Today marks the official name change of the Downtown Disney area to Disney Springs. First known as the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Center in 1975 and later named Downtown Disney in 1997, the area has already begun its new transformation and will now be known as Disney Springs.
Originally, the area was to be a shopping center aimed at local residents so they could satisfy their Disney cravings. With the addiction of nightclubs in the mid 1098’s at Pleasure Island, a ticketed area with access to multiple clubs for one price, the area became popular with an decidedly older clientele. Although successful, Disney changed direction in the mid-90’s, adhering to guest feedback that they’d enjoy a more family friendly shopping and dining area. Now a mixed use area, Fulton’s Crab House, opened in 1996, remains a popular eating establishment that has survived the multiple rebranding projects.
In March of 2014, Tom Staggs, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts chairman, announced that Downtown Disney will, once again, evolve into a multi-use entertainment area, better suited for Disney guests, Central Florida vacationers and local residents. Disney Springs connects the present day draw of Disney fans with Florida’s history of drawing vacationers to their famous springs. With a bubbling spring serving at the hub, guests will be able to visit four distinct areas: The Marketplace, The Landing, Town Center and West Side.
Still housing the ever popular T-Rex Restaurant, Marketplace is where you’ll find Ghirardelli’s, Earl of Sandwich, and the Lego Imagination Center. A causeway will cross the lake and connect two sides, easing foot traffic and providing a shortcut to other areas. World of Disney, also located in Marketplace, will continue to house the largest collection of Disney merchandise in the world. The Landing, West Side and Town Center will continue the shopping and dining theme and will include an expansion of the AMC Downtown Disney 24 theaters.
The look and feel of Disney Springs will be that of a turn of the 20th century Florida town. The expansion will include retail stores, restaurants and two new parking garages. And just like its theme parks, Disney will offer special events throughout the year with special shopping opportunities and live entertainment.
This transformation has been completed in stages. Entering it’s final phase, Disney Springs is expected to be complete in 2016.
