wine education will be served up in an approachable and fun manner, including special events and visits from renowned winemakers. Miliotes is widely regarded as one of the industry’s foremost wine experts, and is one of only 236 professionals certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers.

Wrapped in Florida-inspired, made-for-strolling promenades, arcing footbridges, flowing streams and waterfront charm, Disney Springs treats Walt Disney World Resort guests to an exciting, one-of-a-kind blend of shopping, dining and entertainment – with an unmistakable Disney touch.

By day or night guests can expect a vibrant scene, whether they are shopping top-name retail brands, enjoying high-quality entertainment, having that special dining experience, pleasure boating on Lake Buena Vista or hopping a balloon skyward for spectacular views of Walt Disney World and beyond.

The former Downtown Disney completed a dramatic, multi-year transformation in 2016, was renamed Disney Springs and more than doubled – to more than 150 — the number of shops, restaurants and other venues for guests to explore and enjoy.

Stop for a snack or cool drink, listen to talented musical performers or enjoy a meal at one of many great dining establishments. From sweets to street food to everything in between, there is something for every taste at Disney Springs.

If it’s a memorable meal you’re after, Disney Springs offers unforgettable dining experiences – some created by celebrity chefs and James Beard award-winning chefs. Chefs including Matsaharu Morimoto, Art Smith, Kevin Dundon and Rick Bayless call Disney Springs home with exciting restaurants offering unsurpassed dining.

Newest dining choices include The Polite Pig, where renowned Orlando chefs James and Julie Petrakis serve up modern barbecue with Southern sides and a bourbon bar offering more than 50 selections, and Paddlefish – an elegant old paddlewheeler reimagined into a modern yacht experience dishing up fresh seafood and steaks, a delicious Sunday brunch and a late-night menu with starry views from a deck-top lounge.

If shopping is your thing, Disney Springs is an experience like no other, with many great venues you won’t find anywhere else. Guests can shop a “Springs” brimming with everything from fashion apparel and jewelry to collectibles and artwork. For that special something, unique shopping found only at Disney Springs includes Uniqlo, American Threads, the Coca-Cola Store, Trophy Room, Shores and Sugarboo & Co. And The Force is more than with you at the Star Wars Galactic Outpost – great Star Wars merchandise is, too.

That’s only part of the shopping story. Fans of All Things Disney can stock up on Disney merchandise at World of Disney and Marketplace Co-Op. Uniqlo, Vera Bradley, Pandora, Alex & Ami and more stock Disney co-branded merchandise.

In creating the largest expansion in its history, Disney planners infused Disney Springs with the same focus on storytelling and attention to detail that are hallmarks of Disney theme parks, resort hotels and cruise ships, creating a welcoming space that only Disney can provide.

The story of Disney Springs begins as Florida’s did, with bubbling springs and natural beauty that first attracted settlers to the area. At the turn of the 20^th century waterfront towns sprang up, dotting Florida’s landscape. Today’s Disney Springs fittingly starts with a clear water stream and fans out to exciting precincts for entertainment, dining, lounging and shopping.

Guests will find four outdoor, fun-to-stroll areas, each with its own personality:

• Town Center offers a sophisticated mix of noteworthy shopping and dining along with a promenade where guests can relax, refresh and reconnect. Town Center features Spanish “Revival” style architecture, drawing from a rich history of explorers that landed in Florida centuries ago. Stop at Sprinkles where yummy cupcakes dispense from an ATM-style machine. Or order up an artisanal pie at Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza and it’s “fired up” oven-to-table in a lightning-fast 180 seconds. Long noted for Hollywood stars, the newly-renovated and renamed Planet Hollywood Observatory sets its sights on celestial ones. Its out-of-this world setting is home to a revamped menu that includes signature burgers from celebrity chef Guy Fieri.
• A colorful and thriving commercial district called The Landing offers inspired dining and breathtaking waterfront views. High-quality retailers are found along its lantern-lined byways, including Sanuk for footwear, Chapel Hats and The Art of Shaving. Dine fine at STK, Morimoto Asia, dine fun at Paradiso 37 or the Raglan Road Irish Pub. The BOATHOUSE serves up a great menu and terrific lakeside views. Book a romantic sailing on an Italian water taxi or opt for the thrills of an Amphicar: vintage-style cars that transition from the land to the water for an unforgettable cruise of Disney Springs sights.
• The family-friendly Marketplace continues to delight guests of all ages by combining new experiences such as an over-the-water pedestrian causeway, along with classic Disney favorites, including a Lego Store for hands-on play or an expanded World of Disney store – largest Disney character store in the world. Cooling refreshments at the water’s edge are found at Dockside Margaritas. For the little ones, a spin on the Marketplace Train Express or a charming Venetian carousel is sure to bring smiles. Treat the family to dino-themed dining at T-Rex Café or jungle-style at Rainforest Café.
• The West Side delivers an exuberant atmosphere with lively entertainment, retail and dining along with a series of new elevated spaces that provide both shade and an overlook to the activity below. From Cirque du Soleil to iconic restaurants like House of Blues to bowling with a stylized twist at Splitsville Luxury Lanes, West Side offers something for everyone. For unmatched aerial views of Disney Springs and beyond, hop aboard Characters in Flight. Operated by Aerophile, the world’s largest tethered helium balloon ascends 400 feet.

Thanks to new slot-smart parking decks where green lights indicate available spaces (and take the guesswork out), parking is convenient to the entire Disney Springs scene – and free. Valet parking also is available.

Disney Springs is easily accessed from I-4, Central Florida’s major interstate, and connected to the rest of Walt Disney World Resort by motorcoach, watercraft or pedestrian pathways. Guests can visit disneysprings.com for all the exciting details.

Five new dining concepts debut as early as Fall 2017, joining the stellar line-up of awarding-winning restaurants at Disney Springs® at Walt Disney World® Resort:

Opening in 2018 on the West Side is Jaleo, a concept by world-renowned Chef José Andrés’ ThinkFoodGroup. Bringing the spirit and flavors of Spain, Jaleo will feature an extensive menu of tapas that reflect the rich regional diversity of traditional and contemporary Spanish cuisine. Think paella cooked over a wood fire, hand-carved Jamon Iberico de Bellota and wood-grilled Iberico pork. With five locations in the United States and Mexico City, this will be the first location in Florida. The first floor of the multi-level restaurant will feature a “grab-n-go” storefront with Spanish-style sandwiches.

Also in 2018, a new Wolfgang Puck concept will open in a new location in Town Center. Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, will modernize the traditional “bar and grill” concept in a setting inspired by traditional farmhouses with a touch of elegance. The restaurant, designed by tonychi, will capture the essence of laid-back California dining made popular by Puck at Spago, his flagship restaurant in Los Angeles. The menu will highlight the best of Puck’s signature dishes with Mediterranean influences, innovative takes on comfort food classics and handcrafted specialty cocktails, beer and wine.

This fall, Chicago-based Levy Restaurants is introducing a new Italian concept at Disney Springs with James Beard award winner and “Top Chef Master” Chef Tony Mantuano leading development. The new restaurant will replace Levy’s Portobello Country Italian Trattoria and will feature dishes inspired by Mantuano’s adventures in Italy.

And pening later this year, The Edison, a lavish “Industrial Gothic” restaurant, bar and nighttime destination will debut. A collaboration of Patina Restaurant Group and Kinetescape’s Andrew Meieran, The Edison is noted for classic American food, craft cocktails and live entertainment including cabaret. (The Disney Springs location is inspired by its sister location in Los Angeles.) With Old World sophistication and romance, The Edison will be themed to a 1920s-era electric company, recalling an exuberant era of invention and imagination with entertainment that includes contortionists, aerialists, DJs and more.

Also opening in late 2017 is Wine Bar George, with Master Sommelier George Miliotes bringing his expertise to Disney Springs with an unparalleled wine list including more than 100 selections by the bottle and glass in a range of varietals, vintages and prices. Shareable plates, cheese and charcuterie will complement the wine list, featuring local artisans and seasonally relevant dishes. Wine education will be served up in an approachable and fun manner, including special events and visits from renowned winemakers. Miliotes is widely regarded as one of the industry’s foremost wine experts, and is one of only 236 professionals certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers.

On April 10, 2017, The Polite Pig in Town Center at Disney Springs™ at Walt Disney World® Resort will open, the newest concept for award-winning Orlando Chefs James and Julie Petrakis. The husband-wife team, also owners of The Ravenous Pig and Swine & Sons in Winter Park and Cask & Larder at Orlando International Airport, are opening this newest concept with James Petrakis’ brother Brian.

The Polite Pig will feature “modern barbecue” in an open kitchen, with Southern sides like a tomato and watermelon salad, mac and cheese and smoked corn with lime butter – including a sauce bar with seven different ways to top barbeque dishes, from Layla’s Sweet to Fresno Hot Sauce. The Polite Pig will also serve a solid selection of craft beers and cocktails and features a bourbon bar with more than 50 selections, from small batch bourbons to a Pappy Van Winkle 23-Year Family Reserve.

The restaurant has 190 seats, and the décor pays homage to the beloved swine of The Polite Pig, as well as antiquity. Whimsical pigs on various adventures can be seen throughout the space, and rustic touches are used for custom featured art pieces. Large faded graphics also adorn the main wall of the space adding to the feel of the long-time family run business.

When Walt Disney World® Resort Guests enter Amorette’s Patisserie at Disney Springs™, they can feast their eyes on a gallery of goodies, including cookies, macarons, pastries and signature cakes.

Now guests can learn how to create their own magic during a new Cake Decorating Experience at Amorette’s Patisserie beginning March 31, 2017. Reservations are now open, and the experience, which must be booked in advance, will be from 8:45 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. every Friday through May 5, 2017.

During the experience, guests can enjoy complimentary specialty coffee, mimosas and bellinis while they work side by side with the pros at Amorette’s Patisserie to decorate their own Mickey Dome Cake. They’ll learn discover how the team at Amorette’s seamlessly blends artistry and storytelling in cake design, starting with the elegant glaçage (that’s French for “mirror glaze”) and ending with the finishing touches such as chocolate sculpted ears, tail, belt and buttons – all edible, of course.

Guests can even take their cake home to impress their family and friends – it not only looks beautiful, but tastes delicious. Space is limited. The Cake Decorating Experience at Amorette’s Patisserie is another exciting offering from the Enchanting Extras Collection, which allows guests to enhance your vacation. Cost is $129 plus tax for ages 10 and up, for one to two Guests working on a single cake. A second cake can be purchased for an additional $40. Reservations are available now, and can be made by visiting DisneyWorld.com/dining.

Celtic rock’s hardest-working band and an extraordinary family of Irish musicians will headline the 2017 Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant in Disney Springs.

Running March 16-19, the most authentic St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Central Florida will feature a round-the-clock lineup of talented musicians, award-winning Irish dancers and authentic cuisine by Irish celebrity chef and PBS/Create TV personality Kevin Dundon.

Guests can enjoy a mighty selection of beers, spirits and craft cocktails with Dundon’s exceptional Irish fare while musicians and dancers perform on multiple stages, indoors and out, from 11 a.m. until 2 a.m. daily. Guests can accent their Irish holiday attire with complimentary face painting available for the occasion from noon to 8 p.m. throughout the festival. The stellar music lineup includes:

• Young Dubliners – Quite possibly Celtic rock’s hardest working band, playing hundreds of shows to thousands of fans across the United States and Europe every year. Known for their exciting live performances, the Young Dubliners bring their hearty rock and Irish-infused tunes to the Raglan Road stage.

• The Byrne Brothers – An exceptionally talented traditional Irish music family from Donegal. They are Luca, 12, on button accordion; Finn, 10, on banjo, mandolin and whistle; and Dempsey, 7, on whistle and bodhran (percussion). Their show combines exciting traditional Irish tunes with modern dance beats, and they’re known for their fun interaction with their audience.

• HanaLena Band – A sister duo based out of Nashville, Tenn. Hannah and Caroline grew up in the heart of Mississippi and were surrounded by bluegrass, country and the Delta blues. Their unique blend of acoustic instrumentation, moving lyrics and tight vocal harmonies make for an entertaining show.

• The Raglan Roots Coalition – More than 10 years down the road, Raglan Road felt it was time to shake its boogie – Roots style, with this popular Irish house band. Think soul-rocking Celtic bluegrass with some hip-swingin’, knee-shakin’ funky roots beats. 

• Swingin’ On the Gate – This four-piece band of multi-instrumentalists with roots in legendary Lisdoonvarna in County Clare have serious crossover credentials and musical pedigree including traditional and classical training. They are multiple medal winners at Fleadhs music competitions and have toured in Italy, Switzerland and the United States.

• Rollickin’ Rua – A fresh and exciting four–piece traditional Irish music ensemble from Ireland and Scotland. Each of the accomplished musicians brings a wealth of musical talent and experience to their vibrant live show of music and song.

• The Raglan Road Irish Dancers – Plucked from the cast and stages of the world’s greatest Irish dance shows, the Raglan Road Irish Dancers perform throughout the Mighty Festival. You can even learn some traditional Irish dance steps – no experience necessary!

The entertainment schedule will be posted at raglanroad.com. Festivities at Raglan Road will run from 11 a.m. until 2 a.m. daily throughout the Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival.

If you want to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day like the Irish, here’s our primer:

1. Please don’t call the holiday “St. Patty’s.” It’s either “St. Patrick’s Day” or “St. Paddy’s.”
2. A shamrock has three leaves (not four – that would be a clover).
3. Americans invented the St. Patrick’s Day parade in 1737 in Boston.
4. Most Irish pubs do a full month’s business on St. Patrick’s Day.
5. Guinness sell 13 million pints on St. Patrick’s Day versus the usual 5 million daily.
6. Raglan Road is America’s #1 Irish Pub.
7. Green beer is an American invention. Raglan Road does not serve green beer.

Guests can order from Raglan Road’s popular brunch, lunch, dinner and bar menus that include new dishes recently introduced by Master Chef Dundon. The dinner menu features loin of bacon and cabbage, the authentic Irish dish of St. Patrick’s Day, plus other Irish classics created with Dundon’s modern twists. Throughout the event, the restaurant’s Cooke’s of Dublin counter-service eatery will offer Irish favorites, as well, including fish and chips.

On March 17, St. Patrick’s Day, guests will be seated on a first-come, first-served basis with a cover charge of $10 for each guest age 18 and older. Reservations can be booked for other festival days by calling 407/938-0300.

Kiehl’s Since 1851, the venerable New York-based purveyor of fine quality skin and hair care preparations, will open its first retail store in Disney Springs on March 3. Kiehl’s is proud to add a sixth location in Florida to discover Kiehl’s efficacious skin, hair and body care products, personalized customer service, and 165-year-old heritage through the complete Kiehl’s experience.

“We are extremely excited to give central Floridian locals and Disney visitors a new opportunity to discover our heritage and history, our philanthropic mission, our sampling and service-oriented approach to retail, and of course, our full line of skin, hair and body care for women, men, children and even dogs,” said Chris Salgardo, Author and President, Kiehl’s USA. “Our customers in Florida have helped drive our company’s growth, supporting Kiehl’s both in stores and online. Demand for a new local retail store has grown, and we’re so excited to open another Kiehl’s to be part of Disney Springs, the world-class entertainment, shopping, and dining destination. Each element of our new store, from the design of the fixtures explaining our skin, hair and body formulations, to the historical photographs, mementos and Kiehl’s icons, helps tell the extensive story of this unique company that began as an old-world apothecary at the corner of 13^th Street and Third Avenue in New York’s East Village.”

Kiehl’s at Disney Springs mirrors the unique ambiance found in the company’s original New York Flagship, which began as a neighborhood apothecary in 1851. The new store brings a modern New York apothecary to Florida, referencing the company’s original East Village roots and blending antique apothecary fixtures with modern flair.

Kiehl’s at Disney Springs continues the company’s commitment to superior customer service through its traditional practices:

• Kiehl’s commitment to environmental responsibility and Recycle and Be Rewarded! Kiehl’s utilizes natural, sustainable materials and energy-efficient light fixtures – and encourages patrons to recycle Kiehl’s packaging with a specially designed recycling bin, promoted through Kiehl’s Recycle and Be Rewarded! The program offers customers the opportunity to return empty Kiehl’s jars, bottles and tubes to the store for recycling, in exchange for complimentary products.

• Kiehl’s commitment to education through attentive service is accentuated through a dedicated personal consultation area. The enhanced space provides an opportunity for Kiehl’s Customer Representatives (KCRs) and patrons to converse privately about products best suited for the customer’s individual needs. KCRs also use tools such as Skin Barrier Testing Tabs and a revolutionary Dehydration Analyzer Tool to help diagnose the health and hydration level of a customer’s skin, and recommend the most appropriate products for him or her.

• Simple, no-frills packaging allows Kiehl’s to formulate its products with high quantities of the most efficacious, natural ingredients available.

• Kiehl’s Since 1851 Rewards, the company’s point-based loyalty program that honors and rewards customers with benefits including special invitations, offers, and early access to new products and formulations.

• Generous sampling through Kiehl’s “try before you buy” program offers the complete Kiehl’s line of skin and hair care for men, women, children and babies with a generous offering of its traditional product samples. To assure its customers always find exactly what they need, Kiehl’s offers a 100% money back guarantee on all purchases, and guarantees that customers will see revitalized skin in 28 days or their money back.

• Custom gifting 365 days a year allows customers to create personalized gifts year-round. A Kiehl’s Customer Representative will help the customer assemble a personalized, custom gift box, choosing items based on recipient, theme, ingredient or price, from any and all products in the store.

 The 1,681 sq. ft. retail space maintains Kiehl’s signature apothecary aesthetic and features:

• Personal consultation table – A designated table provides patrons a comfortable station for complimentary Healthy Skin Consultations by KCRs, which helps them determine the formulas best suited for their personal needs.
• Men’s Destination – an unintimidating space for specialized grooming education and demonstrations designed for men. A KCR will be on hand to offer quick, straightforward service and recommendations on the Kiehl’s products that are most tailored to men’s needs. Specially designed accents such as military-style lockers and props bring this relaxing stop to life for Kiehl’s male patrons.
• Carrara marble tables, counters and trim – provide a utilitarian, functional approach.
• Natural, sustainable materials – such as tabletops made from paperstone, a waterproof material made from 100 % post-consumer recycled paper.
• Energy-efficient compact fluorescent lighting – spotlights Kiehl’s products in an environmentally friendly way.
• “Mr. Bones” – the teaching skeleton and Kiehl’s icon. Pharmacist and Kiehl’s founding family member Mr. Aaron Morse valued education for his employees and his customers. As he prescribed treatments for his customers, he would use a teaching skeleton nicknamed “Mr. Bones” to explain the uses of the suggested formulas.
• Kiehl’s signature motorcycle – this icon of Kiehl’s heritage will be on permanent display, evocative of the passions and adventurous spirit of Kiehl’s founding family.
• Vintage photographs and mementos take customers on an exciting journey through Kiehl’s rich history.
• Botanical-inspired graphics – The walls feature custom graphic designs that highlight the botanicals used in Kiehl’s products and elements nodding to our 165-year history.

With over 8,500 performances to date, La Nouba™ by Cirque du Soleil® has been a Disney Springs™ staple for nearly twenty years. Since its inception in late 1998, the show has welcomed many new acts; the most recent additions include a duo of comedic clowns followed by a troupe of world-famous break dancers and a real-life couple skilled in the rarely-seen art of aerial bamboo. La Nouba has been seen by over 10 million Walt Disney World® Resort guests and will continue to dazzle audiences with its breathtaking blend of daring acrobatics and dazzling choreography through 2017, with a final performance scheduled to take place on Dec. 31, 2017.

With ten months to take in a show, guests still have plenty of time to be mesmerized by the artistry of the talented La Nouba team.

And, if you’re wondering what’s next? Given Disney’s strong relationship with Cirque du Soleil over the years, they may soon have news to share about exciting new entertainment coming to Disney Springs.

With nearly 150 retail, dining, and entertainment locations now open, Disney Springs™ at Walt Disney World® Resort allows guests to explore unique boutiques and enjoy waterfront dining and live entertainment. The four neighborhoods of Disney Springs – The Landing, Town Center, Marketplace, and West Side – include a high-quality mix of retailers and sophisticated restaurants as diverse as the neighborhoods themselves.

From big-name brands to rare finds, guests will find this playful promenade to be the perfect place to shop with nearly 100 stores including the hottest brand names in shopping like Zara, Anthropologie, kate spade new York, Vera Bradley, MAC and Vince Camuto. Plus, the biggest and best selection of Disney merchandise at World of Disney, Marketplace Co-op, TrenD and more!

Get a closer look at Disney Springs in this stop motion video!

Behold a captivating show that artfully blends vibrant music and whimsical characters with daring acrobatics and dazzling choreography at La Nouba™ by Cirque du Soleil® at the Disney Springs™ West Side.

Guests can marvel at a stunning international cast as they perform glorious feats of incredible strength and breathtaking beauty. Acrobats, aerialists, break dancers, singers, trapeze artists, jugglers and clowns—more than 65 artists representing 15 countries—entertain and mystify with daring acts of grace. A stream of color washes over every scene with the imaginative costumes, out-of-this-world makeup and dynamic sets. As the performers weave dreams onstage, the live music—symphonic, rock or some unique fusion—is always evocative, emotional and inspiring.