When Pleasure Island closed back in 2008, many long-time Disney fans were incensed. But Disney quickly put out several PR statements claiming that what was to replace it would be better than ever, ushering in a new era of spectacular family entertainment. Since then, numerous concepts have come and gone but very little real progress has been made.
Finally, in 2013, the concept that would stick was announced. Downtown Disney, including the former Pleasure Island, was to transform into Disney Springs. With a Town Center representing the original settlement around bubbling natural springs, the back story is that Disney Springs is a turn-of-the-century small, lakeside town. New development would open in phases, with the project set to be completed in 2016.
Soon after the announcement, construction walls went up everywhere, and Downtown Disney transformed into a highly congested construction zone with almost nowhere to park. It remains that way today, though small bits of the promised expansion “from 75 to more than 150 shopping, dining and entertainment venues” have begun to appear. Unfortunately, while the place still has a long way to go, if what is currently there serves as a preview of what is to come, there is a lot to hate about this new direction. Let’s take a look at the issues.
Editor’s Note: Lisa’s opinions in no way reflect those of Theme Park Tourist or its staff.
1. Price points
Walt Disney World has never been a cheap destination. But Walt wanted his parks to be accessible to families, not playgrounds for the rich and famous. Yet the first of the new venues to open has priced the average family right out of the experience.
Probably the most glaring example of overhype and overpricing is The Boathouse. This nautical themed restaurant features steaks and seafood, and is located on the waterfront. But the prices are staggering. At lunch or dinner, appetizers will set you back around $15 to $18—unless you prefer the $100 caviar. Salads hover around $20. A burger can be had for $20, but if you want steak or seafood, plan to spend upwards of $30 per person, with a New York Strip topping out at $52. Desserts are another $10 each.
If you want, you can take a tour in an amphibious car while you’re there…for a fee, of course. A 20 minute ride in the same lagoon you can cross for free in a water taxi will run you $125 for up to three guests.
Everything I’ve read says the food is delicious. But here’s the thing, at least from where I’m sitting. You’re in Florida. You can consume all the fresh out of the water seafood you can imagine, expertly prepared and served by an incredibly friendly wait staff, at beach shacks all up and down both coasts. And a complete meal for four will run you what one person’s entrée costs at The Boathouse. Even throwing in a car rental for the day, you’ll still come out ahead, and have the opportunity to soak up Florida’s natural beauty in the process.
2. Parking issues
Disney Springs was announced in March 2013, and one of the very first projects was a parking garage at the West Side. It finally opened in November 2014! Now, I’m not a parking garage expert, but what on earth were they doing for a year and eight months? On the other hand, while the garage was under construction, guests were free to park in the lot by Marketplace, at Casting, and in other convenient locations. As of now, the garage is basically your only choice. Which is fine if your plan is to spend several hours exploring all of the property, but annoying as heck if you just want to grab lunch at Earl of Sandwich!
But there’s more. File this in the purely bizarre category. My dad happens to have a disabled parking permit. So the cast member on the first floor of the garage directed us to a space near the escalator. We had to take the escalator up to the second floor, and then immediately take an elevator back down in order to get out of the garage. Boy, that’s super helpful and convenient! *Note the sarcasm in that sentence.* It was an odd experience that left me scratching my head.
3. Mall feel
In the 1990s, the traditional enclosed mall largely went by the wayside as consumers embraced a new concept known as the “lifestyle center,” and they have proliferated from coast to coast ever since. With high-end shops facing pedestrian walkways, lifestyle centers turn the shopping mall inside out. That’s great and all, and they certainly have their place. But they’re not new and different. They’re found in every major city and many small towns across the United States.
With expensive new chain stores like APEX by Sunglass Hut, the Art of Shaving, and Chapel Hats, Disney Springs feels just like another lifestyle center. It’s completely lost what once made it unique and, again, the price points at these shops are ridiculous for the average vacationer. Why blow through your vacation budget on the same stuff you can buy at home?
4. Sight lines
In the 1960s, New Orleans gave serious consideration to an Interstate 10 connector called the Vieux Carré Riverfront Expressway. This would have been a major freeway running directly along the riverfront through the heart of the French Quarter, effectively blocking the view from the iconic Jackson Square. More sensible minds prevailed, the interstate was diverted away from the Quarter, and both the sense of history and the sight lines were preserved.
Too bad whoever vetoed the Vieux Carré Riverfront Expressway didn’t weigh in with Disney before they started building parking garages. The West Side garage is ugly and garish. It does not at all blend with the Disney Springs concept art or with the existing color schemes. Even worse, it stands as an urban monolith that completely blocks the view from the road. Where once Downtown Disney’s colorful and interesting architecture enticed passersby to stop, now the garage conjures images of a dystopian future. A second garage is now in process in front of Marketplace. While it may take another two years to see it open, when it finally does, it will finish closing off the sight lines for good.
5. Lack of heart or soul
This is perhaps the saddest part of Disney Springs for many long-time fans. Retail stores and outside tenants have always been an important part of the equation, and it is only reasonable to bring in some shops that have name recognition. But in the quest to attract well-heeled shoppers, Disney has destroyed most of what gave Downtown Disney its heart and soul. Nothing feels warm and welcoming. It’s cold and sterile.
A perfect example is the Food Truck Park. It’s still a nice addition, but local food trucks are now excluded. It’s all Disney food trucks, charging Disney prices, serving the same food you can get elsewhere on property. During the brief time when local vendors were invited, it felt organic. Now it feels like Disney is just cashing in on a trend.
Like many fans, I will continue to go to Downtown Disney/Disney Springs for the specific things that I enjoy for as long as they last. So far, most of Marketplace is still intact, and that’s where I traditionally spend most of my time. But I can’t help feeling worried about what they might do to that section once the other areas are complete, and I can’t help feeling sad about this new direction. We gave up the Adventurer’s Club for this?
