Disney has unveiled plans for a long-anticipated overhaul to Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney location, after the news first leaked via unnofficial sources earlier this month.
The area is slated to be known as Disney Springs, and along with the plans, Disney has developed a back story:
The story of Disney Springs begins at our new Town Center, which is oriented 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 West Side – …

Walt Disney World has historically remained tight-lipped about the future of Downtown Disney, but ParkRumors.com have found some interesting documents that describe a complete overhaul of the shopping, dining and entertainment district.
According to the site, documents were filed with the South Florida Water Management District describing a brand new Downtown Disney, complete with name change: Disney Springs. If the rumors are to be believed, Disney Springs will be divided into six neighborhoods with their own distinct look and feel.
ParkRumors.com breaks it down this way:

“The Gateway,” the section of Disney Springs that …

On Wednesday, a Walt Disney World employee found three hand grenades in a trash can in Downtown Disney.
A law enforcement official with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office said a janitor found the hand grenades, but that no one was injured. According to official investigative reports, the hollowed-out grenades would not have posed a threat to anyone, but they planned to blow the grenades up so they could be properly disposed of.
The grenades were discovered by the Disney employee around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday evening, and investigators removed the grenades around 10 p.m. Kathleen …

A few days ago, we let you know that Splitsville, a new bowling alley and entertainment venue, will be making its debut at Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney this month. Now, we have an official debut date to share with you, as Splitsville and Disney have announced that the new location will officially celebrate its grand opening on December 19.
While Splitsville currently has four other locations around the country, with two floors and 50,000 square feet of space, the Walt Disney World location will be their largest location. In addition …

Splitsville Luxury Lanes will be rolling into Downtown Disney at the Walt Disney World Resort this month, featuring more than 50,000 square feet of entertainment space – double the size of other Splitsville locations.
In addition to 30 bowling lanes, Splitsville incorporates billiards, a balcony bar, live entertainment and upscale dining options that you won’t find at your typical bowling alley.
Keith Bradford, vice president of Downtown Disney, said:
Splitsville is a perfect fit for Downtown Disney. From a new twist on a beloved sport to an impressive menu you’d never expect to find …

This winter, Downtown Disney area hotels near The Walt Disney World Resort are offering special rates for guests. This is the perfect opportunity to experience Magic Kingdom’s New Fantasyland, which opens December 6.
The hotels are located outside the park, but offer complimentary shuttle service to each of the four theme parks and two water parks. Additionally, guests will receive a Downtown Disney deals booklet featuring discounts and special offers on Downtown Disney dining, shopping and entertainment options.
Participating hotels and rates are:

Best Western Lake Buena Vista Resort Hotel – From $79/night
Buena …

Now, visitors to Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be able to enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi wherever they are.
In order to access this free service, guests must connect with “In-Room Guest WiFi (Disney)” when in their hotel room or “Public Space Guest WiFi (Disney)” when in the theme parks or other public areas. Once connected, guests need to launch their browser and agree to Disney’s terms.
Now, free Wi-Fi is available at all four Walt Disney World Resort theme parks and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. The company plans to offer the service at Downtown Disney …

Walt Disney World Resort has announced big plans for their New Year’s Eve celebrations, and guests can choose to ring in the new year in a variety of ways at the resort’s various theme parks.
At Magic Kingdom, guests can ring in New Year’s Eve with Fantasy in the Sky fireworks. This event occurs at 11:50 p.m., with the park’s Wishes fireworks show taking place at 8:30 p.m.
If you head over to Epcot, you can enjoy two performances of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth at 7 p.m. and 11:42 p.m. Select pavilions …

This weekend, Disney star Bridgit Mendler will be performing at Downtown Disney at Disneyland Resort.
On Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m., Bridgit will take to the Downtown Disney stage to perform songs from her new album Hello My Name Is…, which drops next week. Additionally, Mendler will be hosting a meet-and-greet with fans after the concert.
While her new album won’t be in stores until October 22, you can check out some of her new tunes on her YouTube page.
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In addition to two other Florida hotels, B Hotels & Resorts plan to open a third hotel on Walt Disney World property, sources say.
The B in the Walt Disney World Resort will be situated steps away from Downtown Disney. The property will be 20,000 square feet and include a large outdoor lawn for weddings and receptions.
Few details are known about the resort at this time, but the B Hotel is expected to open sometime in fall 2013.
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