Navigating the magical world of Walt Disney World can sometimes feel like deciphering a secret code. With its sprawling theme parks, resorts, and entertainment districts, keeping track of everything can be a challenge, even for seasoned Disney veterans. One area that has undergone a significant transformation over the years is the shopping, dining, and entertainment hub formerly known as Downtown Disney. So, what is Disney World Downtown Disney called now? The answer is: Disney Springs.
The Evolution from Downtown Disney to Disney Springs
Disney Springs represents more than just a name change; it signifies a complete reimagining and expansion of what was once Downtown Disney. Understanding the history and motivation behind this transformation provides valuable insight into the overall Disney experience.
Why the Change? A Need for Growth and Enhanced Experiences
Downtown Disney, while popular, had become somewhat dated and struggled to keep pace with the evolving tastes and expectations of modern travelers. The area lacked a cohesive theme and felt somewhat disjointed. Disney recognized the need for a significant upgrade to provide guests with a more immersive, diverse, and high-quality experience. The transformation into Disney Springs addressed these shortcomings by introducing a compelling backstory, enhancing the overall ambiance, and significantly expanding the retail and dining options. The goal was to create a vibrant destination that could stand on its own as a must-visit location, even for those not solely focused on the theme parks.
A Thematic Backstory: The Story of a Florida Town
Disney Springs is designed to resemble a charming waterfront town in Florida, built around natural springs that have historically attracted settlers and commerce. The design elements reflect different periods in the town’s development, creating distinct neighborhoods with unique architectural styles and atmospheres. This immersive theming elevates the experience beyond simple shopping and dining, drawing guests into a narrative that enhances their enjoyment. This also helps with wayfinding and gives each section a distinct personality.
Exploring the Four Distinct Neighborhoods of Disney Springs
Disney Springs is divided into four distinct neighborhoods, each offering a unique atmosphere and selection of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Understanding the characteristics of each neighborhood can help you plan your visit and maximize your enjoyment.
Town Center: A Hub of Shopping and Style
Town Center is the primary shopping district of Disney Springs, featuring a wide array of retailers, including flagship stores for major brands and unique boutiques. The architecture is inspired by early 20th-century Florida towns, with art deco elements and lush landscaping. Here, you will find popular brands like Anthropologie, Zara, and UNIQLO, along with Disney-themed merchandise locations. The design is intended to be reminiscent of a bustling downtown area, drawing inspiration from classic Florida architecture.
Marketplace: Family-Friendly Fun and Character Encounters
The Marketplace is geared towards families, offering a mix of shops, restaurants, and attractions that appeal to all ages. This neighborhood is home to the World of Disney store, one of the largest Disney merchandise locations in the world. You’ll also find family-friendly dining options like Rainforest Cafe and T-REX, along with interactive experiences like the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and the Marketplace Carousel. Character meet-and-greets are common in this area, making it a great place for kids to interact with their favorite Disney characters.
The Landing: Waterfront Dining and Entertainment
The Landing is the waterfront district of Disney Springs, offering a sophisticated atmosphere with upscale dining and entertainment options. This neighborhood is home to a variety of restaurants with waterfront views, including Paddlefish, a seafood restaurant housed in a replica paddle steamer, and The BOATHOUSE, which offers amphibious car tours. Live music and entertainment are common in The Landing, making it a popular spot for evening strolls and romantic dinners.
West Side: Entertainment and Thrills
West Side is the entertainment district of Disney Springs, featuring attractions like Cirque du Soleil’s Drawn to Life and the House of Blues. This neighborhood also offers a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to themed restaurants. The AMC Movies at Disney Springs 24 is a popular destination for moviegoers, and Splitsville Luxury Lanes offers bowling and dining in a retro setting. The overall atmosphere of West Side is energetic and lively, making it a great place to spend an evening.
Dining at Disney Springs: A Culinary Adventure
Disney Springs boasts an impressive array of dining options, ranging from quick-service meals to fine-dining experiences. Whether you’re craving classic American cuisine, international flavors, or unique culinary creations, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your appetite.
Quick-Service Options: Fast and Convenient
For a quick and convenient meal, Disney Springs offers a variety of quick-service restaurants serving everything from burgers and fries to tacos and salads. These options are perfect for a casual lunch or a quick snack between shopping and entertainment. Some popular quick-service locations include D-Luxe Burger, Chicken Guy!, and Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza.
Table-Service Restaurants: A More Relaxing Experience
For a more leisurely dining experience, Disney Springs offers a wide selection of table-service restaurants, each with its own unique cuisine and atmosphere. These restaurants are ideal for a special occasion or a relaxing dinner with family and friends. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season. Some popular table-service restaurants include Morimoto Asia, Wine Bar George – A Restaurant & Bar, and Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’.
Unique Dining Experiences: Something for Everyone
In addition to traditional quick-service and table-service restaurants, Disney Springs also offers a variety of unique dining experiences that are sure to impress. These options include themed restaurants, celebrity chef-driven concepts, and interactive dining experiences. For example, Paddlefish offers stunning waterfront views and delicious seafood, while T-REX provides a prehistoric dining adventure with animatronic dinosaurs. These unique options help to make dining at Disney Springs a memorable experience.
Shopping at Disney Springs: Retail Therapy at Its Finest
Disney Springs is a shopper’s paradise, offering a diverse selection of retail locations ranging from high-end boutiques to Disney-themed merchandise stores. Whether you’re looking for the latest fashions, unique souvenirs, or gifts for loved ones, you’re sure to find something you love at Disney Springs.
Disney Merchandise: A Must-Have for Disney Fans
No trip to Disney Springs is complete without a visit to one of the many Disney merchandise locations. World of Disney is the largest Disney store in the world, offering a vast selection of apparel, toys, souvenirs, and collectibles. Other Disney merchandise locations include the LEGO Store, which features impressive LEGO displays and building activities, and the Coca-Cola Store, which offers a unique selection of Coca-Cola-themed merchandise.
High-End Boutiques: Fashion and Luxury
For those seeking high-end fashion and luxury goods, Disney Springs offers a selection of upscale boutiques featuring designer brands and unique items. These boutiques offer a sophisticated shopping experience with personalized service and exclusive merchandise. Some popular high-end boutiques include Tommy Bahama, Lilly Pulitzer, and kate spade new york.
Unique Finds: Souvenirs and Gifts
In addition to Disney merchandise and high-end boutiques, Disney Springs also offers a variety of shops selling unique souvenirs and gifts. These shops are perfect for finding a special memento of your trip or a thoughtful gift for someone back home. Some popular shops for unique finds include Basin, which offers handmade bath and body products, and Art of Disney, which features artwork and collectibles inspired by Disney animation.
Entertainment at Disney Springs: Beyond Shopping and Dining
Disney Springs offers a wide range of entertainment options, from live music and theatrical performances to interactive experiences and thrilling attractions. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing evening of entertainment or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, you’re sure to find something to enjoy at Disney Springs.
Live Music and Performances: An Atmospheric Experience
Live music and performances are a common sight at Disney Springs, adding to the vibrant and energetic atmosphere. You can find live music performances in various locations throughout Disney Springs, ranging from solo acoustic acts to full bands. The House of Blues is a popular venue for live music, featuring a variety of genres and artists.
Cirque du Soleil: Drawn to Life: A Spectacular Show
Cirque du Soleil: Drawn to Life is a spectacular theatrical performance that combines acrobatics, artistry, and Disney storytelling. This show is a must-see for anyone visiting Disney Springs, offering a visually stunning and emotionally engaging experience. Drawn to Life tells the story of a young girl who discovers an unfinished animation left by her late father and embarks on a journey to complete it.
Other Entertainment Options: Something for Everyone
In addition to live music and Cirque du Soleil, Disney Springs also offers a variety of other entertainment options, including bowling at Splitsville Luxury Lanes, movies at AMC Movies at Disney Springs 24, and interactive experiences like the NBA Experience. These diverse options ensure that there is something for everyone to enjoy at Disney Springs.
Planning Your Visit to Disney Springs: Tips and Tricks
Planning your visit to Disney Springs can help you make the most of your time and avoid potential frustrations. Here are some tips and tricks to help you plan your trip:
Transportation Options: Getting There and Around
Disney Springs is easily accessible by car, bus, and boat from various locations throughout Walt Disney World. Complimentary bus transportation is available from all Disney resort hotels, and boat transportation is available from select resorts. Parking is also available at Disney Springs, but it can be limited during peak season. Consider using ride-sharing services or Disney’s Minnie Van service for a convenient and reliable transportation option.
Best Time to Visit: Avoiding Crowds
The best time to visit Disney Springs is during the off-season or on weekdays to avoid large crowds. Weekends and holidays tend to be the busiest times, so plan accordingly. Arriving early in the day or visiting in the evening can also help you avoid the peak crowds.
Making Reservations: Securing Your Spot
Reservations are highly recommended for table-service restaurants and some entertainment options at Disney Springs, especially during peak season. You can make reservations online through the Disney World website or through the My Disney Experience app. Booking in advance will help you secure your spot and avoid long wait times.
In conclusion, what was once known as Downtown Disney is now the vibrant and expanded Disney Springs. This transformation has created a world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment destination that offers something for everyone. From its unique themed neighborhoods to its diverse selection of restaurants, shops, and attractions, Disney Springs is a must-visit location for anyone visiting Walt Disney World. By understanding the history, layout, and offerings of Disney Springs, you can plan a memorable and enjoyable experience for yourself and your family. The name change signifies a commitment to providing guests with an exceptional experience that goes beyond traditional theme park offerings.
What was Downtown Disney previously called?
Before its transformation into Disney Springs, the area was known as Downtown Disney. It originally opened in 1975 as Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village, later evolving into Walt Disney World Village. In 1989, it was rebranded as Disney Village Marketplace before becoming Downtown Disney in 1997, encompassing the Marketplace, Pleasure Island, and West Side areas.
This continuous evolution reflects Disney’s commitment to keeping the entertainment, shopping, and dining options fresh and appealing to its guests. The name changes marked significant expansions and thematic shifts, culminating in the extensive reimagining and rebranding that led to the Disney Springs we know today.
When did Downtown Disney become Disney Springs?
The official transition from Downtown Disney to Disney Springs occurred in 2015. The rebranding marked the completion of a significant multi-year expansion and renovation project that doubled the shopping, dining, and entertainment options available to guests.
While the process began earlier, 2015 saw the official unveiling of the new name and the completion of most of the major construction projects, solidifying Disney Springs as a premier destination. The phased opening allowed guests to experience the transformation as it unfolded.
What are the four distinct neighborhoods within Disney Springs?
Disney Springs is divided into four distinct neighborhoods, each offering a unique atmosphere and selection of shops and restaurants. These neighborhoods are Town Center, The Landing, Marketplace, and West Side.
Town Center emulates a historic Florida waterfront town with national and international retail brands. The Landing, formerly Pleasure Island, focuses on waterfront dining and unique boutiques. Marketplace offers a family-friendly environment with classic Disney merchandise and playful activities. Finally, West Side features entertainment venues, restaurants, and specialty shops, including Cirque du Soleil and the House of Blues.
What kind of shopping experiences can I expect at Disney Springs?
Disney Springs offers a diverse range of shopping experiences, catering to various tastes and budgets. You’ll find everything from high-end designer brands to unique Disney merchandise and handcrafted items.
Major retailers like Zara, Sephora, and Anthropologie are present, alongside Disney-themed stores offering apparel, collectibles, and home goods. Independent boutiques showcase local artisans and specialty products, ensuring a broad and engaging shopping experience for all visitors.
Are there dining options at Disney Springs suitable for all budgets?
Absolutely! Disney Springs boasts a wide array of dining options to suit every budget and palate. From quick-service restaurants offering affordable meals to upscale dining experiences with award-winning chefs, there’s something for everyone.
Food trucks provide a casual and cost-effective option, while establishments like Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza offer customizable meals at reasonable prices. For a more indulgent experience, restaurants like Morimoto Asia and Paddlefish offer sophisticated menus and elegant ambiance.
What kind of entertainment can I find at Disney Springs?
Disney Springs provides a multitude of entertainment options beyond shopping and dining. From live music and street performers to dazzling shows and immersive experiences, there’s always something to see and do.
Guests can enjoy captivating performances by Cirque du Soleil – Drawn to Life, catch a movie at the AMC Movies complex, or bowl at Splitsville Luxury Lanes. Live music can be found throughout the area, and seasonal events like festivals and holiday celebrations add even more excitement to the atmosphere.
Is parking free at Disney Springs?
Yes, standard self-parking is free at Disney Springs. There are multiple parking garages strategically located throughout the area to accommodate the large number of visitors.
However, valet parking is available at select locations for a fee. While self-parking is complimentary, it’s worth noting that during peak seasons and holidays, the parking garages can fill up quickly, so it’s advisable to arrive early or consider using Disney transportation.