I think they had to do this. Compared to Disney Springs, CityWalk feels dated and lackluster by comparison.
The audience for these is really locals, not tourists. You have to have places that will bring them in, and it sounds like there are several unique experiences coming here.
As a New Yorker, I can't help but cheer the closing of a Bubba Gump Shrimp. It's the worst restaurant in Times Square. (And Victoria Peak in Hong Kong. And the Santa Monica Pier. Etc.)