Downtown Disney to be transformed into Disney Springs

By Jerry Limone

Disney on Thursday unveiled plans to transform Downtown Disney, a shopping and dining district at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, into Disney Springs.

The re-imagined destination will “draw inspiration from Florida’s waterfront towns and natural beauty,” Disney said.

Construction is slated to begin next month, with new areas opening in phases. The entire project is scheduled to be completed in 2016.

Disney Springs will include four outdoor neighborhoods: Town Center, The Landing, Marketplace and West Side.

The Town Center will offer shopping and dining along with a promenade. Disney describes The Landing as a commercial district “with inspired dining and beautiful waterfront views.”

Marketplace will feature an over-the-water pedestrian causeway and an expanded World of Disney store.

Disney said the West Side neighborhood will “provide an exuberant atmosphere with lively entertainment, along with a series of new elevated spaces that provide both shade and an overlook to the activity below.”

Neighborhoods will be interconnected by a flowing spring and lakefront. Disney also plans a new gateway and a signature water tower for the destination.

Disney Springs will have twice as many shops, restaurants and other venues (about 150 establishments) as Downtown Disney, the company said.