We're learning more about why Downtown Disney is transforming into Disney Springs.
Since early last year when we found out that big changes were coming, we've been curious as to how different the entertainment/retail/dining district would feel.
In a video released Tuesday, Walt Disney Imagineering's executive creative director, Theron Skees says it's "as much a story about the history of Florida as it as a Disney story."
Skees said attention to detail is what tells the story.
"What if there were beautiful springs that a whole town was built on?" he said. "Then, over time, that town was converted into a retail, dining and entertainment venue — something the world hasn't seen before."
So the story starts, he adds, like a lot of waterfront towns in Florida -- settlers in the mid-1800's would find a little green field and springs and start to build cabins, eventually forming a community or Town Center. From there, the town grew to encompass three additional neighborhoods: The Landing, Marketplace and West Side – each with its own distinct charm and atmosphere.
The destination is being expanded to double the shopping, dining and entertainment experiences, from 75 to 150. From an Imagineering perspective -- according to Disney Parks Blog -- "this means developing a storyline and creating a sense of time and place that influences everything from the architecture to the costumes."
Disney also announced that its Imagineers will continue to share updates in its “All in the Details” series in the coming months as their work progresses.
The first “neighborhood” in Disney Springs – the opening of The Landing – is set for 2015. Construction on Disney Springs will continue into 2016.