The Downtown Disney district of Disney World has undergone an extreme makeover and now has a new name.
Downtown Disney’s multi-year transformation created a new area called Disney Springs, a destination that offers significantly more shopping, dining, and entertainment amid open-air rides, meandering springs, and oceanfront charm. The whole project was completed in 2016.
Disney Springs doubled the number of shops, restaurants and other places for guests to explore, resulting in more than 150 establishments. Drawing inspiration from Florida’s coastal cities and their natural surroundings, Disney Springs will include four open-air neighborhoods interconnected by a flowing spring and a bustling lakefront area.
The Landing (formerly Pleasure Island) is a colorful shopping district with inspired restaurants and beautiful coastal views. Restaurants and shops include:
- Morimoto Asia, a Japanese restaurant by celebrity chef Masaharu Morimoto
- STK Steakhouse, a modern steakhouse
- The BOATHOUSE, a conceptual dining experience that combines gourmet dining with live music and guided Amphicar rides that launch from land, enter the water, and take guests on a 20-minute tour of the sights of Disney Springs
- The Art of Shaving offers premium grooming essentials for men. There is also a team of shaving specialists available to offer grooming advice. Appointments are suggested for a haircut or shave.
- Apex by Sunglass Hut is designed with the athlete, sports, and outdoor enthusiast in mind.
- Chapel Hats specializes in trendy hats and caps for all ages, including hats, sun hats, floppy disks, children’s hats and more
- Sanuk sells creative footwear designed with non-traditional materials like yoga mats.
- Offering “Make Your Own Havaianas” and “Embellish Your Own Havaianas” Havaianas presents a wide variety of Havaianas sandals for men, women and children, as well as rain boots for children.
- Sound Lion offers the latest in headphones, earphones, speakers, and other digital sound products.
- Erin Mckenna’s Bakery NYC offers the same vegan and gluten-free menu as its sister bakeries in New York and Los Angeles.
The Marketplace is a family center that delights guests of all ages by combining new experiences with Disney classics favorites, including an expanded World of Disney store.
- Marketplace Boat Dock provides easy access to the West Side and The Landing via a free water taxi
- BB Wolf’s Sausage Co. is perfect for a snack, offering gourmet sausages with delicious ingredients.
- Aristocrepes offers a delicious variety of sweet and savory crepes to go.
- Frontera Cocina is a Mexican restaurant owned by celebrity chef Rick Bayless.
- Inspiration Park, located between the Lego Store and T-REX, offers places to sit and enjoy the views of Village Lake
- Saratoga Bridge provides a pedestrian connection between Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa and Disney Springs
The Village Causeway is a bridge that links the area near The LEGO Store across the water with the Rainforest Café. The bridge is a great place to watch sunsets and stroll, and it also has some great new shopping centers.
- Flour & Sugar offers freshly baked cookies with Florida flavors like coconut, lime and strawberry.
- Florida Bath Co. sells specialty soaps made with homegrown ingredients like organic vegetable juices and citrus essential oils.
- Icon Jewelery by Bico focuses on customizable pewter pieces stamped with concepts such as Love and Friendship, Protection, Strength and Luck. Items are enhanced with fine materials such as Swarovski crystals, New Guinea rosewood, and leather.
- Kate & Leo is a cart that sells lovely toys and games. You’ll find travel games, magnetic boards, beautiful art supplies, and more.
Town Center offers a sophisticated mix of shops and restaurants along with a boardwalk where guests can relax, refresh and reconnect.
- D-Luxe Burger is the favorite restaurant for burger fans, with specialty burgers, dips, and French fries.
- Blaze Fast-Fire-d Pizza lets you customize your personal pizza with a selection of 40 toppings.
The West Side offers a lush atmosphere with live entertainment, along with a number of new raised spaces that provide shade and an overlook to the activity below.
- Four food trucks (Fantasy Fare, Namaste Cafe, Superstar Catering, and World Showcase of Flavors), inspired by the four Disney World theme parks, are a permanent installation in a small park with tables and chairs for dining by the water. The park also includes a small performance area for live entertainment.
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