Seeking for ways to keep vacationers on Walt Disney World property longer and entice them with offerings to prevent them from leaving for entertainment beyond Disney's borders, Pleasure Island opened on May 1, 1989. "The Village" evolved into what was then known as the Disney Village Marketplace.
On June 20, 1995, major enhancements and expansions were announced for the area, with the Disney Village Marketplace and Pleasure Island being combined into a newly branded district named Downtown Disney. On September 15, 1997, Downtown Disney West Side opened as a third shopping, dining, and entertainment area featuring more eclectic venues such as La Nouba, part of Cirque du Soleil, Disney Quest, and Tower Records. Major changes to the complex also included the conversion of Mickey's Character Shop into the World of Disney, becoming the world's largest Disney store, in addition to the expansion and upgrade of the AMC Pleasure Island Theatres.
Downtown Disney was rebranded once again in 2013 as Disney Springs, a revitalized dining-retail-entertainment district inspired by Florida's waterfront towns. The Town Center is orientated around a series of bubbling natural springs that first attracted settlers to the area. From there, the town grew to encompass three additional neighborhoods: The Landing, Marketplace, and Westside, each with its own distinct charm and atmosphere. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2016 with more than 150 shopping, dining, and entertainment venues.
Disney Springs continues to evolve as the market changes. An important enhancement took place in 2015 with the construction of The Marketplace Causeway, a walkway spanning the Village Lake and connecting Rainforest Cafe with the LEGO Imagination Center.
Disney Springs requires no admission fee. Water taxis operated by Disney Transport provide free transportation to and from Downtown Disney to Walt Disney World resort guests. It is ideally located near many hotels, restaurants, and shopping venues, and can be considered a destination in itself. It is an excellent place to unwind after a busy day at the parks, see a movie, or hang out and enjoy the great Florida weather on a warm breezy summer night.
There are many choices for hotel accommodations including the Official Hotels of Walt Disney World, many just off Interstate 4, and many more in the Crossroads area.
