Over the past few years, Downtown Disney has faced a massive overhaul into what is now known as Disney Springs. With this change, Disney has opened and brought in several new restaurants, completely changing the dining options available at the entertainment center. Since I’ve been able to visit multiple times and try several of the newly established restaurants, I thought to share some of my experiences.
Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante
I went to Maria & Enzo’s for the first time on my most recent trip. My family was looking for something different to try at Disney Springs, and I had remembered hearing good things from vloggers like Happiest Vlogs and other locals. My whole family likes Italian food, so we decided to try it. It is easily my new favorite table service restaurant at Disney Springs. When you first walk in, you’re automatically greeted by a large staircase and a huge window that beautifully shows off Lake Buena Vista, the Characters in Flight balloon, and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. Not only was the restaurant gorgeous, but the food was amazing. Everything tasted like the homemade items, freshly made everyday, you’d find at Arthur Avenue (Little Italy), and my dad said the spaghetti and meatballs tasted like what his grandma used to make. My dad’s grandma had lived in Abruzzo, Italy for much of her life, made food the old-fashioned way, and I’ve never seen my dad order just spaghetti & meatballs at a restaurant. The pasta I ordered was absolutely delicious and perfectly made. I’d definitely go back, and also recommend it to anyone planning on eating at Disney Springs.
Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar
Since we had enjoyed Maria & Enzo’s so much, we decided to try Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar, which was also conveniently named Best Italian Restaurant in Central Florida by Orlando Magazine. The restaurant is literally underground, and is very much themed to be a true hideaway. The food had the same feel and taste as its sister restaurant, though the menu offerings were slightly different. Overall, it was another great dining experience, and I can’t wait to go back.
The Edison
I also ate at the Edison for the first time on my most recent trip, and the establishment had a very 1920s feel in the theming and decor, and served American-Style food. We were seated on the lower level near the stage and entertainment area. When we first arrived, there was a stilt-walker in Gatsby-style attire, and we had heard that there would be some kind of a show later in the night (I have seen some snippets of the different entertainment offerings on Instagram stories, it looks like a lot of fun). I personally got a kids meal because I had lunch pretty late, but my parents had gotten full adult meals. The food was good, but it wasn’t anything super-special, and there are other restaurants in the area that I liked better.
T-REX
I haven’t been to T-Rex in quite a few years, but I recall enough to put together a quick little review. The entire place was very similar to a Rainforest Cafe, except dinosaur themed, and it had a Build-a-Dino (dinosaur Build-a-Bear) in the lobby/gift shop. The food was pretty standard food and comparable to Rainforest Cafe, and it had several large dinosaur animatronics, as well as meteor showers than occurred every half hour if I remember correctly. T-Rex is very much the place to go for an entertainment-based dinner, as there are several other locations at Disney Springs that have better food.
The Polite Pig
To be completely honest, I hated my experience at the Polite Pig and would never go back, but to be fair, I have also heard of people who love it. It’s a quick service location near the entrance from the Lime Garage, and since its opening, a bar has been added to the outside. When we had eaten there, the food was not good at all and was just a really unenjoyable meal for my whole family.
Chicken Guy
Chicken Guy is my favorite quick service restaurant at Disney Springs, and honestly, I have to get it every trip. The chicken is well seasoned, as are the fries, the milkshakes are amazing, and there’s so many great sauces to try! They always have a line and it can be a little difficult to find seating when it gets busy, but its totally worth it.
Amorette’s Patisserie
Amorette’s is the best place to grab snacks and sweets! I’m absolutely in love with the cookies and brownies, but there’s so much more to offer, including sandwiches, cakes, and even some Disney-inspired drinks if you’re over 21. Everything is made fresh in-house, and you can even see the process as you wait in line.
Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza
Blaze is a great quick-service pizza option. It’s a national chain, and can be found all over the country (not just at Disney Springs). I’ve eaten at multiple locations and the pizza and garlic knots are always yummy. Plus, there’s so many options to customize your pizza entirely!
Pizza Ponte
I haven’t had a full meal yet here to be completely honest, but I did pick up a quick snack. I thought the rainbow cookies were really great, and all the pizza and food on the tables looked so great. It’s a part of Maria & Enzo’s, so I know the food will be great, and I can’t wait to try it on my next trip!
There are so many dining options available at Disney Springs that it can be hard to choose where to eat. While I haven’t eaten everywhere yet, I’ve tried many of the newer (and more classic) choices, and I thought to share my opinion of some of them with you!
Bon appetit,
