RUMOR: Overhaul coming to Downtown Disney

[andyman8]

Well, there might be a thread on another board about this but I think this has something to do with the parks, but mods feel free to move it.

Anyways, another major renovation is rumored for DTD. Hopefully, this one actually materializes, but I'm not a fan of the name Disney Springs. More info here:

http://parkrumors.com/major-facelift-for-planned-downtown-disney/

A brief summary from WDWSource:

Keep in mind that this is only a rumor so far but there are some loud rumblings of Downtown Disney getting a major face lift. A year or so ago, Disney announced plans to change Downtown Disney into Hyperion Wharf. It seems as though those plans have fallen through. The new rumor making the rounds is Downtown Disney being renamed ‘Disney Springs’. Within ‘Disney Springs’ will be 6 neighborhood areas.

The Gateway – Main entrance into ‘Disney Springs’. Will also feature a 5 story parking garage.

The Town Center – This area will feature many new and unique shops.

The Springs – This will be a tranquil area along the water near where Pleasure Island currently resides.

The Landing – This would be where Pleasure Island is now. The area would feature lots of new restaurants, bars, retail shops, and an amphitheater on the water next to Paradiso 37.

The Westside – Most of the area would remain the same. Planet Hollywood would be changed into a place called ‘The Observatory’ and Starbucks will replace the Wetzel’s Pretzels.

The Market Place – The only real change here would be the bus pick up and drop off area being turned into 2 new retail buildings and a bridge connecting to Saratoga Springs.

So there you have it! Keep in mind nothing official has been announced by Disney. I really feel this is needed at Downtown Disney. I kind of find it hard to believe that a 5 story parking garage would be put smack dab in the front of ‘Disney Springs’. I assume if they did do it, maybe a huge light-up sign and some decor would be on it so it wasn’t such an eye sore. I would be interested to hear what everyone thinks about this. Do you like it? Hate it? Have any other ideas how to revitalize Downtown Disney? Lets hear it in the comments section!

Actually, I was at DTD last night.

 

[MinnieLovesMickey]

I'm actually all for the parking garage. It would nice to not have to drive around for 15-20 minutes looking for a parking spot.

 

[Crystal824]

I'm actually all for the parking garage. It would nice to not have to drive around for 15-20 minutes looking for a parking spot.

Agreed.

 

[Mad Hattered]

I'm actually all for the parking garage. It would nice to not have to drive around for 15-20 minutes looking for a parking spot.

And with that comes trying to get out of a 5 story parking garage.

 

[ftballfan7]

They could alleviate some of the parking issues if they would disallow the use of Disneybusses by those who are not staying on property.

 

[MoonFaerie]

And with that comes trying to get out of a 5 story parking garage.

I do that 5 days a week. In a properly designed garage, it's really no big deal.

 

[ChristusG]

All I know is that on one particularly busy evening, I drove around DTD for 45 MINUTES looking for a parking spot. I was so irritated LOL. I'd be all over a parking garage! They need it.

 

[stindall]

I do that 5 days a week. In a properly designed garage, it's really no big deal.

I don't park in one as often as you but we do a decent amount and it's never a big issue.

 

[chicagoshannon]

I would love a parking garage!

 

[JDUCKY]

Parking garage???? Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah!

 

[Micca]

The area definitely needs some work. Parts of DTD are like an abandoned mall(because that's essentially what it is). It was such a vibrant place at one time (remember New Year's Eve every night?). I used to love visiting the shops that were in the section by the nightclubs because I could find Disney merch I hadn't seen anywhere else on property.

A parking garage is a great idea, but I really like the Downtown Disney name. Would kinda hate to see that go.

 

[angelmichelle]

I dislike the new name... what's wrong with Downtown Disney?

 

[tcherjen]

I love DTD, so any changes would be neat to see!

 

[newdeal]

They could alleviate some of the parking issues if they would disallow the use of Disneybusses by those who are not staying on property.

Magicbands to get on the bus will come at some point

 

[My 2 princesses]

I love DTD, so any changes would be neat to see!

I agree. Will always be DTD to me!

 

[mesaboy2]

They could alleviate some of the parking issues if they would disallow the use of Disneybusses by those who are not staying on property.

Magicbands to get on the bus will come at some point

I don't see this happening. There are too many ways for Disney to make money all around WDW from people not staying on property.

 

[js]

As someone that owns at SSR with college and HS children I am thrilled to hear this happening to DTD. We are lucky we can walk to the nightlife in the evenings. Thanks for the information. Another reason why I love SSR especially with older teens.

 

[Chuck S]

Magicbands to get on the bus will come at some point

Doubtful, unless room rates and DVC dues increase to cover the transportation subsidy that is part of multi-day park tickets, since multi day tickets include the use of WDW transportation system. Especially with the ever increasing cost of fuel.

Remember, they discontinued the requirement to show resort ID to use the resort bus system in the early 1990s.

 

[RnbwSktles]

They could alleviate some of the parking issues if they would disallow the use of Disneybusses by those who are not staying on property.

While I agree this would help with parking, I don't think it's a good idea. My family has a timeshare in Orlando that we would go to at least once a year. We didn't go to the Disney parks every time, but we always tried to make a trip to Downtown Disney. On days where we didn't have much to do, we took the busses or water taxis and toured the different hotels. I think this is a huge selling point for Disney. Those who stay off property are doing so because A) they are trying to save money and/or B) don't see the advantage to staying on property. Touring the hotels lets them see how much variety there is and also could convince someone to try one of the hotels in the future. I think this system also allows outsiders to experience how convenient Disney transportation can be. Plus, this allows people to try some of the hotel restaurants when maybe they wouldn't otherwise.

Just my two cents!

 

[andyman8]

I dislike the new name... what's wrong with Downtown Disney?

That's how I feel. While I'm a huge DTD fan, I actually like the name. The other plans seem neat but something bothers me about them changing the name. Other than the name change, I'm all for the DTD changes.