'Disney Springs' - Downtown Disney expansion officially announced

[dreamscometrue]

I didn't know anyone actually watched Rick Steves.

For Father's Day last year, I asked for, and received, Rick Steeves' 'All 80 Episodes' DVD. If you're interested, his website is showing that it's 'All 100 Episodes' now, on the new BluRay/DVD.

 

[dreamscometrue]

Yeah I saw that - I just hope it will be 21+ only, and get the over 21+ to dress up a little bit from a vest and shorts.

I was actually never a fan of PI, although I would like a few 21+places. I would prefer they be spread out over the Disney Springs area however, as opposed to all grouped together as PI was. I just didn't like the vibe actually the way it was.

 

[GoofGoof]

I think the PI-like area isn't viable any more. I think the days of closed off adult only sections are over.

While Disney obviously isn't concerned about the demographic, I think there is a demand for adult only venues (not admission gated areas) after a certain time of night.

Disney really needs to go upscale though. Church Street and Uni have their demographic. Disney should look into gastro pubs, tap rooms, and wine bars that are open until a reasonable hour to the general public then are closed off to the under 21 crowd.

Having been a CM, I can understand Disney not wanting to cater to that crowd. We were cheap.

I would like this twice if it was possible

Going "upscale" is exactly what they need to do. I'm not talking about dress codes or expensive drinks, but create elaborate bar/restaurant locations with good themes that are attractions themselves. A place like Trader Sams that was mentioned a number of times. Raglan Road is like that too. Bring in some addition venues like that. They don't need a bunch of dive bars or generic night clubs. Having elaborately themed restaurants which still allow kids up until a certain time (9 or 10PM) and then flip over to over 21 at night would provide enough adult entertainment for anyone who wants it.

 

[raven]

Is other things something new Disney related in terms of rumors?

Disney? Yes. Rumors? I don't believe anyone on here knows about them yet. I've told Lee only a week ago.

 

[JEANYLASER]

Yes, WOD will be expanding.

I love World of Disney and I heard that World Of Disney will be expanding! I can't wait Disney Springs in 2016

 

[Beholder]

Not sure if it's being so hungry for ANY WDW news or just being overly interested in all things Disney, but im nearly as intrigued by this as I would a park addition/expansion. Not saying this is better or as interesting, but WDW has been (not really counting FLE) void of something new for a while now. I guess it's more of a comment on how (pathetically) desperate I am for SOMETHING to happen. Sad maybe, but I'm watching nonetheless.

 

[MattM]

What I'm saying is to have "premium" tickets and "ultimate" tickets structure, don't look at the days but the structure/content that comes with it whether it be the inclusion of water parks admission

Ah, I see. Not a bad idea.

 

[Goofyernmost]

Not sure if it's being so hungry for ANY WDW news or just being overly interested in all things Disney, but im nearly as intrigued by this as I would a park addition/expansion. Not saying this is better or as interesting, but WDW has been (not really counting FLE) void of something new for a while now. I guess it's more of a comment on how (pathetically) desperate I am for SOMETHING to happen. Sad maybe, but I'm watching nonetheless.

Well, it's been announced but it hasn't happened yet. Seems like I remember another plan being announced a few years ago to replace PI. How did that work out for everyone?

 

[G00fyDad]

Not sure if it's being so hungry for ANY WDW news or just being overly interested in all things Disney, but im nearly as intrigued by this as I would a park addition/expansion. Not saying this is better or as interesting, but WDW has been (not really counting FLE) void of something new for a while now. I guess it's more of a comment on how (pathetically) desperate I am for SOMETHING to happen. Sad maybe, but I'm watching nonetheless.

This has been true for most of the public. Look at how excited people got over some toilets going into Fantasyland. LOL

 

[Goofyernmost]

This has been true for most of the public. Look at how excited people got over some toilets going into Fantasyland. LOL

I was one that got excited about it after the pictures of the area came out. It wasn't the toilets that I was excited about it was the care with which Disney themed the area. Since we yell and complain that they never do anything worthwhile anymore, they deserve a little love for this one even if it was just a restroom.

 

[lazyboy97o]

Then I suspect that you, sir, have an unnatural attachment to concept models.

To be fair, it is most likely a presentation model, not a mere concept model.

Kathy Mangum is great. She was the lead Imagineer on Cars Land, [...] But if she's taking the Imagineering lead on Disney Springs.... who is taking the lead on Cars Land for Hollywood Studios?

She's more of a project manager and rather high up on the food chain. I see no reason she cannot handle multiple projects.

 

[Jillybelle]

Arguments and opinions of this new announcement aside, am I the only person that will still call this area "Downtown Disney"? (To be fair, it's been 5 years, and I still don't think I've ever referred to DHS as anything other than MGM)

 

[lazyboy97o]

Arguments and opinions of this new announcement aside, am I the only person that will still call this area "Downtown Disney"? (To be fair, it's been 5 years, and I still don't think I've ever referred to DHS as anything other than MGM)

Well seeing as it was not always known as Downtown Disney, with time the new names will take effect with enough people.

 

[Lee]

Disney? Yes. Rumors? I don't believe anyone on here knows about them yet. I've told Lee only a week ago.

I know nothing!

Or....do I?

 

[G00fyDad]

I was one that got excited about it after the pictures of the area came out. It wasn't the toilets that I was excited about it was the care with which Disney themed the area. Since we yell and complain that they never do anything worthwhile anymore, they deserve a little love for this one even if it was just a restroom.

Yeah. I get it. I was sort of excited too, but then I thought "They should be doing this kind of stuff a lot more, everywhere." Don't get me wrong, I am happy that they are doing it, it just appeared funny to me that everyone was getting excited over bathrooms.

 

[TalkingHead]

I am a lover of "Old Florida" And I feel that the Old Florida charm of the 20's - 30's can feel exotic in this day and age with how much of Old Florida has been bulldozed for strip malls and stuccoed buildings.

The irony in this is remarkable.

The thing Disney helped kill off is the same thing they're going to "resurrect" for the theming of their outdoor shopping mall.

And judging from the concept art, they didn't even do a good job capturing "Old Florida."

Not sure why the mall needs a complicated backstory, but there you have it...

 

[Mouse Detective]

Do you know where the presentation took place and if the public will have access to the model? I might fly in if there will be a preview center.

The model is located in The Secret Room (TSR) located upstairs in Splitsville.

 

[Mouse Detective]

They are all still open if that's any indication. If they weren't profitable to some degree I'd imagine they would have closed their doors by now.

Jellyrolls is the last remaining location of a dueling piano format chain. They seem to do pretty good business so I'd guess that it's profitable. Atlantic Dance Hall can't be profitable. There's rarely a crowd, the place is huge so it's got to be expensive to maintain. And when there is a crowd, trying to get a drink is a 10-minute ordeal due to inadequate staffing.

Atlantic Dance is only there under contract with the Swan/Dolphin for Disney to provide a night club for the hotels. That's why Disney never advertises it; they don't care whether the place is profitable or not. It will be interesting to see what happens in 2014 when that contract expires. After all, Disney does not want to be in the nightclub business.

 

[jt04]

The model is located in The Secret Room (TSR) located upstairs in Splitsville.

I have a motto for the new DTD. "It all started with a bowling alley".

Still think they need a preview center. I think when they revealed the animation effect people were quiet because it stunned them. It is very cool in the video. Also, I think many thought the idea of an expanded DTD was just a bunch of wishful thinking on forums like this. It is so much fun listening to people trying to downplay what was announced. And we still have plenty that will be revealed. Construction started on the new FotLK. The tide has turned.

 

[TarzanRocked99-]

Ye

Jellyrolls is the last remaining location of a dueling piano format chain. They seem to do pretty good business so I'd guess that it's profitable. Atlantic Dance Hall can't be profitable. There's rarely a crowd, the place is huge so it's got to be expensive to maintain. And when there is a crowd, trying to get a drink is a 10-minute ordeal due to inadequate staffing.

Atlantic Dance is only there under contract with the Swan/Dolphin for Disney to provide a night club for the hotels. That's why Disney never advertises it; they don't care whether the place is profitable or not. It will be interesting to see what happens in 2014 when that contract expires. After all, Disney does not want to be in the nightclub business.

Yes but the Swan/Dolphin offered to buy Atlantic Dance full out from Disney last year for a cool $3mil and they declined the offer