Effective Tuesday evening, the name “Downtown Disney” goes bye-bye. Hello, Disney Springs!
Walt Disney World is throwing a renaming celebration Tuesday at the brand new, Indiana Jones-themed Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar. Disney executives, cast members and Disney Springs’ newest tenants will take part in this milestone occasion.
The transformation into the reimagined, redesigned and totally kicked-up entertainment district has been happening for two years. By the time it’s fully complete in 2016, Disney Springs will double the number of shops and restaurants currently found at Downtown Disney.
Disney Springs will include outdoor neighborhoods — the West Side, the Landing and the Marketplace — with everything from “splurge”-type restaurants to new lakefront shopping. Some of the new stores include:
- APEX by Sunglass Hut
- Art of Shaving
- Chapel Hats
- Erwin Pearl
- Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC
- Havaianas
- Sanuk
- Sound Lion
- Vivoli Gelateria
Generating the most buzz right now is the Landing, which takes over the area formerly known as Pleasure Island. It offers dining unlike anywhere else in town. Some of the restaurants are super high-end, while others are attraction-like.
Here are the biggies:
- STK (Opening later this year) – We found out late last year about STK Orlando, a modern steakhouse mixed with the ambiance of a sleek lounge. It will be one of the largest STK locations in the world, occupying 14,000 square feet in a two-story building.
- Morimoto Asia (Opening Wednesday, Sept. 30) – Chef Masaharu Morimoto, perhaps best known from the popular TV program Iron Chef America, unveils his two-story Morimoto Asia this Wednesday. Morimoto Asia will be the Japanese master chef’s first-ever pan-Asian restaurant featuring flavors from across the continent. The restaurant will feature waterside seating, terraces, a grand hall and a cocktail lounge.
- Jock Lindsey’s Hanger Bar (Now open) – With an aviation theme (Jock was Indy’s frequent pilot in the “Indiana Jones” films) and a primo waterfront location, the restaurant features food and drinks inspired by Jock’s globe-trotting to all continents. The 150-seat lounge is located between Paradiso 37 and The Boathouse. Outdoors, Jock’s old steamboat (now in dry dock) is a fun place for watching the sunset.
- The Edison (Opening 2016) – The Edison will be dedicated to a resurgence of old-world style, sophistication and romance. Themed to a 1920s-period electric company, the ceilings are 35-feet high. The Edison will feature nightly entertainment like contortionists, palm readers, DJs and more.
- The Boathouse (Opened in April) – Amphicars are rad. They’re vintage rides that also float like a boat. Enjoy a 20-minute ride with a captain before or after you nosh on The Boathouse’s menu offering. The space has 3 nautically-themed rooms and 2 private dining rooms. Total seating capacity is 600 people. It has 3 bars — The Captain’s Raw Bar, the Admiral’s Club Bar and the Dock Bar, built overlooking the water and 300-plus feet of boardwalk connecting all areas of the restaurant.
The new boat dock is now open between Jock Lindsey’s and Paradiso 37. It brings back the Sassagoula River Cruise and Water Taxi service to the area.
Disney Springs is also getting two parking garages. The Orange garage, near the West Side, is open. Another one to the east is still being built.
This is the area’s first holiday season as “Disney Springs.” According to the official Disney Parks Blog, “Holidays at Disney Springs“ will feature the holiday backdrops in the Marketplace and West Side. They’re made to look like pop-up greeting cards. Other entertainment will include toy soldier stilt walkers, snowflake performers, a Kwanza Celebration, Hanukkah medleys, specialty foods and festive decor. Santa will be back, this year in a new location across from Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop.
Holiday touches should start showing up in mid-November.