Bowling at Walt Disney World at Splitsville Luxury Lanes

It looks like Orlando is in for a stretch of rainy weather, so I thought I'd suggest a great rainy day activity.

There is a new bowling facility, or, some may say- a new restaurant- in town. Splitsville Luxury Lanes, recently opened in Walt Disney World's Downtown Disney West Side.

With 2 floors, 30 bowling lanes, several bars, pool tables, live music, and plenty of seating, Splitsville offers Walt Disney World guests entertainment from 10 a.m. until 2 a.m., 7 days a week.

On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, adults can party kid-free on the second floor, reserved for guests 21 and up from 10:30 p.m. until closing.

My wife and I decided to check out the food and fun on a damp and chilly afternoon during our trip in January.

I haven't gone bowling in years. We have a few lanes within a 10 mile radius, but they are usually crowded, noisy, and smelly.

This was not like any bowling alley I've ever been to. In fact, if I was a local, this would be a regular hang out.

The equipment is state of the art. I am used to having to wait for what seems like an eternity to get my ball back, and have the pins reset. No issues here. I would turn around, and the ball would be back! 

And then there is the food!

Throughout the day, there is a full menu, and you can be served at booths, the second floor balcony, or at tables at your bowling lane. There is a wide variety of food, including standard bar fare such as nachos, pizza, and sushi. Yep, sushi.

My wife and I ordered a Spicy Tuna Roll.

Now, I won't say it was the best roll I ever had. I have to confess, I'm not a fan of the sushi I've had in Walt Disney World. There are several excellent sushi restaurants within 5-10 minutes of where I live in New Jersey, so I never see a point in getting it in Disney World.

But I would absolutely get sushi at this bowling alley again!

 
But the real standout was the pizza! We got the Margherita, which is Mozzarella cheese, Roma tomatoes, basil, and tomato sauce on a honey wheat crust.

This was the best pizza we've had in Disney World.

Yes, better than Via Napoli!
On a side note, we also ate at Via Napoli on this trip, and feel the quality has slipped. The pizza was not nearly as good as on previous visits.

The pizza at Splitsville was reasonably priced, and easily (along with the tuna roll) filled us up.

There is even a little shop inside, called "Memory Lanes".

Now, you might ask, is bowling something you should do on an expensive vacation?

Good question. 

And I see your point. 

But, if you need a break from the parks, want to get out of the rain or extreme heat, or if you want a good meal while visiting Downtown Disney, I absolutely recommend stopping by Splitsville Luxury Lanes!

Portions of this article were originally posted on the Tips From the Disney Diva Blog, where Nick is a contributing writer.

The Disney Exchange- Episode 11 Show Notes: Things To Do On Walt Disney World Property, Outside The Parks

By Nick

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

-Main Topic- Things to Do On Walt Disney World Property, Outside the Parks
-The Disney Exchange is Lisa Green, David Hodges, and me, Nicholas Maglio
-I'd like to apologize to one of our biggest fans, allegedly, the lovely and talented Fran Drescher.
-Lisa tells of her unplanned extended vacation as well as that souvenir that keeps on giving.
-I start us off on our main topic, and go right to Fort Wilderness, where I have trouble just picking one awesome thing to do, as there are many, but settle on riding on a large mammal, also known as horseback riding.



And even though I am supposed to limit it to one thing, I sneak in carriage rides as well.
-Lisa keeps us at Fort Wilderness, and describes the 2 hour Wilderness Back Trail Adventure Segway Tour she took on her recent trip.

 
 Photo: Lisa Green

We show off our math skills.
-Dave cools things down by taking us for a swim and relaxation in the resort's pools, his favorite being at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Jambo House. We discuss other pools and the intricacies of pool hopping.

 
Photo: David Hodges

-I decide it's time to head to Downtown Disney to bowl and have a bite to eat at Splitsville.
Please stop back to The Disney Exchange Blog later this week for a more in depth article on Splitsville.



-Lisa follows me to Downtown Disney, and goes shopping while I bowl. David and Lisa discuss recent acquisitions and the shops they most enjoy.

-Dave talks about the free Disney Boardwalk tour, and I mention The Wilderness Lodge's free tour.



-The Wheel of Distiny topic this week: Our favorite movie released prior to the year of our birth. Yes, they made talkies before Lisa and I were born.
-Dave : Escape From Witch Mountain
-Me: Bambi. This causes an argument. Yes. An argument about BAMBI.
-Lisa: Mary Poppins

Thank you as always for listening to The Disney Exchange! (Especially you, Fran.)

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Disney Springs AMC Fork and Screen

By Nick

On my latest solo trip to Walt Disney World I had a few items I wanted to cross off my must do list, and to go to the AMC Fork & Screen theater in Disney Springs was one of them.

I had some preconceived reservations going in, and some of these reservations were justified.

One of these was would I really want to see a movie for the first time with servers walking around, interacting with me or other patrons, thus causing me to miss something?

So I chose a movie I had already seen, twice in fact, Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

I went on the morning after I took the Monorail Loop Lounge Tour, and was feeling none too clear headed, and it was also a rainy day, so, the perfect time to go to a movie. I was told that the AMC in Disney Springs, unlike my local theater, doesn't have reserved seating, but that is not the case with the dine in theaters apparently, as I was indeed able to pick a seat for the 11am show.

After arriving in Disney Springs via bus a little early, I walked through the rain from the one side DS to the other, walking through shops along the way.

Once I got to the theater, I went in the wrong entrance, going in by Splitsville. This is the regular side, but since I didn't have any clue how this sprawling theater was laid out, I asked where the Fork & Screen theaters would be found and was told the entrance to that side was by Planet Hollywood, but since I'd been through security already (yes, I had to empty my pockets and get patted down!) and it was pouring rain, I was directed through the inside of the theater to the doors to the dining side.

I was allowed into the theater about 20 minutes before the 11am showtime and was quickly greeted by a very nice server who took my order and returned a few minutes before 11 with my cheeseburger, fries, and Bacardi and Coke.

The burger and fries was pretty good and the rum and Coke was fine. I was pretty much finished by the time the movie started after what felt like 20 minutes of previews.

As for the theater, the seats recline very far back, which isn't a problem, unless the person in front of you is sitting up eating, and their head is very much in the way, which was the case for about 15 minutes of the movie.

About halfway through the film, I realized I hadn't seen a server at all for awhile. I decided I wanted to try one of the milkshakes I heard were so good, and maybe a small popcorn to satisfy my savory and sweet craving.
I pushed the button that I was told would bring a server quickly...and waited about 20 minutes before someone showed up.
I asked for a small popcorn, and was told they only came in large buckets (?!) so I passed and got a chocolate milkshake, which was absolutely better than I was told it would be. Very highly recommended.

The overall experience however, was mediocre at best. And it wasn't cheap. I got the bill 10 minutes before the end of the movie, and admit I did not analyze it thoroughly, but it was $35! (That price doesn't include the cost of the movie ticket.)

My suggestion, if you want a designated seat, this is the way to go. I noticed several people around me who did not order a thing, so can only assume they chose this theater for that reason.
Grab a meal at Splitsville next door, where the food is fantastic and reasonably priced, and save room for a milkshake at the theater.

Walt Disney World for the Anti Disney

By Lisa Green  

 

I know this guy.  To protect his identity, let’s call him Brad.  Brad’s a nice guy – young, married, couple of kids, avid sportsman – Brad hunts everything for which there’s a season, including alligators.  Recently, Brad overheard another friend ask me about a recent trip to Walt Disney World.  Brad stepped on up to join our conversation and said, “My wife wants to take our kids there.” and then…Brad actually shuddered.  In dread.  He proceeded to explain that he sincerely hoped that his in-laws would be up to the task so he wouldn’t have to go (on vacation with his children).  Hunh.  I’d heard these Anti-Disney-ites exist, but had never actually come face-to-face with one until Brad.

I’ve met people who have been to Walt Disney World and found it not to their liking.  I’m okay with that!  They tried it, (usually with no planning whatsoever) didn’t like it and don’t want to go back.  I think, “Yay!  One less person to take up space in line!”  I respect their opinion and understand that they probably need to go somewhere that requires little to no advance planning or research.  But Brad has never been to Walt Disney World or any other Disney theme park.  His opinion is that Disney parks are just a bunch of carnival rides for little kids with some Disney characters thrown in and he’d rather stay home and do sportsman stuff.

Here’s the deal – I would never try to convert an Anti-Disney person.  Certainly none of them are reading this now.  I would, however, be completely sympathetic to the families of these rare, closed-minded and stubborn individuals and would like to offer some potential enticements for the Anti-Disney-ite in your life.  The idea here is that they join you for vacation and during the day, you go with the children to the parks while the Anti-Disney-ite takes in other activities.  At least you could all meet up at the end of the day and share a nice meal.  You’d all be on vacation together technically, and everyone would be having a good time.

Disney World for the Anti-Disney

While the family is riding Under the Sea Journey of the Little Mermaid, their Anti-Disney-ite could be…..

Fishing – One option is some serious bass fishing.  Sure it’s catch and release, but this awesome package for the angler in your family also includes a guide, rod, reel, tackle and so much more!  For a more relaxed and on-your-own experience, dock-side fishing is also available (catch and release).  Read all the details here.

While everyone else is exploring Africa in the Animal Kingdom, the Anti-Disney-ite can be….

Boating – They can take their pick!  Canoes, catamaran, motorized boats in a huge variety of sizes – there are a bunch of boats to choose from and some wonderfully beautiful waterways to explore.  Check out all the details here.

You and the kids might be having the time of your lives meeting Stitch and your beloved Anti-Disney-ite can be enjoying…

A Segway Tour – The Wilderness Back Trail Adventure is available for some off-road exploration!  At the Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, your Anti-Disney-ite can not only learn to ride a Segway (if they don’t already know how), they can experience a scenic tour off the beaten track, far away from theme parks and characters.  Interested?  Get the scoop here.

While the family hunts the elusive Yeti, your beloved Anti-Disney-ite can go…

Bowling – Not just any bowling, but retro bowling with the added bonus of an incredible menu!  Splitsville in Downtown Disney/Disney Springs is the place to be for folks who like to bowl or eat or listen to live music.  Explore the possibilities here.

To the Movies – There is one of the coolest theaters I’ve ever heard of at Disney World!  Near Splitsville, in Downtown Disney, you can find a dine-in AMC 24 Theater.  If your Anti-Disney-ite cannot find anything else to do (or the weather is lousy), this may be just the ticket (see what I did there?).

Golf – Raymond has played a round of golf at Disney World and really enjoyed the beauty and challenge of the course (The Palm).  He mentioned that the service in the pro shop was excellent and the rental clubs were of high quality.  Two thumbs up for golf at Disney World from my favorite golf enthusiast!  Everything you need to know is here.

Lounges – When all else fails, there are a staggering number of lounges, bars, and pubs at Walt Disney World.  Places to watch sports, hear live music, sample interesting wines and beers from all over the world – if your Anti-Disney-ite wants some relaxation indoors, away from the kid-filled crowds, there are some really great places to enjoy adult refreshments and soak up the atmosphere.  For any and all Disney beer-related information, Beers and Ears is the place to go.

What did I miss?  Do any of you have an Anti-Disney family member or loved one?  Have you coaxed them on a Disney vacation yet?

This article was originally posted on Lisa's Living a Disney Life Blog.
She can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LivingaDisLife and on Twitter at @life_of_green

Please be sure to check out Lisa along with me and David Hodges on The Disney Exchange Podcast!

The 'View' at Downtown Disney

by Gaylin

While I was on vacation in May, I spent some time at Downtown Disney. It appears I have bad luck when it comes to choosing a time to visit WDW, a lot of the construction walls that were up when I was there are now down, and the stores are open. But me, I got to see construction walls . . . starting with the new Starbucks on the Westside.

And by the Cirque du Soleil there will be a food truck park. This hasn't opened yet but it has quite a big area to park in.

Behind these walls is more of the Food Truck Park. 

The Co-op looks like a great store, I would have loved to have seen it . . .

I have no idea what they are building with this huge crane near Fulton's or if it is a staging area for construction supplies to be brought in from the water rather than through Downtown.

 

As you can see, in front of T-Rex, it does look like a staging ground for construction supplies. If anyone knows if this is a staging area or a new build - let me know!

Behind Planet Hollywood is where the new parking lot is going in and it is huge! Most of the west side parking lot is closed for construction vehicles so if you need to park at Downtown - good luck.

Downtown Disney is going to be renamed Disney Springs at some point and this is the construction drawing of what that new parking structure is going to look like.

Here you can see that it is quite close to the Westside, here by Splitsville is about the centre of the parking structure.

This is the front of the World of Disney, where the other Starbucks is. Again, not open when I was there, opened shortly after I got home. I was quite surprised to see it sitting front and centre of the store. It is a walk-up location, no seating available. I wonder if the Starbucks craze ever ends, this location was chosen to make it easy to switch out to a Disney branded coffee shop or other food service area.

And finally, some silliness. Me and Lego Princess Sofie in the Lego store. Yep, she stayed still for a selfie!!!

And Cinderella for another selfie, she is so pretty and loves getting her picture taken.

The Poncho, Disney Parks, and You

I won't lie, I am not a fan of the rain, and I'm especially not enamored with it when I'm on vacation at a Disney Park.

But let's face it, rain happens, and we just need to deal with it. You can either stick to indoor activities, like shopping at Downtown Disney, or maybe bowling at Splitsville.
Or you can turn that frown upside down, and just throw on a poncho!

We bring our own, but they are readily available all around the parks.
Parks are often less crowded during rain.

So next time you encounter rain and want to hit the parks, just grab a poncho, and keep having fun!

Having Fun on Rainy Days at Walt Disney World

Embracing the Rainy Day at Walt Disney World

By: Lisa Green

I’m going to be a little bossy here for a second (imagine that!):  Do NOT go home from your Walt Disney World vacation whining about the weather.  Do. Not. Complain.  In the summer, it rains in Florida.  A lot.  If you don’t realize that going into the trip, you’re going to be surprised and disappointed!  Plan for rain – during certain times of the year, you’ll need to plan for daily rain.  That’s right – it rains every afternoon sometimes – a quick shower that comes and goes, but may be a torrential downpour for a while.  The average monthly rainfall is over 7 inches for June, July and August.  It’s HOT in Florida, too – but I’ll save being bossy on that topic for another day.

Back to the rain. You have two choices when it rains.  Tough it out or pack it in.  Here are my suggestions for embracing the rain – no matter which choice you go with.

1. Make like a good Boy Scout and bring a rain poncho to the parks during the rainy season.  Shoes that are water resistant or will dry quickly are helpful, too.  Flip-flops can become hazardous, near deadly instruments of torture in a downpour as they become very slippery on both the bottom and the foot bed….beware!

2. Hang in there.  Try to stay as dry as possible and wait it out.  Go for an indoor attraction like Mickey’s PhilharMagic or Hall of President’s in the Magic Kingdom, a movie in Epcot’s World Showcase (in Canada, China, or France), wait in the LONG (but dry) line for Soarin’ in Epcot’s Future World, check out the Great Movie Ride or MuppetVision 3D in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  In Animal Kingdom, you can see It’s Tough to be a Bug.  If it’s not raining hard, grab a snack and a seat and people-watch for a few minutes.  Wait and see if the clouds clear up.

3. Shop.  There is no shortage of shops in Walt Disney World!  Take the time to browse – if you’re usually rushing from thrill ride to thrill ride, you’ll find an undiscovered treasure trove of unbelievable Disney items for wearing, decorating, eating, and collecting.  Find souvenirs and gifts for everyone including your dog.  Just the number of different hats is staggering.

4. Head on over to Downtown Disney for bowling or a movie or both.  We wouldn’t normally spare the time for an activity we can experience at home, but rainy days may call for some adjustments and accommodation. Splitsville, the new bowling hotspot in Downtown Disney and an AMC Theater (complete with dine-in options) are side by side in the Westside district.

5. When the going gets wet, the wet get going.  Pack it in, people – sometimes the rain just won’t let up – everybody’s wet, cold and cranky.  This is the time to head on back the resort and order a pizza, watch some TV and rest up for better weather…which should come around unless you happen to be in Orlando during a hurricane.  Then you have my permission – encouragement even – to dismiss my bossy directive at the beginning of this post and complain away.  Whine til the cows come home.  If your entire vacation has been wiped out by a hurricane (it’d probably have an oddly mild name like Dudley), you deserve sympathy and a do-over.  I hope this hasn’t ever happened to any of you and hope it never does.

What are your Walt Disney World rainy day tips?

This article was originally posted on Lisa's Living a Disney Life Blog.
She can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LivingaDisLife and on Twitter at @life_of_green

Please be sure to check out Lisa along with me and David Hodges on The Disney Exchange Podcast!