disney springs – Orlando Attraction Tickets blog

August 3, 2017

Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire to open at Disney Springs

Hey Thrill Seekers,

It’s like Disney have finally turned on the Star Wars tap, following on from all the great information released by Disney at D23 including Star Wars: Galaxy Edge and the proposed hotel experience Disney have today confirmed that they’ll be opening a hyper-reality experience at Disney Springs.

Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire will plunge guests directly into the iconic Star Wars galaxy. Visitors will move freely throughout the untethered, social and multi-sensory experience in a way that allows them to interact and engage with friends, family and Star Wars characters. This ground-breaking experience will open to the public at a new VOID Experience Centre at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort beginning this holiday season.

This first-of-its kind Star Wars experience is being produced by the world-class teams at Lucasfilm and ILMxLAB in collaboration with the team at The VOID. Soon you’ll have the opportunity to step beyond reality into a galaxy far, far away!

Here’s what Curtis Hickman, co-founder and chief creative officer at The VOID had to say about it;

At The VOID, we combine the magic of illusion, advanced technology and virtual reality to create fully immersive social experiences that take guests to new worlds. A truly transformative experience is so much more than what you see with your eyes; it’s what you hear, feel, touch, and even smell. Through the power of The VOID, guests who step into Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire won’t just see this world, they’ll know that they are part of this amazing story.

Vicki Dobbs Beck, executive in charge of ILMxLab, said;

At ILMxLAB, we want people to step inside the worlds of our stories. Through our collaboration with The VOID, we can make this happen as guests become active participants in an unfolding Star Wars adventure. By combining Lucasfilm’s storytelling expertise with cutting-edge imagery, and immersive sound from the team at Skywalker Sound, while invoking all the senses, we hope to truly transport all those who experience Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire to a galaxy far, far away.

And to round it off Cliff Plumer, CEO of The VOID said;

“Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire marks an important milestone in the continued expansion of The VOID, which also joined the 2017 Disney Accelerator earlier this year. Through the power of The VOID, guests can now experience the magic of Star Wars first-hand.

When we hear more about details and an opening date we’ll let you know.

Smiles included…

Jamie

July 25, 2017

The Dress Shop Returns to Disney Springs

Hey Thrill Seekers,

The Dress Shop is a well known apparel and accessory collection which is created especially for Disney Parks. On July 27th The Dress Shop is returning to Cherry Tree Lane in the Marketplace Co-Op at Disney springs. It was first introduced in the spring and is filled with loads of nostalgia that Disney fans love.

David Soliman, area manager for merchandise presentation at Disney Springs, describes how they created the shop-within-a-shop at the popular accessories boutique.

“Since the collection gives a nod to mid-century style, we wanted to create a space that would feel sophisticated and unique while complementing the overall story of the Marketplace Co-Op,” explained David. “The dresses and accessories are colorful and beautiful, so we found many ways to prominently showcase them throughout the shop. The best example is the hatbox-inspired platform that greets guests at the entrance. It’s a striking visual that pulls people into the location.”

The Dress Shop Returns to Cherry Tree Lane in Marketplace Co-Op at Disney Springs on July 27

A quote from Disney’s blog explains how Mariana Martinez who is a graphic designer partnered with the team to develop a “Dress Shop” monogram that is incorporated throughout the area.

“The team wanted something subtle and elegant so I started doodling using the letters ‘D’ and ‘S’,” said Mariana. “We ended up with a lovely monogram that guests may find hidden on the product displays. It’s a funny coincidence that ‘DS’ could also represent ‘Disney Springs’.”

The Dress Shop Returns to Cherry Tree Lane in Marketplace Co-Op at Disney Springs on July 27

Once The Dress Shop returns, guests will be able to see ten original dresses which were inspired by Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, the Orange Bird and the Haunted Mansion. They are also going to be introducing a Cinderella inspired dress which is going to contain metallic embroidery. – Now that is something I would buy!!

I can’t wait to visit this shop, so many pretty dresses to look at!

What do you think?

Smiles Included,

Jess.

February 2, 2017

Universal drop parking prices after 6.00pm

Hey Thrill Seekers,

We know as well as you do that parking at the theme parks can be a nightmare sometimes. SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment realised that offering free parking with selected tickets would help them out and it seems Universal are doing their best to keep up now.

They have announced that if you arrive after 6.00pm you will no longer need to pay any parking charges. If you arrive before 6.00pm, you will still have to pay for your days parking i’m afraid 🙁

With Universal CityWalk growing immensely, free parking after 6.00pm will make accessing CityWalk so much easier for guests. Universal CityWalk has a large variety of entertainment and restaurants making it a great place to spend your evening!

Parking at Universal covers access for guests visiting Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, CityWalk and soon to be Volcano Bay so this is going to make a lot of guests extremely happy!

One event that won’t be included within this free, evening parking is going to be Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights 🙁

Disney Springs has free parking so maybe this is why Universal have made these changes? Disney Springs is one of their largest competitors when it comes to evening entertainment, especially for tourists. Hopefully we will see some further changes across the board when it comes to parking!

Smiles Included…

Louise

January 17, 2017

Disney Springs Is Getting A Makeover!

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Disney Springs, formerly known as Downtown Disney is going to be having a few updates. Some you will notice almost straight away like with The Characters in Flight Balloon. With a complete colour change and character removal, it’s almost unrecognisable. Disney Springs is aiming for a more general look rather than focusing primarily on Disney which will be shown more with some of their new projects.

D – Living only opened last month but it’s due for a refurb! Not to worry, it’s only going to be closed from January 31st through to February 2nd so hopefully you won’t miss out on too much home shopping.

Planet Hollywood is rumoured to be opening again next week and we cannot wait! It’s definitely been a long time coming, right?! I’d imagine this will bring a lot more visitors to Disney Springs as I’m pretty sure it’s one of people’s favourite restaurants in Orlando!

Fulton’s Crab House has been changed into the new Paddlefish which was due to open last year however some rumours have been floating around saying that it looks like the construction is beginning to wrap up. Hopefully it won’t be long now until we get to see the finished project!

For those of you who have been to Disney Springs before will know they have their own hat shop, Chapel Hats. They are now going to open up their own sock and underwear shop!

Are you a Disney Springs fan? If so, what’s your favourite part?

Smiles Included…

Louise

November 17, 2016November 17, 2016

Starbright Holidays rehearsal begins

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Disney are opening a new show at Disney Springs, Starbright Holidays – An Intel Collaboration. The show is a one-of-a-kind drone-based technology show, never before used in the United States! Although there is no actual ‘story’ behind the show, the fact there is 300 show drones, you will no doubt be left in awe. We’re hoping Disney might eventually bring this technology into their parks and amaze us even more (if that’s even possible).

Featuring the classic holiday songs played and recorded by a full orchestra, you are invited to ‘look up to the sky and wish upon a holiday star.’

Check out a quick snippet of the show here:

The shooting star drone can fly for up to 20 minutes and features built-in LED lights that can create over 4 billion colour combinations in the sky. All 300 drones in the sky throughout the show are controlled by one computer and one pilot drone. It’s amazing what you can do with some technology these days!

If you’re lucky enough to view Starbright Holidays this festive season, try and watch it from the West Side as this is where you will get the best view!

Smiles Included…

Louise

September 29, 2015

Downtown Disney Officially Becomes Disney Springs Today

Hey Thrill Seekers,

I’m terrible at this, once something is called something I have a real struggle altering my brain to the new name. Today Disney are officially going to test my mental faculties to their limit by changing Downtown Disney to Disney Springs.

The change will be made official today via a naming ceremony and although the project isn’t finished yet Disney have confirmed that they believe the new Disney Springs will be double the size of Downtown Disney.

Last week we saw Jock Lindsay’s Hangar Bar open up to the public and tomorrow the new Morimoto Asia restaurant opens and will feature a menu designed by Iron Chef Mashaharu Morimoto!

Disney Springs will include outdoor neighborhoods — the West Side, the Landing and the Marketplace — with everything from “splurge”-type restaurants to new lakefront shopping. Some of the new stores include:

APEX by Sunglass Hut
Art of Shaving
Chapel Hats
Erwin Pearl
Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC
Havaianas
Sanuk
Sound Lion
Vivoli Gelateria

Generating the most buzz right now is the Landing, which takes over the area formerly known as Pleasure Island. It offers dining unlike anywhere else in town. Some of the restaurants are considered gourmet, while others are attraction-like.

Here are the top 5 most talked about highlights;

STK (Opening later this year) – We found out late last year about STK Orlando, a modern steakhouse mixed with the ambiance of a sleek lounge. It will be one of the largest STK locations in the world, occupying 14,000 square feet in a two-story building.
Morimoto Asia (Opening Wednesday, Sept. 30) – Chef Masaharu Morimoto, perhaps best known from the popular TV program Iron Chef America, unveils his two-story Morimoto Asia this Wednesday. Morimoto Asia will be the Japanese master chef’s first-ever pan-Asian restaurant featuring flavors from across the continent. The restaurant will feature waterside seating, terraces, a grand hall and a cocktail lounge.
Jock Lindsey’s Hanger Bar (Now open) – With an aviation theme (Jock was Indy’s frequent pilot in the “Indiana Jones” films) and a primo waterfront location, the restaurant features food and drinks inspired by Jock’s globe-trotting to all continents. The 150-seat lounge is located between Paradiso 37 and The Boathouse. Outdoors, Jock’s old steamboat (now in dry dock) is a fun place for watching the sunset.
The Edison (Opening 2016) – The Edison will be dedicated to a resurgence of old-world style, sophistication and romance. Themed to a 1920s-period electric company, the ceilings are 35-feet high. The Edison will feature nightly entertainment like contortionists, palm readers, DJs and more.
The Boathouse (Opened in April) – Amphicars are rad. They’re vintage rides that also float like a boat. Enjoy a 20-minute ride with a captain before or after you nosh on The Boathouse’s menu offering. The space has 3 nautically-themed rooms and 2 private dining rooms. Total seating capacity is 600 people. It has 3 bars — The Captain’s Raw Bar, the Admiral’s Club Bar and the Dock Bar, built overlooking the water and 300-plus feet of boardwalk connecting all areas of the restaurant.

With the renaming and reshaping of this area it marks the start of some exciting times ahead for Disney who have been accused of concentrating a little too much on My Magic Plus and not their in park experiences.

I can’t wait to hear what people make of the new area when completed.

Smiles included…

Jamie

September 23, 2015

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar Is Now Open

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Seems like quite a while ago that we mentioned that Disney were looking to open an Indiana Jones themed bar at Disney Springs however yesterday was the day that Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar opened its doors to adventurers.

So what can you expect?

It’s a real wow when you walk through the door at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, its eclectic décor includes everything from spare airplane parts to nostalgic postcards and antique maps tacked to the walls, all a nod to the “Indiana Jones” films in which Jock Lindsey was Indy’s pilot and sidekick.

Located on the waterfront between Paradiso 37 and the BOATHOUSE, the interior has a cozy feel and features light bites and drinks inspired by Jock’s globe-trotting. Visitors get the chance to try some of the menu bites: crispy calamari flatbread with a kick from harissa and peppery arugula; Dr. Elsa’s She-Deviled Eggs; “Good” Dates stuffed with goat cheese, and Snack of Ra for a taste of Africa with salads and dips served with injera (bread) and naan crisps. And mixologists are having fun with the cocktails, from the Cool-Headed Monkey to The Scottish Professor.

The real architectural showstopper is the outside lounge that was Jock’s old canvas-covered steamboat named Reggie (now in dry dock). Stretching out into the water, it’s a spectacular spot for lunch or for sunset-watching.

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar is part of the largest expansion in Downtown Disney history, which will transform the area into Disney Springs, a lively shopping, dining and entertainment destination. Guests at Disney Springs will have a unique Disney experience amid beautiful open-air promenades, flowing springs and waterfront charm.

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar is open from 11:30 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday, and until 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday. No reservations are required.

I cant wait to check out Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, have you been?

Smiles included…

Jamie

May 13, 2015

Indiana Jones Themed Bar To Open At Disney Springs

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Yesterday Disney announced that they would be constructing an Indiana Jones themed bar to feature at Disney Downtown (set to be renamed Disney Springs). The Bar set to be called Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar is under construction on the waterfront between the new Boathouse and the Paradiso 37 restaurants in The Landing section of the entertainment complex.

The 150-seat establishment is named after Indiana Jones’ pilot and will have an aviation theme. Guests will see vintage travel posters, propeller-like ceiling fans and a diving bell booth.

According to wikipedia Jock Lindsey was an American freelance pilot. Lindsey cut his teeth as a stunt pilot performing in Midwest airshows and relocated to Venezuela after a rumored flight-related tragedy. He frequently was hired by Indiana Jones to fly the archaeologist to remote parts of the world. Easygoing and affable, Lindsey notably butted heads with Jones on one subject: his pet snake, Reggie.

On the menu you can expect to order “Rolling Boulder Meatballs” and “Air Pirates Everything Pretzels” with mustard and beer-cheese fondue. Cocktails will include “Hovito Mojito.” There will be outdoor seating on Jock’s steamboat, facing Lake Buena Vista.

In the main room, guests will discover an expansive bar, aviation decor filling the room, vintage travel posters covering the walls and correspondence between Jock, Indy and their fellow adventurers on display. Guests can eat, drink and be merry outside as well, in Jocks’ old steamboat, now in permanent dry dock and aptly named “Reggie;” and in nearby seating on the adjacent deck.

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar is set to open this fall and from the reaction on the internet its going to be popular.

Smiles included…

Jamie