For all those folks wondering what happened to the Fountain View Cafe, that famous Espresso and Bakery shop next to the "Fountain of Nations" who's jets of water are synchronized with music, it has finally re-opened as an Ice Cream Parlor, hosted by Edy's Ice cream. Gone are the decadent desserts and treats, also among the missing are the cappuccinos and espressos.
Disney has decided to test the ice cream parlor concept for approximately three months to see how the new shop fares. Although the former Fountain view Café was doing all right, it was decided that an ice cream outlet was more in line with what the guests wanted. Right now the menu is very basic (See pictures) and coffee is still offered. (Glad of that!) Hand scooped ice cream, sundaes, floats, shakes, waffle cones and other goodies are on hand. Milk, soda, and bottled water are also on the menu.
I had a chance to speak to the manager and he stated that the new parlor is being received very well and that there may be additions to the menu in the future. As of now, the hours of operation are from 2:00pm until park closing and starting next week, the hours will be from 12:00pm to park closing. In a way, the new hours are a bit better than the previous, which were from 9am until 1pm. My wife and I really enjoyed sitting down for our morning coffee there instead of the more crowded Sunshine Seasons in the land. However, if you got to the park a little later (past 1pm) you were out of luck.
Many people may lament the closing of the old Fountain View, but I think with the new hours and the fact that ice cream and all its derivatives fit quite nicely in Florida's long hot summer season, this will be another Disney success story. Click on the uploaded pics for the menus and a sneak peak of the shop.
