Planet Hollywood Observatory at Disney Springs Review: Fun, Fresh and Affordable

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Planet Hollywood Observatory has just opened its doors at Disney Springs in Walt Disney World. While there was a prior Planet Hollywood in Downtown Disney, this brand new dining venue is a vast improvement. If you are looking for a new dining in Disney, give Planet Hollywood Observatory a try.

Forget everything you knew about the old Planet Hollywood Orlando, and meet its fresh and fun replacement. Disney Springs is a vibrant and fun new place to mingle in Lake Buena Vista, and to match its character–many new restaurants have opened their doors in the past year. Among those new kids in the springs is Planet Hollywood Observatory. With a fresh new menu, four floors of movie merchandise to tour and interactive fun this is the spot for lunch, dinner and even happy hour.

I will admit, as a local I was leary of the new venue because the old restaurant left a bad taste in my mouth. But hey, everyone deserves a second chance!

Planet Hollywood Observatory

The back story to the new restaurant is that it was once the quiet little town of Disney Springs observatory and when left vacant it was re-purposed into a restaurant. The only “stars” that remain are the Hollywood kind. It’s fun and fitting that there’s a red carpet photo op as you enter. Pose for the paparazzi and your claim ticket will be delivered to your table.

As you head upstairs to the second floor host stand you will see the walls lined with movie memorabilia.  Star Wars fans will love being greeted by Chewbacca and R2-D2!

Join The Party

With a giant floor to ceiling screen playing movie clips, trivia and sing along songs you will be entertained during the entire meal. More so, the kids will stay entertained. You hear everything from Def Leppard to Moana played throughout the restaurant.

Planet Hollywood has always been known for its display of movie memorabilia, and that still holds true. Display cases line the walls, and any trip here should include a tour around the building to find your favorites. On the fourth floor we found a really cool Ghostbusters display–if you are a huge fan ask to be seated there.

As opposed to some hum-drum place to dine, the new Planet Hollywood offers a full party atmosphere. With a chicken nugget in one hand and their eyes on the immersive screen the kids won’t ask to go to the bathroom 60 times for fear they will miss something fun.

Grab a Drink and Stay Awhile

Oh my–this drink menu. If you don’t want to  sit for an entire meal, you can grab a drink at Stargazers Bar to enjoy a cold cocktail or a Florida brewed craft beer. Here you can sit outside and enjoy the gorgeous view of Disney Springs–I will definitely be returning to Stargazers.

For our lunch cocktails, I decided on the Hailey’s Comet, because who wants to turn down a giant blue drink in a glass you get to take home! While there are no free refills, if you don’t finish your drink by the time your meal is complete you can get it to-go in a plastic cup. Disney Springs allows you to enjoy open drinks as you stroll.

My wife was a little more subdued in her choice and enjoyed The Moonwalk. Both drinks were refreshing and not watered down. On our next visit I am definitely trying the Solar Eclipse.

Menu For Every Taste

The menu is large, there is no doubt about it. From gourmet burgers and sandwiches by Guy Fieri to ribs pasta you will have a hard time deciding on what to have. For our appetizer we were told to try the 5 cheese dip. This dip was so good, it comes with tortilla chips and toasted pita and is loaded with spinach, cheese and artichoke. It wasn’t too large and can definitely be shared among a table.

When the Mayor of Flavortown, Guy Fieri makes burgers for a restaurant you gotta check it out. My wife enjoyed the Prime Time Kobe Beef Burger. This thing was HUGE! She loved it so much she didn’t want to share with me, but I snuck in a bite. It was cooked perfectly and full of flavor, the donkey sauce set it over the top for sure.

I decided on the ribs, and they were fall off the bone amazing. The presentation is great–they are served on a mini picnic table. Served with fries and slaw, there was too much food. I was glad to have leftovers for lunch!

Stay For Dessert

The dessert menu at Planet Hollywood Observatory is crazy! With everything from brownie sundae martini to gourmet milkshakes, you can cure your sweet tooth. I was too full to get anything but I have my eye on the key lime pie star jar.

The kids however had to have the crazy milkshakes. Let me just leave the photo for you..because a description won’t do it any justice.

You are looking at the Cotton Candy Milkshake, and it is a sugar high like you will never experience again!

Planet Hollywood Observatory Overall

To quote the iconic film Terminator, “I will be back”. Planet Hollywood Observatory is a welcome addition to the all new Disney Springs. As I said, I wasn’t sure what to expect but I was blown away. From the fresh food and large portions to the fun family friendly environment.  This was certainly a memorable dinner for my family.

Disclosure: I was provided a free meal in exchange for my review, no further compensation will be given.