Is Disney Spring Going to be a DISNEY Place?

I was there on my last trip. To say that I was unimpressed would be putting it mildly.

Yes, Disney Springs is a free to enter area.

Is the target audience for DS WDW guests or Orlando residents and tourists not staying at WDW?

No matter. Every WDW guest shopping at DS at 9pm will make my WDW parks a little less crowded.

Well, i get there were always commercial places, it seems to be turning into a Mall of America type atmosphere. Before it seemed to be Disney, some places to augment. Now it seems to be other stuff, that happens to be at Disney. But, before some of places weren't that common. Trex, not many of them around. Places like ESPN zone to me are okay, b/c they themselves are kinda of a travel spot (I go to every ESPN zone I come across, and there aren't that many.

So many of the disney type stores are leaving. I'm down to the xmas store, animation, and the world of store.

Like someone said earlier, I see PF Changs or a Chilis and I'm done.

As for NBA. Well, glad to see DQ go. But, couldn't put something else DIsney in? Or at least something less specific than the NBA? Heck, even the NFL would have been better (course I hate basketball and the NBA).

We were there earlier today, and I still have some mixed feelings. It isn't Disney, but it is really starting to be a neat place. Even early in the day, there were a fair number of people and a pretty good vibe. It does seem like there is a "Disney" side (the marketplace) and then the "rest", but that's OK too, you don't have to visit it all.

So, I'll wait and see how it all comes together, and what it feels like when it is all open, and I do like that some new things are coming, the restaurants are neat, and I never spent time at DTD before, so this is drawing me in, which is the point.

I mean there's going to be an attempt to keep people around there and spending money in whatever way they can. Disney Quest was a failure, Pleasure Island brought out an unwanted side of the local crowd, they had to tweak what they were doing down there. I think at the end it will be a slight upgrade, and the parking garage and exit off 4 going straight to it will be beneficial.

A unique bowling experience, signature dining, and new upscale shops. While it is not my thing at all, a lot of travelers like to do that kind of thing on vacation.

I live in Nashville which has a great amount of tourists, they often spend their time doing the hokey tourist things but that's just the nature of the average tourist. Disney Springs will be a little better at managing crowds and offer a lot of different options. Locals will be able to go out for their weekend fun, and you attract people who aren't necessarily going to the parks to the property. I don't think Disney needs to Disneyfy every aspect of the property, I spend little time at City Walk and maybe a smidgen more at DTD (DS) whatever but you by no means have to. If you're staying on property you're better served enjoying the offerings of the resorts or even the Boardwalk to walk and relax.

For what my opinion is worth, hubby and I loved DTD on our last trip and spent almost every evening there. The shops and restaurants may be commonplace to US visitors but for where we are the only Planet Hollywood is over 300 miles away in London and everything else is new and exciting for us and, I suspect, many international visitors too. We're looking forward to going back and seeing all the new stuff - except the NBA thing - doesn't interest us at all LOL