Disney Springs...UGH!!!

[chapie1968]

We went to Disney Springs last night for the first time since last September when only one garage was open and it was still mostly walled off.

The good.
The parking garages are great.(At least on a weeknight) Close ample parking.
New areas are nice. Nice fountains around, the style and decor and colors are really nice
Entertainment. It seems they have a band or some kind of entertainment all over. Really nice to see.

The Bad.
Besides the old part of the original Downtown Disney, it is basically a glorified shopping mall with overpriced stores and restaurants. Looks nice, but nothing you can't get in any city.
The lack of Disney presence in the new areas. As I said, it is basically a glorified shopping mall.

Does it look nice, yes. But they built up the entire waterfront side so the views of the water area are basically gone. It is no longer a nice little throwback shopping village. It has lost it's charm.

I don't think I'll be going back unless I have a specific reason to go over there. It's a shame, because t was one of my favorite spots to spend a few hours for one night every trip.

 

[robinb]

We went to Disney Springs last night for the first time since last September when only one garage was open and it was still mostly walled off.

The good.
The parking garages are great.(At least on a weeknight) Close ample parking.
New areas are nice. Nice fountains around, the style and decor and colors are really nice
Entertainment. It seems they have a band or some kind of entertainment all over. Really nice to see.

The Bad.
Besides the old part of the original Downtown Disney, it is basically a glorified shopping mall with overpriced stores and restaurants. Looks nice, but nothing you can't get in any city.
The lack of Disney presence in the new areas. As I said, it is basically a glorified shopping mall.

Does it look nice, yes. But they built up the entire waterfront side so the views of the water area are basically gone. It is no longer a nice little throwback shopping village. It has lost it's charm.

I don't think I'll be going back unless I have a specific reason to go over there. It's a shame, because t was one of my favorite spots to spend a few hours for one night every trip.

I felt the exact same way about Disney Springs. We had dinner at The Boathouse (which was nice) but the whole "Town Center" area to the northwest of the parking garage was exactly like every other outside mall in the state of Florida. The architecture wasn't even interesting ... in fact I found it jarring compared to the rest of DS.

 

[Disneylover99]

We went several times this trip and I agree that the parking garages are awesome!

We went last December and it was still quite walled off and I felt that I could take it or leave it.

This trip I really loved it now that the walls are down! It's gorgeous! Blaze pizza and D-luxe burger were amazing! Can't wait to try Frontera Cocina and Art Smith's restaurant. Raglan Rd. was delicious as always. We shopped at Uniqlo. The store was huge and prices were so reasonable for clothing. We sat up at the World of Coke store last night. Very cool. Can't wait for Planet Hollywood to re-open. We are going to go to D.S. one more time tomorrow before we head home.

 

[ChasingLeslie]

Besides the restaurants, I agree, it's become an outdoor walking mall.

 

[DOOM1001]

I'm glad that there's more options of things to do now but the architecture of the whole complex is kind of a confusing mish mash with all the different styles,just look at the garages they look modern but empty out into a Mediterranean style area.Weird,but I'll take it,there's just more to do and see now.

 

[hakepb]

Yep, it's no Lake Buena Vista
(The quaint Disney-focused shopping village that existed before Downtown Disney ruined it )

While Disney Springs may now be like a large city mall ... Personally, I would have to drive 3+ hours (to a major metro area) from my home to shop at most of those stores.

 

[yulilin3]

as a local I am enjoying all the different food options but other than Uniqlo and Franchesca's we haven't shopped anywhere else, my DD16 and I do like to play "how much is this?" we go into a store and pull out an article of clothing, say a short. And ask How much is this? something that should cost $40 at the most is marked around $80
My daughter's theory is that when people see these high prices they will go into World of Disney store and say "a shirt for $40, that's reasonable"

 

[wilkeliza]

I never really thought of Disney Springs as anything other that an glorified shopping mall. Disney Springs is really meant for the locals and just happens to offer a few things people on vacation may want to also do once the parks have closed.

Yes there are higher end stores but there are also lower priced stores like the Uniqlo.

*edit to add it isn't a bad thing it is a shopping mall. I just don't know what others expect a shopping district to be.

 

[gatorlisa]

I hate to say it, but I kind of agree with this. The parking decks are awesome. The best executed decks I've ever seen. Love having a count of available spots on each level and the lights above each spot so you can see at a glance whether an aisle has open spots or not. I live in a large metro area, so the bulk of the new stuff just seems like another outdoor shopping venue. I pretty much walk past all of that just to go to World of Disney, the Pin Trading hut, and other Disney oriented shops in the old Downtown Disney Village section. I know I'm a different kind of guest from what Disney is trying to target, but most of Disney Springs doesn't interest me. I also think it was kind of dumb to build up so much of the waterfront side. Seems like it would have been nicer to preserve the majority of the view to the water so you had a nice view as you walk through the marketplace.

 

[Accident]

I don't think I'll be going back unless I have a specific reason to go over there. It's a shame, because t was one of my favorite spots to spend a few hours for one night every trip.

When I first saw it I just said "this is for international travelers to not leave property for name brand shopping". I'm just not the demographic..

With that said, i've enjoyed some of the places to eat and as a local, disney springs is the place to find those places but unfortunately it's at disney prices . I only go when I need something from a disney store there or if i go to see a movie at amc as it's the local theater for me. Generally if I eat, it's a kiosk or QS window of one of the new places and it's only a snack.

 

[Micca]

When I first saw it I just said "this is for international travelers to not leave property for name brand shopping". I'm just not the demographic..

Yessir, I believe you are right on the money. My understanding is that many folks coming from out of the U.S. come to spend money on lots of things, sometimes on big ticket items like laptops. The downturn in the Brazilian economy and Brexit couldn't have come at a worse time for the merchants at DS.

I'll continue to shop at the Christmas Shop/WOD/Art Of Disney, but that's about it for me.

 

[loves to dive]

I wasn't fond of going with it was DTD, traffic made it a bear to drive and if you took the bus it could take more than a hour to get there. The longest waits I've ever had for a bus were at DTD, I don't think I ever waited less than 1/2 for one. We stopped going about 4 years ago, everything we could find in the shops there we could find in one of the parks or resorts and the restaurants (at the time) weren't worth the trouble you had to go through to get there. I understand there are a lot more options for food now but I'm still not sure it's worth the trouble of getting there.

 

[yulilin3]

I wasn't fond of going with it was DTD, traffic made it a bear to drive and if you took the bus it could take more than a hour to get there. The longest waits I've ever had for a bus were at DTD, I don't think I ever waited less than 1/2 for one. We stopped going about 4 years ago, everything we could find in the shops there we could find in one of the parks or resorts and the restaurants (at the time) weren't worth the trouble you had to go through to get there. I understand there are a lot more options for food now but I'm still not sure it's worth the trouble of getting there.

traffic has gotten a lot better, they have expanded the roads going into it. Also Disney buses now have a designated lane and a huge bus loop so it's even faster from your resorts or a park (after 4pm)

 

[Mitzicat]

I have 19 days left until I get to see the new Disney Springs, and from the video's and pics I have seen I can't wait. The back story really makes sense as to why there are different building structures/architecture. https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/b...neers-unveil-the-storyline-of-disney-springs/ The imagineer even says the old Downtown Disney didn't tell a story. I'm excited to see everything. I don't care if it is a glorified shopping mall. It beats what it was a couple years ago - Disney themed shopping so packed you couldn't walk....a brief pass-thru of an empty area containing shells of their former self buildings - and then a odd section of mismatched stores and dining options.

You also have to look that Disney needed to compete with Universal City Walk. There just wasn't enough nighttime entertainment for adults (I will probably get flamed on this one). I miss pleasure island very much. I have fond memories of watching my parents, grandmother, and uncle drink at the bar as I circled around them on roller skates! Now that was a cool bar. Lol. Several years after that I was able to go to Pleasure Island as an adult and loved it. It is sad that Disney let that go - but I understand the reasons.

And this next section I am not pointing a finger to anyone, I am just asking for my own benefit! Everyone always claims "oh it doesn't feel Disney enough" Can someone explain to me what that means? Are you upset that there aren't characters plastered everywhere. I hear that same argument when folks are trying to decide which resort to stay at. When I go to CSR, I feel like I am in Mexico. When I go to POR I feel like I am Louisiana. When I go to Wilderness Lodge I feel like I am in the great northwest woods. I would say that Disney did it's job. For me, it's not about plastering the characters everywhere its about the ability to transport me to another place and or time. So if Disney Springs makes me feel like I am in that town that grew around the natural spring, Bravo Disney you did your job. Will I buy anything from the stores? Probably not. Do I want to see the pastries in the bakery (can't remember the name) Hell yes I do...as a amateur baker myself I love to see other's works. Am I excited that there is something to do in the fall/winter months when the parks close early. You bet your sweet bippy I am!

 

[DOOM1001]

I only go when I need something from a disney store there or if i go to see a movie at amc as it's the local theater for me. Generally if I eat, it's a kiosk or QS window of one of the new places and it's only a snack.

On the topic of the AMC theater,they're showing Gene Wilder flicks at AMC Disney Springs this Saturday and Sunday,Willy Wonka and the chocolate factory and Blazing Saddles,I think for $5.

 

[Disneylover99]

I have 19 days left until I get to see the new Disney Springs, and from the video's and pics I have seen I can't wait. The back story really makes sense as to why there are different building structures/architecture. https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/b...neers-unveil-the-storyline-of-disney-springs/ The imagineer even says the old Downtown Disney didn't tell a story. I'm excited to see everything. I don't care if it is a glorified shopping mall. It beats what it was a couple years ago - Disney themed shopping so packed you couldn't walk....a brief pass-thru of an empty area containing shells of their former self buildings - and then a odd section of mismatched stores and dining options.

You also have to look that Disney needed to compete with Universal City Walk. There just wasn't enough nighttime entertainment for adults (I will probably get flamed on this one). I miss pleasure island very much. I have fond memories of watching my parents, grandmother, and uncle drink at the bar as I circled around them on roller skates! Now that was a cool bar. Lol. Several years after that I was able to go to Pleasure Island as an adult and loved it. It is sad that Disney let that go - but I understand the reasons.

And this next section I am not pointing a finger to anyone, I am just asking for my own benefit! Everyone always claims "oh it doesn't feel Disney enough" Can someone explain to me what that means? Are you upset that there aren't characters plastered everywhere. I hear that same argument when folks are trying to decide which resort to stay at. When I go to CSR, I feel like I am in Mexico. When I go to POR I feel like I am Louisiana. When I go to Wilderness Lodge I feel like I am in the great northwest woods. I would say that Disney did it's job. For me, it's not about plastering the characters everywhere its about the ability to transport me to another place and or time. So if Disney Springs makes me feel like I am in that town that grew around the natural spring, Bravo Disney you did your job. Will I buy anything from the stores? Probably not. Do I want to see the pastries in the bakery (can't remember the name) Hell yes I do...as a amateur baker myself I love to see other's works. Am I excited that there is something to do in the fall/winter months when the parks close early. You bet your sweet bippy I am!

Disney Springs still feels like Disney to me.

 

[han22735]

I too agree its more of an outdoor mall but love it for the restaurant's, bar's, christmas store and world of disney store not the brand name ones.

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

I agree with you 100%. I also agree with the person that said it was built for the International crowd and the locals. We just pop in to WOD and then take off. It used to be our go-to place after the parks closed and we would stay there until about an hour after closing just to take it all in and relax, now we will stroll our resort.

 

[loves to dive]

traffic has gotten a lot better, they have expanded the roads going into it. Also Disney buses now have a designated lane and a huge bus loop so it's even faster from your resorts or a park (after 4pm)

Good to know. My biggest waits were at the bus stops at DTD, getting there wasn't as big a deal as leaving as far as the buses go.

 

[yulilin3]

Good to know. My biggest waits were at the bus stops at DTD, getting there wasn't as big a deal as leaving as far as the buses go.

the bus loop is now located behind Town Center, so in the middle of DS, very convenient. The bus lane is awesome, they have their own traffic light and everything. I would say give it a try whenever you come back