Lake Buena Vista, Fla. — Downtown Disney will double in size as Disney Springs by 2016.
Lake Buena Vista, Fla. — Walt Disney World Resort has announced plans to transform Downtown Disney into Disney Springs. Scheduled for completion in 2016, Disney Springs will include approximately twice as many shopping, dining and entertainment options. The development will feature a mix of Disney brands, as well as boutique shops and anchor stores.
This will be the largest expansion for Downtown Disney in its history, according to the Orlando Business Chronicle.
“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,” says Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “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.”
The project will include four outdoor neighborhoods, all of which will be connected by a flowing spring and lakefront environment. The Marketplace and West Side that are currently at Downtown Disney will remain, but will undergo renovations. The Marketplace will be updated to feature a bridge connecting the Rainforest Café to the TREX area. Pleasure Island will become The Landing. The Town Center neighborhood will be completely new and built on former parking areas.
Disney Springs will create an estimated 1,200 construction jobs and nearly 4,000 operational roles. Construction is slated to begin in April with new areas opening in phases.