Retail ‘Springs’ eternal at Downtown Disney

The Walt Disney World Resort is doubling the size of its retail operation and adding some hot new tenants as part of a major expansion and rebranding of the shopping, dining and entertainment area known as Downtown Disney.

Disney Springs is the new name Walt Disney World Resorts is going with for the expanding waterfront retail operation in the Orlando suburb of Lake Buena Vista. Fashion retailers Zara, Tommy Bahama, Lilly Pulitzer, UNIQLO and PANDORA are the latest to sign on as Downtown Disney continues its expansion into Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort.

“Over the past few months we have opened several new dining and retail locations, which have quickly become the top producers in their chains,” said George A. Kalogridis, president of Walt Disney World Resort. “This type of momentum builds on the historical strength of the Downtown Disney area and its popularity with our guests from around the world as it evolves into Disney Springs,” he said.

With new retailers already aboard and new restaurants either open or coming soon, Downtown Disney is transforming into an exciting new waterfront district for world-class shopping, unique dining, and high-quality entertainment. By the time it’s complete in 2016, Disney Springs will double the number of shops and restaurants currently found at Downtown Disney and grow to more than 1 million square feet, including 350,000 square feet of new leasable space.

Disney Springs will include four distinct, outdoor neighborhoods with a high-quality, diverse mix of retailers – including premium, affordable luxury and fast fashion options. Sophisticated restaurants will provide experiences for families and convention-guests alike. About Disney Springs Representing the largest expansion in Downtown Disney history, Disney Springs will be a one-of-a-kind Disney experience, treating guests by day and night to great dining, shopping and entertainment amid beautiful open-air promenades, flowing springs and waterfront charm.

With an air of sophisticated grace and design that harkens to Florida’s waterfront towns at the turn-of-the-century, Disney Springs will be home to four distinct, outdoor neighborhoods opening in phases: The Landing, Town Center, Marketplace and West Side. When fully completed in 2016, Disney Springs will double the number of shopping, dining and entertainment venues – from the current 70 to approximately 150. Disney Springs is part of the Walt Disney World Resort, the number one family vacation destination in the world, located in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.

For a full list of the retail outlets at Disney Springs click here.

The Disney Springs project, including two parking garages and nearby roadwork, is expected to be complete next year.