Many have wondered what changes Walt Disney World has in store for its shopping and entertainment area, Downtown Disney. Yesterday, they announced their plans.
Over the next few years, the entire Downtown Disney area will become Disney Springs, with even more shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Two new areas will be added: Town Center, with shopping and dining along a promenade; and The Landing, with dining and waterfront views.
The Landing will be located on what is now Pleasure Island. Town Center will take over the parking lot closest to Raglan Road.
The Marketplace and the West Side areas will get spruced up, and there will be new shops and such added. Rumors are that World of Disney will also be expanded, as will Earl of Sandwich.
One of the biggest changes will be the addition of parking garages. One is to sit next to the new Town Center area. The other will be next to Cirque du Soleil, where the front parking lot is now.
From the artists renderings, it looks like the parking lot in front of Planet Hollywood will be turned into a new bus stop area, with room for dozens of buses. I’m not sure if it will become the sole bus area or if Disney will keep the ones by the Marketplace and West Side.
Once complete, Disney Springs will expand from 75 to more than 150 shopping, dining and entertainment venues. I’ve heard some names bandied about, like a Marvel Store (about time!), a World of Coca Cola, and the NYC burger joint Shake Shack, but the blog Save Pleasure Island claims to have insider information on other brands that will added to the list, including something called “Food Truck Row” – sounds interesting, eh?
Disney Springs will open in phases, with completion set for 2016.
Here are some artist renderings, courtesy of Disney, of what the completed Disney Springs will look like:
- Seven Seas Food Festival Returns To SeaWorld Orlando Feb 3-May 7, 2023 - January 27, 2023
- ‘Rock of Ages’ to Play Garden Theatre in Winter Garden Jan 25-Feb 26, 2023 - January 18, 2023
- Universal Orlando Reveals Mardi Gras 2023 Details Including Live Concert Line-Up - January 17, 2023
- ‘Wicked’ Returns To Orlando’s Dr Phillips Center For Extended Engagement Jan 25–Feb 12, 2023 - January 16, 2023
- The ‘Riverdance’ 25th Anniversary Show Dances into Orlando’s Dr. Phillips Center Jan 20-22, 2023 - January 12, 2023
- Walt Disney World News: Opening Date for ‘TRON Lightcycle / Run’, Nighttime Shows Returning, and Updates for Guests and Passholders - January 10, 2023
- Chase Padgett Brings Acclaimed ‘6 Guitars’ Show to Orlando’s Renaissance Theatre Company January 6-29, 2023 - January 4, 2023
- Daytona Boat Show Returns to Daytona International Speedway Jan 13-15, 2023 - January 3, 2023
- ‘Tina – The Tina Turner Musical’ Rocks Orlando’s Dr. Phillips Center Jan 10-15, 2023 - January 2, 2023
- Out And About: A New Publix Has Opened at Town Center at O-Town West - January 1, 2023