Splitsville – Bringing a Classic to Walt Disney World

With media in town, or in World as the case may be, for the New Fantasyland Grand Opening in early December, Disney was eager to share all that was new!  One of the newest attractions at Disney World isn’t a ride-attraction at all.  It’s a brand-spankin’ new bowling alley situated on the West side of Downtown Disney featuring two-levels, 30 lanes, and an impeccable delectible menu that isn’t at all like any bowling alley you’ve ever been to before!

In speaking to the crowd at the media event I attended, the presenters shared that bowling is actually the largest participation sport in America (who knew!) and that Splitsville aimed to bring families together in a classic way.

“Splitsville is about socialization and creating memories. In a world of smart phones, texts and social media, people need an outlet to connect in person again,” said Mark Gibson, co-founder of Splitsville. “Bowling is an activity that appeals to almost everyone and the natural gaps of time between frames allows families, friends or work mates to engage in conversation, grab some sushi or encourage guests on the next lane.”

While the decor is amazing, warm, and inviting – it’s the food that truly makes Splitsville stand out!  Gone are stale potato chips and cold beer at the bowling lanes – in are sushi, sliders, pizza and so much more.  Guided by award-winning chef Tim Cushman, there are two-sushi bars on site and something for everyone on the menu.  We sampled angus sliders (messy, yummy, deliciousness!), pizza, and nachos (which were my personal fave!)

The service was excellent (yes, I know, it was a media day) and I quite enjoyed the personal service that is promised for all guests at Splitsville.  A lane concierge brings your shoes right to your lane in a little basket and of course there’s always someone available should you need anything (a refill, perhaps?)  The full-bars (there’s actually five!) offer more than your usual beer-at-a-bowling-alley beverage.  Frozen drinks, highballs, and speciality drinks are all available.

This was actually our first time ever ten-pin bowling, and it took me a minute to figure out the numbers on the balls weren’t just keeping them in order (I’ve been sleep deprived for 8 years, forgive me!)  The whole family had a blast bowling, and should you want to make things a little easier for kids (or your own ego), there’s lane bumpers and a device to roll the ball into the lane (which I’m sure has an actual name?) ensuring everyone is a bowling rock star.

On your visit to Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World, I encourage you to stop in and check out this amazing venue.  After the rides, the parades, the water parks and the sunshine, an afternoon or evening of bowling fun gives everyone a chance to relax, connect, and have some laughs over good food and cheer.  After all, family togetherness is what Disney is all about.

Splitsville Facts Frame-by-Frame (from wdwnews.com)

1. Opening: Early December, 2012 in Downtown Disney West Side at Walt Disney World Resort.
2. Square Footage: 50,000. Largest Splitsville ever built.
3. Number of lanes: 30. Nearly twice as many as any other Splitsville.
4. Lane configuration: 20 lanes second-level, 10 ground-level. First two-level Splitsville of its kind.
5. Number of bars: Five, featuring the famous Splitsville frozen schooner of beer, specialty cocktails and a wide selection of frozen specialty drinks.
6. Featured menu items: Hand-cut steaks, mahi mahi with Voodoo shrimp, fresh-rolled sushi, filet sliders, hand-tossed pizza and classic hamburgers made with Splitsville’s special blend of certified angus brisket, short rib and ground chuck.
7. Number of sushi bars: Two – one on each level where customers can watch chefs roll their hand-made creations and belly-up for a Volcano Roll, Super Tuna or any of the fresh selections.
8. Other unique features: Lane concierge responsible for delivering shoes and bowling balls to your lanes prior to your arrival; outdoor patio dining on both floors; billiards tables; live music seven nights a week; more than 60 flat screen TVs.
9. First location: Tampa, Fla. (opened December 2003)
10. Other Splitsville locations: Tampa; Miami; Fairview, Texas and Fredericksburg, Va.