Review: The NEW Writer’s Stop in Disney’s Hollywood Studios

[Disney4me]

Well, April 2nd has come and gone, and it was a big day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Learn About:
Writer’s Stop

Disney's Hollywood Studios
Disney World Restaurants

It was the last day guests could enjoy the Lights! Motors! Action! Extreme Stunt Show, or grab a bite to eat at Studio Catering Co., or a sip at High Octane Refreshments. This is all, of course, to make way for construction of the future Lands of Toy Story and Star Wars.

Writer’s Stop — a bookstore-meets-coffee-shop also specializing in some of the best bakery treats this side of the Studios — was originally on that same list to close down on April 3rd. However, it got a reprieve of sorts from the ol’ chopping block, and for a limited time it is still in operation… though in a different form than what we’re used to!

With many thanks to our Instagram pal, @savepointstu, we were alerted about the new menu. But we also couldn’t resist going over to search everything out ourselves and ask a few questions! What’s being served at Writer’s Stop now? And what is — or WAS — the fate of the spot’s signature item, the Carrot Cake Cookie?!?

When we arrived, we noticed the sign still remains, though the location has been taken off of the Hollywood Studios map. This is definitely a time of transition for Writer’s Stop.

Writer’s Stop

The menu now features three key items: a Charcuterie and Cheese Plate, a Warm Pretzel with Cheese Sauce, and Sugar-Spiced Nuts.

Writer’s Stop New Menu

Taking over a larger portion of the menu is a selection of alcoholic beverages (though guests not wishing to imbibe can still find soda, bottled water, and your basic coffee — no more espresso specialties). A Frozen Margarita, Pina CoLava, Irish Coffee, and Coffee with Bailey’s or Kahlua make up the cocktails, and a fairly wide variety of beer and wine is also on offer.

Beer on Display

A bartender rings up and serves drinks and food while another Cast Member is available at the front register to ring up what’s left of the merchandise (primarily kitchen and prepackaged Disney snacks) still being carried at the location.

Merchandise Register

Kitchenware Merchandise

Kitchenware Merchandise

So what’s in the famed bakery case of Writer’s Stop now? Well, I can tell you what’s NOT: the Carrot Cake Cookie. BUT, rest assured, my fellow Carrot Cake Cookie Diehards! We made sure to verify that it IS indeed still being sold at Sweet Spells!

But back to Writer’s Stop, where the bakery case is now filled with the listed menu items.

Bakery Case

No more pastries. No more cookies. No more Cheese Danish of Epic Proportions.

According to cast members, this spot is being pitched as a Lounge and waiting area for Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater next door as opposed to a destination in and of itself. In fact, doors are open to Sci-Fi and Cast Member hosts even come in the Writer’s Stop to call party names.

Doors to Sci-Fi Dine-In

In the meantime, waiting guests nosh, sip, or relax in the couches in front of the ol’ TV or at the hightop tables.

TV and couches

Current Writer’s Stop setup

Current Writer’s Stop setup

Even though we personally didn’t have an Advance Dining Reservation for Sci-Fi lined up (darn it! ), we still figured we’d show you the new eats.

Current Menu Items at Writer’s Stop

The first one may look awfully familiar. Because the Warm Pretzel with Cheese Sauce is pretty much a dupe for the Hand-Twisted Pretzel served in Epcot’s Germany Pavilion.

Warm Pretzel with Cheese Sauce

Soft and chewy with a nice smattering of coarse salt, the only thing super different from its Epcot counterpart is the more upscale serving style. Well, that and the price, which is $5.69 at the Studios (not bad, considering the Cheese Sauce).

The Sugar-Spiced Nuts are another “borrow” from several snack stands and kiosks around Disney World, though you’ll typically see them listed as Cinnamon-Glazed Pecans. (You’ll usually also find Glazed Almonds served alongside, but our serving at Writer’s Stop was just pecans.)

Sugar-Spiced Nuts

You always smell them before you see them, and no matter what time of year I have them, the cinnamon and sugar coating the pecans always reminds me of the holidays. It’s good to know that this sweet and just-a-bit-savory snack is still available at Hollywood Studios.

Finally, we also wanted to know what the Charcuterie and Cheese Plate consisted of. And here goes! For $7.49 you get a fairly impressive assortment of Grana Padano, Brie, Gouda, Italian Sausage, Chorizo Sausage, Grapes, Raspberries, Cornichons, and bread.

Charcuterie and Cheese Plate

It’s also available as a snack credit on the Disney Dining Plan. Seriously.

So, THAT’S what’s become of the Writer’s Stop… at least for now. The thing is, the longterm future of Writer’s Stop, according to one of the great Cast Members who work there, is still undecided. There is no telling if this current and very much transitional phase will lead to a more certain future for Writer’s Stop. As it stands, this is a temporary fill until it’s determined whether it’s effective and doable to run a bar and lounge alongside Sci-Fi Dine-In and a final decision is made.

As Disney fans have known for some time, major changes are going to be taking place at the park for the foreseeable future.

Construction Walls Blocking the Streets of America

But one thing’s for sure: the HUGE and much anticipated makeover of Disney’s Hollywood Studios is officially in the works!

What do you think of the “new” Writer’s Stop? Please let us know with a comment!

Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and:

• Subscribe to our Newsletter
• Follow us on Twitter
• Become a Facebook Fan

Related posts:

1. Review: Cheese Danish at Writer’s Stop in Disney’s Hollywood Studios
2. Review: Writer’s Stop at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
3. Rumor: A Second Chance for Writer’s Stop?

View the full article