How many remember the time before Disney Springs, Downtown Disney, or even Disney Village Marketplace? For this, the first of many LP Rewinds, we have to start way back on March 22nd, 1975. That was the opening day of the first real expansion of Walt Disney World started with the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village.
Photo via D23.com
Originally conceived as a shopping area for planned residential areas around Lake Buena Vista, this area had such shops as Toys Fantastique, The Pottery Chalet, and one of the few concepts that has stuck around more than 40 years later – Gourmet Pantry (now Mickey’s Pantry).
Photo via D23.com
Photo via D23.com
As construction of hotels along Preview Center Blvd, now Hotel Plaza Blvd, the area took a change toward a shopping venue for guests. In 1977 the Walt Disney World Village was born…
Photo via D23.com
The Walt Disney World Village really was the precursor to what guest have become accustomed to with shopping and dining needs all in one area. Of course, as Walt Disney World has expanded so how this area to now be Disney Springs with just about every shopping need a guest could have from Coach and Luxury of Time by Diamonds International to every Disney, Star Wars, and Marvel. But here is a look at what the Walt Disney World Village looked like just as the resort was starting to become the biggest vacation destination in the world.
Do you have any memories of Walt Disney World Village or Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village? We would love to hear your memories below.