By Keith Mahne

Planet Hollywood at Disney Springs is back in business after a year of renovations to totally rejuvenate the venue as a massive, and I mean massive, Observatory. The restaurant looks and feels brand new both inside and out. Recently, I was invited to check the place out for myself and I'd like to tell you all about it. Was my trip "out of this world" or "Houston we have a problem?" Find out in today's new article as I review Planet Hollywood at Disney Springs...








The first thing I have to mention is the new look of Planet Hollywood. I, personally, love it. Don't get me wrong, I loved the old building...back in the 90s. It was definitely time for a shot in the arm and the folks at Planet Hollywood went all in on their new Observatory look, although it reminded me more of a Planetarium which matches their name better as well. There are a ton of places to sit in and around the new structure that offer fantastic views of Disney Springs and the interior of the restaurant...












The main entrance consists of a large lobby atrium, with a central stairway up to the restaurant. The lobby features stroller parking, a Planet Hollywood photo spot and a VIP check-in stand for folks that have a reservation. Although this area is quite large, it can get stuffy rather quickly on busy nights, but has an impressive ceiling and lighting scheme nonetheless...








My wife and I checked in and were brought to our table. The manager gave us a tour along the way which is something everyone receives by their hostess as they head to their table. There is still a lot of that famous Planet Hollywood movie memorabilia but it is placed around the restaurant in a more organized way and doesn't appear as cluttered as the old version which I liked...










The manager explained that the incredible dome roof which plays mainly popular music videos of the day, uses the same projection technology as Cinderella Castle does during nighttime shows at the Magic Kingdom. This offers you wonderful entertainment while you eat...











Something that I thought was REALLY COOL is if you have a table against the back wall where you aren't able to see the dome wall projections, your table is actually a large screen that you eat on which features the same footage that's being projected on the wall!! Check it out...









Our waitress Amber was extremely helpful and very friendly. She explained the menu in detail. There is so much to choose from here. Literally something for everyone to enjoy...



















We decided on the Texas Tostados as an appetizer. They came out very fast but were lukewarm. Planet Hollywood has a ton of apps to choose from and we will definitely be trying the others as the tostadas were a bit underwhelming...








My wife Stephanie ordered a frozen drink from the bar called a Space Monkey that comes with Cruzan coconut rum, banana liqueur, coconut puree and chocolate milk. She loved this drink and would definitely order it again on a future visit. Refreshing and delicious...








Shortly after we were done the appetizer, the main course came out. My wife ordered the L.A. Lasagna...








...and I had the rack of ribs that actually came on a picnic table...








That's one cool thing I noticed about this place, a lot of the food comes out on really creative things like a sampler appetizer called the High Roller Platter that comes on a enormous ferries wheel...








The lasagna was as good as all the staff said it would be. Whether it was the waitress or the server, everyone kept saying how this dish was their favorite and it's easy to see why having tasted it...








My ribs were alright at best. They were a bit dry and bland as far as ribs go and just didn't really blow me away. The presentation of them coming on a mini picnic table was pretty impressive though...








We decided on one of the Star Jar deserts...








We chose the Brownie Cheesecake Star Jar with ice cream on top. It was an explosion of sweetie goodness and more than enough for two people to share...








Planet Hollywood at Disney Springs overall is a fantastic place to bring the whole family. The staff was extremely friendly and eager to please. With the size of the menu, there is something for everyone to enjoy. If you come, the two things I recommend the most are the celebrity Chef Guy Fieri burgers and that L.A. Lasagna. I had one of Guy Fieri's burgers on our first visit here and it was AMAZING...









After dinner we took a stroll through the new gift shop. It was packed full of Planet Hollywood gear. I love grabbing those classic shirts whenever I drop in...








But this place is really about the atmosphere. With the gigantic dome that plays popular music videos and occasionally breaks away to a visual adventure (you'll have to see it for yourself to know what I mean), there is never a dull moment. If you've ever been to Rain Forest Cafe or TRex, you know that every 30 minutes or so the animatronic animals come to life. Here at Planet Hollywood, there is something happening every second! The food is pretty good, especially those burgers and that fried lasagna. You need to see this place for yourself as it's truly "out of this world." Consider dropping by and getting the full experience on your next vacation to Walt Disney World.