Disney News Round-Up: Frontera Cocina Now Open at Disney Springs, Disney Adds “No Fishing” Signs, and More

POSTED: Sat, 07/02/2016 - 16:00 | POSTED BY: Traci C.

This week has been full of exciting Disney news, and some rather interesting Disney rumors. And as we head into the dog days of summer, things are still moving along at Disney Springs with the opening of another new eatery and the announcement of new stores. Let's dive in and see what you might have missed!

Frontera Cocina now open at Disney Springs

Frontera Cocina by Chef Rick Bayless has officially opened at Disney Springs. You can enjoy dishes including Oaxacan Red Chile Chicken, Salsa Verde Shrimp Enchiladas Suizas, and more. Guests will also find a quick-service taco counter!

Speaking of Disney Springs, even more retail shops are coming soon including Levis, Superdry, Sugarboo & Co., Columbia Sportswear, and Coca-Cola Store Orlando.

Disney has recently posted "no fishing" signs at Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa, Fort Wilderness, and Old Key West. The only fishing allowed on Disney World property is the fishing that is part of guided excursions.

In the aftermath of the fatal alligator attack last month Disney has removed alligator and crocodile characters and references from attractions or entertainment options, including Louis the trumpet-playing alligator that was supposed to be part of the Mickey's Royal Friendship Faire at the Magic Kingdom.

Reservations open July 4 for the Disney Countdown to Midnight: A New Year's Eve Celebration at Disney's Contemporary Resort. The cost is $225 per guest.

A new Disney Pin Trading scavenger hunt, PinQuest, recently debuted at the Magic Kingdom.

And the latest rumor out of the parks is that the Universe of Energy will be closing to make way for a Guardians of the Galaxy attraction. Disney has made no official statement about this rumor.

Speaking of Epcot, it is being reported that Frozen Ever After, the Royal Sommerhus, The Seas with Nemo and Friends, and Turtle Talk with Crush will be open for both morning and evening Extra Magic Hours.

Do you have anything to share about these stories? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

In:

tdubb wrote on Sun, 07/03/2016 - 03:16:

So disappointed in disney springs. Its like being at the orlando premium outlets but with better restaurants. And now levis outlet. Is there really anyone thinking about buying a pair of jeans when they are at a disney property. Give me a break. Your better than that Disney.

Kristen K. wrote on Sun, 07/03/2016 - 04:22:

I actually look forward to shopping on vacation very much. I also don't leave Disney property, so Orlando Outlets are not someplace I go. At home, I have an hour and a half drive to get to a nice shopping mall, and two hours if I want to get to high end shops. While I can understand people who feel like this, for those of us who live in more rural environments its exciting to have access to more high end brands without having to rely on ordering them off the internet.

Debbiewdw wrote on Sun, 07/03/2016 - 11:08:

>If you don't want to shop you don't have to go. I enjoy a stroll in disney springs. Like it even more because there are so many options for non Disney merchandise. The new restaurants are great and the variety of everything is fun.

FloridaPassholderDonna wrote on Sun, 07/03/2016 - 11:28:

@tdubb Orlando is a huge city and Florida is heavily populated. We 'local' Disney lovers are thrilled with the shopping and entertainment options in Disney Springs. Also, not to be forgotten, MANY foreigners come to visit Disney and they may not have those shopping options DS is affording them now. I predict DS to continue to be a HUGE success for Disney. Not into shopping - there certainly is enough to entertain you elsewhere in 'The World'. Have a Magical Day!

KatieC wrote on Sun, 07/03/2016 - 11:54:

Disappointing to see Disney adding so many retail stores that can be found at any Mall. We miss the days when staying onsite meant a feeling of immersion and, just for a few days, real life and it's challenges left at the Disney entrance - it was truly a Magical and Enchanting feeling to be away from it all. We visited much less when Disney Village became Downtown Disney because it just was not as appealing. We had hope that some of the charm would return when it was renamed Disney Springs but that is not to be. Staying onsite since 1980 because of the charm and enchantment...onsite no longer feels necessary...it is almost more peaceful to be offsite and certainly a better value even at a beautiful house with pool, less than 5 mins from a Disney Park. After an horrific tragedy, fences and clear warning signs are a necessity, I'm not sure removing all Alligator and Croc references and characters is the right thing to do - seems more of a political move "If we remove all alligators and crocs guests will forget about the tragedy". How can the croc be removed from Peter Pan when it is a main character and story line... not sure it makes sense...it certainly will not bring comfort to the parents who lost their child.

tdubb wrote on Sun, 07/03/2016 - 12:43:

I hear what your saying Kristin but i was just at Disney Springs. My daughter and wife were in the World of Disney....the one great store there. I was waiting on a bench people watching( which is always fun) and noticed people coming in and out of kate spade...not one came out with a purchase....same is true with the shaving store and sunglass store...only bags you see being carried are from the world of disney store or other disney mechandise. I realize disney only is looking for the rent checks and could careless about people buying anything

Ken K. wrote on Sun, 07/03/2016 - 13:10:

I like Disney Springs/Downtown Disney.....these are quality retail that want to be part of Disney and deserve to be....gives us choice beyond Disney only....so long as it is delivered with excellence....and it appears to be that way so far.....it is possible to tire of the Disney Kingdoms...so lets enjoy how Disney delivers retail and learn from it!

Kads Life wrote on Sun, 07/03/2016 - 15:19:

Looking forward to checking out Disney Springs in October!

Kads Life x

Kristen K. wrote on Sun, 07/03/2016 - 16:25:

@tdubb

LOL! Funny you mention The Art of Shaving. My son just told me last week that he planned on spending all of his money there. He has a beard and mustache, he's been looking for someplace around us that he could go in and get it trimmed up now and then, but he don't have that where we live. He's going to do the whole man-spa thing while we're there.

Even shops and restaurants that are considered poor performers at Disney Springs, still rank amongst the highest grossing establishments in the country. I'm thinking of one restaurant in particular. It's all relative.

tdubb wrote on Sun, 07/03/2016 - 18:43:

Disney Springs is packed cause its free and gives people something to do at night. The new restaurants are nice but almost impossible for the avg family of 4 or even 3 like myself to eat at. The boathouse is fantastic but cost my family ( 2adults and 1 child) almost $200 to eat at... after talking with the bartender he explained to me that these restaurants are built more for the business transients and not for families with kids...which either way its was packed. Just after my observatioms in Disney Springs and talking and hearing from different people it is a major dissappointment. Love Disney but will cross off the springs from now on

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