Disney Springs

Concept Art: Disney Springs To Become Disney Springs In Major Expansion

It’s been a long time since September, 2008, when Disney closed down Pleasure Island and turned the center of Disney Springs into something of a ghost town.

Than after that move, back in November of 2010, Disney announced Hyperion Wharf – which was supposed to be a three year makeover of Disney Springs that included new shops and restaurants. That project was supposed to create 600 new construction jobs and 500 new permanent jobs.

But then nothing happened. It seems that Hyperion Wharf was put on hold, or perhaps cancelled altogether.

Now we know what was going on. Disney was making plans for something bigger. Something better. And they announced those plans on March 13, 2013. The new plan? It’s called Disney Springs.

The project is (again) a three year makeover of Disney Springs. But now the scale seems much bigger, with an estimated 1,200 construction jobs and 4,000 permanent jobs.

Disney Springs entry will feature a landmark water tour. Photo credits (C) Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Disney Springs entry will feature a landmark water tour.
Photo credits (C) Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved
The Town Center will feature new shops and restaurants. Photo credits (C) Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved
The Town Center will feature new shops and restaurants.
Photo credits (C) Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved
The Landing is a new waterfront area. Photo credits (C) Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved
The Landing is a new waterfront area.
Photo credits (C) Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved
The West Side will feature new elevated areas. Photo credits (C) Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved
The West Side will feature new elevated areas.
Photo credits (C) Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved

The new version of Disney Springs will add restaurants, shops, and entertainment in addition to springs, waterfront areas, and public walking areas.

Disney Springs will be divided into four major areas:

  • The Town Center: This pedestrian-friendly area will include new restaurants and shops.
  • The Landing: Dining with waterfront views.
  • The Marketplace: Disney favorites including an expanded World of Disney Store (it’s hard to image how that store- the biggest one of its kind in the world – will get bigger, so get ready).
  • The West Side: New elevated areas that will provide shade and a way to take in all the activity.

Construction is slated to start in April, and the new sections of Disney Springs will open in phases over time.

What do you think about Disney Springs?