A Black Tap Crazy Shakes pop-up is now open at Disney Springs. Super fans turned out in droves (some in matching costumes!) to be the first to taste these handcrafted Black Tap dishes at the most magical place on Earth. The event will run for 90 days until the end of May.
Operating in the space that previously housed Sprinkles Bakery, this is the space’s second pop-up after a successful holiday season with Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew.
It is located in the Town Center area of the complex, near Frontera Cocina, at the foot of the bridge that connects to the Landing area, and near Ragland Road Irish Pub.
“This is Mickey Shakes’ debut on the East Coast, which is a big deal,” says Heather McPherson, public relations and media manager for the CrazyShakes pop-up. “It’s been going on for years at Black Tap in Anaheim on the West Coast. We didn’t have that here in Orlando, so it’s a big deal.”
Unsurprisingly, the iconic Mickey Shake ($24) has been our number one choice from the start.
It’s strawberry ice cream with strawberry jam, topped with whipped cream sprinkles and a cherry, and vanilla frosting and sprinkles with Mickey sprinkles. Garnishes include red and white rock candy sticks and super cute Mickey crispy treats.
Just behind it is the colorful Bang Bang ($17). It’s a Fruity Pebbles Shake featuring cereal milk ice cream and all the toppings you could want, including plenty of Laffy Toffee, strawberry Pop-Tarts, and rainbow-colored pebbles.
McPherson said the partnership was a natural one, pointing to Disney’s long-standing and successful relationship with Black Tap, a globally recognized brand.
“We were already partners, we were already on the ground. It made sense.”
The limited menu remains formidable and designed for a quick-serve model.
“Shakes are always born in the moment,” she explains. “We choose the most popular items that sell well around the world and match your setup.”
Guests can order directly from the menu, modify existing shakes, or DIY their own. And they couldn’t have asked for better weather. McPherson believes the timing of 90 days is perfect. Those who lined up on the first day shared space amicably while enjoying the daytime high of 77 degrees.
I hope many people will share that tremor. It’s big!
“We encourage that,” she says. “This is one of the truly beautiful Instagrammable moments of a vacation or visit.”
After weeks of peering through pitch-black windows, people happily waited in line.
“CrazyShakes, but simple!” she says. “It’s nice to come and do something for spring break.”
amthompson@orlandosentinel.com
