The Disney World Experience Is Now Reaching New Heights With the Grand-Opening of a Fresh Location

A new Disney World experience has now opened at Disney Springs, elevating the guest experience overall.

A New Disney World Experience: A Quiet Night, a Hidden Surprise — And a Glimpse at What’s Next for Disney Springs

On a calm Florida evening, as the lights of Disney Springs shimmer off the water and music fills the air, most guests wander the boardwalk below — unaware that something new is quietly taking shape above them.

No fanfare. No fireworks. Just a transformation hiding in plain sight.

In recent years, Disney Springs has seen a wave of change — stores closing, familiar names disappearing, and long-standing locations quietly shuttering. Fans have speculated about what’s going on behind the scenes. Is something bigger on the horizon? What’s the endgame for Disney’s entertainment and dining district?

Now, with very little warning, one refurbished space is answering part of that question. But not in the way you’d expect.

The Makeover Guests Didn’t See Coming

Without a formal announcement or grand reveal, STK Orlando has unveiled a brand-new feature: a fully enclosed, upper-level terrace now open to guests. Nestled on the side of the building facing the Springs’ waterway, the updated space offers sleek, modern elegance with panoramic views.

Gone is the exposed rooftop seating of the past. In its place stands a climate-controlled, glass-enclosed dining area outfitted with sliding roof panels, offering flexibility depending on weather and time of day. Whether it’s a warm afternoon or a crisp evening, the terrace adapts — thanks to retractable features and built-in heaters that ensure year-round comfort.

Most weekend nights, the space is available to regular diners — but it’s also up for grabs for private events, corporate parties, or intimate celebrations.

It’s upscale. It’s quiet. It’s hidden. And it’s exactly what Disney seems to be doubling down on: experience over excess.

More Than a Restaurant — A Vision Taking Shape

While the terrace is technically just an addition to an already-established steakhouse, its opening isn’t just about food or furniture. It symbolizes something deeper happening at Disney Springs.

The past few years have seen a string of closures throughout the Springs — locations phased out, repurposed, or left behind. Many of these closures haven’t been replaced with flashy new experiences, but instead with subtle upgrades and refined concepts.

This terrace at STK may be the clearest signal yet: Disney is investing in elevated, atmosphere-rich spaces designed to enhance how guests relax and socialize — not just consume.

By offering more upscale, versatile options, Disney Springs is being positioned as a true destination within Walt Disney World — not just a pit stop for shopping and snacks.

A Sneak Peek at the Future?

It’s not just STK making moves. The timing of this opening coincides with broader changes across the resort. EPCOT’s historic transformation is nearly complete. Magic Kingdom is about to unveil a major new ride. Even Downtown Disney in California is seeing new life.

It all points to a unified strategy: make every corner of the Disney experience immersive and intentional — and Disney Springs is quietly becoming part of that narrative.

By leaning into multifunctional spaces like the new terrace, Disney gives guests more reasons to stay longer, celebrate more often, and experience evenings in ways they hadn’t before. It’s no longer about how much space you can build — but how well that space makes guests feel.

What To Expect When You Visit This New Disney World Experience

If you’re planning a Disney Springs visit soon, here’s what you need to know about the revamped STK terrace:

• Where to find it: Upper level of STK Orlando, overlooking the water near The Landing.

• Availability: Open most weekend evenings; available for private event bookings.

• Why go: Waterfront views, climate-controlled comfort, and a sleek, modern vibe perfect for date nights, celebrations, or just escaping the crowds below.

While the main STK dining room continues business as usual, this new terrace offers a more relaxed, yet luxurious, way to enjoy an evening at Disney Springs.

And who knows? As more spaces transform across Disney property, this might be just the beginning of an entirely new phase for the Springs — one where elegance, exclusivity, and emotional connection take center stage.

Source: WDWMagic