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Disney Springs News and Attractions

Last Updated on: November 15th, 2024

disney springs walt disney world Disney Springs, a bustling hub of entertainment, dining, and shopping at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, has a rich history that mirrors the evolution of contemporary retail and leisure spaces. Originally opened as Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village in 1975, it has undergone various transformations, reflecting the changing tastes and trends over the years. This article delves into the history of Disney Springs, spotlighting the various shops and restaurants that have come and gone, shaping its unique character.

A Brief History of Disney Springs

Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village

The story of Disney Springs begins with Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village, its initial incarnation aimed at serving the residents of the newly constructed Disney World Resort. Designed as a quaint shopping area, it featured a mix of unique shops and eateries. Notable establishments like the Pottery Chalet, the Candle Shop, and Heidelberg’s Deli offered guests a variety of shopping and dining options. The Village was known for its serene ambiance, with cobblestone walkways and a small stream running through it, encapsulating the idyllic charm of a lakeside village.

Downtown Disney

In 1989, the area was rebranded as Downtown Disney, signaling a shift towards a more entertainment-focused destination. This era saw the introduction of iconic venues such as Pleasure Island, a nightlife zone with clubs and themed entertainment, and the Marketplace, which expanded the retail offerings. Pleasure Island became famous for its New Year’s Eve party every night, featuring fireworks and live music. The 1990s also witnessed the arrival of the World of Disney store, the largest Disney merchandise store globally, and the LEGO Imagination Center, which became a hit with families.

Evolution to Disney Springs

The transformation into Disney Springs began in 2013, marking the most significant overhaul in the area’s history. This change aimed to double the number of shops, restaurants, and other venues, focusing on creating a diverse and upscale environment. The new Disney Springs drew inspiration from Florida’s waterfront towns, featuring four distinct neighborhoods: The Landing, Marketplace, West Side, and Town Center. High-end brands like Zara, UNIQLO, and Sephora established their presence, alongside gourmet dining options such as Morimoto Asia and The BOATHOUSE. The introduction of the Springs, a man-made body of water, added to the area’s scenic beauty.

Image courtesy Walt Disney World News

Shops and Restaurants Through the Years

Over the years, Disney Springs has been home to a dynamic range of shops and restaurants. Classic establishments like the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop have delighted guests for years, while others like the Adventurers Club, a beloved nightclub with a cult following, have been replaced by modern offerings. Rainforest Cafe, T-REX, and Planet Hollywood have remained popular dining spots, showcasing the area’s ability to blend dining with thematic entertainment.

In retail, the shift has been towards a mix of Disney-themed stores and high-end brands. The Marketplace Co-Op, for instance, offers a rotating lineup of unique Disney-themed products, showcasing the innovative spirit of Disney Springs. The Art of Disney store remains a staple, offering exclusive Disney artwork and collectibles.

Today, Disney Springs stands as a testament to Disney’s ability to evolve and adapt to changing consumer preferences while maintaining the magic and allure that is synonymous with the brand. From its humble beginnings as Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village to the sprawling and vibrant Disney Springs, the area has continually reinvented itself, always striving to offer guests a unique and memorable experience. The shops and restaurants that have come and gone over the years each played a part in shaping the identity of this beloved destination, making it a must-visit for anyone traveling to Walt Disney World Resort.

Disney Springs Address:

1486 Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830

Disney Springs Articles, Features and Directory Items:

Here is your complete guide to Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including attractions, restaurants, shows and rides past, present and future. As always, new pieces are added to this collection regularly.

Current Restaurants

4 Rivers Cantina Barbacoa Food Truck | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing 4 Rivers Cantina Barbacoa Food Truck at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Amc – Macguffins | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Amc – Macguffins restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Amc Disney Springs 24 Dine-In Theatres | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Amc Disney Springs 24 Dine-In Theatres at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Amorette’s Patisserie | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Amorette’s Patisserie restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Aristocrepes | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Aristocrepes restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ disney springs

Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Chicken Guy! | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Chicken Guy! at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

City Works Eatery & Pour House disney springs

City Works Eatery & Pour House | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing City Works Eatery & Pour House at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Coca-Cola Store Rooftop Beverage Bar disney springs

Coca-Cola Store Rooftop Beverage Bar | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Coca-Cola Store Rooftop Beverage Bar at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Cookes Of Dublin | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Cookes Of Dublin restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

D-Luxe Burger | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing D-Luxe Burger restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Disney Food Trucks | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Disney Food Trucks at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Dockside Margaritas | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Dockside Margaritas restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Earl Of Sandwich | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Earl Of Sandwich restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Enzo’s Hideaway | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Enzo’s Hideaway restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Erin Mckenna’s Bakery NYC disney springs

Erin Mckenna’s Bakery NYC | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Erin Mckenna’s Bakery NYC at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Florida Snow Company | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Florida Snow Company restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Frontera Cocina | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Frontera Cocina restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop disney springs

Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Gideon’s Bakehouse | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Gideon’s Bakehouse at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Haagen-Dazs At Disney Springs West Side | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Haagen-Dazs stand at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

House Of Blues – The Front Porch | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing House Of Blues – The Front Porch at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

House Of Blues Restaurant & Bar disney springs

House Of Blues Restaurant & Bar | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing House Of Blues Restaurant & Bar at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Jaleo | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Jaleo restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar disney springs

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Joffrey’s Handcrafted Smoothies At Disney Springs Marketplace | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Joffrey’s Handcrafted Smoothies At Disney Springs Marketplace at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!
[caption id="attachment_18993" align="aligncenter" width="400"] Image credit Disney Springs[/caption]

Joffrey’s Handcrafted Smoothies At Disney Springs West Side | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Joffrey’s Handcrafted Smoothies at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs West Side including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante disney springs

Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Morimoto Asia | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Morimoto Asia restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Morimoto Asia Street Food | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Morimoto Asia Street Food restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Paddlefish | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Paddlefish restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Paradiso 37, Taste Of The Americas | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Paradiso 37, Taste Of The Americas restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Pepe by Jose Andres | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Pepe by Jose Andres at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Pizza Ponte | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Pizza Ponte restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Planet Hollywood Observatory disney springs

Planet Hollywood Observatory | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Planet Hollywood Observatory restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Raglan Road Irish Pub And Restaurant disney springs

Raglan Road Irish Pub And Restaurant | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Raglan Road Irish Pub And Restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Rainforest Cafe – Lava Lounge | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Rainforest Cafe – Lava Lounge restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Rainforest Cafe At Disney Springs Marketplace | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Rainforest Cafe restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Splitsville Dining Room | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Splitsville Dining Room at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Sprinkles | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Sprinkles shop at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Starbucks At Disney Springs Marketplace | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Starbucks at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs Marketplace including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Starbucks At Disney Springs West Side | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Starbucks at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs West Side including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Planet Hollywood Stargazers Bar disney springs

Stargazers Bar | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Stargazers Bar at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

STK Orlando Restaurant | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing STK Orlando restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Summer House on the Lake | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing new restaurant Summer House on the Lake, coming to Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs in 2023, including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

T-Rex Restaurant | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing T-Rex at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Terralina Crafted Italian disney springs

Terralina Crafted Italian | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Terralina Crafted Italian restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

The Boathouse | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing The Boathouse restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

The Daily Poutine | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing The Daily Poutine at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

The Edison | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing The Edison at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

The Polite Pig | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing The Polite Pig at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Vivoli Il Gelato | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Vivoli Il Gelato at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Wetzel’s Pretzels At Disney Springs Marketplace | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Wetzel’s Pretzels At Disney Springs Marketplace at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Wetzel’s Pretzels At Disney Springs West Side | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Wetzel’s Pretzels At Disney Springs West Side at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Wine Bar George | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Wine Bar George at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Yesake | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Yesake at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Current Shops

M&Ms Store | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing M&Ms Store at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Current Shows

Drawn to Life Presented by Cirque du Soleil disney springs

Drawn to Life Presented by Cirque du Soleil | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Drawn to Life show at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Current Nighttime Spectaculars

Disney Dreams That Soar | Disney World

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