Retail, dining and entertainment expansion for Downtown Disney to Complete in 2016
Walt Disney World Resort has revealed plans to transform Downtown Disney into “Disney Springs”, with more retails, dining and entertainment. Construction is set to begin in April with phased openings of new areas up until the final completion of the project in 2016.
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Disney Springs’ design references Florida’s waterfront towns and will include four outdoor neighbourhoods connected by a meandering spring and lakefront area:
A new gateway with water tower and grand entrance
The Town Centre – offering a sophisticated selection of shopping and dining facilities with a promenade
The Marketplace – a family friendly area with a pedestrian causeway, an expanded World of Disney store and classic Disney favourites
West Side – a lively entertainment area incorporating elevated spaces overlooking the activities and providing shade.
Tom Staggs, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, said, “Disney Springs will be a timeless, vibrant place where Walt Disney World guests and local residents can relax, shop, dine and be entertained in an imaginative setting where they’ll instantly feel at home. Featuring distinctive brands, world-class restaurants and unforgettable entertainment, Disney Springs will be brought to life with the same focus on storytelling and attention to detail that goes into our theme parks, resorts and cruise ships, resulting in a welcoming space that only Disney could create.”
Disney Springs will expand Downtown Disney with twice the number of shops, restaurants and other venues totalling more than 150 establishments, including famous brands and boutique shops, to create a unique venue.
There will be significant economic benefits for Central Florida, with the additional jobs, tax revenues and business opportunities that Disney Springs will bring. It is expected that the development will create 1, 200 construction jobs and nearly 4, 000 operational roles with the positive impact of the project being felt beyond Walt Disney World.
More details of the experiences coming to Disney Springs will be announced at a later date.
