Disney Springs - Didn't like it

[squidward]

Just back from a quick trip to WDW. Went to see DS for 1st time. Marketplace is still fine, but as for the rest, I wasn't impressed. Hated the garages. Ugly. The buildings in the Landing are aestetically nice looking, but the shops are WAY too expensive, there's very little room to move, and it's just "too busy". The brick building that houses the new Bakery and hat shop is just not placed well. I like that there are musicians, but there are too many. It was too noisy. Back to the shops, they simply aren't interesting. Just high end mall shops. Maybe once it's done, I'll change my mind, but for now, no desire to go back.

 

[DisneyFans4Life]

I think it's a bit quick to judge considering the place is still under heavy construction. Plus you're going during one of the busiest times of year...it's going to be crowded...especially the shops..

 

[SyracuseDisneyFan]

I can't wait to check out the new Disney Springs.

 

[MinnieM123]

Just back from a quick trip to WDW. Went to see DS for 1st time. Marketplace is still fine, but as for the rest, I wasn't impressed. Hated the garages. Ugly. The buildings in the Landing are aestetically nice looking, but the shops are WAY too expensive, there's very little room to move, and it's just "too busy". The brick building that houses the new Bakery and hat shop is just not placed well. I like that there are musicians, but there are too many. It was too noisy. Back to the shops, they simply aren't interesting. Just high end mall shops. Maybe once it's done, I'll change my mind, but for now, no desire to go back.

Last May, I walked through the Disney Springs area. The design of the buildings was very attractive, as you pointed out. (There was still a lot of construction work going on when I visited, so I assume more shops are open now.)

I also share your impression that the new shops appear to be more upscale. However, I'm not sure that's such a bad thing, as I think there needs to be a variety of shopping options that would cater to guests of various financial means. For example, in my own situation, I'd be more likely to make a purchase in one of the more traditional, Disney-themed shops in the original Marketplace end, such as the World of Disney, or the Disney Christmas shop; yet, I wouldn't mind "window shopping" in Disney Springs.

In conclusion, I think the dilemma that Disney faces is the challenge of presenting a new, updated shopping and dining experience (that some guests really want), while, at the same time, trying to balance the nostalgia aspect, for other guests. Think I'll hold off my final decision, until I can see the completed new area.

 

[NYwdwfan]

The Gelato place made it worth the trip for me.

 

[sxeensweet]

Me and DH really like all the changes and were there a month ago. Can't wait for it to be all complete.

 

[brb1006]

This is off topic, but why do I read your thread comments in Squidward's voice?

 

[Cmdr_Crimson]

The new background loop has a nice Chill Lounge vibe fused with Disney songs and I like it..

 

[SeanWM48]

Downtown has always been a big favorite of mine and i'm reallllll curious to see it semi-finished in the Fall of '16 (have not been since '14). In '14 it was construction heavy.

I was a fan of the previous setup, like back in '12 when they had Captain Jack's margarita bar and some remaining elements of Paradise Island. I guess those were part of the "older crowd" vibe that they are trying to tone down.

Will definitely give Springs a fair chance though. One thing about OP's comment about high-end shops - I don't mind that. There are enough alternatives at the parks and resorts. I look forward to seeing some cool stuff even if just for window shopping purposes.

 

[toolsnspools]

Will definitely give Springs a fair chance though. One thing about OP's comment about high-end shops - I don't mind that. There are enough alternatives at the parks and resorts. I look forward to seeing some cool stuff even if just for window shopping purposes.

I always do more window shopping than anything else at DTD. I almost always fly there so that alone limits my buying ability. I think the biggest thing I've brought home was an RC car for my son, and it had to become his carry-on for the trip home. The next trip will definitely involve a trip to Art of Shaving, for my son and me. How times have changed...

 

[sxeensweet]

I always do more window shopping than anything else at DTD. I almost always fly there so that alone limits my buying ability. I think the biggest thing I've brought home was an RC car for my son, and it had to become his carry-on for the trip home. The next trip will definitely involve a trip to Art of Shaving, for my son and me. How times have changed...

They even have the special Art of Shaving Barber Shop attached to the store at Disney Springs. Really cool because not all of the Art of Shaving Stores have one attached at each location.

 

[FigmentForver96]

The stores are suppose to be more upscale, that is one of the biggest points of this expansion was to draw in lifestylers in the area, not just a few day tourist.

 

[DisneyFans4Life]

Not to mention that a good amount of tourists are international and come with lots of money to spend.

 

[wdwgreek]

Isn't part of the point of the Disney Spring complex to compete with nearby upscale shopping centers and City Walk and get locals to come on property and spend money at Disney tenants?

 

[sxeensweet]

Isn't part of the point of the Disney Spring complex to compete with nearby upscale shopping centers and City Walk and get locals to come on property and spend money at Disney tenants?

Yeppers!

 

[RandomPrincess]

Any shopping during the holiday season is a nightmare.

 

[Bolt]

Last May, I walked through the Disney Springs area. The design of the buildings was very attractive, as you pointed out. (There was still a lot of construction work going on when I visited, so I assume more shops are open now.)

I also share your impression that the new shops appear to be more upscale. However, I'm not sure that's such a bad thing, as I think there needs to be a variety of shopping options that would cater to guests of various financial means. For example, in my own situation, I'd be more likely to make a purchase in one of the more traditional, Disney-themed shops in the original Marketplace end, such as the World of Disney, or the Disney Christmas shop; yet, I wouldn't mind "window shopping" in Disney Springs.

In conclusion, I think the dilemma that Disney faces is the challenge of presenting a new, updated shopping and dining experience (that some guests really want), while, at the same time, trying to balance the nostalgia aspect, for other guests. Think I'll hold off my final decision, until I can see the completed new area.

You really did see much of a new Disney Springs either, only 8 new shops and 3 restaurants/bars have been added so far. Still close to 50 new things coming.

 

[squidward]

They even have the special Art of Shaving Barber Shop attached to the store at Disney Springs. Really cool because not all of the Art of Shaving Stores have one attached at each location.

That store was kind of cool. Neat little set-up. There definitely seem to be a lot of nice restaurants, but they also seem upscale. Not sure how good they'll be with kids. I guess I'm more of a touristy type of guy who likes cheap themes. Give me Rainforest, T-Rex, Planet Hollywood, Hard Rock or Bubba Gump any day.

 

[Jon81uk]

That store was kind of cool. Neat little set-up. There definitely seem to be a lot of nice restaurants, but they also seem upscale. Not sure how good they'll be with kids. I guess I'm more of a touristy type of guy who likes cheap themes. Give me Rainforest, T-Rex, Planet Hollywood, Hard Rock or Bubba Gump any day.

To be fair, the majority of restaurants in the old Downtown Disney were of that type, Splitsville, Rainforest Cafe, T-Rex, Planet Hollywood, Wolfgang Puck. The new restaurants added some upscale offerings, replacing nightclubs, the old casual dining places are still there. Plus once the Town Center there will be new casual and quick service dining.
Also as far as we know the Town Center will have a mix of high street (Zara, Uni Qlo) and high end (Shore) retail. But there won't be anything cheap from what we can tell.

Personally as a tourist coming over from UK, we'll take a look round Disney Springs, but I see the majority of our shopping being at Premium Outlets or Florida Mall. Other than World of Coke, most of the brands at DS are in London.

 

[xdan0920]

The stores are suppose to be more upscale, that is one of the biggest points of this expansion was to draw in lifestylers in the area, not just a few day tourist.

Lifestylers? Upscale? I don't get it. What do these two things have to do with one another?