History of Disney Springs in Timeline

Disney Springs is a large, open-air retail, dining, and entertainment complex located at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. It offers a wide variety of shopping options, from Disney-themed merchandise to well-known retail brands. Numerous restaurants provide diverse culinary experiences, ranging from casual dining to upscale options. Entertainment includes live music, performances, and attractions like the House of Blues and Splitsville Luxury Lanes. Divided into distinct neighborhoods, Disney Springs aims to provide a vibrant and immersive experience for visitors of all ages seeking shopping, dining, and leisure activities.

March 22, 1975: Opening as Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village

On March 22, 1975, Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village, the original iteration of Disney Springs, first opened.

May 1, 1977: Empress Lilly Christened

On May 1, 1977, the Empress Lilly was christened by Walt Disney's widow, Lillian Disney, for whom it was named.

July 21, 1986: Announcement of Pleasure Island addition

On July 21, 1986, Disney announced the addition of Pleasure Island to Walt Disney World Village to compete with Orlando's Church Street Station clubs.

May 1, 1989: Pleasure Island Opens

On May 1, 1989, Pleasure Island opened, along with the Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park, and the complex was renamed Disney Village Marketplace later that year.

April 22, 1995: Empress Lilly Closed

On April 22, 1995, the Empress Lilly closed for remodeling.

June 20, 1995: Announcement of Enhancements and Expansions

On June 20, 1995, major enhancements and expansions were announced for the area, combining Disney Village Marketplace and Pleasure Island into Downtown Disney.

March 10, 1996: Fulton's Crab House Opens

On March 10, 1996, the remodeled restaurant opened as Fulton's Crab House.

October 2, 1996: First World of Disney Store Opens

On October 2, 1996, the first World of Disney store opened in Marketplace.

September 7, 1997: Re-branding to Downtown Disney

On September 7, 1997, the re-branding to Downtown Disney was introduced.

January 12, 2001: Downtown Disney Opens at Disneyland Resort

On January 12, 2001, the Downtown Disney Mall Complex gained a sister district in California with the addition of Downtown Disney at the Disneyland Resort.

September 27, 2008: Pleasure Island Nightclubs Close

On September 27, 2008, the Pleasure Island nightclubs closed.

October 14, 2008: T-Rex Cafe Opens

On October 14, 2008, the T-Rex Cafe, a dinosaur-themed restaurant operated by Landry's Restaurants, opened.

November 18, 2010: Hyperion Wharf Project Announced

On November 18, 2010, Disney announced the Hyperion Wharf project, planned to replace the Pleasure Island complex.

July 2011: Hyperion Wharf Plans Delayed

In July 2011, it was announced that the plans for Hyperion Wharf were delayed.

March 14, 2013: Announcement of Redesign and Renaming to Disney Springs

On March 14, 2013, it was announced that Downtown Disney would be redesigned and renamed Disney Springs, including a 3-year renovation and expansion project.