If you’ve visited lately, you know that the largest expansion in Downtown Disney history is well underway. The transformation to Disney Springs was announced in March; since that time, changes – both big and small – have been happening throughout our property.
One of the newest, and most visible, is the addition of a new pedestrian walkway that connects the West Side and Pleasure Island. This temporary addition will help with guest traffic flow and should make it easier to move from one district to the other. My favorite part? The beautiful boardwalk meanders along Village Lake, offering guests a spectacular waterfront view. (The Pleasure Island Boat Dock is here too, and I’ve found myself enjoying a few extra boat rides recently!)
Last week, the bridge officially opened. And what perfect timing, because there is so much going on right now! Below, a quick snapshot of the latest:
- Fit2Run, the Runners Superstore, opened earlier this month. The store features Premier footwear, apparel, GPS, performance sunglasses and more. It may be a coincidence that this location opened just in time for holiday shopping, but the athletes on your gift list will appreciate it.
- The first of four themed Food Trucks made its debut during Festival of the Masters. Featuring a variety of delectable meatballs, the Superstar Catering Truck was a hit with guests. Additional trucks will continue to roll in over the next several weeks. (I’ve had the chance to sample many of the menu items and I can tell you this … you won’t be disappointed!)
- Valet Parking is available on the West Side through January 1, 2014; starting at 4 p.m. daily, the $15 service offers guests another parking option. (Bonus: the valet parking attendants couldn’t be nicer!)
- Festival of the Seasons is happening now, with Santa Claus making appearances daily through Christmas Eve. (5 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. until November 21; 12 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. from November 22 – December 24, 2013). Hope you’ve been good this year!
Will you be checking out the newest offerings at Downtown Disney? If so, be sure to connect to all of them via the new pedestrian walkway; entrances are located near Characters in Flight and Paradiso 37. To me, it’s a sign of progress and I can’t wait to see what’s next! You?
Comments
An update on self parking at DTD would be great! We will be there over the Holidays and I know it will be busy and parking will be tight. Maybe a do’s and don’ts.
Thanks!
Greg, you got it! My favorite tips are to arrive earlier in the day and to park in Lots O, P, Q (behind Cirque du Soleil), but for a full review of our best ‘Insider Tips’ check out this Blog Story originally published earlier this fall: http://di.sn/pJz
We will be there in 4 weeks doing a family trip for Christmas. Im so excited, haven’t been in 25 yrs!! Everyone says Christmas is the best time to visit. Looking forward to the adventure!
With this change one of the places my boyfriend and use to love is now gone. Is Fuegos cigar bar coming back? We use to love to go there my man would have a cigar and a drink or 2, I would have a drink or 2. We would people watch, talk, sometimes I would leave him and go shopping alone. It was awesome. And most of the staff was fablous. Please tell me it is making a return. We would love it if you made it water front. I know a lot of people would like to see it come back.
Carolyn, although there are no current plans to bring Fuego Cigar bar back once Disney Springs is complete, your boyfriend can still purchase their cigars as Sosa Family Cigars on the West Side. As for waterfront venues to people-watch and enjoy a drink, I think you’ll be very pleased with the new venues coming our way! We hope to have additional news to share regarding specific locations in early 2014.
What are the Sunday hours at Downtown Disney? We plan to visit before our flight out at 4:00 pm next month.
Daniel, most venues (including World of Disney) open starting at 10am daily. There are a few food & beverage locations (Earl of Sandwich comes to mind!) that open a little earlier for breakfast. You should have plenty of time to enjoy Downtown Disney before your fight. Happy shopping and safe travels!
Does the boardwalk provide a view of the Adventurers Club back patio?
How long is the DTD/Disney Springs conversion supposed to take? We’ll be there in December 2015 and look forward to seeing all the changes!
David, when you visit in December, 2015, you’ll definitely notice some enhancements! The entire project should be complete in spring of 2016, and if all goes according to schedule, you should be able to see the West Parking Garage and much of The Landing during your visit late next year. I think you’ll love it!
Love that new walkway! I checked it out two weekends ago, definitely helps avoid congestion.
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