WDW Daily News

This February, take a fresh approach to celebrating Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s Day (Feb. 13) or any fun night out with friends by exploring what’s new at Disney Springs.

Recently recognized by The New York Times as one of the top places to go in 2018, Disney Springs is home to Central Florida’s hottest new restaurant and entertainment venues. It’s the place to set sail for romance aboard a stunning 40-foot Venetian water taxi or treat friends to a vintage amphicar ride. And it’s the destination for one-of-a-kind entertainment that ranges from a hyper-reality Star Wars experience and luxury bowling to an eclectic array of street performers and live entertainment.

Here are some memorable ways to surprise your Valentine, gal pals or best friends this month – or any other time of the year.

From Romantic to Electrifying Dining

In honor of Valentine’s Day, a number of restaurants at Disney Springs are offering special menu items. The list includes surf-and-turf for two at STK Orlando, fresh catch selections at Paddlefish, a delectable special menu at Paradiso 37 and a specialty cocktail at Morimoto Asia.

Friends and lovers can also check out some brand-new Disney Springs restaurants. Guests can share plates of spaghetti and other tasty Italian dishes at the new Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante. Following the Disney Springs story line, this chic restaurant is set in a once-abandoned airline terminal from the 1930s. The open and airy dining room features 50-foot ceilings and views of Lake Buena Vista. For a more casual experience, head below ground to Enzo’s Hideaway – a speakeasy located in storied rum-runner tunnels – that serves up Prohibition-era cocktails and hearty Roman dishes.

Next door, The Edison dials up the excitement with electrifying entertainment, craft cocktails and contemporary American fare. At night, this “industrial Gothic”-themed space transforms into a nightlife hot spot with weekends featuring live bands, cabaret dancers and aerialists. Visit TheEdisonFLA.com for more details.

These are just some of the options at Disney Springs, which is home to more than 50 food and beverage locations including five by James Beard Award-winning chefs. To book dining reservations, call 407-WDW-DINE or contact the restaurants directly.

More to See and Do Together

Shared time together is arguably the best gift of all. At Disney Springs the options for sharing time with friends or that special someone are off the charts.

Venture to The VOID and embark on the new hyper-reality, multi-sensory experience, Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire. In groups of four, teams suit up and go undercover as Stormtroopers to capture imperial intelligence vital to the budding rebellion’s survival. The experience is untethered and unbelievable. Tickets are available now at TheVOID.com.

At The BOATHOUSE, couples can set sail on The Venezia, a breathtaking Italian water taxi, for a romantic guided tour of Disney Springs complete with chocolate-covered strawberries and a champagne toast. There are also vintage amphicar rides – rare vehicles that travel both on land and in the water.

Other favorite hotspots for a fun night out include Splitsville Luxury Lanes, a modern upscale bowling alley, and AMC Fork & Screen Dine-in Theatres. Or, simply stroll the promenade and catch some of live performers and entertainment – more than 25 acts nightly.

Indulgent treats

Nothing says Valentine’s Day better than chocolate. Stop by The Ganachery and watch expert chocolatiers create richly exotic treats. Sample in store and take home an elegant, hand-packaged gift box for that special someone. Decadent hot-fudge sundaes – perfect for sharing – can be found at the world-famous Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop. There is also a gallery of goodies at Amorette’s Patisserie – a sophisticated pastry shop filled with Disney-inspired cakes, cookies, cheesecake, macarons and eclairs.

Step beyond everyday gift giving

It’s easy to get creative with gift giving at Disney Springs. For the guy who likes a little pampering there’s The Art of Shaving. This handsome shop features high-end grooming products for the modern man. Guys can even get a haircut and shave onsite in The Barber Shop.

Ladies will enjoy the fairytale ambiance of Ever After Jewelry Co. & Accessories, the ultimate destination for Disney-themed baubles, handbags and fashion. For elegant fine jewelry and designer watches, Luxury of Time by Diamonds International offers a wide selection in their upscale boutique.

Complimentary self-parking is available at all Disney Springs garages and surface lots. Walt Disney World Resort guests enjoy complimentary transportation between their Disney Resort hotels and Disney Springs.

Master Sommelier George Miliotes will bring his renowned wine expertise to Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort when his new venture, Wine Bar George, opens in spring 2018. Wine Bar George will be the only Master Sommelier-led wine bar in Florida.

Miliotes is widely regarded as one of the restaurant industry’s foremost wine experts with accolades and awards from national publications including Wine Spectator. Miliotes is no stranger to Walt Disney World Resort – he was part of the opening team of California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and managed the venue from 1995 to 2002. While there, he met and worked alongside Ron Rupert, who will serve as the Executive Chef for Wine Bar George.

“I’m thrilled that Ron is joining our team and I’m looking forward to working with him again,” Miliotes said. “Ron is incredibly creative, and his expertise will bring a menu that’s designed to complement the wine list. With our menu, guests will have the opportunity to explore endless food and wine pairings.”

Rupert began his culinary career at Walt Disney World Resort in 1988. He was part of the opening team of California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, where he teamed with Miliotes and Chef Clifford Pleau. During his 14 years at Walt Disney World Resort, Rupert was also part of the opening teams at Jiko – The Cooking Place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Ariel’s at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts.  Rupert and Miliotes have worked closely to create a menu that will pair with a wine list of more than 100 selections by the bottle and glass.

“The menu will include a selection of small plates, sharable plates, cheese and charcuterie boards, and desserts. Offerings will feature seasonally relevant items and everything will be made in-house,” Rupert said. “I’ve worked jointly with George to develop a menu that represents both global and local cuisine. Guests can expect to experience food that is familiar, yet new all at once.”

When the two-story 210-seat wine bar opens, it will join a growing and remarkable group of dining, shopping and entertainment offerings at Disney Springs. The design for the 6,000-square-foot space will be similar to a winemaker’s home estate with a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere.

“Guests will experience a feel reminiscent of the ‘Old World’ as if they are on the bottom floor of a gravity-flow winery surrounded by their best friends,” explains Miliotes. “The upstairs floor includes seating for groups of all sizes, space for private events and sweeping views of Disney Springs.”

Future patrons can expect their experience to include wine education, which will be served up in an approachable and fun manner. Every part of the Wine Bar George experience, including special events and visits from renowned winemakers, will educate and enlighten guests about food and wine.

Wine Bar George is currently accepting applications for positions online. Interested applicants can visit winebargeorge.com/join-our-team/ for more information. Follow George @WineBarGeorge on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook and join the #WineBarGeorge conversation. Visit WineBarGeorge.com for news and updates.