When we were at Walt Disney World a few weeks ago, we decided to see all the new and exciting changes that had occurred at Disney Springs (i.e. Downtown Disney). First I decided I would park in the new deck and try it out. The parking deck is huge with cast members directing traffic at almost every turn. There is still a lot of construction going on (see the video below), so there are gates and barrels in the parking deck to help direct guests. One of the nicest thing about the deck: there were sign boards that told you how many spaces were left on each floor. From someone who has to park in a parking deck at work everyday, I LOVE this feature! They also have the parking zones marked with numbers and different colors on the post so you do not forget where you parked (I guess they ran out of character names to identify your parking location as they do at the parks). One issue that we had was due to all the construction currently there are only two ways to get to Disney Springs from the parking deck. So you need to pick the way you walk out of the deck carefully or you will be adding to your walk.
I chose to take the newly opened Disney Springs Marketplace Causeway. The walkway now connects the area around T-REX to the Rainforest Cafe side of the Marketplace and provides much-needed walkway space for guests. Along the new causeway, there are new seating areas where can you sit and relax while taking in the view of the lake. I will say while it is beautiful, it is a long walk back to the parking deck from T-REX going that way. I learned the hard way (especially with a 4 year old in tow).
When the project is completed, Disney Springs will double the number of shops, restaurants and other venues for guests. This area will be very open and relaxing. There are cute little shops now opened along the causeway. It is still tight in a few places right now due to the temporary walls but the area was still very pretty. It is a great improvement over the old Downtown Disney area.
Disney Springs will include four outdoor neighborhoods. In addition to a new gateway with a signature water tower and grand entry, the area will feature:
- The Town Center, which will offer an upscale mix of shopping and dining along with a promenade where guests can relax. This area is completely new, and built on former parking areas.
- The Landing, which offers dining and waterfront views.
- The family-friendly Marketplace will continue to be the highlight for guests of all ages by combining new experiences, such as an over-the-water pedestrian causeway, along with an expanded World of Disney store.
- West Side, which offers dining and entertainment, such as Cirque du Soleil, Disney Quest, Splitsville Bowling Alley, AMC 24 and House of Blues.
Aerial view
To truly understand the scale of the work still happening at Disney Springs, watch this video taken from the Characters in Flight ride.
Additional Photos
