Five Things to Do at Disney Springs and Two That Must Wait
I’m sure you’ve heard the great news! Disney Springs has reopened to the public!
Of course, some places understandably aren’t operating yet, but most are. So, it’s the perfect time to plan your next visit.
Image Credit: Disney
Here are five things you should do at Disney Springs and two you can’t yet.
Drink Some Wine
Wine Bar George is back, and that means one thing in particular.
Fans of the grape can finally drink a decent glass of wine again.
George Miliotes selects from all the most exceptional vineyards when he stocks the wine cellar here. And he has plenty of experience with his job.
Miliotes, a Master Sommelier, worked on the opening team at California Grill and ran the restaurant from 1995 to 2002.
Renowned for his wine lists, Miliotes left his job to travel the world and become a master of his craft.
Wine Bar George is a sort of homecoming for the sommelier, and it’s also the best place to sit around and drink wine at Disney Springs.
PS: If you want something less fancy, don’t forget about Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar!
Eat a Churro Or (Ick) Poutine
Do you associate a theme park visit with churros? Well, the parks are closed for another few weeks, but churros are back, baby!
While you’re wandering around Disney Springs, you should grab one of these sweet treats and reminisce about some of your best Disney park days!
Of course, some people will prefer a different snack. I will never understand the why of it, but some weirdos love the taste of poutine.
I understand this less than I understand the appeal of Transformers movies. However, I’m a firm believer in the “you do you” philosophy.
So, if nasty, disgusting poutine makes you happy, I have great news. The Daily Poutine has reopened and is ready to serve you its greasy gruel.
Seriously, you’re not cooking poutine at home. Take this opportunity to embrace one of your favorite snack treats!
Enjoy Some Retail Therapy
I don’t know about you, but I’ve spent a lot of time on ShopDisney these past few months.
Sure, part of it is because my wife had a birthday and an anniversary. However, I shop for Disney merchandise even when I don’t need anything.
I love the search for the perfect gift that I can use to surprise my wife later. Also, I own a lot of Disney clothing, too.
The last time I visited Walt Disney World in January, I spent a lot of time at the World of Disney and Marketplace Co-Op.
I feel so connected to those places that I’m bothered by the idea of them being closed.
Thankfully, on May 27th, Disney reopened two of its most popular stores. And plenty of third-party Disney Springs stores have returned, too.
I realize that money is tight for a lot of people right now. However, I still think that we could all do with some retail therapy.
An impulse buy or two could make you feel better during one of the worst times in modern civilization.
If I were at Disney Springs right now, you’d have to drag me out of World of Disney. I’m not even joking.
Grab a Sandwich
Did I mention that times are tough? Central Florida has absorbed the brunt of the economic downturn due to layoffs and furloughs.
However, the most popular place at Disney Springs is also the best AND the cheapest.
Yes, Earl of Sandwich currently ranks as one of the top 25 quick bites establishments in Orlando.
You can legitimately dine here for $10 or less, and the cuisine is incredible!
Nothing screams that Disney Springs is back like a sandwich from Earl. You gotta do this at some point soon.
Savor the Best Meal in Ages
Okay, during the Great Shut-In, I’m confident that you’ve done the best that you can with your cooking.
Let’s be honest, though. Most of us aren’t going to compete on Top Chef anytime soon…or ever.
Also, some grocery store ingredients are at a premium. I had to buy yeast on Etsy. I’m not even sure how that was possible.
So, we’ve tried our best, but most of our meals aren’t anywhere near Disney quality.
During your next trip to Disney Springs, you deserve the best. Personally, I think that’s The BOATHOUSE, which has recently reopened.
If you’re in the mood for a steak or some sushi, STK Steakhouse and Morimoto Asia are back, too. You can’t go wrong with any of them.
Treat yourself to some fine dining. You’ve earned it.
Can’t Do: See the Bendy People Perform
Are you a Cirque du Soleil fan? If so, you and I are kindred spirits. I’ve watched several of the shows and loved each one.
In fact, I’d love to watch the latest Cirque du Soleil show during my next visit. As you probably know, La Nouba closed a couple of years ago.
Cirque du Soleil had announced the debut of Drawn to Life, its joint venture with Disney. In some alternate universe, this show has run for dozens of performances by now.
Alas, the pandemic delayed the opening of Drawn to Life. In fact, Cirque du Soleil had to furlough more than 90 percent of its staff.
So, we may not get to watch Drawn to Life for a while now.
Can’t Do: Watch a Movie
Okay, this ‘can’t do’ may change to a ‘can do’ soon. Right now, all major movie theaters in the country are closed.
The estimated return date is July 1st, although nobody has confirmed anything yet. Currently, the next significant theatrical release is Tenet, which is scheduled for July 17th.
So, anyone who visits Disney Springs before then is in for some disappointment.
In fact, even if the AMC DINE-IN Disney Springs 24 were open, the movie options would blow. We haven’t had a major studio release since early March.
If you went to the Disney Springs theater right now, your best bet would be…Onward. And you can watch that already on Disney+!
Onward. Image: Pixar.
Besides, we’ve been stuck at home watching movies and television for too long now. We’re ready to play, and the place to do it is Disney Springs!
