Earlier today, we unveiled plans for Disney Springs, the exciting, multi-year transformation of Downtown Disney at the Walt Disney World Resort, and I’d like to give you all a glimpse into what we’ve got planned.
Walt Disney World Resort guests and local Florida residents have been enjoying Downtown Disney for more than 30 years, but we knew we had an opportunity to reimagine and reinvent this corner of the resort. We’ve spent a good deal of time thinking through just what we want this area to be, and how to bring it to life to make it a place unlike any other. And we have even scrapped a few preliminary plans that we felt didn’t measure up to our aspirations for this place.
Our fundamental goal is to create a welcoming, comfortable space where families can enjoy time together and instantaneously feel right at home. We want to give them opportunities to relax, to be entertained, to wander in and out of unique and distinctive shops or enjoy a world-class dining experience. And because we are Disney, we’ve anchored the entire experience around a story that gives us the ability to deliver on the legendary place-making and creativity for which we are known. The result is Disney Springs, a timeless and vibrant place that celebrates the turn-of-the century lakeside towns that dotted the Florida landscape.
The story of Disney Springs begins at our new Town Center, which is oriented around a series of bubbling natural springs that first attracted settlers to the area. From there, the town grew to encompass three additional neighborhoods: The Landing, Marketplace and West Side – each with its own distinct charm and atmosphere. For more about each of these districts, click here.
Once complete, Disney Springs will expand from 75 to more than 150 shopping, dining and entertainment venues, featuring some of the world’s most iconic brands and restaurants. Construction is set to begin next month. The expansion will open in phases and we expect to complete our development in 2016. We look forward to sharing more details in the future here on the Disney Parks Blog.
Comments
Does anyone know who to contact about having a shop in the new Disney Springs? We are very interested. Tom do you have that information?
This is so exciting. Since I have my home at Saratoga Springs, this will be great when I come to visit. Can’t wait. It looks great.
I’m so excited to see the expansion of Downtown Disney, it’s a great place to eat and shop – so more of that is great. Will there be any plans to re- open some of the old clubs from PI like the Adventurers Club, it was my absolute favorite and I loved the theme.
I like downtown Disney. Will there be a cover charge? Downtown Disney was somewhat budget friendly for the average family. How much is this going to cost me?
As a long time visitor to DND I am both excited and sad. Looking forward to the changes but very sad to here you will be closing the little Margarita Bar.
I watched and visited during the development of DTD, my concern is will we be losing any of the key elements that made this place what is was? Such as Cirque or HoB or DQ?
PS. Also a DVC member from year one or two and this is great!!
So I grew up in Altamonte Springs, and we would drive all the way to the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village to shop when it opened. There were originally a great selection of shops. With maybe one Disney store. There was a wonderful pottery shop. A garden shop. The Christmas shop had a different vision. Slowly, the Shopping Village evolved into the current Marketplace. With everything Disney. The Christmas shop went from an eclectic mix of brands and products to everything Disney. Slowly but surely, the original concept of non-Disney shopping on Disney property changed into everything Disney. Eventually a few non-Disney stores were added. But no longer were folks driving to the Marketplace from town. It seemed just another tourist destination to buy anything Disney. I am hoping to see that there will be shops again that will make it a destination for townies to visit, shop and see more than just Disney products. I love Disney, and my Disney stock is through the roof. But I would love to see some of the old vision return! THANKS
I to love Downtown Disney, but I am concerned about security at the location. Will non Disney guest have access to the new foot bridge leading to the resort. Will there be more security visible. Will the locale police department have a presence at the new Disney Springs. Sorry for the topic but crime does exist, even at Disney.
Since our “home” is Old Key West we love the boat ride to downtown. Our grand kids love the downtown area so it will be exciting to see the changes and new excitement for all of us!
This is very exciting and great news! As a DVC member, it’s always great to hear about new things that are occurring. WDW is truly the most magical place on Earth, and it just keeps getting better! My family & I will be coming down again this Dec. Can’t wait!
Dom P, Va.
This looks amazing 🙂 I can’t wait – I am especially glad to see the addition of a pedestrian bridge from Saratoga Springs. Lately I have booked late for a Disney vacation due to children’s schedules and usually can only get a room at Saratoga, this makes Saratoga Springs very appealing! Not to mention we won’t have to ‘shark’ people for parking 🙂
Lake Buena Vista Shopping VIllage has surely grown since the 1970s. I saw reference to a direct bridge connection with Saratoga Springs: Sure would be nice if such adirect connection could be made with the original DVC property; Old Key West.
How much of downtown disney will remain open during construction?? We are planning a trip in November or January and Downtown Disney is one of our favorite parts!
I was just wondering if the regular places that are there now will stay, mainly Raglan Road and that area
The reason I bought my DVC at Saratoga Springs was to be so close to Downtown. Glad to see the upgrades!!
Trader Sam’s! Please, oh pretty please!?!
Will Downtown Disney still be open to public to shop?(:
Dear Mr. Staggs, we don’t like the name Disney Springs or The Landing. The Downtown Disney and Pleasure Island names should should stay. While we’re thrilled at the possible addition of The Edison, it should not be at the expense of Mannequins Dance Palace. Mannequins was/is one of a kind. PLEASE bring it back and place The Edison in a different building. We would love to have them too.
This sounds great, but Im a little worried if I’m honest. I’m from the UK and we will be going in August. This will be our last family holiday, and Downtown Disney has always been one of our favourite spots. if this is really going to be going on for three years, there are going to be a lot of families disappointed
I like the concept ESPECIALLY the mention of 21+ entertainment. Mannequins and cw used to keep me and 10 mates coming twice a year from London UK. We’ve not been there since that final night. I don’t like the name, it’s like a cross between Boardwalk and Coronado Springs and bound to get mixed up with the latter.
Wow. Its awesome to see that you are posting and responding to comments Tom Staggs, at least I hope its you! You hinted at an answer above about something for the 21+ crowd. I really hope you surprise us. Pleasure Island was such an amazing place with all the fun and clubs. Mannequins was by far one of the best dance clubs I’ve ever been in. The Adventurers’ Club was perfect for us nerdy type that wanted to be part of the club. Please don’t lose that part of us that want some night life when we are at Disney. And please, don’t get rid of the rotating dance floor!! It is epic!
I would add my support for a revived/renewed Adventurer’s Club.
we love disney especially the down town disney shopping area . christmas is our favorite holiday we were just hoping that the disney days of christmas shop will still be staying in the area
Some of the drawings remind me of the Flamingo Crossing complex. that was announces back on march 1st of 2007.
and the one building shown of The Landing that looks like it is 2 stories it would be cool to have apartments/resort rooms there!
I think I see it in one of the pictures, but the EMPRESS LILLY boat (Fulton’s) is not going away is it?!
So it sounds like you re just tearing down pleasure island (its about time)and naming it “the landing” and taking out all the old shops and replacing them with new brand name shops. Sounds great! Can’t wait to see whats in store!
When and where can we find out what places that already exist are staying after the new transformation? Also, how can we tell what will be affected during our vacation plans over the next few years. My family and I are visiting WDW in Sept and were really looking forward to a dinner at Raglan Road, as well as some other things. Where can we find out what will be open in Sept?
well i have officially changed the name.disney springs will now be,
be called disneys artesian springs!!
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