What Happened to Disney Springs?

Disney Springs boasts a rich and dynamic history, originating on March 22, 1975, as the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village. Initially conceived as a quaint shopping area for a planned residential community, its purpose and identity shifted over the decades. It was rebranded several times, becoming Walt Disney World Village in 1977, Disney Village Marketplace in 1989, and Downtown Disney in 1997. During the Downtown Disney era, significant attractions like Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba, DisneyQuest, and a large AMC theatre were added, alongside popular restaurants such as Planet Hollywood and Rainforest Cafe.

The most transformative period began in 2013 when Disney announced a major overhaul and rebranding to Disney Springs. This ambitious project, completed largely by 2016, aimed to double the number of shops and restaurants and introduce new theming inspired by historic Florida coastal towns. The complex was divided into four distinct areas: Marketplace, The Landing, Town Center, and West Side, each with its own unique narrative and architectural style. The official renaming to Disney Springs occurred on September 29, 2015, and the opening of Town Center on May 15, 2016, marked the completion of the primary construction.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a temporary closure of Disney Springs on March 17, 2020, with a phased reopening beginning on May 20, 2020. Post-pandemic, Disney Springs has continued to evolve, adapting to changing consumer behaviors and introducing new experiences. The area plays a crucial role in the broader Walt Disney World Resort's economic impact, contributing to the nearly $67 billion in annual economic impact generated by Disney Parks & Resorts nationwide and supporting over 403,000 direct and indirect jobs across the U.S.

As of 2026, Disney Springs remains a hub of activity with ongoing changes. Several establishments have seen closures, such as Sprinkles Cupcakes in January 2026, Francesca's in March 2026, and Shore in April 2026. However, these departures are making way for new additions. The Vans store officially opened in June 2026, and new tenants like Cole Haan and Vuori are confirmed to be coming soon.

Significant new entertainment and dining options are slated for summer 2026. LEVEL99, a large interactive social entertainment venue featuring challenge rooms and a chef-crafted menu, is set to open in the former NBA Experience space on the West Side. Additionally, Six Ravens, a new savory eatery from the creators of Gideon's Bakehouse, specializing in 'Coffyns' (savory hand pies), is also expected to open this summer in The Landing. In early June 2026, the long-standing food trucks in the West Side courtyard were removed, and the area was swiftly transformed into a functional, shaded seating space to enhance dining capacity for nearby quick-service options. Furthermore, Disney Springs implemented new parking rules in June 2026, with garages and rideshare loops not opening until 7 AM on special event days, and a resort bus verification process is expected to become a permanent practice before the July 4 holiday week to manage transportation flow. These continuous updates underscore Disney Springs' commitment to remaining a premier, dynamic destination for guests.