LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., March 14, 2013 � Walt Disney World
Resort today announced the multi-year transformation of Downtown Disney into
Disney Springs, a unique destination that will treat guests to significantly
more shopping, dining and entertainment amid beautiful open-air promenades,
meandering springs and waterfront charm.
Disney Springs will feature an eclectic and contemporary mix from Disney and
other noteworthy brands. From boutique shops to unique flagship anchor stores,
guests will be able to explore a variety of shopping, dining and entertainment
experiences and discover options unlike any other currently available in Central
Florida.
�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,� said 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.�
Disney Springs will double the number of shops, restaurants and other venues for
guests to explore, resulting in more than 150 establishments. In addition,
Staggs noted, Central Florida stands to benefit from the expansion with more
jobs, tax revenues and business opportunities.
Drawing inspiration from Florida�s waterfront towns and natural beauty, Disney
Springs will include four outdoor neighborhoods interconnected by a flowing
spring and vibrant lakefront. In addition to a new gateway with a signature
water tower and grand entry, the destination will feature:
�The Town Center, which offers a sophisticated mix of shopping and dining along
with a promenade where guests can relax, refresh and reconnect.
�A colorful and thriving commercial district called The Landing with inspired
dining and beautiful waterfront views.
�The family-friendly Marketplace that will continue to delight guests of all
ages by combining new experiences, such as an over-the-water pedestrian
causeway, along with classic Disney favorites, including an expanded World of
Disney store.
�A West Side that provides 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.
Collectively, these efforts will not only have an impact within Walt Disney
World, but will also have an economic ripple effect on Central Florida. The
project will create an estimated 1,200 construction jobs and nearly 4,000
operational roles.
Disney will share more details on specific experiences coming to Disney Springs
in the future. Construction is slated to begin next month with new areas opening
in phases. Disney Springs is expected to be complete in 2016.
How about that? New dining, shopping and entertainment
experiences are in the works for
Downtown Disney and today we�re sharing a first look at what to expect in
the future for the 120-acre complex. Look closely and you�ll see that
Pleasure Island will evolve into a vibrant waterfront district called
�Hyperion Wharf.�
The district will come to life with a nostalgic yet modern
take on an early 20th century port city and amusement pier. By day, stylish
boutiques and innovative restaurants will draw you in and by night, thousands of
lights will transform the area into an electric wonderland.
Taking its name from Hyperion, the Greek god of light, as
well as the street on which Walt Disney built his first major animation studio,
the wharf district will also feature a relaxing lakeside park and enhanced
pedestrian walkways. And its diverse eateries will expand dining availability at
Downtown Disney by more than 25 percent.
Along with the new wharf district, other projects are
underway at Downtown Disney, including:
An extensive renovation of Lego Imagination Center, which
will increase its overall footprint by nearly 3,500 square-feet and add new
Lego exterior models featuring scenes from classic Disney movies.
Enhancements at
AMC Theatres that will take the movie-going experience at Downtown Disney
to the next level with new digital technology, a Concession Stand of the
Future and Florida�s first Fork & Screen Theater; and�
Numerous new or renovated retail shops and merchandise
vignettes, as well as additional atmosphere entertainment, throughout Downtown
Disney.
Construction on the district begins immediately and it�s
scheduled to be completed in 2013.
Rumors
The latest rumor for Hyperion Wharf is the Adventurers Club
may be coming back.
Below is one of the concept drawings for the new area but
has since been pulled from Disney's website. Towards the left of the balloon you
can see the roof line of the adventurers club.
This of course proves nothing but continues to fuel the
fire of the very missed Adventures Club coming back.
