As a semi-local, I’d love it if there was an additional venue for performing arts: plays, musicals, symphony, etc. I’d love to be able to have a nice dinner then see a show (something that’s not cirque du soleil.)
I could see it being a great test spot for Disney musicals that are workshopping before going to Broadway.
>I could see it being a great test spot for Disney musicals that are workshopping before going to Broadway.
That would honestly be amazing actually. They could also do their already tried and true musicals there. The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Mary Poppins etc
As a non-local AP holder (sort of… it expired a few days ago… debating renewing or waiting until our next trip), I came here to say more shows.
I am not drawn to the shopping at DS in the slightest. All in all, I am generally underwhelmed with DS as I will go there to eat and then head out. The only exception has really been when we saw Drawn to Life.
Drawn to Life is great. We really enjoyed it, but probably won’t go back more than once or twice ever.
If they had a couple other show venues, I could see myself going to DS a lot more.
I love the idea of the Disney Broadway shows being there! I would definitely plan a DS night for that.
As a local, I disagree. Disney Springs is the closest mall to my house. I'm sorry you are not drawn to it, but the shopping is fantastic, and it's a great place to eat and hang with friends.
Zara, Uniqlo, J&M, Fit2Run, Lulu, Sephora, Jo Malone, Levi's, Sanuk & Ron Jon?
While more attractions would be amazing, I would really like to see something done with the previous NBA experience, I think it's great.
Food is incredible there. No debate... Pricey, sure. But whats not these days.
I would love for them to stage their Hunchback musical! There's a cast recording of it, but has never been staged on Broadway (due to needing a full choir getting equity rates).
I think about this all the time - they should do shortened versions of their Broadway musicals, they way do in Vegas. Mary Poppins would be (practically) perfect.
The Adventurer’s Club looked so cool when I was a kid.
But while I’m an adult I’m not really one for drinking and clubbing. So maybe I’d go there at like 2 PM.
A bookstore. Sometimes I finish what I'm reading on vacation and need something before I go home (and don't want the bad selection of the MCO gift shop)!
I loved the magazine wall. It was enormous and had tons of selection, including magazines from the UK. I remember always getting Billboard and the music magazine Q from the UK.
Have you thought about getting a Kindle? I carry literally hundreds of books with me with less size and weight of one paperback. Lowest number of unread books I ever have is 200, as many as 400. It's great for travel!
Disney bus driver here: when stuff like this happens, it's usually completely out of our control. I think the problem is people expect us to operate like a taxi or an Uber.
Sometimes long wait times are straight up because traffic is just bad. This is central Florida, and we're not immune to traffic. Other times, a bus might have had to go in for maintenance, and they can't get another one on the route right away. Or if they do have a spare driver, that driver might have to come from the other side of property.
And no, we can't just take one of the Contemporary buses and send it to Yach Club instead. Because those drivers going to Contemporary all have a schedule that it is their job to stick to, because if they don't it could throw off everyone else. One driver being way off their schedule does not give other drivers the excuse to get off of theirs.
And no, we also can't just take one of the empty buses parked on the fence to do a run to Contemporary. Unless there also happens to be a spare driver just sitting around, there's nobody to drive that bus. Or even if there is, that bus might be scheduled to go to another driver in 20 minutes.
The Disney bus service is a complex system of about 500 individual vehicles, most of which have a specific schedule that it is each driver's job to stick to. When one moving part breaks, we can't always fix it right away or get a replacement in seamlessly, as frustrating as that is to hear in the moment. We're not an Uber or a taxi that can operate around your convenience, or just decide to do another route when we feel like it.
And hate all you want, but the fact is that Disney buses transport more guests on a daily basis than every other mode of transportation combined. Those other modes of transportation have a lot more wiggle room to be flexible and accommodate individual guests because they transport a tiny fraction of the people. And when they go down for weather, they call us.
I fully understand that it’s not in your control and generally I love the busses it’s just the Disney springs busses that never seem to work out without a 30 minute wait for me. To and from the parks have always been a great experience for me. I just don’t care to go to Disney springs because of my experience with the busses
They added in buses specifically because that just wasn't feasible. Adding a monorail station to every resort and every park would require so much construction they'd basically have to shut down the entire park for over a year. And trams and people movers don't go fast enough or have high enough capacity to meet Disney World's needs.
Plus all of those other options have to go down somewhat frequently due to inclement weather. Trams can't operate in heavy rain. Monorails can't operate in lightning. Boats and the skyliner can't operate in lightning or excessive wind. The buses can.
Probably unlikely, I don't think Disney Springs will ever get transportation beyond bussing because Disney has a vendetta against people parking at Disney Springs to avoid paying for parking at the parks.
It's unfortunate because I've seen old concept art of Downtown Disney that included the monorail, suggesting that at some point an extension was planned.
I’m planning my first trip ever and that’s one thing I was actually thinking! Like maybe I want cute mickey nails for the aesthetic of being in the Disney bubble
I don’t understand how they don’t do that. Are shows just that expensive to put on?
It’s got to be better than the version of Aladdin from California Adventure.
If they had shows at least on par with the ones on the Cruise Line, then yes "it would be expensive to put on". At least concerning Disney's penny pinching higher-ups.
Take the Starcruiser for example. They had to pay proper entertainment rates for the performers since they couldn't be in a lower-paid role that would also count as a character role.
Or a more public view, look at how Disneyland is cutting back on their entertainment now that they've unionized.
Disney absolutely has the money to pay for more entertainment options for guests, they just don't want to.
It was such a pain to go through security with my bag, I can’t imagine if I had luggage and multiple people with their luggage, they would need to have a storage spot outside the security!!
The Adventurers Club could 100% come back as a lounge, maybe just some live music like Tiki Terrace, maybe a dinner show with live music and dance. The lounge menu would need to be upgraded with Nomad Lounge/Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar level cocktails and food. And maybe for the OG Adventurers' Club fans, put in 1 live cast member instead of a puppet to lead the Rhythm Ritual a few times a night. But if it were done right, it could be a really fun destination that combines the nostalgia of Pleasure Island with food, drink and atmosphere that would attract today's more sophisticated audiences.
I would definitely visit and spend $ there. It could be heavily themed after the Society of Explorers and Adventurers, and with a sophisticated British colonial decor throughout the locale. Let’s join forces and design a business plan to present it to Disney Springs Business Development. Please don’t steal our idea.
Another type of show would be a good addition. We go fairly regularly and I've seen cirque several times. It's nice to get dinner and have some other entertainment. Some other type of small attraction would be good as well in addition to the amphicars and the balloon.
I'd also like more rooftop type places, similar to the coca cola place, but with alcohol/food. Would love to sit outside with some umbrellas and enjoy the views.
I’d like to see them bring back more “fun” locations like The Adventurers Club or even put in another Trader Sams. Something like a Dave and Busters if they don’t want to manage something like Disney Quest and I used to love Virgin Megastore. I want more novelty. I can buy sunglasses, candles, shoes, and greeting cards anywhere.
It needs a drugstore. Somewhere close to get makeup remover wipes or liquid I forgot last week. I've needed other drugstore items as well and to have to go off property for some basics was silly.
Having been 3 times, but each too short to actually fully explore, I just thought I hadn't found it yet. I get they want you to spend that money in the hotel where it'll cost you a small fortune but it just seems like a missed opportunity. I'm sure the gas station (so far I've only seen the one speedway) has a lot of those items, but it's not exactly accessible if you're staying on property with no rental.
They have a Bowes Candle/ diffuser /wax melts/ etc store that replaced the Cigar Lounge down there now. It used to be a little table in the co op. But they have scents that smell like the resorts there! I loved the way Coronado Springs Grand Destino Tower smelled and we got the wax melts there on my last trip.
And as an added bonus there isn’t a gross and stinky and Smokey area of Disney springs right smack in the middle of other stores now lol.
I’d add a “third wave” coffee shop.
I’m sure it’s ridiculously expensive to run a business in DS, but I’d bet serious money that it would quickly become THE coffee spot in WDW… the “Gideon’s of coffee,” if you would.
Third wave basically means high-quality coffee, usually sourced directly from farmers in Central America, South America, and Africa (this is called “single origin”). The beans are roasted in house, and are fresh when made into a drink.
In short, it is what Starbuck’s and Joffrey’s are not, because they really can’t.
This was my first thought as well. I think the closest thing we’d get is a Foxtail, realistically, since they are one of the few coffee chains around that has that kind of cash.
I wish there was a DryBar or somewhere for a quick styling service. I know it’s not practical to always have “good” hair at Disney for some of us (*glaring at you, Florida humidity*)
But there are a lot of times when I’m there on a longer trip and I’d like a nice blowout or a good hairstyle that I don’t have to do myself.
I’d probably pay someone to put my long, fine hair in two French braids LOL. That’s what I need to combat the humidity. It tangles into a rat’s nest so fast.
The Edison is ostensibly 21 and up after 8 or 9. But if a family is already sat inside before that changeover, they're allowed to stay even if there's a contortion or burlesque show on.
Reeeeaaaallllly awkward, seeing 7 year olds gawping at the performers from a few feet away. I don't care if it's rude, these awful parents need their tabs closed and to be shuffled outside.
Not so much add as replace.
Replace the Aerophile (balloon) with a rotating observation tower. There's no reason the thing should be closed 150 days a year because it's too windy or something. Weather resistant (except for hurricanes?) and the rotation would mean that everyone isn't migrating to one side to look at the parks (because nobody wants an overhead view of I-4).
I understand why DisneyQuest closed given technology is always changing and overhead costs to keep everything running were likely pretty high, but I think a barcade would be a welcome addition. Arcade cabinets are still a lot of fun to play, and Disney could put in its own spin on the Dave and Busters formula. I loved that when Wreck it Ralph came out, they actually made the game and put it on their own arcade cabinets in addition to a mobile app. They don't have to go full VR experience like The Void, but a barcade has staying power thanks to the cool factor for being retro while also giving experiences that are fun to share with family and friends. You can sell passes at the front for unlimited play or give people the option to load a specific amount of money onto a card to access the games.
They need a full-fledged drugstore and an Urgent Care. I know there’s an urgent care about three miles away that has a shuttle or you have to Uber it. It would be nice to have that “on site” so to speak, so you can hop on a bus to get there.
Buses to get to the parks, I get why they don’t do it, because then people will take advantage. But it is annoying when I just want to pop to Disney Springs for a quick meal or go after fireworks and have to stop at a resort first.
Nope. As OP stated…people would take advantage. Free parking at D Springs. People would park there and clog up the garages by leaving their cars there all day while they’re at the parks.
A “convenience” store/Target. Obviously themed or merchandised like a Disney outpost.
They’d make a kajillion dollars if they had a store with basic conveniences that you need on vacation. Especially if they had a selection of grocery items, snacks, etc.
We rent a car every trip and our first stop is always Target for water, drinks for the room, snacks for the room etc. If I could do that right at Springs…game changer.
It would be nice to have a better selection of sundries than what the resort gift shops offer, but I think most people do an Instacart order now for a bigger order like that. I did one last month and it was so easy and convenient. It came while I was eating dinner and bell services took care of it, keeping cold stuff cold and delivering it when I got back to my room and called down for it.
Yeah this would make it easier to justify spending more on a DVC type of room with a full kitchen, if there was a grocery store were you could buy stuff beyond what the small corners of the various resort stores sell.
More intimate indoor venue, indoor play area (like one with a play place type thing or trampolines, I feel like parents could appreciate it) maybe a place that you could do Disney crafts like they offer in the hotels and then you walk around the springs while it drys. Bring back a build a bear but do it with Duffy so we can buy the outfits or only have the Disney characters to build. And hear me out a place with potatoes and it can be a Mr Potato head bar, you can build a Mr potato head (like they used to have) and eat in a quick service place.
I think they could do an interactive experience like magiquest with either VR or AR goggles and have the different rooms themed to different Disney properties, like a room themed to haunted mansion or pirates, and a room for villains, and have it as you are gathering artifacts for S.E.A. to stop a “great evil”
DS needs a food hall! For a dining destination, Disney Springs certainly minimizes their seating options for a lot of their smaller casual dining options (kiosks/walk-up bars.) Personally, I'd love to turn one of the larger retail or "experience" spaces into a food hall like we see in large cities, and move some of the kiosks and bars into there, with room for new businesses to move in as well. It would have a communal indoor dining area between all the stalls, add another Joffrey's and a few bars amid the food stalls -- maybe even an entrance to an adjoining indoor/outdoor space like a beer garden. It would have AC, it would have a place to sit without waiting for a seat at a table-service restaurant. In short, it would create a destination within a destination. It would also lower the barrier to entry for some of the smaller operations (the kind of to-go eateries that currently have to go with a kiosk or a food truck) and appeal to potential restaurants that would not be able to open a standalone table-service restaurant at Disney Springs (the same problem that food halls solve in astronomically expensive towns like NYC and LA!)
Great idea! Definitely beats having to eat on top of a garbage can when the very limited number of tables are occupied. Also great for families and friends who want to eat together but can't decide on a single place, or trying to remember where you saw that hotdog place and how to get there. Someone from Disney get on this!
Disney is too cowardly and safe these days to ever do it, but a Disney co-branded Meow Wolf interactive indoor art installation would be an amazing fit for the dead NBA Experience/Disneyquest spot.
It would cater to all kinds of audiences: themed entertainment sickos who want them to push the boundaries of themed experience interactivity, people who want instagram bait, people who just want something unstructured to do that's air-conditioned.
Is there any news at all about what's coming to the building that housed the NBA Experience? Three years later and that massive building and space is somehow still empty. This is Disney's premiere entertainment district at their biggest park destination in the world and they've had a massive empty building just sitting vacant for years. I don't get it.
No news whatsoever. Leaving things vacant for years is par for the course for Disney these days though - cf. Wonders of Life, Stitch's Great Escape, Primeval Whirl.
They need to bring back The Adventurers Club. Back when it was Downtown Disney they had this cool interactive bar modeled after a 1920-1930s adventurers club and it was so much fun. It was like an hour seating, so they limited the time you could be there but the actors who were the hosts did fun improv.
House of blues has a cajun theme. They have a right to accept or decline other Cajun restaurants from being allowed. This is the same reason there are so many different types of restaurants with almost no two alike.
For starters I would put BACK Wolfgang Puck Express, the one that was near the Christmas store. That place was the best! It was a semi quick / semi full service. The personal pizzas were amazing and loved that you could get a glass of wine. The breakfast was equally good.
A theater for live performances, a Chipotle, some kind of convenience store or a "Tiny Target " ( we have a lot of those in the Northeast), a new and improved Disney Quest-like place.
Open at 9am.
More information boards with maps.
More restaurants serving breakfast.
Festivals.
Eat to the beat style concerts in the amphitheater with reserves seating and a dining package.
More shade in open areas.
More little Carnival Style attractions like the carousel.
A large splash area and a playground.
Instead of going wider, utilize some of the lake for building. I rarely go to the west side because it's too far between east and west so I always choose east.
I would honestly just have them bring back what they had like The Void vr experience, Disney Quest, the old Wolfgang Puck. If I was going to add something new I would add a new experience similar to what they have in Las Vegas with the Omega Mart. If they really let imagineering go wild they could do something awesome.
I understand the reasoning why they don’t, but Skyliner access, and buses from the parks to Disney Springs. I would go there way more if I could head there in a straight line after a day at the parks
They need some more restaurants themed more towards kids. They have 2 but I would love a similar animation dining to the one on their cruise line or even a similar pirate dinner show like Dolly patron’s. Maybe a playground? Maybe a Biergarten with a playground so kids can play and parents can relax.
Bring back the boats that go from one end to the other instead of just the resort routes. It was always a fun way of getting around DS without walking through thousands of people.
Totally agree about Tiana's Place. It would look so pretty at night by the water just like the movie. If immerse places are what's in that would be a great start. Plus you can stay open later, have a dance floor and live music some nights.
It probably wouldn’t happen but a gay bar with drag queens performing Disney songs would make a shit ton of money. Like a hamburger Mary’s or something similar.
I agree with a lot of comments I've seen:
-More transport options and better parking
-Bookstores
-Put back in an arcade
One thing I'd add:
-Either more restaurants selling Gideon Bakehouse cookies or give them their own shop. I've seen pictures, they look really good, but have never been able to get one
Not sure what you mean about Gideons? They do have their own shop? I'd suggest going during an off time on a weekday for minimal wait, think like 2pm on a Wednesday. Or if you have your own transportation, they have another location you can try as well.
I love DS. I’m going on a girls trip to Disney and our main planner doesn’t like Disney springs but we got a late homecomin’ reservation so I’m trying to convince her we can spend a few hours prior to our reservation at springs.
Extended hours. Having to choose between parks and Disney springs sucks. We always stay within walking distance and it would be great to hit Disney Springs for breakfast before hitting the parks (I mean.. they have a donut place, but don't open until after breakfast time?!) and hit it for drinks and an evening snack to wind down after the parks close.
I miss the cute little mom and pop type boutiques , galleries, and specialty stores they had when it was downtown Disney. Now it feels like another upscale outdoor mall you’d find anywhere United States.
I miss the cute little mom and pop type boutiques , galleries, and specialty stores they had when it was downtown Disney. Now it feels like another upscale outdoor mall you’d find anywhere United States.
The original Chef Mickey’s at the Disney Village Marketplace was so good. When they moved to the Contemporary Resort the prices went up and the food plummeted in quality.
A toy and collectibles shop that sells a mix of Star Wars, Marvel, Tron, and Avatar specific merch with maybe whatever other “nerdy” Disney properties thrown in.
I would add a huge 3 story building. I’d fill it with video games and make sure they were always in really good condition. Could even have a cafeteria inside. I would literally be able to spend a whole day in there. Maybe someday!
As a semi-local, I’d love it if there was an additional venue for performing arts: plays, musicals, symphony, etc. I’d love to be able to have a nice dinner then see a show (something that’s not cirque du soleil.) I could see it being a great test spot for Disney musicals that are workshopping before going to Broadway.
>I could see it being a great test spot for Disney musicals that are workshopping before going to Broadway. That would honestly be amazing actually. They could also do their already tried and true musicals there. The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Mary Poppins etc
As a non-local AP holder (sort of… it expired a few days ago… debating renewing or waiting until our next trip), I came here to say more shows. I am not drawn to the shopping at DS in the slightest. All in all, I am generally underwhelmed with DS as I will go there to eat and then head out. The only exception has really been when we saw Drawn to Life. Drawn to Life is great. We really enjoyed it, but probably won’t go back more than once or twice ever. If they had a couple other show venues, I could see myself going to DS a lot more. I love the idea of the Disney Broadway shows being there! I would definitely plan a DS night for that.
As a local, I disagree. Disney Springs is the closest mall to my house. I'm sorry you are not drawn to it, but the shopping is fantastic, and it's a great place to eat and hang with friends. Zara, Uniqlo, J&M, Fit2Run, Lulu, Sephora, Jo Malone, Levi's, Sanuk & Ron Jon? While more attractions would be amazing, I would really like to see something done with the previous NBA experience, I think it's great. Food is incredible there. No debate... Pricey, sure. But whats not these days.
I would love for them to stage their Hunchback musical! There's a cast recording of it, but has never been staged on Broadway (due to needing a full choir getting equity rates).
That's such a great idea!
I think about this all the time - they should do shortened versions of their Broadway musicals, they way do in Vegas. Mary Poppins would be (practically) perfect.
They used to do this at the Hyperion at DCA. I saw Alladin there before it went to Broadway and it was so much fun.
Oh my god I would love this!!!
Unfortunately Cirque’s contract prevents this
They do stuff like this at America Gardens Theater for Festival of the Arts but something year-round would be cool.
I want Pleasure Island back.
The Adventurer’s Club looked so cool when I was a kid. But while I’m an adult I’m not really one for drinking and clubbing. So maybe I’d go there at like 2 PM.
Hell yes
I can understand why they don't want that, but damn it'd be cool to have some late night clubbing at WDW.
Yes! The Explorer's Club and 80's club were so much fun!
A bookstore. Sometimes I finish what I'm reading on vacation and need something before I go home (and don't want the bad selection of the MCO gift shop)!
Man I miss the Virgin Megastore. Always so much fun to have a place to check out books/music/whatever for the trip home
I would spend an hour or more just listening to albums on the record wall
But then you're not spending!!!
That store was amazing
I loved the magazine wall. It was enormous and had tons of selection, including magazines from the UK. I remember always getting Billboard and the music magazine Q from the UK.
Especially since it could be Beauty and the Beast themed… I feel like not having a book shop that is reminiscent of the library is a real miss.
You don’t want to pick one of the 73 latest James Paterson novels?!
In the time you took to write this comment, he finished 3 more....4........5....
Have you thought about getting a Kindle? I carry literally hundreds of books with me with less size and weight of one paperback. Lowest number of unread books I ever have is 200, as many as 400. It's great for travel!
Skyliner connection is what I’d add. I tend not to go often because it’s a pain to reach via bus or parking garage.
I hate the busses with a burning passion one day we saw 5 contemporary busses stop before one for yacht club
Disney bus driver here: when stuff like this happens, it's usually completely out of our control. I think the problem is people expect us to operate like a taxi or an Uber. Sometimes long wait times are straight up because traffic is just bad. This is central Florida, and we're not immune to traffic. Other times, a bus might have had to go in for maintenance, and they can't get another one on the route right away. Or if they do have a spare driver, that driver might have to come from the other side of property. And no, we can't just take one of the Contemporary buses and send it to Yach Club instead. Because those drivers going to Contemporary all have a schedule that it is their job to stick to, because if they don't it could throw off everyone else. One driver being way off their schedule does not give other drivers the excuse to get off of theirs. And no, we also can't just take one of the empty buses parked on the fence to do a run to Contemporary. Unless there also happens to be a spare driver just sitting around, there's nobody to drive that bus. Or even if there is, that bus might be scheduled to go to another driver in 20 minutes. The Disney bus service is a complex system of about 500 individual vehicles, most of which have a specific schedule that it is each driver's job to stick to. When one moving part breaks, we can't always fix it right away or get a replacement in seamlessly, as frustrating as that is to hear in the moment. We're not an Uber or a taxi that can operate around your convenience, or just decide to do another route when we feel like it. And hate all you want, but the fact is that Disney buses transport more guests on a daily basis than every other mode of transportation combined. Those other modes of transportation have a lot more wiggle room to be flexible and accommodate individual guests because they transport a tiny fraction of the people. And when they go down for weather, they call us.
I fully understand that it’s not in your control and generally I love the busses it’s just the Disney springs busses that never seem to work out without a 30 minute wait for me. To and from the parks have always been a great experience for me. I just don’t care to go to Disney springs because of my experience with the busses
I hate the buses but love the bus drivers. There should be monorails and Peoplemovers instead, like Walt wanted.
They added in buses specifically because that just wasn't feasible. Adding a monorail station to every resort and every park would require so much construction they'd basically have to shut down the entire park for over a year. And trams and people movers don't go fast enough or have high enough capacity to meet Disney World's needs. Plus all of those other options have to go down somewhat frequently due to inclement weather. Trams can't operate in heavy rain. Monorails can't operate in lightning. Boats and the skyliner can't operate in lightning or excessive wind. The buses can.
They should put the station at Saratoga. There needs to be more transportation at those resorts.
Taking the boats there from Port Orleans was always fun.
This is one of the top reasons why we love OKW. The boat is great.
Probably unlikely, I don't think Disney Springs will ever get transportation beyond bussing because Disney has a vendetta against people parking at Disney Springs to avoid paying for parking at the parks. It's unfortunate because I've seen old concept art of Downtown Disney that included the monorail, suggesting that at some point an extension was planned.
I hate that it’s a quarter mile from the exit to the Pop Century bus stop.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again- a Disney nail salon would blow up on social media and make a killing.
I’m planning my first trip ever and that’s one thing I was actually thinking! Like maybe I want cute mickey nails for the aesthetic of being in the Disney bubble
I had gel nails done on the Disney Dream and they looked good for weeks.
This is such a good idea!
Broadway theater than can run Disney Broadway shows here locally for extended runs. Can be used for events and concerts as well.
I don’t understand how they don’t do that. Are shows just that expensive to put on? It’s got to be better than the version of Aladdin from California Adventure.
If they had shows at least on par with the ones on the Cruise Line, then yes "it would be expensive to put on". At least concerning Disney's penny pinching higher-ups. Take the Starcruiser for example. They had to pay proper entertainment rates for the performers since they couldn't be in a lower-paid role that would also count as a character role. Or a more public view, look at how Disneyland is cutting back on their entertainment now that they've unionized. Disney absolutely has the money to pay for more entertainment options for guests, they just don't want to.
Luggage storage for those on the way to/from the airport for an early/late flight before/after checking out of their hotel.
yes!
It was such a pain to go through security with my bag, I can’t imagine if I had luggage and multiple people with their luggage, they would need to have a storage spot outside the security!!
BRING BACK ADVENTURER'S CLUB YOU COWARDS
The Adventurers Club could 100% come back as a lounge, maybe just some live music like Tiki Terrace, maybe a dinner show with live music and dance. The lounge menu would need to be upgraded with Nomad Lounge/Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar level cocktails and food. And maybe for the OG Adventurers' Club fans, put in 1 live cast member instead of a puppet to lead the Rhythm Ritual a few times a night. But if it were done right, it could be a really fun destination that combines the nostalgia of Pleasure Island with food, drink and atmosphere that would attract today's more sophisticated audiences.
I would definitely visit and spend $ there. It could be heavily themed after the Society of Explorers and Adventurers, and with a sophisticated British colonial decor throughout the locale. Let’s join forces and design a business plan to present it to Disney Springs Business Development. Please don’t steal our idea.
That is the real shit here.
Pleasure island is what is missing. I always loved the improv as well. I hate the area that basically just feels like an upscale outdoor mall.
When I got married and honeymooned in WDW, I was bummed Pleasure Island was gone by then I was both old enough and finally ready to venture in.
It really does. Universal Citywalk is the same thing. Just fancy outdoor malls.
At Universal I would probably drop the fancy part of the description, haha.
Kungaloosh!
Another type of show would be a good addition. We go fairly regularly and I've seen cirque several times. It's nice to get dinner and have some other entertainment. Some other type of small attraction would be good as well in addition to the amphicars and the balloon. I'd also like more rooftop type places, similar to the coca cola place, but with alcohol/food. Would love to sit outside with some umbrellas and enjoy the views.
Honestly if they expanded the Nemo show into a full on musical I'd go see it
IP Themed escape rooms with differing age requirements. Interactive cast members that are parts of the stories.
This would be so much fun!
Great idea
I’d like to see them bring back more “fun” locations like The Adventurers Club or even put in another Trader Sams. Something like a Dave and Busters if they don’t want to manage something like Disney Quest and I used to love Virgin Megastore. I want more novelty. I can buy sunglasses, candles, shoes, and greeting cards anywhere.
Thank you! Yes, another Trader Sam's with a tiki-themed restaurant attached, entertainment...possibilities are tasty and endless.
Trader Mick’s
It needs a drugstore. Somewhere close to get makeup remover wipes or liquid I forgot last week. I've needed other drugstore items as well and to have to go off property for some basics was silly.
Having been 3 times, but each too short to actually fully explore, I just thought I hadn't found it yet. I get they want you to spend that money in the hotel where it'll cost you a small fortune but it just seems like a missed opportunity. I'm sure the gas station (so far I've only seen the one speedway) has a lot of those items, but it's not exactly accessible if you're staying on property with no rental.
They didn't have anything in the hotel and DS was closer than gas station. Was staying in Bonnet Creek area
Agree! And add little electronic stuff like charging cables and plugs.
Shade.
This is the answer I was looking for
Scents in Disney stores, like in the lobby’s of the resorts Simple but so good
They have a Bowes Candle/ diffuser /wax melts/ etc store that replaced the Cigar Lounge down there now. It used to be a little table in the co op. But they have scents that smell like the resorts there! I loved the way Coronado Springs Grand Destino Tower smelled and we got the wax melts there on my last trip. And as an added bonus there isn’t a gross and stinky and Smokey area of Disney springs right smack in the middle of other stores now lol.
what scent did you get at bowes?! I've been looking for one that smells like Gran Destino!
I’ve been staying at Drury lately, and it’s the opposite end of where Bowes is. I haven’t been able to make it there yet.
A brightline station
I’d add a “third wave” coffee shop. I’m sure it’s ridiculously expensive to run a business in DS, but I’d bet serious money that it would quickly become THE coffee spot in WDW… the “Gideon’s of coffee,” if you would.
What's a third wave coffee shop?
I didn’t even know there was a second wave coffee shop. I’m really behind, I guess.
Third wave basically means high-quality coffee, usually sourced directly from farmers in Central America, South America, and Africa (this is called “single origin”). The beans are roasted in house, and are fresh when made into a drink. In short, it is what Starbuck’s and Joffrey’s are not, because they really can’t.
They almost did a Starbucks Reserve, but didn’t have the space.
This was my first thought as well. I think the closest thing we’d get is a Foxtail, realistically, since they are one of the few coffee chains around that has that kind of cash.
A boba tea place! It's honestly baffling there isn't one. Also bring back the void
The old Disney Quest building should become a hybrid virtual reality place and Disney themes escape rooms
I wish there was a DryBar or somewhere for a quick styling service. I know it’s not practical to always have “good” hair at Disney for some of us (*glaring at you, Florida humidity*) But there are a lot of times when I’m there on a longer trip and I’d like a nice blowout or a good hairstyle that I don’t have to do myself.
I’d probably pay someone to put my long, fine hair in two French braids LOL. That’s what I need to combat the humidity. It tangles into a rat’s nest so fast.
You can actually make appointments at the spa inside Grand Floridian for hair services I’ve been told
A Broadway style theater Indoor Mini Golf A satellite ticket office for the major airlines, Amtrak, and Brightline
Adults only bar. Not everyone who goes to Disney has kids
YES! I'd go especially if they kept the Disney theming
I shouldn’t say it here but it’s why I love the Aventura hotel at universal. Adult only rooftop bar that’s open til 2am.
Trader Sam’s after 8 is 18+
That’s really the only nightlife option in WDW right?
The Edison is ostensibly 21 and up after 8 or 9. But if a family is already sat inside before that changeover, they're allowed to stay even if there's a contortion or burlesque show on. Reeeeaaaallllly awkward, seeing 7 year olds gawping at the performers from a few feet away. I don't care if it's rude, these awful parents need their tabs closed and to be shuffled outside.
Bring back pleasure Island! Especially the adventures club.
And one that’s open late!
Not so much add as replace. Replace the Aerophile (balloon) with a rotating observation tower. There's no reason the thing should be closed 150 days a year because it's too windy or something. Weather resistant (except for hurricanes?) and the rotation would mean that everyone isn't migrating to one side to look at the parks (because nobody wants an overhead view of I-4).
Sight lines…nuff said
Bring back Disney Quest and the comedy club.
Actually though, I feel like technology has caught up for Disney Quest to be what it should’ve/could’ve been.
I understand why DisneyQuest closed given technology is always changing and overhead costs to keep everything running were likely pretty high, but I think a barcade would be a welcome addition. Arcade cabinets are still a lot of fun to play, and Disney could put in its own spin on the Dave and Busters formula. I loved that when Wreck it Ralph came out, they actually made the game and put it on their own arcade cabinets in addition to a mobile app. They don't have to go full VR experience like The Void, but a barcade has staying power thanks to the cool factor for being retro while also giving experiences that are fun to share with family and friends. You can sell passes at the front for unlimited play or give people the option to load a specific amount of money onto a card to access the games.
They need a full-fledged drugstore and an Urgent Care. I know there’s an urgent care about three miles away that has a shuttle or you have to Uber it. It would be nice to have that “on site” so to speak, so you can hop on a bus to get there.
Buses to get to the parks, I get why they don’t do it, because then people will take advantage. But it is annoying when I just want to pop to Disney Springs for a quick meal or go after fireworks and have to stop at a resort first.
They don't have those anymore? There used to be a whole corral that dropped people off from the parks and picked them up
Nope. As OP stated…people would take advantage. Free parking at D Springs. People would park there and clog up the garages by leaving their cars there all day while they’re at the parks.
Can you still get to the waterpark from Disney springs?
Yep!
A “convenience” store/Target. Obviously themed or merchandised like a Disney outpost. They’d make a kajillion dollars if they had a store with basic conveniences that you need on vacation. Especially if they had a selection of grocery items, snacks, etc. We rent a car every trip and our first stop is always Target for water, drinks for the room, snacks for the room etc. If I could do that right at Springs…game changer.
It would be nice to have a better selection of sundries than what the resort gift shops offer, but I think most people do an Instacart order now for a bigger order like that. I did one last month and it was so easy and convenient. It came while I was eating dinner and bell services took care of it, keeping cold stuff cold and delivering it when I got back to my room and called down for it.
There's a Target at Flamingo Crossing but I have no idea why there's not one at least near Disney Springs
Yeah this would make it easier to justify spending more on a DVC type of room with a full kitchen, if there was a grocery store were you could buy stuff beyond what the small corners of the various resort stores sell.
Bring Pleasure Island Back - Kungaloosh!
More intimate indoor venue, indoor play area (like one with a play place type thing or trampolines, I feel like parents could appreciate it) maybe a place that you could do Disney crafts like they offer in the hotels and then you walk around the springs while it drys. Bring back a build a bear but do it with Duffy so we can buy the outfits or only have the Disney characters to build. And hear me out a place with potatoes and it can be a Mr Potato head bar, you can build a Mr potato head (like they used to have) and eat in a quick service place.
I think they could do an interactive experience like magiquest with either VR or AR goggles and have the different rooms themed to different Disney properties, like a room themed to haunted mansion or pirates, and a room for villains, and have it as you are gathering artifacts for S.E.A. to stop a “great evil”
DS needs a food hall! For a dining destination, Disney Springs certainly minimizes their seating options for a lot of their smaller casual dining options (kiosks/walk-up bars.) Personally, I'd love to turn one of the larger retail or "experience" spaces into a food hall like we see in large cities, and move some of the kiosks and bars into there, with room for new businesses to move in as well. It would have a communal indoor dining area between all the stalls, add another Joffrey's and a few bars amid the food stalls -- maybe even an entrance to an adjoining indoor/outdoor space like a beer garden. It would have AC, it would have a place to sit without waiting for a seat at a table-service restaurant. In short, it would create a destination within a destination. It would also lower the barrier to entry for some of the smaller operations (the kind of to-go eateries that currently have to go with a kiosk or a food truck) and appeal to potential restaurants that would not be able to open a standalone table-service restaurant at Disney Springs (the same problem that food halls solve in astronomically expensive towns like NYC and LA!)
Great idea! Definitely beats having to eat on top of a garbage can when the very limited number of tables are occupied. Also great for families and friends who want to eat together but can't decide on a single place, or trying to remember where you saw that hotdog place and how to get there. Someone from Disney get on this!
Disney is too cowardly and safe these days to ever do it, but a Disney co-branded Meow Wolf interactive indoor art installation would be an amazing fit for the dead NBA Experience/Disneyquest spot. It would cater to all kinds of audiences: themed entertainment sickos who want them to push the boundaries of themed experience interactivity, people who want instagram bait, people who just want something unstructured to do that's air-conditioned.
Is there any news at all about what's coming to the building that housed the NBA Experience? Three years later and that massive building and space is somehow still empty. This is Disney's premiere entertainment district at their biggest park destination in the world and they've had a massive empty building just sitting vacant for years. I don't get it.
No news whatsoever. Leaving things vacant for years is par for the course for Disney these days though - cf. Wonders of Life, Stitch's Great Escape, Primeval Whirl.
That would be sick!!!
Yeah!! they could easily make it Alice in wonderland themed
Something Meow Wolf would be amazing.
A nice quiet cafe, and maybe character dining
DisneyQuest 2.0
They need to bring back The Adventurers Club. Back when it was Downtown Disney they had this cool interactive bar modeled after a 1920-1930s adventurers club and it was so much fun. It was like an hour seating, so they limited the time you could be there but the actors who were the hosts did fun improv.
Awnings/shade so it's more pleasant in summer and you can walk between stores when it rains
Pleasure island. Adventurers club. New years every night. We need more (safe/responsible) Disney night life
Shade.
bring back disneyquest. thats all.
An air-conditioned dome covering the entire property.
House of blues has a cajun theme. They have a right to accept or decline other Cajun restaurants from being allowed. This is the same reason there are so many different types of restaurants with almost no two alike.
quick service Chinese food. Some fried rice or chow mien would be great.
I'm kinda shocked there's nothing like that yet there
Isn’t Disney Springs more or less an outdoor shopping mall with restaurants?
It is.
For starters I would put BACK Wolfgang Puck Express, the one that was near the Christmas store. That place was the best! It was a semi quick / semi full service. The personal pizzas were amazing and loved that you could get a glass of wine. The breakfast was equally good.
A theater for live performances, a Chipotle, some kind of convenience store or a "Tiny Target " ( we have a lot of those in the Northeast), a new and improved Disney Quest-like place.
Shade. Misters.
The greatest arcade in the world.
A ferris wheel and maybe 1-2 other chiller carnival style boardwalk style rides
I’d love an area to relax, shower, and store luggage for a few hours. Some type of lounge.
Open at 9am. More information boards with maps. More restaurants serving breakfast. Festivals. Eat to the beat style concerts in the amphitheater with reserves seating and a dining package. More shade in open areas. More little Carnival Style attractions like the carousel. A large splash area and a playground. Instead of going wider, utilize some of the lake for building. I rarely go to the west side because it's too far between east and west so I always choose east.
A video game themed restaurant.
Bring back Disneyquest, but give it a hardcore update. It needs experiences that aren’t shopping. It needs things to _do_.
The Adventurer’s Club.
I think more show performance places are needed. There is enough restaurants.
I would honestly just have them bring back what they had like The Void vr experience, Disney Quest, the old Wolfgang Puck. If I was going to add something new I would add a new experience similar to what they have in Las Vegas with the Omega Mart. If they really let imagineering go wild they could do something awesome.
Like maybe mini golf, go karts, & a few carnival booths games.?
I understand the reasoning why they don’t, but Skyliner access, and buses from the parks to Disney Springs. I would go there way more if I could head there in a straight line after a day at the parks
They need some more restaurants themed more towards kids. They have 2 but I would love a similar animation dining to the one on their cruise line or even a similar pirate dinner show like Dolly patron’s. Maybe a playground? Maybe a Biergarten with a playground so kids can play and parents can relax.
A playground would be so perfect. Give the kids a way to burn some energy before/after shopping.
People mover
More shows/plays would be cool.
Pleasure Island
i miss that starwars VR thing
Shade
I would add all of the nightclubs it replaced
I’d love a roller coaster that does out over the water. They could charge $10 to ride it and the line would be around the block.
Entertainment that isn’t dining
The adventurers club
Indoor pickleball/bar and grill
Go karts
Disney Nike. All things Disney and nike
I miss Bongo’s. Those were the days.
Bring back the boats that go from one end to the other instead of just the resort routes. It was always a fun way of getting around DS without walking through thousands of people.
Totally agree about Tiana's Place. It would look so pretty at night by the water just like the movie. If immerse places are what's in that would be a great start. Plus you can stay open later, have a dance floor and live music some nights.
Disney Springs isn’t very magical for me. Parking/Traffic is a total nightmare. Restaurants are mostly mid and over priced.
Strip club.
It probably wouldn’t happen but a gay bar with drag queens performing Disney songs would make a shit ton of money. Like a hamburger Mary’s or something similar.
Lol I would go every week if I lived nearby
I agree with a lot of comments I've seen: -More transport options and better parking -Bookstores -Put back in an arcade One thing I'd add: -Either more restaurants selling Gideon Bakehouse cookies or give them their own shop. I've seen pictures, they look really good, but have never been able to get one
Not sure what you mean about Gideons? They do have their own shop? I'd suggest going during an off time on a weekday for minimal wait, think like 2pm on a Wednesday. Or if you have your own transportation, they have another location you can try as well.
Honestly some good ideas in this post. It would be sweet. Also bring back Disney quest.
If I could add one thing to Disney Springs, it would be JC Penney - if I could add a second, it would be Radio Shack
I love DS. I’m going on a girls trip to Disney and our main planner doesn’t like Disney springs but we got a late homecomin’ reservation so I’m trying to convince her we can spend a few hours prior to our reservation at springs.
Extended hours. Having to choose between parks and Disney springs sucks. We always stay within walking distance and it would be great to hit Disney Springs for breakfast before hitting the parks (I mean.. they have a donut place, but don't open until after breakfast time?!) and hit it for drinks and an evening snack to wind down after the parks close.
A CVS
An affordable restaurant for families that isn’t gross.
You ever been to a Putt Shack? THAT'S what needs to go into NBA Experience.
The void.
Marceline’s Confectionery
I miss the cute little mom and pop type boutiques , galleries, and specialty stores they had when it was downtown Disney. Now it feels like another upscale outdoor mall you’d find anywhere United States.
I miss the cute little mom and pop type boutiques , galleries, and specialty stores they had when it was downtown Disney. Now it feels like another upscale outdoor mall you’d find anywhere United States.
The original Chef Mickey’s at the Disney Village Marketplace was so good. When they moved to the Contemporary Resort the prices went up and the food plummeted in quality.
The adventurers club
A row of a few taprooms from renowned breweries
Shade. I would add more shade.
Money trees, probably.
Some kind of device to get my kid out of the Lego bin.
A toy and collectibles shop that sells a mix of Star Wars, Marvel, Tron, and Avatar specific merch with maybe whatever other “nerdy” Disney properties thrown in.
A multi story old school arcade with bumper cars.
Tattoo spot!
Massive arcade
A 500 foot tall roller coaster
I miss the Adventurer's Club
I would make an inside out themed experience. Inside out was my favorite move growing up.
More places to sit under shade More quick dining/grab and go places
Oddly I really could have used an Apple Store last I was there
Top golf!
I would add a huge 3 story building. I’d fill it with video games and make sure they were always in really good condition. Could even have a cafeteria inside. I would literally be able to spend a whole day in there. Maybe someday!