Disney Springs has undergone a massive facelift in the last few years. The overhaul included fun additions like the Coca-Cola Store, Splitsville Luxury Lanes, and foodie favorites like Sprinkles Cupcakes, Morimoto Asia, and STK. However, Disney Springs isn't done with the updates, particularly in the area known as The Landing. There are a number of new restaurants that have either just opened or are about to open later in 2018. We've rounded up info on menu items with ideas for how to pair them with activities during your next date!
PS: Another exciting addition will be the brand new Cirque Du Soleil show currently being developed for Disney Springs. After entertaining more than 11 million guests for twenty years, La Nouba had its final show on December 31, 2017. The new show will pay homage to the legacy of Disney animation, bringing it to life in the artistic way only Cirque Du Soleil can. We will keep you updated as soon as we have more details.
Maria & Enzo’s
570 E. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista
(407) 560-8466; mariaandenzos.com
If you’ve ever wanted to dine in a restaurant modeled after a vintage airline terminal, Disney Springs’ newest restaurant is where your next date night should take place. Inside Maria & Enzo's, massive windows provide a stunning waterfront view, and you can even catch a view of the Aerophile balloon. The restaurant continues the 1930’s travel theme throughout – from their check-in stand to their “First Class Lounge”, which provides guests with an upgraded dining experience. Guests will be randomly upgraded to First Class upon arrival or can request to be seated in the lounge when making a reservation in advance.
The menu, created by Michelin star-rated Chef Theo Schoenegger, includes house-made pasta choices like Spaghetti Alla Chitarra and Rigatoni alla Norma, as well as Tonno (grilled ahi-tuna steak) and Nodino di Vitell (grilled veal chop). Enjoy one of more than 100 bottles of wine, most of which are of Italian descent. Following dinner, cannolis (so good!) and espresso coffees will be the perfect ending to an Italian feast. Lunch and brunch service will begin later in January, so be sure to check the Maria & Enzo’s Facebook page to stay up to date.
Make It A Complete Date: Aerophile balloon ride
You probably saw the Aerophile balloon take flight while at dinner, so why not go for a ride? Enjoy a view of Disney Springs like no other aboard the world’s largest hand-painted helium balloon! Aerophile balloon rides depart throughout the day until midnight most days, and tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis at the attraction location. More information and departure times are available via their website.
Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar & Restaurant
1560 East Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista
407-560-3696; enzoshideawayfla.com
Located in the “rum-runner tunnels” of Maria & Enzo’s is Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar & Restaurant. This speakeasy-inspired bar serves Prohibition-era cocktails and a more casual menu compared to Maria & Enzo’s. Roman cuisine options include Bucatini alla Carbonara (hollow spaghetti with creamy egg and pancetta sauce) and Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe (square-cut spaghetti with pecorino and black pepper). The tunnel bar will also host Sunday Supper, a family-style meal each week where guests can bring their own wine, with no corkage fee.
Make It A Complete Date: Erin McKenna's Bakery
Enter this small, yet cute-as-button pink bake shop for some of the prettiest and tastiest cupcakes, cookies, donuts, and bagels. All the delectable treats you’ll find inside are vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO, using only natural sweeteners sparingly.
The Edison
1560 E. Buena Vista Dr., Lake Buena Vista
407-560-9288; theedisonfla.com
The Edison, a highly-anticipated addition to Disney Springs, opened on New Year's Eve revealing an interior modeled after an industrial-era power plant. The menu features classic American cuisine and craft cocktails. Shareable appetizers include choices such as Deviled Eggs and the Dancin’ Corn Dog, and dinner selections include a 28 Day Dry Aged Prime Rib, Crisp Fried Chicken and Scottish Salmon. The restaurant also contains three bars: the Boiler Bar, Breaker Bar, and the Patent Bar located upstairs. The Edison’s craft cocktails are called Edison Signatures, and include fun drinks such as the Airship Pirate, Boiler Mule, and The Mistress (Stoli Elit Vodka, Amaro Montenegro, and sparkling Domaine Chandon with pomegranate and lemon). There are plans to launch brunch service soon–stay tuned!
FYI: The Edison is family-friendly throughout the day, but 21+ only after 10pm. There will be a $10 cover charge if arriving after 10pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.
Make It A Complete Date: Water Taxi Cruise
Take the vintage vibe further and head to The Boathouse for a truly unique activity: a romantic Italian water taxi cruise! The 40 foot Italian Water Taxi, called The Venezia, takes you on a guided tour of Disney Springs. During the ride, you’ll indulge in chocolate covered strawberries and a champagne toast. Tours take place daily (weather permitting) from 10am-10pm. Reservations can be made at The Boatique, which is next to The Boathouse.
Pizza Ponte
For a laid-back date, head to Pizza Ponte, a Sicilian-style pizza by the slice shop. This fast-casual Italian eatery also offers Italian sandwiches, pastries, and espresso. Pastry offerings include Bomboloni (Italian doughnuts), which would be perfect with a cup of espresso!
Make It A Complete Date: Vivoli Il Gelato
Pizza and Italian gelato – what could be better? Vivoli Il Gelato is just a short walk away and will satisfy your post-pizza sweet tooth. Artisanal gelato (hello chocolate hazelnut and maple pecan), sorbetto (flavors such as mango, pineapple, or coffee among others), espresso drinks, floats, and milkshakes are all available to share with your honey.
Keep Your Eyes Peeled: Opening Later This Year!
Terralina Crafted Italian
Led by James Beard Award-winning chef Tony Mantuano, Terralina’s menu offerings range from hand-tossed pizzas and calzones to chicken parmesan and seafood cannelloni prepared with house-made pasta. Inspired by Italy’s Lake District, Terralina’s interior will feature an open kitchen and dining rooms as well as a veranda bar ideal for drinks and conversation with your honey.
Make It A Complete Date: The Ganachery
Is there anything more romantic than chocolate? Head to The Ganachery for a chocolatey ending to your pasta dinner. The Ganachery specializes in gourmet chocolates and ganaches, all so beautiful you’ll almost feel bad eating them – almost. The sophisticated menu features flavors you won’t find in most chocolate shops, such as Egyptian Sea Salt, Matcha-Yuzu (Japanese Green Tea and Yuzu with dark chocolate), and Calamansi (Vietnamese Oranges in milk chocolate).
Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill
Coming to the Town Center area of Disney Springs in 2018 is Wolfgang Puck’s new concept, Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill. Following last year’s closure of Wolfgang Puck’s Grand Cafe, the new Bar & Grill will be reminiscent of Puck’s restaurant Spago in California. The menu will feature comfort food classics, as well as a number of signature dishes with Mediterranean influences, along with specialty cocktails, beer, and wine.
Make it a complete date: Coca-Cola Store
The restaurant will be located adjacent to the Coca-Cola store, so stop in for after dinner drinks at the rooftop terrace. Take your pick of adult beverages or opt for one of the signature Coca-Cola flights.
Wine Bar George
After rumors of its opening have swirled for years, the highly anticipated Wine Bar George will finally make its debut soon. Master Sommelier George Miliotes will bring his expertise to the estate-style wine bar (the only Master Sommelier-led wine bar in Florida!), boasting an unmatched wine list including more than 100 selections. Complimenting the wide array of wine will be shareable plates, cheese, and charcuterie along with seasonal dishes.
Make it a complete date: Disney Springs Pub Crawl
The walkability of Disney Springs means you can easily conduct your own DIY pub crawl. Make a stop here before continuing along to favorite spots like Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar, Raglan Road, and Dockside Margaritas.
Feature image credit: Walt Disney World Resort (Todd Anderson, photographer)
