The McDonald’s at Disney World, located at the intersection of Osceola Parkway and West Buena Vista Drive is being dubbed as the world’s first “net zero” fast-food restaurant. The branch is proving that it is possible for a fast-food chain to go green.
Solar panel awnings offer guests some shade in the Florida heat, while at the same time collecting energy to fuel the entire restaurant. In addition to an expansive outdoor area for customers, the interior is modern and boasts pull-out tables and innovative technology ordering and entertainment options. There’s an outdoor workout center with stationary bikes and interactive games to play for the whole family. If this really is a glimpse of the McDonald’s of the future, count me in!
It’s The First Net Zero McDonald’s
Wherever possible, this McDonald’s location is committed to eliminating carbon dioxide emissions and offsetting any created. The 8,024-square-foot building is covered in solar panels and features many eco-friendly designs that reduce energy use, keeping it nice and cool for customers. The restaurant has an induced natural ventilation strategy, heating-ventilation-air conditioning systems, high-efficiency kitchen equipment, and an air-source heat-pump water heating scheme.
It Was Designed By Chicago-Based Ross Barney Architects
Ross Barney Architects is the Chicago-based architecture, urban design, and landscape architecture studio behind the revolutionary new McDonald’s. In 2018, the architecture company worked on Chicago’s flagship McDonald’s with the aim of moving towards greener practices. This branch features over a thousand solar panels on its pergola, apple trees, arugula, broccoli, carrots, and native plants on a green roof. The Chicago design proved so outstanding that it was awarded the LEED Platinum® certification, which is the highest level of achievement from the globally recognized LEED® green building program (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).
The design at Disney World has been just as successful, with Ross Barney Architects winning the Decarbonization Award for the project. Ross Barney worked on the design in collaboration with WSP — one of the world’s top engineering professional services firms. After coming up with the impressive design, it was WSP’s responsibility to bring the mechanical, plumbing, and engineering concepts to life.
It Has Its Own Workout Center
When thinking about McDonald’s, one would not think the fast-food restaurant and exercise go hand in hand, but this branch offers its very own workout center. Outdoor exercise bikes located next to green living walls of plants, invite you to produce energy while you peddle, and you can even use them to charge your phone! If you peddle fast enough, there’s a set of McDonald’s Golden Arches light up making for a cool light display at night.
Not only can you peddle these bikes with your feet, but also your hands for an upper-body workout. It’s perfect if you’ve overindulged on your food order or want to burn off a few calories after your meal. Two McDonald’s branches in China originally piloted the idea of introducing stationary bikes into the restaurant.
The Wall Of Plants Is Designed To Last All Year Round
The restaurant’s exterior walls are adorned with stunning greenery. A 1,700-square-foot plant wall has been designed to cope with the subtropical climate of Orlando, Florida. The planting of the green walls is not only a visual treat but also provides natural cooling for the restaurant. The wall also absorbs rainwater to prevent any erosion or flooding inside. Rather than having an on-site gardener, the plant walls are equipped with a unique Plant Care System, which is a web-based application that makes sure every plant gets the right amount of water and nutrients that they need.
There are Clever Design Innovations, Like Fold Out Tables And Motion-Sensor Lights
The tables within the restaurant are space-saving and can fold out to a double tabletop or fold back to accommodate smaller groups. There are motion-sensor lights in the bathrooms and the interior design is very modern and minimalist chic. The building is not only kept cool inside by the exterior plant walls but also by the solar-powered fans that adorn the ceilings. They also cast a cool grid-like shadow onto the floors throughout the restaurant.
The entire design has a very futuristic feel, including the impressive wooden light feature that sits at the center of the restaurant. On the inside, solar-powered fans and the plant wall help keep you cool in the summer heat so you can enjoy your meal in comfort.
This McDonald’s Is Not Only A Restaurant But Also A Learning Center
McDonald’s hope for this eco-friendly restaurant is to get a zero-energy certification from the International Living Future Institute. The fast-food giant also aims to share the knowledge that is gained from this pilot project McDonald’s by turning the Disney World branch into a learning hub that can be used as an information source for launching sustainable efforts globally.
The Restaurant Has Tablets To Keep Kids And Adults Entertained
Another great feature of this restaurant is the availability of interactive tablets to keep guests of all ages entertained while waiting for your order to be prepared. As if tablet games weren’t enough, there’s also a McDonald’s smile logo on the walls that changes color when you tap or rub it, further distinguishing this restaurant from the typical McDonald’s.
Table service is offered at this location
Table service at McDonald’s? There are a number of ways for you to order food at this restaurant, but there’s also the option of having food brought straight to your table.
Every table has a code that you can scan with your phone, order from the app, and request your meal right to where you’re seated. In addition, you can order from the self-serve kiosks or the McDonald’s app. Of course, for those who still prefer the old-fashioned human interaction, you can still order from the counter from a staff member.
Excited to visit this innovative net-zero McDonald’s on Disney property?