If you've been to Walt Disney World® anytime in the last year or so, you have definitely noticed there are BIG changes and lots of construction going on around the Downtown Disney area. With everything that Disney does, from attractions to Castaway Cay (Disney's exclusive island for Disney Cruise Line guests), there is a back story. Now, they are creating the back story for "Disney Springs," by transforming the shopping and retail area that has been known as Downtown Disney into an entirely new area that is becoming "Disney Springs." This entire area will have a new vibe and theme that will through the entire area.
What does this mean exactly? Well, the plans include the expansion of additional new retail options, new dining venues, a brand new 4-story parking garage (which is completed and open for use), new water features, a completely new section (Town Center) and the brand new skyway bridge. If you are familiar with the Marketplace area of Downtown Disney (near the World of Disney store) you know that in order to get to the marina to rent a mouse boat or Rainforest Cafe you had to walk all the way around the end of the lake to the other side. Well, thanks to the new skyway bridge, you no longer have to walk all the way around. You can just walk across the lake to quickly get from one side to the other. How nice is this going to be the next time you are there? I know, for me...very nice even if it's just to take in the great view around the lake.
Most of your favorites restaurants and shops are still located where you have come to know them to be. But, let's take a look at what is located at both the West Side and the Marketplace areas, as there have a been a few closures.
West Side Entertainment & Dining:
*La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil (ticket prices $63-$150 adults & $52-$125 child)
*Disney Quest
(You can add the Water Park & More option to your theme park ticket for entrance here.)
*House of Blues (Good live music here & a gospel brunch on Sundays with all-you-can eat buffet)
*Splitsville Luxury Lanes
(Bowling $15-$20 per person including shoes. Dining Plan accepted-table service.)
*AMC Downtown Disney 24 (Price: $11-$15 per person)
*Characters in Flight ($18 adult $12 c hild)
*Crossroads at House of Blues (Disney Dining Plan-table service)
*Food Quest (Disney dining plan-Quick Service)
*The Express at Wolfgang Puck Grand Cafe (Quick Service)
*Wolfgang Puck Grand Cafe (Table Service)
*Bongos Cuban Cafe (Table Service)
*Planet Hollywood (Table Service)
Planet Hollywood is getting an updated look to reflect an observatory.
Tip: If you park in the lot by West Side (Cirque du Soleil) you can take a water taxi located behind House of Blues that will take you all the way down to the other end at Marketplace instead of having to walk all the way down there. Put your feet up for a few minutes and enjoy the ride!!
Marketplace Entertainment & Dining:
*Waterside Stage
*Marketplace Train Express ($2 per child)
*Marketplace Carousel ($2.00)
*CLOSED: Captain Jack's Marina
*Ghiradelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop (Disney Dining Plan Snack Credit)
*Marketplace Snacks (Quick Service)
*Earl of Sandwich (Quick Service Breakfast , Lunch, Dinner & Snack Credit)
*Wolfgang Puck Express (Quick Serice)
*T-Rex Cafe (Table Service)
*Rainforest Cafe (Table Service)
*Now Closed: Cap'n Jack's Restaurant, Pollo Campero, Babycakes NYC & Bodies All-American
Pleasure Island will now be called The Landing once all the renovations for Disney Springs are complete. This area will host new waterfront dining options to take advantage of this great location.
*Cooke's of Dublin (Quick Service & Snack Credits may be redeemed here)
*Paradise 37 (Table Service)
*Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant (Table Service)
*Fulton's Crab House (Table Service-2 Credits on the Disney dining plan)
*Portobello Country Italian Trattoria (Table Service)
*Now Closed: Fuego by Sosa Cigars
The newest area, which will be Town Center, does not exist in Downtown Disney but will be a part of the new Disney Springs and will include new shopping and dining options along with a promenade area where you can relax. So for now, we are all going to have to bear the slight inconvenience with parking areas and continue to enjoy the pictures illustrated on the construction walls as we walk by a little bit longer. I have a feeling what's yet to come will be nothing short of spectacular!!
Stay tuned for more updates as they are revealed!!
What does this mean exactly? Well, the plans include the expansion of additional new retail options, new dining venues, a brand new 4-story parking garage (which is completed and open for use), new water features, a completely new section (Town Center) and the brand new skyway bridge. If you are familiar with the Marketplace area of Downtown Disney (near the World of Disney store) you know that in order to get to the marina to rent a mouse boat or Rainforest Cafe you had to walk all the way around the end of the lake to the other side. Well, thanks to the new skyway bridge, you no longer have to walk all the way around. You can just walk across the lake to quickly get from one side to the other. How nice is this going to be the next time you are there? I know, for me...very nice even if it's just to take in the great view around the lake.
Most of your favorites restaurants and shops are still located where you have come to know them to be. But, let's take a look at what is located at both the West Side and the Marketplace areas, as there have a been a few closures.
West Side Entertainment & Dining:
*La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil (ticket prices $63-$150 adults & $52-$125 child)
*Disney Quest
(You can add the Water Park & More option to your theme park ticket for entrance here.)
*House of Blues (Good live music here & a gospel brunch on Sundays with all-you-can eat buffet)
*Splitsville Luxury Lanes
(Bowling $15-$20 per person including shoes. Dining Plan accepted-table service.)
*AMC Downtown Disney 24 (Price: $11-$15 per person)
*Characters in Flight ($18 adult $12 c hild)
*Crossroads at House of Blues (Disney Dining Plan-table service)
*Food Quest (Disney dining plan-Quick Service)
*The Express at Wolfgang Puck Grand Cafe (Quick Service)
*Wolfgang Puck Grand Cafe (Table Service)
*Bongos Cuban Cafe (Table Service)
*Planet Hollywood (Table Service)
Planet Hollywood is getting an updated look to reflect an observatory.
Tip: If you park in the lot by West Side (Cirque du Soleil) you can take a water taxi located behind House of Blues that will take you all the way down to the other end at Marketplace instead of having to walk all the way down there. Put your feet up for a few minutes and enjoy the ride!!
Marketplace Entertainment & Dining:
*Waterside Stage
*Marketplace Train Express ($2 per child)
*Marketplace Carousel ($2.00)
*CLOSED: Captain Jack's Marina
*Ghiradelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop (Disney Dining Plan Snack Credit)
*Marketplace Snacks (Quick Service)
*Earl of Sandwich (Quick Service Breakfast , Lunch, Dinner & Snack Credit)
*Wolfgang Puck Express (Quick Serice)
*T-Rex Cafe (Table Service)
*Rainforest Cafe (Table Service)
*Now Closed: Cap'n Jack's Restaurant, Pollo Campero, Babycakes NYC & Bodies All-American
Pleasure Island will now be called The Landing once all the renovations for Disney Springs are complete. This area will host new waterfront dining options to take advantage of this great location.
*Cooke's of Dublin (Quick Service & Snack Credits may be redeemed here)
*Paradise 37 (Table Service)
*Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant (Table Service)
*Fulton's Crab House (Table Service-2 Credits on the Disney dining plan)
*Portobello Country Italian Trattoria (Table Service)
*Now Closed: Fuego by Sosa Cigars
The newest area, which will be Town Center, does not exist in Downtown Disney but will be a part of the new Disney Springs and will include new shopping and dining options along with a promenade area where you can relax. So for now, we are all going to have to bear the slight inconvenience with parking areas and continue to enjoy the pictures illustrated on the construction walls as we walk by a little bit longer. I have a feeling what's yet to come will be nothing short of spectacular!!
Stay tuned for more updates as they are revealed!!
