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Downtown Disney Orlando Transformation Update

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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:

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Disney-wear: New Shirts at Downtown Disney

Please make it stop!

Dropped in on Downtown Disney the other day to check in on construction progress. Turns out not so much. But I did spot some fun new t-shirts with a pocket, a great set of winter sweaters (I know it’s only August, but it will get cooler soon), and more.

I promise to have more from Downtown Disney soon, but in the meantime, here’s the latest Disney-Wear for you to enjoy.

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Downtown Disney Changes – A Quick Photo Update

According to Disney construction was to have officially started on Disney Springs in early May. It’s now mid-month, so I set off to see what visible evidence there was of the pending transformation. Turns out not much. But there is a bit new at Downtown Disney since my last swing through, so I do have something to share with y’all.

Walls have gone up in the former comedy warehouse area of pleasure island.

Walls have gone up in the former comedy warehouse area of pleasure island.

Get used to seeing these everywhere soon

Get used to seeing these everywhere soon

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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

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

Splitsville facade

Splitsville Construction and Downtown Disney Update

Splitsville facade

I was at Downtown Disney last night to catch the latest James Bond flick (finally, the reboot the franchise deserved) and was impressed with the progress made on Splitsville in the last week or so. The tarps are down from the facade and the bowling lanes have been installed. But there are many areas where walls need to be finished, railings added in, not to mention furniture loaded in and the kitchen finished and tested.

Workers were still going at it at 9:30pm when I left last night. That tells me they’re working in overdrive to get the place open as soon as they can. I just doubt they’ll make the early December date they had originally projected. I’d love to be proven wrong though.

Splitsville Progress

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Ear of Sandwich - Downtown Disney Anaheim

Earl of Sandwich brings special brand of eats to Disneyland’s Downtown Disney

I’m a fan of the Earl of Sandwich shops, although I admit I don’t eat there very often. The reason is the long lines of others enjoying the tasty handheld lovelies. I’ve often maintained that they could open a second location at Downtown Disney and still have lines out the doors. They finally did open a 2nd Downtown Disney location, only this one is in Anaheim, so it won’t help the lines here in Orlando.

Ear of Sandwich - Downtown Disney Anaheim

A special grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, November 2nd welcomed Earl of Sandwich, created by the direct descendent of John Montagu, the Earl who invented the sandwich in 1762 to Downtown Disney at the Disneyland Resort. Present were “Extra” star Mario Lopez, Earl of Sandwich co-founder Robert Earl, Downtown Disney General Manager Janet Knox, and the big cheese himself Mickey Mouse.
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Living Statue

Living Statues attract Crowds at Downtown Disney

With all the clubs in Pleasure Island shuttered, Disney has moved the nightly entertainment out onto the sidewalks with bands, magicians, and even living statues. Turns out, the living statues are pretty popular. Families stop and watch as the statue comes to life to interact… Read More »Living Statues attract Crowds at Downtown Disney