Planet Hollywood Observatory at Disney Springs – Late Night Dessert Is The Way to Go!
Disney Springs has changed drastically over the last several years. The once adult centric Downtown Disney has changed in ways that even the most avid Disney fans never could have imagined. If that change is good or bad is entirely up to personal interpretation. I personally love the changes for so many different reasons. Of course it does have it’s downsides and in my option they missed an opportunity to unveil a whole series of Disney specific retail locations or one off boutique style locations in favor of more mainstream luxury retailers. However, and at the same time, the decisions made helped develop an atmosphere that so many different audiences can enjoy and appreciate no matter what your age or particular stage in life may be. There really is something for everyone.
The Honest Bias Going Into the Reservation
Today’s article is perhaps the perfect example of all of this thrown into one particular dining location. Years ago, Planet Hollywood was far from the ideal place to eat at Downtown Disney. It was a hangout spot hinging on brand awareness and a prominent building that everyone wanted to see inside. Of course, that was never their marketing scheme but at the same time that’s essentially what the location became. It was a place to hold large crowds if the need presented itself and a pop culture reference in the heart of Walt Disney World. Today, that experience has been turned upside down in many ways and tends to embrace a different experience and different set of goals that it once did.
After a recent visit to Planet Hollywood, after putting it off for years on end in favor of other new dining locations without a “history,” we caved and gave Planet Hollywood Observatory another shot. It is certainly worth mentioning that this is not the same restaurant it once was and, to be quite honest, it appears as if the only thing that hasn’t changed is the dome shaped structure itself (which is a good thing). The cast is excellent, the decor is far more modern and upscale that it once was, and now it looks like a fun and inviting dining location rather that a tourist trap.
All of this is fine and good, but I know the real question you’re likely asking at this point, “How’s the food?”
The Desserts Themselves
If I’m being completely honest, I had one desire to go back to Planet Hollywood and it was to try the borderline ludicrous desserts on the menu. The towering Super Nova shakes are piled high with candies and various toppings accompanying select flavors, and they truly are an impressive sight to say the least. Another show stopping option is the Brownie Sundae Martini. Truthfully, the sundae alone is the reason I’m writing this article! I’m sure the other dessert items (including a Banana Pudding Star Jar, a Brownie Cheesecake Star Jar, a Key lime Pie Star Jar, Sticky Toffee Pudding, and a few others) are incredible as well, but the Brownie Sundae stole the show and gathered a crowd when it arrived at our table.
I know that sounds like an over reaction, but we literally had the table next to us ask if they could take a picture of it. It’s that absurd… in all the right ways. Just to put the description on paper it includes twelve brownie chunks, 6 scoops of vanilla and chocolate ice cream, caramel and chocolate sauce, and what looks like an entire bottle of whipped cream. I’m not sure if it would beat the Kitchen Sink dessert over at the Beach Club in size but I have to say this thing is quite the presentation when it’s brought to the table.
In our case, we only went to Planet Hollywood Observatory for dessert, and ate our actual meal a little earlier in the day. However, this dessert easily fed four us and we still couldn’t manage to finish the concoction. Our server even mentioned that the only group she had seen completely finish it was a sports team that all shared the colossal dessert.
To accompany the Brownie Sundae, we felt obligated to try at least one of the Supernova shakes (you know… for research purposes of course) and I have to say it was one of the best milkshakes I’ve personally tried. It was incredibly rich and while obviously your milkshake preferences and mine may vary, it is quite an impressive dessert on its own.
Long story made short, the desserts alone are worth the visit. If you are concerned about your budget, this may not be your best option. The massive Brownie Sundae is $19.99. It is the most expensive dessert on the menu but the majority of desserts range from $9 to $14. At first, that does sound quite pricey and the overall menu is quite expensive as well, but the portion sizes are unbelievably large. Everything we tried or saw being served around us could have easily been split among multiple guests which would theoretically shrink the cost of the meal.
The Atmosphere
Your Thoughts
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Last but certainly not least, if you’re starting the planning process, a great place to start are with some of our top planning articles! Looking for dining? Check out Disney World Dining Tips For 2018. Want to start with some more tips? 44 Excellent Disney World Tips for 2018 or Disney World Planning Guide and Tips For 2018 are a great place to begin! Looking to save money on tickets? Check out our friends over at The Official Ticket Center for great deals that even made it into our 2018 Discount Disney World Ticket selections and another great way to help us create more content through your contributions at no additional cost to you! You’ll probably even save money along the way.
