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Disney releases new Downtown Disney Ads while Disney Springs Construction Begins

These gates aren't long for the world. Probably end up in some collectors living room soon

These gates aren’t long for the world. Probably end up in some collectors living room soon

Construction on Disney Springs, the new vision for Downtown Disney, got underway earlier this month. It’s going to be a few years before the whole project is done and current vendors in the shopping center are in for an uncertain time. Will crowds continue to come if they have to negotiate a maze of construction walls and relocated parking to get there? Probably yes, but just in case, Disney World has launched a new ad campaign with the goal of keeping Downtown Disney front of mind in locals and tourists alike.

Read More »Disney releases new Downtown Disney Ads while Disney Springs Construction Begins

A Visit to Planet Hollywood

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I’ve lived in Central Florida for 8 years now and visited Walt Disney World a few times over the years before that, but I never visited Planet Hollywood in Downtown Disney. Now that we’ve heard it’s going away in the Disney Springs makeover for Downtown Disney, it was time to go.

My review below the jump:

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Tour of Digital Projection Model for Disney Springs Transformation of Downtown Disney

We now know why Walt Disney Imagineering rushed Imagineer Kathy Magnum out east as soon as she returned from her much deserved vacation following opening Cars Land at Disney California Adventure. She has been placed in charge of the Disney Springs transformation coming to Downtown… Read More »Tour of Digital Projection Model for Disney Springs Transformation of Downtown Disney

Disney Springs Announced for Downtown Disney Orlando Transformation

Pleasure Island goes away.

Early this morning, we were invited to a last minute news conference at a special conference room in Downtown Disney. There, Tom Staggs, Chair Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, announced a transformation of Downtown Disney that will double the number of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Disney Springs will involved four neighborhoods – Town Center, The Landing, Marketplace, and West Side. It will open in phases with construction set to begin next in Spring 2013 and scheduled to finish in 2016.

More, including the concept art released today, below the jump:Read More »Disney Springs Announced for Downtown Disney Orlando Transformation

Restaurant Review: T-REX at Downtown Disney

While in Downtown Disney Orlando this past summer we could not resist the urge to pay a visit to the T-REX Restaurant and Shop. As we walked in we were greeted by the coolness in the air which we welcomed since it was so very hot outside. The first thing we noticed was this enormous and almost life like T-Rex towering over us. To the right a place to shop for all your Prehistoric needs and to the left was the restaurant a.k.a archaeological dig site filled with small, large and extra large animatronic and audio-animatronic creatures.

We were seated right away and attended to almost instantly. Trying to take in our surroundings time seemed to just escape us. We looked over the menus and although there were plenty of choices I was not overwhelmed by them. There is something in the menu for everybody from Spare ribs, Chicken and Pasta to Burgers and Seafood. For the future little paleontologist in your group there is a kids menu of course, it includes various choices like Pizza, Pasta, Sliders, Popcorn shrimp and even Dinosaur shaped chicken.Read More »Restaurant Review: T-REX at Downtown Disney

A Visit to Splitsville for Dinner

Editor: Please welcome new guest author Paula Garcia!

My husband, 5 year old daughter and I recently visited Orlando. We arrived on New Year’s day settled in to our hotel. It was a nice night out and we were starving so we decided to take a walk to Downtown Disney and find a restaurant there. There were so many people it was difficult to walk around much less find a table at any of the restaurants.

We didn’t give up and kept walking all the way down to about the end of Downtown. Just when we were about to walk back to our hotel my husband walked into Splitsville Lanes and to our surprise they had open tables with no wait.

Although there were many people inside, I didn’t get an over crowded, claustrophobic feeling. We were greeted by a young lady and taken up the escalator to our table. We sat down and were handed our menus. My daughter received her own kid’s menu and some crayons. As a mom I really appreciate this. It took a little while before our order was taken. Many people were being seated in our area at the same time. Our server was right on top of it he was very attentive, fast, kind and apologetic about the delay.Read More »A Visit to Splitsville for Dinner

Take your pick of Happy New Year Special Dining, Dance Parties and Fireworks Events at Walt Disney World Resort

New Year’s Eve is one of the biggest fireworks evenings of the year at Walt Disney World Resort, which is saying a lot since WDW is a place where fireworks are both spectacular and an every-night occurrence. If Fireworks aren’t your thing, you can find… Read More »Take your pick of Happy New Year Special Dining, Dance Parties and Fireworks Events at Walt Disney World Resort

Splitsville Almost Ready to Bowl Strikes at Downtown Disney Orlando

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Guests of the Walt Disney World Resort’s Downtown Disney entertainment and shopping district will soon be able to rack’em up and knock them down at Splitsville Luxury Lanes. The boutique bowling venue missed its early December goal and is now targeting later this month on the 19th for a full opening. There was, however, a media preview this morning.

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The upscale, retro-style bowling venue is the largest in the bowling brand’s fleet and will offer two-levels with 30 lanes, billiards, live entertainment, a balcony bar with a wonderful vista, and upscale dining options.

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As co-founder Guy Revelle says, this is not your father’s bowling alley.

“Splitsville is a perfect fit for Downtown Disney,” said Keith Bradford, vice president of Downtown Disney. “From a new twist on a beloved sport to an impressive menu you’ve never expect to find in a bowling facility, Splitsville offers a great experience that complements our other unique offerings at Downtown Disney. I’m sure it will quickly become a guest favorite.”

Read More »Splitsville Almost Ready to Bowl Strikes at Downtown Disney Orlando