Press Release: Walt Disney World Resort Unveils Bold New Vision for Downtown Disney
Plans Include New
and Enhanced Shopping, Dining and Other Experiences
(June 27,
2008) Walt Disney World Resort today unveiled a new
vision for Downtown Disney, with extraordinary new shopping, dining and other
experiences including a completely re-imagined Pleasure Island.
Also
planned
are numerous enhancements to popular Downtown Disney locations, as
well as additional theming and
storytelling brought to life by Walt Disney Imagineers.
�We are committed to offering guests
new and exciting experiences they can only have at Walt Disney World Resort,�
said Downtown Disney Vice President Kevin Lansberry. �Our bold new vision for
Downtown Disney reflects the feedback we receive from our guests each and every
day and will enable us to continue to offer the high-quality entertainment that
is our hallmark.�
Over the next year, the 120-acre
entertainment-shopping-dining complex will add a number of one-of-a-kind,
immersive experiences for guests. Downtown Disney will even get its own iconic
attraction, in the form of a giant, tethered balloon that will take guests 300
feet into the air to view the amazing vistas of Walt Disney World Resort. Other
new experiences include:
�
In fall
2008, guests will enter a world of prehistoric creatures at T-Rex: A Prehistoric
Family Adventure. The dinosaur-themed family eatery will serve up pizzas,
pastas, seafood and more, and will feature life-size animated dinosaurs that
dwell among bubbling geysers, waterfalls and a fossil dig
site.
�
Also this
fall, a design-your-own t-shirt store from Hanes will add to the growing
collection of merchandise guests can personalize at Downtown
Disney.
�
E-brands
Restaurants, an Orlando-based, multi-concept restaurant group, will premier its
newest concept at Downtown Disney in spring 2009. The high-energy, casual eatery
will feature authentic Central and South American cuisine, specialty drinks and
live music along the waterfront.
Guests also will enjoy a brand new
mix of shopping and dining experiences at
�Our guests tell us they want
additional shopping and dining experiences at Downtown Disney,� added Lansberry.
�We are currently considering a number of unique concepts from around the globe
as we re-imagine
To make way for the new offerings,
all of the clubs currently on
To complement these new experiences,
many popular Downtown Disney locations will undergo
enhancements.
�
Beginning
this summer, Portobello Yacht Club will be transformed into a Tuscan Country
Trattoria. The refreshed menu
features authentic Italian dishes and signature favorites and a re-designed
interior along with an outdoor dining space.
�
This
fall, Goofy�s Candy Company will add a special new room that will enable
families to host one-of-a-kind birthday parties at Downtown Disney.
�
The
Marketplace Stage will be completely replaced with a larger, covered stage this
fall to welcome even more entertainment to Downtown Disney and serve as a new
premier venue for Disney Magic Music Days.
�
�
Next
year, Wolfgang Puck Caf� will update its interior fixtures and furnishings and
will feature an enclosed glass patio offering guests a year-round outdoor dining
experience.
These efforts come on the heels of recent enhancements at World of Disney, Wolfgang Puck Express, Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop, Earl of Sandwich and Cap�n Jack�s Restaurant.
-- Posted June 30, 2008