How Disney Got Me to Stop Hating Downtown Disney

The Magic!  The Memories!  The Glassblowing!!!

I know the title sounds a bit harsh.  I mean "Downtown Disney" in some form has existed at Walt Disney World since the beginning and the "Lake Buena Vista Shopping Plaza" holds a special place in the history and developlent of the resort.  I have fond memories of Disney Village, both shopping and dining and even childhood photos of me hiding under a table due to being deathly afraid of Minnie, Pluto and Goofy at the Riverboat character breakfast.  Somewhere along the way, however, linear expansions along the lakefront of Pleasure Island, AMC, and Planet Holllywood in the 80s and then the massive West Side addition in the 90s stretched "Downtown Disney" into what felt like an almost endless trek with very little payoff to the brave souls who made it all the way through.  If you successfully made it from Rainforest Cafe at one end all the way to House of Blues at the other, you found yourself stranded so far from your car or bus stop you immediately regretted the entire trip.  The decline and demise of Pleasure Island in the mid-2000's further damaged the district, creating an "entertainment void" between marketplace and West Side that was both emotionally disappointing for long time fans and  physically tiring to walk through for the rest.  And while a few sporadic additions helped a bit during the era (Raglan Road and Paradiso 37), the Pleasure Island section only served as a logistical challenge and thematic void.  At this point you either went to West Side OR Marketplace.  The thought of exploring and enjoying. both was simply not appealing.  I won't even get into how frustratingly discombobulated the parking experience was, but let's just say it was also a deterrent to a decision to visit Downtown Disney.  For these reasons, even as a major Walt Disney World fan, I would do anything to avoid having to brave the district for the better part of a decade.  On many occasions, I found myself saying, "I hate Downtown Disney."

Dude, Where's my Car??????

It was the worst of times.  (from Panaramio.com)

The Haters REALLY Didn't Like This Rumor Posting

Then came the rumors. These ones sounded better than the proposed "Hyperion Wharf" and other failed proposals to fix the district that served only to remind us how unappealing a trip to Downtown Disney really was at the time especially for frequent and long time repeat visitors.  These rumors came in the form of a sheet of corporate and brand logos including  Apple, American Girl, Trader Sam's, BOATHOUSE, Splitsville, Walt's and Shake Shack amongst many others.  NOW THIS is what we are talking about.  Appealing stores, bars, and restaurants were exactly what I was looking for on a day or evening out.  If they could add things like this and then somehow make parking less horrific, I thought this could actually be a fun place to visit!

The "Blue Sky" options for Disney Springs

Sad Trombone

Then it started happening.  The Virgin Megastore, a victim of the very Apple logo found on that original blue sky rumor, closed and was reopened as Splitsville, an upscale bowling and entertainment complex with good food, drinks, and live music.  The announcements kept coming. A rebranding to "Disney Springs" including demolition of longtime spot Cap'n Jacks, infrastructure additions such as a bridge shortening the walk from one end of Marketplace to the other, and an upscale dining and entertainment district called "The Landing".  They even closed the to-go Margarita kiosk down on the dock (little did I know at the time, this was a great thing.) 

#StandWithBOATHOUSE (from Orlando Business Journal)

At first the changes were subtle and cosmetic. As new lamp posts were installed, they were emblazoned with the new Disney Springs "city crest" logo. Then the changes started making things better. The new bridge across the lagoon spread out pedestrian traffic and shaved time off your walk from one end to the other.  Long time fan favorite Portobello Yacht Club reopened as a refreshed "Portobello."  Then the biggest changes of all started coming.  The "game changers."  First, the parking garage. Who knew a simple parking garage could change a person's mood and outlook of a venue?  Well it did.  Parking was always such a cluster going to Downtown Disney, so when this garage opened, it immediately improved my mindset walking into the area.  Second?  They added something to Downtown Disney that I never thought was possible.  Relaxation!  Several new relaxing areas opened that finally made a trip to the district appealing.  That little margarita window in Marketplace became a cool outdoor Margarita and craft beer bar complete with waterfront seating and live music.  The BOATHOUSE opened as a relaxing spot with an actual floating outdoor dock bar, stunning visuals, good food, and great  music.  The Hangar bar opened next door with yet another waterfront outdoor deck and cool boat seating, cool throwback vibe, period music, atmosphere and drinks.  Additionally, new specialty shops opened, which now actually appeal to me as I don't find myself trying to rush through the area to get to one end or the other.  Instead, I now find myself casually strolling from place to place enjoying myself.

We actually CHOSE to go to Disney Springs

There are still more additions on the horizon, and I'm sure some will be good and some will be not so much.  I am very interested to see "The Edison" which is taking over the spot of my beloved Adventurers Club and what STK, an upscale steakhouse turns out like.  I am also interested to see how they incorporate the new large "mall" building into the flow of the district. In the meantime, you'll find me floating around doing something I thought I would never say five years ago....  ENJOYING "Downtown Disney."

Proud Honorary Captain and NOW DISNEY SPRINGS FAN!!!!!!!