If you’ve visited Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort lately, you’ve most likely noticed the many changes underway as the area transforms into Disney Springs – it’s the largest expansion in Downtown Disney history and, when completed, will double the area’s number of dining and retail options. Through this expansion, guests can continue to enjoy more than 70 themed and immersive shopping, dining and entertainment venues day and night. One of my personal favorites is the new Marketplace Co-Op, which has unique Disney boutique shops and has been featured several times here on the Disney Parks Blog.
The surrounding roadways and parking areas at Downtown Disney are growing too and will eventually offer easier access to the area. Today we have two new renderings to share with you that showcase the work that is already underway, which includes widening Lake Buena Vista Drive from seven to 10 lanes and constructing two multilevel garages (the first of which, pictured above, is set to open by late 2014 to offer 4,000 parking spaces). Two pedestrian bridges are also planned that will help lead guests into Disney Springs near the current Marketplace side, while the other will offer access in through the West Side.
As you can see above, the changes will also include a new I-4 interchange that will offer guests direct access to Disney Springs.
All of this work is part of the area’s transformation into Disney Springs, which will continue into 2016. The first phase of the expansion, an area called The Landing, will open in 2015 to offer lakefront shopping and dining. In the meantime, if you are planning to visit Downtown Disney for activities with set times, such as Cirque du Soleil performances, concerts or movies, early arrival is suggested.
Be sure to stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for future updates.
For more on Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort, click the links below:
Comments
I agree with #4 and #6, I just want the Monorail to take me everywhere! 🙂
Any chance a electric vehicle charging station will be installed at the new parking garages? This would be another perk of enjoying the Disney Springs!
Well, this past May when we were at WDW we of course frequented Downtown Disney and noticed the differences already taking shape. However, these renditions are leaving us speechless – I think back in the early 90’s there was just a store?
Incredible expansion – another destination in and of itself even greater than it is now, WOW!
And we agree with #4 Kevin – MONORAIL WOULD BE AWESOME! Anywhere and everywhere!
Once theese changes at Downtown Disney are coming from (obviously) the Disney imageneers, I don’t have a doubt that it’s going to be great. But… I must confess my worry about losing the “small and quiet” feeling I like so much at Downtown Disney.
Parking charges are my biggest concern!
Also will WDW be looking at dedicated transportation lanes to connect to the resort areas when those additional lanes open?
Or maybe a fabulous Monorail extension to connect DTD to the parks?
We are booked to stay at Saratoga springs in August 2015, will the works effect our Holiday? Will the building work reach to our resort?
Is parking in the new garages going to be free?
Since this is in close proximity to Saratoga Springs, will there be any changes or impact to the resort?
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