Putting the ‘Springs’ Into Disney Springs

Since the re-imagining of Downtown Disney into Disney Springs at the Walt Disney World Resort began back in 2013, Disney has shared the amazing transformation this area has gone through, including insights into the many new restaurants and shops that have debuted.

Today Disney shared the story Walt Disney Imagineering created that immerses guests into the rich heritage and natural beauty of Florida through unique architecture, color schemes, horticulture and more. At the heart of Disney Springs is a bubbling spring located in Town Center that represents not only the power and beauty of nature, but optimism and possibilities. More than a century ago, this spring attracted the first settlers and over time, the town of “Disney Springs” grew around the spring, eventually creating three additional neighborhoods: The Landing, Marketplace and West Side – each with its own distinct charm.

But how do you build a representation of an authentic Florida spring? The answer: research, technology and artistry. In this video, you can see the level of detail the project team went to in recreating a natural Florida spring like the ones they visited on their many research trips. In it, you’ll see how Imagineers used various shades of bright glass pieces as accent colors to make the springs glitter; how nearby live oak and cypress trees were incorporated into the design of the spring’s bank; and how sculpting added even more depth to the area. Simply amazing.