Disney Springs...UGH!!!

[chapie1968]

No, Disney Springs isn't a kid-centric place. I don't think it was designed to be. I think it was meant more for the parents or people there without kids.

Well they had that 15/ 20 years ago, it was called Pleasure Island, and it was GREAT

 

[chapie1968]

As long as the Marketplace exists with its overflowing Disney flavor, I don't think it really matters what the rest of Disney Springs has.

Only a matter of time before they eventually face lift that to match the new Disney Springs

 

[Mitzicat]

Sometimes I'm just amazed at the things that people complain about. Saying UGH about it because it's an outdoor mall? Unless I'm wrong, that's sort of the concept and always has been. It's Disneys' take on a shopping district. ......

It's a giant marketplace. I don't think Disney tries to say it's anything other than that. What am I missing that's so negative? It seems like we're complaining that we went to a shopping district and it had mostly....shopping.

Amen! You said it better than I did. Thank you!

 

[GBBTomorrow]

I really like Disney Springs, but I think I must be in the demographic: I live in a pretty rural area where we don't even have a Target, let alone a high-end mall. The nearest nice mall is just over an hour away, which is not crazy, but I don't make the trip often. So for me, it's a treat to go to some of these stores I can only shop on the internet. I like the cleanliness, the vibe, the entertainment, and the layout of the place. It's a winner for me.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I like Disney Springs just fine the way it is, but if I was going to level a criticism at Disney Springs, that would have been it. While it's not completely like any other outdoor mall in the country, I wouldn't mind a little more "Disney magic" sprinkled in. What exactly that would be? I dunno...that would be for the Imagineers to figure out.

No, Disney Springs isn't a kid-centric place. I don't think it was designed to be. I think it was meant more for the parents or people there without kids. They have things there for kids to do shopping...World of Disney, Lego, Marvel, and a few other toy oriented stores. But for the most part, it's a date night place if you're into shopping and dining, which I suppose could be part of the reason there aren't a ton of Disney touches around...to give parents a break from the Disney stuff if they want it.

Oh yeah I never said Disney Springs was for kids (I believe another poster brought that up). In fact I think that is one of the appeals of it. Sure you have a few things here and there for the younger ones to enjoy but it does feel largely like an adult place to go and I think that's great;give a nice break from the parks and such. But even as an adult I do crave some Disney stuff at the adult place

I'm not exactly sure either how to bring more Disney into it but I'm glad I'm not in charge of that one

 

[Lesverts]

Only a matter of time before they eventually face lift that to match the new Disney Springs

As far as I know the different designs and aesthetics of the various areas are meant to show the evolution and growth of the 'community' that grew up around the Spring. So you have a more rustic area, a Spanish-inspired architecture etc.

 

[Mitzicat]

I've seen a couple people say that it needs Disney magic - one poster even said they knew it was missing something but couldn't figure out what - So to everyone who is not a fan - What would you add? If you had an imagineer's wand to sprinkle that Disney magic and no budget, what would it be? (mackenzie click-mickelson - I think we were typing at the same time!) lol

Side note: We are 17 days away from our visit. This will be my fiance's first real trip to Disney - staying at POR. I say real trip because we did the Halloween party last year but that was it. We were staying in Daytona last year. Since his is not as big of a Disney nut as I am we plan to go over to DS by boat. We live in Baltimore - Home of Under Armour. We live 12 mins / 7 miles from a Factory Store - we frequent it often. But I know that he will want to visit the UA store at DS. We have a few high end malls around us in Maryland and we window shop. I'm sure we will be doing a lot of that at DS but we will have fun not matter what.

 

[iheartglaciers]

Well they had that 15/ 20 years ago, it was called Pleasure Island, and it was GREAT

I miss Pleasure Island and Adventurers Club! I wish they would at least bring back AC!

 

[chloelovesdisney]

The shopping area is a nice outdoor mall, we really go there for the Marketplace side so miss the old bus stop location.

 

[Boopuff]

I miss Pleasure Island and Adventurers Club! I wish they would at least bring back AC!

Agree!! I wish that during the re-design(imagining) of the place that they still had some Adult Only spots. Even the "bars" are not adult friendly. Something is just wrong about bellying up to the bar and looking across at a 3 year old! I wish Florida didn't allow kids in bars at all. Here in Illinois kids can't go and sit a bar anywhere! Heck I'd love it if some of the places would say "no kids after 9pm!"

 

[Mitzicat]

Agree!! I wish that during the re-design(imagining) of the place that they still had some Adult Only spots. Even the "bars" are not adult friendly. Something is just wrong about bellying up to the bar and looking across at a 3 year old! I wish Florida didn't allow kids in bars at all. Here in Illinois kids can't go and sit a bar anywhere! Heck I'd love it if some of the places would say "no kids after 9pm!"

Sign me up as well! JellyRolls and Trader Sam's seem to be the only over 21 after 9pm place.

 

[plutolovr]

I think when the Edison opens, this will definitely be more "adult" friendly.

 

[BK2014]

So to everyone who is not a fan - What would you add? If you had an imagineer's wand to sprinkle that Disney magic and no budget, what would it be?

As I mentioned earlier, I would like to see more shaded outdoor seating for those of us who do not appreciate the shopping opportunity, but travel with those who do. Or for anyone who just wants a to take a break. Maybe a nice covered pavilion with seating near the waterfront in each of the main sections of Disney Springs. Does that make it more "Disney", no. But maybe they could add a large screen showing old Mickey Mouse cartoons or something to add some entertainment.

I think the boat transportation is convenient, but if I had no budget, I would build a sky-glider or maybe even a people mover type transportation system from end to end. That would allow you to get nice views and people-watch at the same time.

To make it add a truly "Disney" feel, I would love to see random character sightings at Disney Springs. I would love to see that at the parks too. I just don't get the same magical feeling from scheduled meet and greets as I did back when they were seemingly wandering the parks at random.

These are just ideas I am throwing out there in response to this questions, I realize there are many practical considerations that might make these things impossible to do.

 

[shh]

Any locals hear anything about whether DS might be offering some special events or entertainment for the holiday season? That would be great.

I'm looking forward to spending an evening there on our next trip, but if I could add one thing, it would definitely be just one adult-only cocktail lounge or club - just a little throwback to PI for those of us without kids.

 

[chapie1968]

I miss Pleasure Island and Adventurers Club! I wish they would at least bring back AC!

We went over to Trader Sam's at the Polynesian and it gave me memories of the old Adventure's Club. I would recommend even a short stop in there to everyone.

 

[jrmasm]

Did you enjoy any part of your trip?

 

[rotlex]

We went over to Trader Sam's at the Polynesian and it gave me memories of the old Adventure's Club. I would recommend even a short stop in there to everyone.

Other than the fact that it's literally the size of a broom closet, I'd agree. Very cool atmosphere, but WAY too small!

 

[squeezle]

I really like Disney Springs, but I think I must be in the demographic: I live in a pretty rural area where we don't even have a Target, let alone a high-end mall. The nearest nice mall is just over an hour away, which is not crazy, but I don't make the trip often. So for me, it's a treat to go to some of these stores I can only shop on the internet. I like the cleanliness, the vibe, the entertainment, and the layout of the place. It's a winner for me.

We have a Target, but there is not a high-end mall in my whole state! I used to live in a major metropolitan area with every store in the universe and I would wonder why people wasted time shopping on vacation.... I have moved and now I completely understand.

 

[iheartglaciers]

We went over to Trader Sam's at the Polynesian and it gave me memories of the old Adventure's Club. I would recommend even a short stop in there to everyone.

I'm planning on going there next trip!

 

[bumbershoot]

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.

First time I went to DTD I knew that's all it was. That hasn't changed. DS, DTD...mall.