Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort are ultimately very different places, but they clearly have a lot in common. Both coasts have several attractions. Some Disneyland rides are better and some Disney World rides are better. Both have great themed resort hotels, but Disney World clearly has more. Both have outdoor pedestrian malls for shopping and dining. Disney World has Disney Springs and Disneyland has Downtown Disney.
Like all Walt Disney World properties, Disney Springs is much larger than Disneyland, so Orlando has a lot that California doesn’t. However, as we speak, Downtown Disney is undergoing a major redevelopment and will eventually become even bigger if plans for Disneyland Forward move forward. Downtown Disney is great, but on my recent visit to Disney Springs, I realized how much it lacks.
We’re calling out specific locations in Disney Springs here, but we’re really missing the idea behind these locations. In fact, Downtown Disney could easily do something similar without necessarily making carbon copies of these locations.
Themed Dining – Jock Lindsey’s Hanger Bar
Disneyland coined the term theme park because what Walt Disney created was so much more than just an amusement park. Everything in Disneyland is meant to make you feel like you’re in another place, and that’s as true of the resort hotels and park restaurants as it is of the rides.
However, that theme does not exist at Downtown Disney. The restaurants there are generally good but just restaurants. However, Disney Springs has places like Jock Lindsay’s Hanger Bar. A watering hole owned by Indiana Jones sidekick Jock Lindsay, it’s a Disney magic take on a joint where you don’t have to buy a ticket.
Wine Bar – Wine Bar By George
The adult drink I choose varies greatly depending on my mood, but generally speaking, I always appreciate a good glass of wine. What’s not there is a true wine bar that you can actually use.
When we go on vacation, we all like to try things we can’t do at home. This is why vacation destinations around the world, even California, feature Californian wines. A real wine bar like George’s is most welcome. With an incredible wine list and the perfect mix of casual and formal, you won’t feel out of place.
Nightspot – Edison
One of the places I visited before my most recent trip to Disney Springs, and basically one of the places I try to go to every time I go to Walt Disney World, is Edison’s. If you’re more of a cocktail drinker than a wine drinker, this is one of the better places to go in Disney Springs and the food is solid. It is what you have.
With live music several times a week, it’s a place to hang out, not just have dinner and drinks. Downtown his Disney sometimes hosts its own live music. But it can also be accommodated using places like nightclubs.
Fine Dining – Paddlefish/Boathouse/STK
Downtown Disney certainly has no shortage of restaurants, and there are some places that serve great food, but if you’re looking for a true fine dining experience, head to one of Disney’s hotels for a spot like Napa. need to find. Go to The Lords and Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, or Carthay Circle at Disney California Adventure.
If you’re visiting Disneyland Resort for a very special occasion, such as a wedding or anniversary, you might want to spend at least one night at a very special dinner, but Downtown Disney doesn’t have that level of option. Disney Springs, on the other hand, has beautiful spots like Paddlefish and Seafood Boathouse and his STK as an upscale steakhouse. One of the things that makes a spot like The Boathouse so great is his view of the waterfront, which Downtown Disney obviously doesn’t have, but you have to start somewhere.
Live Entertainment – Cirque du Soleil/House of Blues
When live music in a bar or restaurant isn’t enough and you want a little more focused entertainment. So is Disney Springs. The House of Blues, of course, has live music on a regular basis, sometimes with some pretty important acts. There are also exclusive Disney-themed shows by the Cirque du Soleil troupe.
Downtown Disney once housed the House of Blues, but the House of Blues moved when Disney closed most of Downtown Disney to build a hotel. There has never been a show quite like Cirque du Soleil. These kinds of options greatly enhance Downtown Disney not only for visiting vacationers, but also for Southern California locals who are likely to enjoy more entertainment options.
movie theatre
Another place that once existed in Downtown Disney is the movie theater. AMC theaters like the House of Blues moved to the Anaheim GardenWalk as part of Disneyland’s ill-fated hotel scheme, but if you want a lazy day at Disneyland or just want an option on how to get to the movie theater It was a good option to have available. to pass your time during a rainstorm.
Seeing the AMC Theater at Disney Springs reminded me of what Disney Springs is like having a full service experience.
You never know what will happen when Downtown Disney’s current renovations are complete. Some of these “missing” locations may find homes in the new and improved Downtown Disney. I hope they do.
