The vision for Downtown Disney in Orlando is a multi-year initiative that will transform Downtown Disney into Disney Springs, a unique destination that will treat attendees to significantly more shopping, dining and entertainment offerings amid beautiful open-air promenades, meandering springs and waterfront charm. It’s scheduled to be completed in 2016.

Vision for Disney Springs:

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Drawing from inspiration from Florida’s waterfront towns and natural beauty, Disney Springs will include four interconnected neighborhoods:

  1. The Landing (opening in early 2015) set along the waterfront and featuring nationally known restaurateurs.
  2. The Marketplace will continue to delight visitors by combining new experiences (e.g., an over-the-water pedestrian causeway) with classic Disney favorites (e.g., an expanded World of Disney store).
  3. The West Side will be enhanced with a series of new elevated spaces the provide both shade and an overlook to the activity below.
  4. The Town Center, opening in 2016, with a sophisticated mix of new private event, networking and shopping venues.

To manage the anticipated increased traffic, Buena Vista Drive will expand from seven to 10 lanes, with a dedicated bus lane. Two parking garages and two pedestrian bridges also will be added, as well as an I-4 interchange that will offer direct access to and from Disney Springs.

Details About Disney Springs

For meeting professionals Disney Springs will offer exciting new private-event options. Attendees will also discover a broad range of experiences to enjoy after a full day of meetings or as part of an incentive program.

Disney Springs will feature an eclectic and contemporary mix from Disney and other noteworthy brands. From boutique shops to unique flagship anchor stores, guests will be able to explore a variety of shopping and dining experiences and discover options unlike any other currently available in Central Florida.

“Disney Springs will be a timeless, vibrant place where Walt Disney World guests and local residents can relax, shop, dine and be entertained in an imaginative setting where they’ll instantly feel at home,” said Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “Featuring distinctive brands, world-class restaurants and unforgettable entertainment, Disney Springs will be brought to life with the same focus on storytelling and attention to detail that goes into our theme parks, resorts and cruise ships, resulting in a welcoming space that only Disney could create.”

Disney Springs will double the number of shops, restaurants and other venues for guests to explore, resulting in more than 150 establishments. In addition, Staggs noted, Central Florida stands to benefit from the expansion with more jobs, tax revenues and business opportunities.

Meetings & Events at Downtown Disney

For activities and events at Downtown Disney, there are a variety of options when it comes to customizable events. Attendees can also network and engage while enjoying inspiring live performances at Cirque du Soleil La Nouba and late-night concerts at the House of Blues.

Downtown Disney is also home to Splitsville, a 50,000-square-foot upscale entertainment center that offers bowling, billiards, dining, and nighttime entertainment. This unique venue offers private event options and is ideal for team building, networking and corporate entertainment.

With the opening of Disney Springs in 2016, meeting planners will have even more opportunities for engaging evening activities for their groups .

Disney will share more details on specific offerings coming to Disney Springs in the future. Construction is slated to begin next month with new areas opening in phases. Disney Springs is expected to be complete in 2016.