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Food Truck Bazaar at Downtown Disney Delights

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Although Orlando’s gourmet food truck scene is not a stranger to the Walt Disney World property, the marquee Food Truck Bazaar event had never been held on property until last weekend. Disney has used food trucks at ESPN WWOS to help feed Soccer and Baseball fans, they’ve invited a few trucks in for weekend events at Downtown Disney, they even built four Disney-fied food trucks as permanent citizens of the shopping and entertainment complex. But they had never had an event dedicated just to the food truck scene.

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Thankfully, Disney decided to partner with the class act that is the Food Truck Bazaar. They have great relationships with many of the over 75 food trucks that operate in Central Florida and know which ones will work the best in each location. Food Truck Bazaar also has its finger on the pulse of Central Florida’s foodies. That means they can bring the crowds and excitement that make an event like this a must see for anyone.

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Of course, this being Disney, there were a couple of magic touches that I appreciated. In addition to the 14 food trucks, there were some drink stands, a lot of tables (although not quiet enough), and some roaming squads of entertainers. Here’s a short taste of the evening.

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Starbucks opens First Company Owned Store at Walt Disney World

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The Seattle based coffee house chain Starbucks has made it to Downtown Disney Orlando in a big way. In the last few weeks, it has opened two locations in the shopping and entertainment district to go with the two locations already inside Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. Fans of the dark brew will be able to get their cup of joe on the go nearly anytime they want.

In addition to the usual Starbucks location items, the Westside location includes a wide selection of food and baked goods plus their reserve coffees which are brewed in the new Clover system.

The store itself is nearly 4,000 square feet and features indoor and outdoor seating. The outdoor patio features a moss wall with the iconic Starbucks logo mermaid and a nice view of the water. Inside there is a magical portal that connects the Anaheim Downtown Disney location with the Orlando one with a chalkboard like interactive interface.

There’s more green in the store than just the moss wall. The location is also the 500th Starbucks store to have a LEED designation.

I’m also a little excited about the odd structure out there in the courtyard between the new Starbucks and the Harley Davidson location. It’s the first part of Disney Springs new vision for the Westside to be constructed. Eventually there will be a longer area of ‘highline’ to dance and dine on above Westside. It looks good so far, and the scale definitely seems right.

Heading out to Walt Disney World to pick up a cup of Starbucks? Be sure to refill your Starbucks Card online before you go.

More photos below the jump:

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Giant Classic Car Show Returns to Downtown Disney Fathers Day Weekend

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It’s almost time for one of my favorite special events of the year. Downtown Disney’s Car Masters Weekend. Held over Father’s Day weekend June 14-15 the entire shopping and dining district takes on the flavor of a classic car show with a modern twist–Car Masters Weekend features all things “Cars” plus special celebrity appearances, interactive exhibits, unique event merchandise and entertainment the whole family will enjoy.

On Downtown Disney West Side, guests can enjoy exploring the details and classic beauty of more than 100 classic, muscle and exotic vehicles from across the country. Fans also can judge their favorites along with the experts, culminating in an award ceremony Sunday. Joining in the “Cars” fun, Richard Petty Driving Experience at Walt Disney World Speedway will be unveiling two new full-size custom character cars, created by Disney•Pixar “Cars” creative director Jay Ward. The #28 Aiken Axler and #80 Sage VanDerSpin cars will be used in the new Piston Cup Junior Ride-Along program, available for bookings beginning June 14. Disney•Pixar “Cars” and “Cars 2″ characters Lightning McQueen, Mater and Finn McMissle also will be stopping by the event for meet and greets.

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