NEWS ROUND UP: Disney Announces Expansion, New Dining Reservations and a Lengthy Refurbishment
Disney World made several announcements this week that will be of interest to Disney dining and sports fans. Details Below:
1 – Fulton’s Crab House Closing for Extended Refurbishment
With the addition of many new fantastic dining options such as The Boathouse, STK Steakhouse and Morimoto Asia to Disney Springs, long time dining fixtures are being forced to step up their game to compete. Fulton’s Crab House, owned by Levy Restaurants, is doing just that. One of the most iconic fixtures for years in Downtown Disney area, the riverboat themed seafood restaurant will be closing in April for an extended refurbishment.
Important to note is that the management agreement between Levy Restaurants and Disney is expiring this spring and an extension has not yet been announced. It is possible that this is more than a refurbishment and Disney may be going in another direction completely. However, according to the Orlando Sentinel, Fulton’s Crab House is the highest grossing independently owned restaurant on Disney property and ranks 20th in the United States. With success of this level it would be hard to imagine Disney walking away from the partnership.
2 – Reservations Open for Afternoon Tea at Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Looking for an elegant treat at Disney World? How about afternoon tea at the beautiful Crescent Solarium at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. Available on select dates (currently February 11-14, February 18-21, March 24-29, May 5-8, June 16-19, September 1-5), guests will have several tea services choose from all featuring a variety of small bites in addition to choices of beverages.
- Sea Side Park Tea
First course featuring a selection of Artisan cheeses and seasonal accompaniments, second course petit sandwiches and canapés on house-made breads, third course scones served with clotted cream, lemon curd and seasonal jam, finale of house-made pastries and tea cookies. Accompanied by your choice of loose-leaf tea. - Sandy Cove Tea
First course featuring petit sandwiches and canapés on house-made breads, second course features scones served with clotted cream, lemon curd and seasonal jam, house-made pastries and tea cookies. Served with your choice of loose-leaf tea. - Prince Cove Tea
First course featuring house-made charcuterie and cheese plate, second course scones served with clotted cream, lemon curd and seasonal jam, finale house-made pastries and tea cookies. Accompanied by your choice of loose-leaf tea. - Short Sands Beach Tea
Guests ages 3-9 can enjoy a first course of assorted tea sandwiches (shaped like Mickey Mouse), second course scone served with clotted cream, lemon curd and seasonal jam, finale chocolate chip cookies. Accompanied with special “dark tea” (chocolate milk).
3 – ESPN Getting Major Expansion
The centerpiece of the upcoming expansion at ESPN Wide World of Sports will be an 8,000 seat venue designed specifically for cheerleading and dance competitions. As crazy as the idea of people cheering for cheerleaders may seem to some, Disney currently hosts major cheer and dance events annually with participants numbering in the tens or thousands. The multi-use venue will also be configurable to six regulation basketball or volleyball courts and will also be used for concerts such as the annual Night of Joy event.