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Morimoto Asia Opens in Newly Re-named Disney Springs

30 September 2015 by Suzannah Otis 4 Comments

Morimoto Asia Orlando Opening Last night I was treated to two opening celebrations – first the official renaming ceremony of Disney Springs from Downtown Disney. After enjoying some of the drinks and appetizers available at the new Indiana Jones-themed Jock Lindsay’s Hangar Bar (post on that forthcoming), we headed over to the Amphicar landing area for the renaming. On hand were Disney Springs Vice President Keith Bradford, Disney Springs and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Senior Vice President Maribeth Bisienere, Walt Disney World Resort President George A. Kalogridis, to dedicate the in-progress renovation and additions to the dining and shopping district. Disney Springs will now consist of 4 four interconnected neighborhoods: The Landing (where the Boathouse, Jock Lindsay’s Hangar Bar, and Morimoto Asia are located), Marketplace (home to most of the shopping like Co-Op, World of Disney, etc.), West Side (AMC Theatres, D-Street, etc.) and Town Center (currently under construction in the former parking lot areas). When Disney Springs is fully completed in 2016, the number of shopping, dining and entertainment venues will increase from the current 75 to more than 150.

 

 

 

Disney Springs Opening Ceremony

We then headed across the way to Morimoto Asia – located in the former home of Mannequins Dance Club during the Pleasure Island years. The structure immediately stands out as a striking new vista and the beautiful design does not end when you walk through the doors. Making use of all the space the STUDIO V Architecture design features an extraordinary, 36-foot tall, two-story layout with open terraces, private dining rooms, a cocktail lounge, waterside seating and more. Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s first pan-Asian restaurant provides flavors from across Asia with unique exhibition kitchens showcasing the continent’s traditions. Included among them are street-food stalls, Peking duck carving and dim sum. We were treated to some samples last night, but I can’t wait to go back with my family and enjoy the full menu.

Morimoto Asia Orlando Opening
Gorgeous lighting and main dining area
Morimoto Asia Orlando Opening
Looking in to the private dining rooms
From the second floor, overlooking main dining and bar to the left
Second floor sushi bar and private dining rooms
Inside the private dining rooms
Morimoto Asia Orlando Opening
The glass doors open from inside the private dining spaces
Morimoto Asia Orlando Opening
Table setting
Morimoto Asia Orlando Opening
Outdoor seating – a little wet last night!
Morimoto Asia Orlando Opening
More outdoor seating, overlooking the Town Center construction
Morimoto Asia Orlando Opening
Mickey is definitely present in Morimoto Asia
Morimoto Asia Orlando Opening
The grand opening
Morimoto Asia Orlando Opening
Mickey and Chef Morimoto
Morimoto Asia Orlando Opening
Morimoto Asia Orlando Opening
Chef Morimoto carving a 100lb tuna
Morimoto Asia Orlando Opening
Morimoto Asia Orlando Opening
Morimoto Asia Orlando Opening
The finished 60 feet of tuna sushi roll
I couldnt resist asking for a photo with the famous Iron Chef! 😉
Morimoto Asia Orlando Opening
Beautiful tile work in the Forbidden Bar
Morimoto Asia Orlando Opening
Morimoto Asia at night

Of what we tried last night, the Tempura Rock Shrimp appetizer and the L.A. BBQ Kalbi (boneless grilled short ribs) were my favorites. We were also treated to a tuna carving and sushi rolling demonstration by Morimoto himself, as he carved a 100lb tuna and then with the aid of his sushi chefs and even attendees, rolled the 60 foot sushi roll and sliced it up for guests. We were also able to try some of the signature drinks, and it seems like there will be a wide variety of cocktails for the Orlando locals and visitors alike. I can’t wait to return to give a full review on more of the menu items. For now, I’ll say the prices definitely seem on par with other area restaurants, and certainly no more than the P.F. Changs chain. Prices may be viewed on the attached menu photos. Most appetizers were in the $8 range with most entrees coming in around $20-30+ with a few specialty items bumping things up to $40+. (click to expand to full-size photos)

Morimoto Asia Orlando Opening
L.A. BBQ Kalbi – boneless shortrib
Morimoto Asia Orlando Opening
Chicken Shumai
Morimoto Asia Orlando Opening
Lemongrass Mojito and White Lily cocktails
Morimoto Asia Orlando Opening
Veggie Sushi Roll
Morimoto Asia Orlando Opening
Tuna Sashimi
Morimoto Asia Orlando Opening
Duck Caesar Salad
Morimoto Asia Orlando Opening
Chocolate Creme and Crunch dessert
Morimoto Asia Orlando Opening
Churro Fondue dessert
Morimoto Asia Orlando Opening
Mochi Mochi dessert
Morimoto Asia Orlando Opening
Dinner Menu cover
Morimoto Asia Orlando Opening
Dinner Menu back cover
Morimoto Asia Orlando Menu
Dinner menu page 1
Morimoto Asia Orlando Menu
Dinner menu page 2
Morimoto Asia Orlando Menu
Sushi meni
Morimoto Asia Orlando Menu
Sushi bar menu
Morimoto Asia Orlando Menu
Dessert and cocktail menu
Morimoto Asia Orlando Opening
Dessert menu

Honestly, the part I enjoyed the most about Morimoto last night was simply the atmosphere and the amazing restaurant design itself. It was dazzling and elegant without being stuffy, I just wanted to take it all in and didn’t want to leave at the end of the night. I think it will be an absolutely perfect addition to the Disney Springs line-up, and Walt Disney World Resort in general.

Morimoto Asia Orlando Opening
Gorgeous hanging chandeliers
Morimoto Asia Orlando Opening
I loved the white ribbon-like element that wound its way through the bar and over the stairs

–

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Filed Under: Disney Dining, Disney News, Top Stories Tagged With: Chef Morimoto, Disney Dining, Disney Springs, Downtown Disney, Mannequins, Morimoto, Morimoto Asia, Morimoto Orlando, Morimoto Orlando grand opening, Pan-Asian cuisine

About Suzannah Otis

A child of the 80's, Zanna climbed trees and roller-skated till the streetlights came on. She sipped her her first iced coffee at age 10 and never looked back. Growing up outside of Boston, all of these things shaped her life, as did the original EPCOT Center, which brought her where she is today.

Zanna is the mother of 2 adult humans, a 13-year old (also human), and 6 (yes, 6) cats. She is also the wife to one husband, who lovingly puts up with all of the above. Zanna tries to find that one little spark in everything, and thanks you very much for taking the time to read this.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lace Haystack says

    30 September 2015 at

    you outdid yourself with the photos – how amazing it looks and can hardly wait to try the offerings … Thanks so much for sharing your experience. Love the pic of you and Morimoto. 30 days and we’ll be there enjoying all there is to enjoy! Excited

    Reply
    • Zanna says

      30 September 2015 at

      Aw thank you so much!! Having some with the photos and WordPress so apologies for any sideways ones. Not sure what the deal is! = Enjoy when you go!

      Reply
  2. Connie Sink says

    24 February 2016 at

    will this restaurant be on the dining plan? We tove to expose our children to new dining experiences when we visit Disney, and this one looks fantastic and fun!

    Reply
    • Zanna says

      24 February 2016 at

      Morimoto Asia is now a part of the Disney Dining Plan as of last November. It is participating as a Signature Restaurant, which requires 2 Table Service credits. Tables in Wonderland discounts are also accepted here, and lunch is now served as well. 🙂 Enjoy!

      Reply

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