Downtown Disney Orlando Transformation Update

Downtown Disney is at the start of a multi-year project that will transform it into a shopping, dining, and entertainment complex called Disney Springs. With construction of the first parking garage underway, things are getting serious. Over the weekend, I stopped by to see how traffic and parking was flowing.

It turns out things aren’t too bad. However, Disney is being crafty with its directions to open parking lots. The T-Rex and marketplace parking lots will always fill up early on busy days, but there was still plenty of parking down by Cirque du Soliel’s La Nouba, even though the street signs all directed guests to park and one of the two remote parking lots across the street. I followed the signs just to see where they led and ended up parking at Team Disney building. It was actually a pleasant experience with a shuttle that picks up and drops off right at La Nouba. I avoided the unpleasant hunt for a parking spot and only added a few minutes delay in waiting for the shuttle. You can walk across the street if you desire.

At Downtown Disney itself, there are walls everywhere, a bit more demolishing has occurred, and they have started construction on what will be the first new building of Disney Springs. That and more in our photo tour below the jump:

There is nice big signage at the parking lots directing you to either the shuttle or crosswalk

and this helpful sign with estimated times. There are also a number of Disney Cast Members around to answer questions

Disney has contracted with a shuttle service to help you make the short hop from Team Disney to La Nouba if you don’t want to walk

You can also Valet park, again by La Nouba

They’ve added construction offices to the area by La Noubla now.

Draining for the parking lot is being installed

And you can see some of the forms for the parking garage supports being constructed out of rebar here

Walls are up around the eventual home of StarBucks on the Westside

More walls

Walls you can have your fancy dinner next to

Lovely blue tarps you can have your fancy dinner next to

No exit here. Not even to the service street. It’s all blocked

This will be a lovely boardwalk over the water connecting West Side to Raglan Road and bypassing Pleasure Island once construction there takes over

More demolishing in Pleasure Island. All the facades are gone along with some builldings

Indeed. Mostly clear here now.

The first new building of Disney Springs is going up. Looks like restrooms if I had to guess

Captain Jacks and the Marina are both closed for good.

Signage has been added, which is a nice touch.

All in all the construction is not having that big of an affect on guests at DTD. Just a few extra minutes parking and a slightly longer walk or shuttle ride. I’m looking forward to trying a few of the food trucks that will be coming soon and to seeing vertical construction on that parking garage get started.

Thanks for talking this walking tour with me. What are your expectations for Disney Springs? What type of shops and restaurants would you like to see them add?