Downtown Disney vs Disney Springs - what changed?

[Easto]

.... other than the name?

Last time I was at Disney is was Downtown Disney and I remember there was some construction going on.

Other than a name change, what's the difference now that's its called Disney Springs?

 

[erionm]

They are doubling the number of shops & restaurants from 75 to 150.

 

[DisneyFive]

As much as I wanted to be, I was never a fan of Downtown Disney. It felt like a busy glorified strip mall to me.

We toured Disney Springs this part March. It was improved, I have to say. The backbones are still there: shops and restaurants. However, it has a more cohesive feel. It is intentionally themed. There are new shops and restaurants to see. It's still not my "cup of tea" but I didn't mind one bit strolling from one end to the other, browsing the shops, grabbing a drink, eating lunch...

In a week long WDW trip, I still wouldn't plan more than a few hours there, but it was much better than in the past.

Dan

 

[CAS239]

Lots of new shops and restaurants. Both parking garages are open now. The road out front is 100% better and pedestrian bridges are now open

One thing I'm excited to go see is the Trophy Room which is a boutique store opened by Michael Jordan's son Marcus.

The whole Disney springs area is really nice now. Still some construction going on, but a lot more has opened since you last went

 

[bilnsheldodisney]

any must-dos or DS secrets to look for?

 

[livibug]

any word on when world of coke will open?

 

[cdnjason]

.... other than the name?

Last time I was at Disney is was Downtown Disney and I remember there was some construction going on.

Other than a name change, what's the difference now that's its called Disney Springs?

A lot! Was there yesterday. Could barely recognize the place. As a PP mentioned, there are way more shops, restaurants, etc. It looks amazing now.

 

[rg35]

any must-dos or DS secrets to look for?

I'd recommend the Marketplace Co-Op - definitely my favorite store to hit up because they carry original unique artwork and things that the other gift shops and retail outlets in the parks don't.

 

[disneylove16]

Can someone tell me how much time to allow for DS? We are going on our "rest" day, plan on walking the whole thing, will probably go in 50% of shops, and have lunch reservations at Frontera Cocina and dinner reservations at Raglan Road. I was hoping to check out other resorts between lunch and dinner, I was wondering if we will have time to do a few rides at a park that day, or if I should expect to spend the whole day at DS? TIA!

 

[tlmadden73]

Generally, it is not THAT much different. They basically just redid the center (Pleasure Island) and made it a large "themed" outdoor mall. The two other sections (Marketplace and West Side) are basically the same.

As for how much time to allow? It just depends what you want to do there. My last two trips there it was under massive construction.
It's fun to walk around, grab a bite to eat and just take it in during the evening.
I like to go to the Marketplace to get a "taste" of Disney on my arrival day for just a few hours before we hit the parks the following day. You can buy some souvenirs, new Magic Bands, pins and gather your park maps. The kids love the Lego Store and it has great Disney-themed lego sculptures inside and out. Find a place to eat like T-Rex or Wolfgang Puck express and head back to the hotel. Some times I've spent a few hours there and never ventured outside the Marketplace.
There are other fun things to do there too .. boat rides, balloon rides, etc.

I like to go there if I am on a Universal vacation to get a taste of Disney as well.

I personally can't imagine going there specifically to shop at the non-Disney stores or go see a movie or go Bowling. Those things seem for the locals - not for people on vacation.