Re-Imagined Planet Hollywood Observatory Opens at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort

Planet Hollywood Observatory has opened its flagship location in the heart of Disney Springs, transforming its iconic globe into a four-story stargazing observatory with new spaces including an outdoor terrace, a new menu and an exciting new look and feel.

Inside it's an immersive theatrical dining experience, with each floor providing a different ambience, including the fabulous curated collection of film-making memorabilia and a 4,500-square-foot video wall the uses trompe l'oeil 3D technology – images with such realism that they appear to be in three dimensions.

Classic Planet Hollywood dishes are on the new menu, as well as a selection of over-the-top burgers and sandwiches by celebrity Chef Guy Fieri. Desserts are a hallmark of the restaurant, like the hand-dipped milkshakes and generous sweets made for sharing.

Beer, wine and cocktails offer a little something for every taste, and Stargazers Lounge has a beverage menu that focuses on Florida craft beers (with 20 on tap) and 10 signature cocktails.

The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner. The new 5,000 square-foot Stargazers Lounge that will let guests relax under the stars will be opening soon.

Check out this fun video when Chef Guy Fieri visited the restaurant just prior to opening:

#ArtfulEpcot Series: Creating Art With Chocolate

Our next artists in the #ArtfulEpcot series that explores more about the artistry behind the Epcot International Festival of the Arts have a knack for creating works of art that are not only fun to look at, but also taste delicious!

Disney Pastry Chef Chocolatier Amanda Lauder, along with her team, handcraft divine chocolate creations daily at The Ganachery at Disney Springs. They custom-make ganache from scratch using a special recipe unique to Disney that includes dark chocolate and is flavored to perfection.

Chef Assistant Chocolatiers Amy Holmes and Kathleen Dunn are bringing their chocolate expertise to Epcot International Festival of the Arts guests during an Art Workshop this week, showcasing how to make your own chocolate truffles.

"It's a great way to show guests how simple and fun it is to make ganache, and they will be able to hand-roll truffles and know learn how to make these at home just in time for Valentine's Day," Amy said.

Chef Amanda also had a few tips for creating your own artful desserts. First, use foods that are in-season, (such as strawberries in-season now in Florida) and high-quality ingredients. Second, have fun! You can decorate with lots of sprinkles or pastel colored frosting for Spring.

Click here or call 407-WDW-TOUR to book a spot in an Art Workshop during the festival and be sure to check out all of the decadent culinary works of art at Food Studios throughout World Showcase each weekend, now through February 20.

February 2017 Disneyland Resort Merchandise Events

Join us at Disneyland Resort for several merchandise special events taking place in February 2017.

Downtown Disney District

February 3-4 – Nidhi Chanani returns to WonderGround Gallery as the February Artist in Residence. She will be meeting with guests from 5–9 p.m. Look for her on additional dates including February 10-11, 17-18 and 24-25.

February 4-5 – Artisan Aggie Cheung will appear at WonderGround Gallery from 2–5 p.m. She will also return to the location on February 25-26.

February 11 – WonderGround Gallery is pleased to welcome artists Ben Burch, Nidhi Chanani, and Fenway Fan for an Artist Showcase event. Guests can meet these artists from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Disneyland Park

February 3-5 – Noah will be on hand for appearances and signings at Disneyana on Main Street, U.S.A. He will be releasing a new piece titled, "There's A New Sheriff in Town!" Sizes, retails and formats will vary. On February 3, he will be at the location from 5–9 p.m., while on February 4-5 he will appear from 12– 4 p.m.

February 10-12 – We are delighted to welcome the return on The Doll Maker, Linda Rick, with Precious Moments dolls to the China Closet on Main Street, U.S.A. Linda's 2017 "Lovely" Collection, features favorite Disney characters adorned in lovely shades of pink. Linda will be meeting with guests from 12–10 p.m. each day.

For additional details about select events at the Disneyland Resort, please visit DisneyParksMerchandise.com.