Disney Store
What is a trip to Florida without a taste of Disney? On my second day, I trekked down from the Clearwater area down to Orlando to spend the day wandering around Disney Springs. Disney Springs, if you haven't been, is Downtown Disney. It has all the souvenirs without the costumed individuals, and the only roller coasters you experience are the emotional ones after reading price tags.
But a wallet full of cash wasn't necessary to embrace the experience. From the tables behind a Starbucks, I watched the giant helium balloon rise up into the sky, tethered down to the earth by a thick cord. In between the fountains and buildings were lego dragons and sea monsters, animated alligators, and fake t-rex skeletons. I could see all my childhood fantasies coming to life.
Disney Springs Balloon Ride (left) and Lego Store (right)
Amidst clothing stores were shops I was unlikely to find in many malls. Legos, Star Wars, and even Ghiradelli all filled their own buildings and spilled out onto the cobblestone street in the forms of elaborate displays.
Of course, I had to make a visit to the Disney Store. Wall to wall, floor to ceiling, I was greeted by the faces of Snow White, Stitch, Buzz Lightyear, and every other Disney character I have long since forgotten about. There was a kettle for Mrs. Potts, strawberry smelling pink teddy bears for Lotso Bear, and of course, the iconic mickey ears. Dozens of children ran around with their light sabers and stuffed animals, some were dressed like princesses from the nearby Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.
Cake Pop (left) and House of Blues (right)
Other stores, including the House of Blues and the Candy Cauldron, peaked my interest. The Candy Cauldron may be the most popular candy stores in Disney Springs. They hand-make caramel covered apples that are decorated like Disney characters. Despite adorable, edible Olaf's, I opted for one of their Mickey-shaped cake pops, which they also handmade in store.
With a mouth full of chocolate fudge deliciousness, I admired the tall Christmas tree still up on display. In general, Christmas decorations have a much longer display time in Florida. The warm weather must encourage people to leave up their lights. It certainly wouldn't be as difficult as unburying them from the snow. Or even braving the subzero temperatures to unstring an elaborate display of lights. Outdoor Christmas decorations aren't as common where I grew up, so it was nice to see the holiday cheer spreading into the New Year and mingling with Disney glee.
Christmas Tree (left) and Christmas Decor (right)
Lunch reservations were made at Planet Hollywood. The observatory that fills with stars at night was projecting Hollywood stars during the day. Music videos played overhead, only to be interrupted occasionally to project the customers eating their food.
Speaking of food, the one and only Guy Fieri joined forces with Planet Hollywood to expand the restaurant's menus. The burgers were recommended by the waiter, who explained that they were Guy's personal recipe creations. I felt like I would be a fool to try anything else, so I ordered the Plane Jane Cheeseburger, a classic burger with cheese and all the fixings. I have not encountered many cheeseburgers that have disappointed me, and this one was no exception.
Animated Alligator at Rainforest Cafe (left) and Planet Hollywood (right)
But Planet Hollywood would not be Planet Hollywood if it only represented star quality in the observatory. Lining the front halls were glass cases containing costumes and props from former, big name Hollywood films. Dresses worn by Madonna, Judy Garland, and Jennifer Lawrence were propped inside the walls for me to view. Even R2D2 was on display, looking a little beat up from his roaming across Tatooine.
R2D2 (left) and Toby McGuire Spiderman 3 Costume (right)
One of the last places I visited before leaving Disney Springs was Arribas. Inside the store were more glass cases that made me feel more like I was looking at museum pieces than purchasable goods. One man sat on a stool in the middle of the store, blowing crystal balls, as the customers perused the Disney decor already on display. Crystal ornaments, jewelry, and trinkets took up the majority of the space, but two big displays caught my attention. One was a recreation of Cinderella stepping out of her carriage, yours for the taking at the low price of $33,000. The other big display, appeared to be a castle built of tiny mirrored legos but was really encrusted in over 28,000 hand placed crystal stones. Pricing in at $37,500, I was afraid to stand to close to it, lest a terrible accident happened.
Like most of the things I witnessed while in Disney Springs, the display felt a touch out of reality. It was strange to be near so many things that I had formerly only known has two dimensional images. Giant crystal or even lego creations didn't only feel unbelievable, they felt impossible. Until they weren't. Suddenly, I was in a place where Mickey Mouse and I could see the threads on Spiderman's costume. Even as an adult, admittedly grown out of my passion for all things Disney, I found myself surprised and at times, like standing in the middle of Arribas, breathless. The castle rotated, sparkling in the light like it was dancing with the magic of childhood dream.
Cinderella Figurines (left) and Glass Castle (right)
