What happened to Disney Springs?

[palavra]

We are locals now and we LOVE Disney Springs. It's the closest mall to us so we love that it isn't just all touristy, Disney merchandise. Between shopping and restaurants we are there a lot - just went this morning, actually. Don't worry about the World of Disney store - they are still working on it, only part of the store is opened right now.

We are locals too and love the new DS! It is a great nightlife spot. There is always something going on there. I've been to a few concerts at House fo Blues too. The new restaurants, vegan bakery, movie theater and Splitsville call to use several times a month

 

[palavra]

Don't count on it,they keep building new garages,currently two huge ones along with a surface lot and a third garage in construction.Every time I visit I think about how many more visitors it must be getting today when compared to just 5 years ago just based on how little parking there used to be back in the day,and with a third garage how many more they must be expecting along with new things like having buses go to DS straight from the parks after 4pm.

Not even close! I am a local, and DS is more popular than ever! Frequently, the garages are at capacity.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

I’m not local but I adore the new DS. I love the mix of “regular” stores with Disney stores. We love all the dining options. I only wish our trips were long enough to spend more evenings there!

As for the new WoD(part 1), DS15 said it looked like something a Pinterest Mom would design and was very disappointing compared to the old OTT store. Maybe they will add a few more Disney touches once the store is completely reopened? We were there right after the new side opened.

 

[JBinORL]

World of Disney isn't done yet, so I think everyone should reserve judgement until then.

 

[adelaster]

Not local, really like it. Honestly if DS hadn't been there on our first visit in 2016 I'm not sure we'd have come back to WDW as much as we have, or at all. Staying at a nearby resort with boat access is relaxing and fun. I spend more time out of the parks than in them, and most meals are DS. It's well themed and they keep it interesting. No issues with the stores or restaurants and it doesn't feel like a "mall" to me, so most of the complaints are not relatable. Never visited the earlier iteration.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

I haven't been in over 10 years and have no desire to go again. I have a lot of high end stores and great restaurants in my area. I don't need to go to WDW for that.

I think if I were a local I'm sure I would enjoy it more. But when I'm on vacation I don't want to go to a big outdoor shopping mall. Or the outlets. I know a lot of people hit the outlets while at WDW. We have tons of them at home too. At least 4 centers within a 20 minute drive from me and more a bit further out.

 

[jkh36619]

I go for the poutine

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

DS is a big mall. If I am staying at Sartoga Springs I go... otherwise I can skip it!

As for the World of Disney and the Disney special stores, I haven't even gone in for the past few years. The merchandise quality keeps getting worse and they think all adult women are dying to wear see through t-shirts with our boobs hanging out! Uh NO!

 

[wcw57]

DS is a big mall. If I am staying at Sartoga Springs I go... otherwise I can skip it!

As for the World of Disney and the Disney special stores, I haven't even gone in for the past few years. The merchandise quality keeps getting worse and they think all adult women are dying to wear see through t-shirts with our boobs hanging out! Uh NO!

 

[Captainkidd76]

We'll go to Disney Springs when we go back, but only for the Marketplace. Have absolutely no use for any of the shops or restaurants beyond there.

 

[Cornish Lad]

We love DS and are so happy to be staying at POFQ next month which is just a boat ride way from it. Lots of comments here about the bare minimalist look of the so far completed sections of WoD - but, as somebody was showing in a recent vlog, look at all the projectors that have been installed in the roof spaces. Maybe all the Disney characters etc. are going to come to life for us in new and exciting ways once the whole store is revealed later this year. I live in hope!

 

[CdnCarrie]

I am so happy they are opening it back up!! That looks like a real solid permanent wall so we were convinced. I have no idea how you got lost though as it was just the main room the side part with the kitchen stuff and a small selection of clothes to the other side. The restaurants are very cool but it's the shopping I am talking about. All the UNIQUE, just get it at Disney stores and items are gone. It's better shopping at MK in my humble opinion now but fingers crossed they'll open it back up and restore it to what it was or better. I go with little kids and no sitter so the bars aren't even something I've seen. I will admit it is all the fun kid stuff that we were looking for that was gone. I have 3 kids and they didn't want one thing seriously other than Lego .... normally I am saying no all day long.

Any suggestions for fun and unique kid stuff they have (to replace the potato head, light saber, princess stuff, mismatched... and that kind of fun item?)

Did you go to Once Upon a Toy? Huge selection of kids stuff.

 

[NuttyDisneyDad]

I could go to WDW and spend every day at D Springs...

 

[ellbell]

I love DS as well. It's usually an arrival day tradition for me. In fact I am driving to Fort Lauderdale for a cruise in November from Ontario and we are specifically taking time to spend 5 or 6 hours in DS before driving the rest of the way to For Lauderdale.

 

[KaitorTot]

If you purchase items at the World of Disney, are you able to have them sent back to your resort like you can in the parks?

 

[yulilin3]

If you purchase items at the World of Disney, are you able to have them sent back to your resort like you can in the parks?

Yes you can

 

[KaitorTot]

Yes you can

Thank you!

 

[Summer2018]

I don't know about most people, but some of us miss the Pleasure Island nightclub era. Comedy Warehouse, Adventurers' Club, Mannequins, etc. And every night there was New Year's Eve!

Yes!

 

[Amy11401]

Yes you can

Is this true with any Disney Springs store or just World of Disney?

 

[fractalpotato]

I had never heard of The Void until this thread - so I checked out their website! How cool!! 2 questions, is Star Wars the only experience they are offering & do you have to be 10 or older (as tickets only show prices for 10+)? Thanks!

Sorry to respond so late, and another poster did answer your questions, but I'll say this:

1. It is Star Wars only at this location, but the Void operates other experiences in NYC and a few other places I think, worth looking at their website if you're really interested.

2. As the other poster said, yes, they require you to sign a release too, so 10 to 17 will need an adult around.

It's very cool! It's, frankly, a little pricy for the time (in and out in under 30 minutes), but the experience is unreal. I have similar VR tech at home, but still found it very worth it because they have some things that are basically impossible in a personal setup.

DS is a big mall. If I am staying at Sartoga Springs I go... otherwise I can skip it!

As for the World of Disney and the Disney special stores, I haven't even gone in for the past few years. The merchandise quality keeps getting worse and they think all adult women are dying to wear see through t-shirts with our boobs hanging out! Uh NO!

Umm, I have a girlfriend who adores Disney's merchandise (frankly, our home is starting to resemble a gift shop ) and I would notice I think if all of her apparel fit that description. I don't think this is really true at all? In fact, a few weeks ago she was slightly frustrated she couldn't find something a little dressier and adult to wear to nicer evenings out. This just seems a little like mud-slinging.

Matt