WDW confirmed to Cast Members a few weeks ago that there will be a huge renovation and expansion of Downtown Disney and Pleasure Island.
There are several different renderings and drawings of concepts but one thing they have settled on is that it will be "lush Florida" filled with water features, bridges and tons of plants. They will be putting in a parking structure so they can expand into what space the current lots take up. Here's a link:
I'm super excited about the changes to come. I wanted to address some things that I stumbled across while I was reading related articles to this one. I found it quite sad that so many people had bad things to say about the changes, and while posting here instead of on that blog, I will not got my points across to anyone but a few that follow me--but I'm fine with that--no need to have a debate with negative, unwavering negativity.
Complaint 1: The shops that are conceptualized in the new Disney Springs may not be Disney ran. One person went as far as saying that they will forever on only attend the CityWalk at Universal to stay true to the Franchise.
Truth 1: Several of the shops in the existing Downtown Disney and Pleasure Island are not operated by Disney. Rain Forest Cafe, La Nouba, and AMC are just a FEW of the places that are required to meet Disney standards to operate their chain. Furthermore, only a handful of locations in Univeral's CityWalk are operated by the franchise, and the majority that are are revenue kiosks and not full store front locations.
Complaint 2: The parking structures are going to create traffic when someone is waiting for a spot on level 2 when level 4 sits empty. This will add to the walking and arrival times. The towers will block views.
Truth 2: Clearly this people have not been to Universal Studios period or Downtown Disney when it is slammed on a Saturday night. When there is heavy incoming traffic, Universal guides traffic into spots and up and down levels just like Disney does on their flat lots. When entry slows, levels are coned off to direct traffic to areas that are very much open. I have never had to drive around looking for a spot in a Park parking structure. If anything this will shorten arrival time since no one has to park all the way in the back and wait for a shuttle or walk a mile to the entrance. Also, trying to park in Downtown Disney during a busy time is probably the only stressful experience I have ever had at WDW. There is not enough parking in the lots that flank the length of the park and the places at the far ends are usually just as full. The parking structure will add a huge amount of parking while creating space for additional shops and entertainment. As far as blocking views and being an eyesore? Since when has Disney allowed unsightliness to ever happen? I'm sure they will work it into whatever design plan they have and make it disappear once you've left the structure.
Complaint 3: The lush greenery and water features will crumble and not be well maintained. They will be turned into dirt planters with small flowers.
Truth 3: What part of the Disney Parks are not well maintained? With the increased amount of walking space they are adding the extra trees and water will be needed to minimize the heat associated with concrete and asphalt. Think of Epcot when you arrive and it's grossly hot until you get the other side of the Spaceship Earth Geosphere.
So the only thing I'm not so excited about is the closing of Captain Jack's. I know, I know: something great will be there and I'll never complain, but I'll still miss it.
Whatever happens, it will be Disney Fantastic. Can't wait to see new developments.
So to honor the one year countdown to William's first Disney trip, I wanted to post my favorite ride from when I was that age. I actually have memories of my first Disneyland visit when I was 18 months old. But i also remember swallowing a penny when I was 14 months old, so I have a freakishly great memory. We had family living in Southern California when I was little so by the time I was William's age I could give guided tours. 
