3. Mall feel

In the 1990s, the traditional enclosed mall largely went by the wayside as consumers embraced a new concept known as the “lifestyle center,” and they have proliferated from coast to coast ever since. With high-end shops facing pedestrian walkways, lifestyle centers turn the shopping mall inside out. That’s great and all, and they certainly have their place. But they’re not new and different. They’re found in every major city and many small towns across the United States.

With expensive new chain stores like APEX by Sunglass Hut, the Art of Shaving, and Chapel Hats, Disney Springs feels just like another lifestyle center. It’s completely lost what once made it unique and, again, the price points at these shops are ridiculous for the average vacationer. Why blow through your vacation budget on the same stuff you can buy at home?

4. Sight lines

In the 1960s, New Orleans gave serious consideration to an Interstate 10 connector called the Vieux Carré Riverfront Expressway. This would have been a major freeway running directly along the riverfront through the heart of the French Quarter, effectively blocking the view from the iconic Jackson Square. More sensible minds prevailed, the interstate was diverted away from the Quarter, and both the sense of history and the sight lines were preserved.

Too bad whoever vetoed the Vieux Carré Riverfront Expressway didn’t weigh in with Disney before they started building parking garages. The West Side garage is ugly and garish. It does not at all blend with the Disney Springs concept art or with the existing color schemes. Even worse, it stands as an urban monolith that completely blocks the view from the road. Where once Downtown Disney’s colorful and interesting architecture enticed passersby to stop, now the garage conjures images of a dystopian future. A second garage is now in process in front of Marketplace. While it may take another two years to see it open, when it finally does, it will finish closing off the sight lines for good.

5. Lack of heart or soul

This is perhaps the saddest part of Disney Springs for many long-time fans. Retail stores and outside tenants have always been an important part of the equation, and it is only reasonable to bring in some shops that have name recognition. But in the quest to attract well-heeled shoppers, Disney has destroyed most of what gave Downtown Disney its heart and soul. Nothing feels warm and welcoming. It’s cold and sterile.

A perfect example is the Food Truck Park. It’s still a nice addition, but local food trucks are now excluded. It’s all Disney food trucks, charging Disney prices, serving the same food you can get elsewhere on property. During the brief time when local vendors were invited, it felt organic. Now it feels like Disney is just cashing in on a trend.

 Like many fans, I will continue to go to Downtown Disney/Disney Springs for the specific things that I enjoy for as long as they last. So far, most of Marketplace is still intact, and that’s where I traditionally spend most of my time. But I can’t help feeling worried about what they might do to that section once the other areas are complete, and I can’t help feeling sad about this new direction. We gave up the Adventurer’s Club for this?