Eco-friendly McDonald’s opens at Walt Disney World

McDonald’s located on the Disney World resort, has been completely remodelled as an environmentally friendly restaurant, and is said to be the greenest McDonald’s in the world!

This is the third time that this McDonald’s restaurant has been refurbished. Some may remember that it originally looked like a giant happy meal! The latest remodel has been a huge transformation, with every aspect of the restaurant being environmentally conscious and running entirely on energy provided by the Florida sun. When visiting, look out for green signs throughout the restaurant, which feature facts about how McDonald’s is being eco friendly here, so you can learn something whilst enjoying your Big Mac.

You can’t miss this restaurant when driving through the Walt Disney World resort, as it’s much larger than the previous. Located at the intersection of Osceola parkway and West Buena Vista Drive (near Disney’s Blizzard Beach), it’s ideal if you’re looking for a fast and cheap meal on your way to and from the Disney parks.

It’s not easy being green, but McDonald’s have certainly done it right. The exterior has 1066 solar panels that generate 600,000 kilowatts every year. A wooden screen surrounds most sides of the restaurant – this has been sustainably harvested and lightly charred, helping to shade the large outdoor dining area. 600sqft of Louver windows surround the indoor seating area and restaurant, to keep the cool air inside. The restaurant was designed with ‘windows that breathe, taking advantage of the Florida climate to save energy’. Another 1700sqft of the building exterior is covered in plants, which cleans the air and provides a cooling effect for the interior, as well as increasing biodiversity.

As you enter the golden arches, you’ll notice that this McDonald’s is not only eco friendly, but also has enhanced safety measures, with signs informing guests about the health standards kept inside. Guests are encouraged to use the self service touch screens or mobile ordering through the McDonald’s app to purchase their food. There are different areas for food pick-up depending on how you have ordered. The entire experience is quick and painless for those who prefer contactless encounters. There are also several hand sanitiser stations throughout the restaurant, as well as footpads at the bottom of the doors, so you can enter touch free. Currently guests must wear a face covering until they are seated at the restaurant, where they can remove them to enjoy their meal.

This restaurant still has a drive-thru, if you want to grab some food on the way back to your Orlando villa. There are multiple pick-up windows that span one entire wall of the restaurant, which just shows how the Disney McDonald’s drive-thru is a popular option for guests here.

If you want to eat inside, there is plenty of space in the restaurant or in the shaded outdoor dining area. At this time, to promote social distancing, some tables are blocked off. There’s also an element of fun, as some table feature some brain teasers to solve whilst you eat. QR codes are located on the tables allowing you to order from the table too, or if you’re wanting extra food once you’ve already sat down, you can make use of it this way.

There’s also a way of burning off your food at this McDonald’s! Located outside are some stationary bikes, giving guests the opportunity to help generate some power for the restaurant. If you pedal fast enough, you will light up the iconic McDonald’s sign. You can also scan a QR code to see your progress in an app.

Even the lights in the car park are solar powered, lighting the way as you leave the restaurant. ‘They store energy from the sun during the day to power the lights at night, or when it’s cloudy. Now that’s a bright idea!’.

After a day at Disney, this McDonald’s is the perfect spot to cool off and grab a bite to eat, and it’s not too far from our villas in Kissimmee either, with some of the closest villas being only 10 minutes drive away. This eco friendly restaurant experience is certainly one to check out on your next holiday to Orlando!

Address: 1596 W Buena Vista Dr, Kissimmee, FL 34747, United States

Image credits: WDW News Today