Walt Disney World – Disney Springs Changes

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Contributing photographer Jason of disneygeek.com sends us these photos. In early December I wrapped up my 2015 Disney Parks World Tour back where it all began for me: Walt Disney World. During 2015 I was able to visit all 11 Disney theme parks in Anaheim, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Paris and Orlando. It had been a year since my last trip to WDW and as I walked around I looked for changes as I always tend to do. I have put together a series of posts for AllEars.net of some of the changes that stuck out to me as I roamed the parks, resorts and Disney Springs. As always if you want to see my full picture & video sets and read my thoughts & observations visit my site disneygeek.com.

In this post we take a look around Disney Springs, formerly Downtown Disney. The area is still very much under construction with almost all the remaining projects slated to be completed and open in in 2016.

The entrance sign by the Disney bus stop features a map of what is currently open.

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

A closer look at the map. The footprint is more or less the same as Downtown Disney with the addition of a new causeway to cut across the lake. The major growth will come when the rest of the Landing and Town Center open in 2016.

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

Not all the signage appears to be done. The entrance arch is MIA.

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

The causeway is open this year. Last December when I was here it wasn’t quite finished. It does make the Landing and West side an easier walk.

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

Behind the Lego store you can see the Town Center rising.

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

A closer look at one of the buildings.

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

The Muppet topiary from Epcot was near the Lego Store.

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

The Landing is mostly open now featuring new shops and dining choices. This replaces most of Pleasure Island.

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

Chapel Hats

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

The Boathouse is a restaurant, bar, and mini boat museum.

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

Christmas decorations out front of the Boathouse

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

Amphicar rides are available for a price.

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

Behind the restaurant is a bar and several seating areas to relax and enjoy your drink and look at the boats.

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

They have boats of varying sizes and types on display.

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

We ate dinner at the Boathouse and had a great meal. This is the Florida Sunshine Cake – Yellow cake, orange cream cheese icing, toasted almonds. They say this slice serves four. We had 5 and took two large containers with us. The price is $40. The cake is 30lbs and yields 5 slices so this was a 6 pound slice of cake.

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

A Candle tree set up for the season next door.

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

A different angle look at the Town Center construction from near the entrance to Morimoto Asia

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

Morimoto Asia

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

More of the landing. Nice to walk around with no walls in this area.

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

The Ganachery opened soon after we left.

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

Apex Sunglass Hut

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

Art of Shaving

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

When you reach the top of the hill you run into the walls which look just like last year.

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

A restroom. Even though there is a lot of construction still going on in the area the Landing was decorated for Christmas.

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

Looking toward the West Side

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

D-Street was still around, it was renamed a few days after we left.

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

Christmas decorations on the West Side

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

The Super Hero Headquarters recently opened on the West Side

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

A look inside.

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

Also new since last year the United World Soccer store.

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

The Orange Garage is fully operational (it was only partially open last year).

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

A reindeer out front of the garage.

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

Looking back toward the Landing. The STK Steakhouse is on the right and the Edison on the left of the bridge.

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

The new bus stops near Planet Hollywood are taking shape.

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

A new pedestrian bridge spans Buena Vista Drive (there are two more of these on the Hotel Blvd corner now too).

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

The state of the Edison (on the side of the former Adventurers Club)

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

A wider shot of the bus stop and Town Center work.

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

The Town Center building moving toward completion in 2016.

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

A second parking garage is being constructed.

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

New structures in front of Planet Hollywood (which is slated to close for renovation and renaming in early 2016).

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

Buena Vista Drive looking toward the hotels (east)

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

Looking toward Epcot, west more or less. The ramp and overpass are for the parking structure which is on the right in this shot.

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

Looking back at the parking structure.

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

As you enter the parking structure a sign tells you how many spaces are open on each floor.

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

Each space in the garage has a sensor indicating if it is occupied or available (see the overhead light that is green in this shot).

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

A three kings sign in Disney Springs

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

Since last year the World of Disney has been expanded and reorganized.

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

Displays seem more spread out now. This is the queue for one of the checkout areas.

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

A new entrance has also been added, this one features Dumbo and Chip & Dale.

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

Twenty Eight & Main has replaced the sports store in the Co-op.

Jason @ disneygeek.com image from Disney Springs

Hope you enjoyed this highlight tour of some of the changes I noticed at Diseny Springs since my last trip in 2014. For additional photos and details from this trip you can check out the full picture sets I posted on my site, http://disneygeek.com Also be sure to follow me on twitter @disneygeekcom for pictures from the parks.

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Jason is a guest contributor from disneygeek.com sharing pictures, thoughts and observations from his Disney travels with a west coast focus. He has been posting Disney-related content to his site since 1994. He has visited all 12 Disney theme parks over the years plus has had many other Disney adventures. He is a programmer by trade, and has helped with several projects here on AllEars.net over the years.

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