mouseketab.....Carol 1,261 Posted July 22, 2013 Report Share Posted July 22, 2013 I wandered the entire length of DTD yesterday. There is a construction wall running the entire length of the dearly departed Pleasure Island from next to the Old Mannequins all the way past the old Comedy warehouse, so those buildings are either going under the demolition ball or getting major renovations soon. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mouseketab.....Carol 1,261 Posted July 22, 2013 Report Share Posted July 22, 2013 There is also lots of digging and construction fences down near Cirque Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted July 22, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 22, 2013 Thanks for the update, Carol! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted September 29, 2013 Author Report Share Posted September 29, 2013 Next round of changes coming to Downtown Disney as part of the Disney Springs project... Fuego by Sosa Cigars - last day of operation will be Monday, 9/30. Construction walls will be going up that night. Guest restrooms nearby will be temporarily closed. Guests may visit the Sosa Family Cigars store on the West Side to purchase hand-rolled and imported cigars. Wetzel's Pretzels on the West Side will be closing in early October. They will reopen with 2 kiosks near DisneyQuest - one for Wetzel's Pretzels and one for Haagen Dazs. The current Wetzel's Pretzels West Side location will reopen net year as Starbucks. A Starbucks kiosk will also open near World of Disney in the Marketplace. The Pleasure Island Boat Dock will be close temporarily beginning October 14 due to work on the Pleasure Island bypass bridge. During this time, water transportation for Downtown Disney will only be available between the West Side and Marketplace docks. The Pleasure Island dock will reopen in early November. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted December 9, 2013 Author Report Share Posted December 9, 2013 :bump1: just in case folks have missed all the construction hubbub going on at Downtown Disney Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Specularius 102 Posted December 9, 2013 Report Share Posted December 9, 2013 Don't know how I missed this the first time around but my truck makes a four door long bed dually look like a match box car.....just saying. And I have parked at DTD in it several times. Takes two parking spaces to park. Getting out is the tricky part. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Timsmith7 36 Posted December 10, 2013 Report Share Posted December 10, 2013 Don't know how I missed this the first time around but my truck makes a four door long bed dually look like a match box car.....just saying. And I have parked at DTD in it several times. Takes two parking spaces to park. Getting out is the tricky part.What are you driving, a semi? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
h2odivers...Ray 952 Posted December 10, 2013 Report Share Posted December 10, 2013 Don't know how I missed this the first time around but my truck makes a four door long bed dually look like a match box car.....just saying. And I have parked at DTD in it several times. Takes two parking spaces to park. Getting out is the tricky part.Are you talking about the monster truck that you tow your 5er with and holds the golf cart also? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mouseketab.....Carol 1,261 Posted December 10, 2013 Report Share Posted December 10, 2013 What are you driving, a semi?Ummm, yeah he is :) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Specularius 102 Posted December 11, 2013 Report Share Posted December 11, 2013 Yeah, it is a little large. And this is what it looks like headed to the Fort. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Timsmith7 36 Posted December 11, 2013 Report Share Posted December 11, 2013 You ever drag the arse of the 5er? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Specularius 102 Posted December 11, 2013 Report Share Posted December 11, 2013 No I haven't. For some reason that picture makes it look worse than it actually is. The rear bumper of the fiver is still as high as a normal truck bumper. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted January 30, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 30, 2014 Update... Pleasure Island is currently undergoing work to become "The Landing" which will tentatively open Spring 2015. Raglan Road and Paradiso 37 will stay open. Temporarily closed are - the bridge to the West Side, top of the "hill" area and nearby restrooms. Guests will use the new Pleasure Island Walkway along the water to access the West Side. Parking lots H, I, J, and K are closed due to construction on the new West Garage. Entrance 3 is now pedestrians only and Ring road is closed between Entrances 3 and 4 due to the garage construction project. Starbucks will be opening a walkup location near World of Disney later this spring. A new Facilities Building is being constructd in Parking Lot O to house Engineering Services, Guest Show and Parking. Village Lake has been expanded into the Saratoga Pond area. A bridge from Saratoga Springs is being added later this year and a new sidewalk recently opened. House of Blues is expanding their patio area to add a walkup barbeque location. Construction of the new Starbucks on the West Side is underway. Wetzel's Pretzels will be opening a new kiosk new DisneyQuest soon. The service yard behind Once Upon a Toy is being expanded for future backstage needs. Walkways, planters and benched is the Keith's Park area are being remodeled in preparation for the future Marketplace Causeway bridge. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted April 23, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 23, 2014 From the Disney Food Blog... News: Patina Group Restaurant Opening in Disney World’s Downtown Disney SpringsApr 21st, 2014 by Kim.As Downtown Disney continues to transform into Disney Springs, we’ve learned of a new restaurant slated for this dining, shopping, and entertainment district in Walt Disney World. Disney Springs’ Town CenterPaperwork was filed in Orange County for a permit on two connected venues — the old 8Trax and Mannequin’s clubs on Pleasure Island. According to the permit, a new restaurant owned by the Patina Restaurant Group will take over this space. Plans include “two floors, a new dining area, kitchen [and] cast and guest restrooms.”This space is pretty large, so we’re wondering if there will be more than just a restaurant? Fingers crossed for more entertainment to come back to Pleasure Island!Based in Los Angeles, the Patina Restaurant Group already runs two restaurants at Walt Disney World — Via Napoli and Tutto Italia in Epcot’s Italy pavilion, plus Tutto Gusto! Via Napoli in EpcotThey also run the table-service Naples Restaurant and the counter-service Napolini in Disneyland Resort. Naples in Disneyland’s Downtown DisneyWe’ll continue to watch for further updates! Source: Orlando Business Journal http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2014/04/21/news-patina-group-restaurant-opening-in-disney-worlds-downtown-disney-springs/ Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted April 26, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 26, 2014 More from the Disney Food Blog. Full article with photos here...http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2014/04/25/news-more-popular-restaurants-possibly-coming-to-disney-springs-in-walt-disney-world/ News! More Popular Restaurants Possibly Coming to Disney Springs in Walt Disney WorldApr 25th, 2014 by Kim.As expected, we are hearing more news about Disney Springs in Walt Disney World! We recently shared the announcement of a Patina Group Restaurant taking over the 8Trax and Mannequins clubs as the Pleasure Island area of Downtown Disney is completely re-imagined. And now we’ve got even more info for ya. If the current plans remain unchanged, we can expect some impressive eateries when Disney Springs officially opens in 2016.Restaurants that are being considered include: Morimoto (based in New York and Philadelphia) featuring Japanese and sushi; STK (a steakhouse currently in New York, Miami,and Las Vegas); Los Angeles restaurant, The Edison; and The Boathouse. A Landry’s restaurant, The Boathouse, currently serves up seafood and steak dishes at its British Columbia locations. T-Rex Cafe, Yak and Yeti, and Rainforest Cafe are also owned by Landry’s. Morimoto, STK, and The Edison are upscale restaurants with award-winning accolades. The addition of these restaurants would help Disney Springs become an Orlando-based culinary destination for gourmands. What’s happening with the current restaurants? As reported earlier, Planet Hollywood will remain in its current location. However, it will be converted into a planetary observatory! Will the theme change from celebrities to celestial stars? We can’t wait to find out! If The Boathouse is constructed, it will occupy prime lagoon real estate next to Fulton’s Crab House. Fulton’s and Portobello, both Levy Restaurants, along with the nearby Paradiso 37 are expected to stay. Will we see any of these restaurants at Disney Springs? Cross your fingers. As of right now, STK is the closest to reaching an agreement with Disney. All plans are subject to change! Source: Scott Joseph’s Orlando Restaurant Guide Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted May 2, 2014 Author Report Share Posted May 2, 2014 From Orlando Attractions Magazine. Follow the link for photos/video...http://attractionsmagazine.com/downtown-disney-officially-change-disney-springs-early-next-year/ Downtown Disney Update: Complex to officially change to Disney Springs early next year You’re going to have to start getting used to calling Downtown Disney by a new name early next year. That’s when The Landings area of the remodeled complex will open, and when it will officially be known as Disney Springs. This multi-year transformation will double the retail and offer innovative new dining options. The shop continues to be open during construction. This summer at Downtown Disney: • Free outdoor entertainment will bring Downtown Disney to life, with nine different acts scheduled nightly – more than 30 live performances daily. • Two new Starbucks locations – a storefront at Downtown Disney West Side and a kiosk near World of Disney at Downtown Disney Marketplace. Look for the familiar green roof at the West Side flagship Starbucks, part of the company’s commitment to be environmentally conscious. The design includes a covered patio overlooking the waterfront and a fireplace, as well as the new Clover Bar, featuring special reserve coffees brewed to order. A high-tech screen behind the Clover Bar will show images from coffee regions around the globe, and a new Human Connection Wall will include large touch-screen monitors that allow guests to use their finger to draw images. • Marketplace Co-Op will serve as a testing space for new Disney retail concepts, shops and products with six boutiques under one roof:Beautifully Disney – A beauty destination for woman featuring make-up, fragrance and beauty accessories.Cherry Tree Lane – Accessories for the sophisticated woman with a passion for scarves, shoes, bags and jewelry.D-Tech on Demand – A place to personalize and customize your own electronic accessories.The Trophy Room – Vintage-inspired, lifestyle sports apparel and collectibles.Disney Centerpiece – Home products offering a splash of Disney in room furnishings, textiles and everyday ware.Zoey and Pickles – A girls’ destination with the latest trends. • Just in time for World Cup, United World of Soccer opens later this month at Downtown Disney West Side. The shop offers favorite team jerseys, sports gear, cleats, World Cup apparel and accessories. • The Happy Hound at Downtown Disney Marketplace offers custom accessories and dog tags, toys and more for four-legged friends. • Food Truck Park, opening later this summer, will serve as a permanent home to the four Disney Food Trucks and will be situated between Bongos Cuban Café and the new Starbucks at Downtown Disney West Side. What’s Next?: When completed in 2016, Disney Springs will double the shopping, dining and entertainment experiences, with an eclectic and contemporary mix from Disney and other noteworthy brands. Drawing inspiration from Florida’s waterfront towns and natural beauty, Disney Springs will include four interconnected neighborhoods:The Landing (opening in early 2015) is set along the waterfront and will feature nationally known restaurateurs. Marketplace will continue to delight guests of all ages by combining new experiences, such as an over-the-water pedestrian causeway, along with classic Disney favorites, including an expanded World of Disney store. West Side will be enhanced with a series of new elevated spaces that provide both shade and an overlook to the activity below.The Town Center, opening in 2016, will have a sophisticated mix of shopping and more dining. The first phase of roadwork construction has begun, with lane closures scheduled as much as possible for off-peak hours to minimize impacts to the guest experience. Buena Vista Drive will expand from seven to 10 lanes, with a dedicated bus lane. Two parking garages and two pedestrian bridges also will be added, as well as an I-4 Interchange that will offer direct access to and from Downtown Disney/Disney Springs. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted June 9, 2014 Author Report Share Posted June 9, 2014 Orlando Attractions Magazine has posted a bunch of photos taken from the Characters in Flight balloon of the Disney Springs project...http://attractionsmagazine.com/disney-springs-update-seen-characters-flight/ A few excerpts... New buildings and features in the transformation of Downtown Disney to Disney Springs are rapidly taking form. Let’s take a ride on the Characters in Flight balloon and see what’s behind the construction fences. This area used to be the north end of Pleasure Island. Our construction tour continues to what was the hill of Pleasure Island. A park for food trucks is being built in this area. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Discamper 394 Posted June 9, 2014 Report Share Posted June 9, 2014 Looking good Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Lou... 3,118 Posted July 10, 2014 Report Share Posted July 10, 2014 The next phase of roadwork at DTD will begin July 14th.All this leads up to BVD being widened to 10 lanes with two dedicated bus lanes and the addition of 2 pedestrian bridges.In addition: Medians will be paved.Concrete barriers will be added to shift lanes to one side.Buena Vista Drive will be reduced from three lanes to two lanes going both directions along portions of the road from Bonnet Creek Parkway to Hotel Plaza Boulevard.Access to Downtown Disney by vehicle will be shifted to entrance 2 across from the Hess Station and Entrance 5 across from Typhoon Lagoon.The SunTrust building intersection will be changed to right-turn-in/right-turn-out only for cars.The sidewalk directly in front of the new parking garage (across the street from Team Disney) will close permanently.A small section of sidewalk across the street from the Hess Station and Casting Building that connects to the back of existing Cast Services Building will close permanently.The sidewalk between the main Team Disney entrance and the Team Disney back entrance along Buena Vista Drive will be closed permanently.Speed limit along Buena Vista Drive is now 35 mph. BradyBzLyn...Mo 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted July 10, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 10, 2014 3 words... take. the. bus. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Lou... 3,118 Posted July 10, 2014 Report Share Posted July 10, 2014 3 words... take. the. bus. Good advice if you don't know your way around DTD that well. But even the bus situation is kind of a mess. The PI bus stops are closed so all buses only stop at the MP, so it can be very crowded. And when they switch drivers, it has to be done there instead of at PI. But if you do know the ins and outs at DTD, or you're a local and can't take the bus, it's still manageable.It's where we go to see movies and we don't have a problem finding parking or getting in and out. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Memphis 105 Posted July 10, 2014 Report Share Posted July 10, 2014 3 words... take. the. bus. 3 better words DO NOT GO Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DaveInTN 3,247 Posted July 10, 2014 Report Share Posted July 10, 2014 The bus to DTD from the Yacht Club is a nightmare. That much I learned. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Lou... 3,118 Posted July 10, 2014 Report Share Posted July 10, 2014 3 better words DO NOT GO Go, you'll be fine. Just don't try to park near the MP. The bus to DTD from the Yacht Club is a nightmare. Not sure why it was a nightmare.The YC is the middle stop of 5, both coming and going, so it's not that bad.A few other resorts have as many stops, or even more, so maybe you're just not accustomed to making multiple stops. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DaveInTN 3,247 Posted July 10, 2014 Report Share Posted July 10, 2014 Go, you'll be fine. Just don't try to park near the MP. Not sure why it was a nightmare.The YC is the middle stop of 5, both coming and going, so it's not that bad.A few other resorts have as many stops, or even more, so maybe you're just not accustomed to making multiple stops. I have no problem with multiple stops. But the bus was so crammed that the driver couldn't even pick up anyone at the last two stops. We were standing so close I can only conclude that the woman behind me was a TSA agent. I felt like I should buy her dinner afterwards. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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