Disney Springs has become quite the subject of controversy for the past few years, with some outspoken fans saying this re-imagined shopping district has become too much like an outlet mall and isn’t really keeping with the “spirit” of the former Downtown Disney district any more. However, no matter how you feel about the changing face of this location, in the three years since this shopping district officially re-opened, Disney has been making a lot of changes, opening new stores, offering great deals, and even hosting some character-based events.
This month, Disney Springs brings back a holiday favorite activity, a new custom ornament experience is announced, plus a new Instagrammable “Wall” is added to the marketplace and a slew of holiday discounts are announced!
Christmas Tree Trail opening this weekend
One of the big hits from the past few years’ holiday festivities has been the Christmas Tree Trail, which was erected in the former bus loop area of Disney Springs in the Marketplace district, and features several Christmas Trees decorated in themes that recall classic Disney films. And it looks like this guest favorite is coming back early this year, debuting this weekend at Disney Springs.
This year will feature many favorite themes from previous years, including The Little Mermaid, Cinderella, Star Wars, The Haunted Mansion and more. New this year will be trees based on the Aladdin and Lion King live action remakes, but sadly it looks like the Muppets inspired tree has been cut for 2019.
Disney+ information kiosk opening next week
Disney+ is launching on November 12, and on that same date guests can visit a new pop-up kiosk in front of the Paddlefish restaurant in The Landing to learn more about this streaming service. Cast Members will be on hand to answer questions about the new service and help guests sign up.
Disney Springs hotels offering holiday discount
Though Disney’s on-property hotels are offering some pretty deep discounts this holiday season, guests interested in staying at the Disney Springs Resort area hotels can now take advantage of a special “Celebrate The Magic” deal that is available for stays from November 11, 2019 – January 8, 2020. Here’s the full discount breakdown by hotel:
- B Resort & Spa – rates from $109 per room, per night
- Best Western Lake Buena Vista – rates from $110.49 per room, per night
- DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando — rates from $118 per suite, per night
- Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace – rates from $108 per room, per night
- Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista – rates from $98 per room, per night
- Holiday Inn Orlando – Disney Springs Area — rates from $85 per room, per night
- Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista – rates from $89 per room, per night.
4. New photo op wall now available in Marketplace District
Just a month after debuting a new “Instagrammable” Orange Bird wall at Disney Springs’ West Side, Disney has debuted another photo op wall, this time in the Marketplace district. Located just outside the PhotoPass studio, this new wall features a simple logo for Disney Springs and plenty of citrus fruit!
5. New ornament marbling experience now available at The Art Corner
Guests now have the opportunity to make a unique new marbled ornament souvenir at The Art Corner located in the Marketplace area of Disney Springs. The price for this experience is $29, which includes 3 custom-made marbled ornaments. The process takes about 15 minutes and no reservations are required. This new experience is available now through January 1, 2020 and does not require reservations.