I’m realizing that when I wrote my Disney’s Hollywood Studios rumored futureposts, I left off Disney Springs from the list of projects under development. And then, of course, Disney comes out and confirms two new properties from Disney Springs making me look bad.
As it turns out I was just at Downtown Disney checking in on the construction progress. There’s some significant improvements in a few areas, and even two new shops that have opened. I took a bunch of video and pictures before it got too dark, so I have a second October update to share today:
More photos and some speculation on what shops and restaurants might be coming to Disney Springs below the jump:
We’ve been chronicling the coming of Disney Springs since before its official announcement in March of 2013. By changing to the Disney Springs concept, Disney is expanding shopping, dining, and entertainment options at the Downtown Disney location with the goal of keeping more guests on property during their entire vacation and not shuttling off to local malls or other theme parks.
The first area of Disney Springs to open will be The Landing, which is a water front area approximately where Pleasure Island was before. The largest building in the area is what will become The Boathouse – a new concept restaurant from the team at Schussler Creative. Previous concepts from them at Walt Disney World include: Rainforest Cafe, T-REX Cafe, and Yak & Yeti. Opening Spring 2015 The Boathouse will be an upscale, waterfront dining experience featuring spectacular floating artwork: dream boats from the 30’s, 40’s & 50’s.
The Boathouse restaurant will immerse guests both on land and on water with live music. Among many special dining opportunities, there will be a romantic Captain’s guided tours aboard The Venezia, a beautifully crafted 40-foot wooden Italian Water Taxi featuring champagne toasts and chocolate-covered strawberries. There also will be the exhilaration of guided Amphicar rides that launch from land, entering the water with a splash, taking guests on a 20-minute tour of the landmarks of Disney Springs.
To add to the atmosphere, the Harbor Master will orchestrate daily flag ceremonies, accompanied by a lively musical performance of beloved bugle songs, performed aboard a classic 1800’s antique steam boat. Authentic nautical items, custom engraved paddles, distinctive lake-themed merchandise, and other unique items “Made on Earth” will be available at The Ship’s Store, adjacent to The Boathouse restaurant.Read More »The Boathouse, from the creators of T-Rex and Rainforest Cafe, is coming to Disney Springs
Here’s our latest look at the progress on converting Downtown Disney into Disney Springs. Lots of work going on near the Marketplace, the area of Pleasure Island that will become “The Landing,” and even on the Westside. The Parking garage looks good and the special pedestrian bridges are starting to take shape too. The only hitch for the parking garage is whether Disney can get final approval from the state to build the I-4 off-ramp that leads directly into the garage.
A few new ‘stores’ have been set up near Fulton’s Crabhouse. Looks like a way for a few concepts to get introduced to Downtown Disney crowds without a full store. If these work, they’ll probably move to one of the new shopping districts in The Landing or Disney Springs.
I have not idea why the volcano is undergoing construction again, considering it just opened earlier this year. But the rest of the construction has really started to move toward the final phases.
Below the jump, I’ve added a photo gallery with some highlights and a few details that didn’t make it into the video:
Disney has released new concept art showing a park like setting for the new Food Truck Park coming to the West Side section of Disney Springs. In the background you can make out the “highline” area, that will look like a former elevated train track,… Read More »New Disney Springs Food Truck Park Concept Art
Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney is in the middle of transforming into a larger complex to be called Disney Springs. The first area to open will be called “The Landing” and that’s where the majority of construction is taking place right now. However there are lots of other projects in and around the site.
The first of two parking garages is getting closer to being finished with some decoration going up on one side and access ramps appearing and the first signs of the off ramp from the I-4 Freeway also appearing. There’s also a lot of construction on the roads leading into and out of the area too.
Here’s the latest video with a look around the shopping and dining area construction
For those who can’t watch video, there is a huge gallery of photos below the jump:
If there’s one event at Downtown Disney I look forward to every year, it’s the very popular and long running Festival of the Masters. Unfortunately, due to construction of Disney Springs, Disney has decided to cancel the event for 2014. This November 7-9th would have… Read More »Festival of the Masters at Downtown Disney canceled for 2014
Earlier today we had a video with a Walt Disney Imagineer talking about the backstory that will unite Disney Springs once the transformation is complete. The first area, The Landing, will open in 2015.
Our latest construction update looks at progress at The Landing as well as other projects, big and small around the shopping and dining district that will soon be formerly known a Downtown Disney. Take special note of the new ferry boat dock. All three docks are back in operation now. Only the Marketplace location is now closer to Saratoga Springs than Rainforest Cafe. There’s also been quite a bit of progress on the first parking lot they’re constructing. Finishing that will be a welcome relief to the problems with finding a spot on those busy days.
Watch our short video for the gist of the changes
or head below the jump for a full multi-photo gallery of images from across the construction site.
