The Black Tap CrazyShakes pop-up has opened at Disney Springs, and the biggest fans came out in force (some in matching outfits!) to be the first to taste these crafted Black Tap specialties at The Most Magical Place on Earth. The event will run for 90 days, through the end of May.
Operating in the space formerly occupied by Sprinkles bakery, it’s the second pop-up for the space, which hosted a successful run with Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew over the holiday season.
You’ll find it in the Town Center neighborhood of the complex, near Frontera Cocina and at the foot of the bridge that connects with the Landing neighborhood, near Ragland Road Irish Pub.
“This is the debut of the Mickey Shake on the East Coast, which is huge,” says Heather McPherson, public relations and media manager for the CrazyShakes pop-up. “It’s been on the West Coast, at the Black Tap in Anaheim, for years. We haven’t had it here in Orlando, and it’s a big deal.”
No surprise, the iconic Mickey Shake ($24) is the No. 1 pick out of the gate.
This one’s comprised of strawberry ice cream with strawberry jam swirls, topped with whipped cream sprinkles and a cherry and dressed in vanilla frosting with Mickey sprinkles. The garnish: red-and-white rock candy sticks and a super-cute Mickey crispy treat.
Right behind it is the colorful Bam Bam ($17), a Fruity Pebbles shake featuring cereal milk ice cream, with all the necessary toppings, including Laffy Taffy, a strawberry Pop-Tart and loads of rainbow-hued pebbles.
The colorful Bam Bam Shake is another of the signature offerings here, but guests can order off a less ornate menu or create their own delights. The pop-up runs through the end of May at Disney Springs. (Amy Drew Thompson/Orlando Sentinel)
The partnership was a natural one, said McPherson, noting the longstanding and successful relationship between Disney and Black Tap, a brand with global recognition.
“We were already partners; there were already feet on the ground. It just made sense.”
Cast Member Aria perfects the art of the Special Edition Mickey Shake at the BlackTap CrazyShake pop-up at Disney Springs. (Amy Drew Thompson/Orlando Sentinel)
The limited menu is still formidable, designed for the quick-serve model.
“Shakes are always made in the moment,” she explains. “The items chosen are the most popular, the ones selling well around the world, that also fit the setup.”
Guests can order straight off the menu, modify existing shakes and DIY their own. And they couldn’t ask for better weather. McPherson thinks the 90-day timing is perfect. Folks in line on Day One enjoyed a daytime high of 77 degrees, sharing space affably.
Toppings and mix-ins abound at the CrazyShake pop-up. Some, of course, are color-coordinated. (Amy Drew Thompson/Orlando Sentinel)
Hopefully, many will share the shakes, too. They’re huge!
“We encourage it,” she says. “It’s one of those really beautiful Instagrammable moments for your vacation or visit.”
After weeks spent trying to peek through blacked-out windows, folks are happy to line up.
“It’s CrazyShakes, but it’s simple!’ she says. “It’s a nice little Spring Break thing to come in and do.”