Cirque du Soleil’s “Drawn to Life” Show Slated to Debut at Disney Springs This Year

Via wdwnt.com

Cirque du Soleil’s new “Drawn to Life” show was slated to open at Disney Springs in early 2020, but unfortunately was delayed repeatedly due to the COVID-19 closure. In March, Cirque du Soleil laid off 95% of their employees, and a couple of months later, they filed for bankruptcy. “Drawn to Life” was eventually scheduled for a November opening, but this was canceled with no further updates.

Finally, Disney has acknowledged the upcoming show. While they haven’t announced a new opening date, the show is listed in Disney Parks Blog’s “21 Ways to Kick Off 2021 with Magic at Walt Disney World Resort”.

Disney Parks Blog describes “Drawn to Life” as “a collaboration between Cirque du Soleil, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering.” Given it is listed along with Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, which seems poised to open any day now, hopefully “Drawn to Life” is coming sooner rather than later.

When Can We Expect The Disney Springs Train Station

Via DisneyFanatic.com

We previously shared the exciting news that Disney and Brightline have announced they have entered into an agreement to construct a train station at Disney Springs. Now, we are learning there is a potential timetable for the Disney Springs train station!

As shared by Orlando Business Journal: “Brightline has set a potential timetable for the completion of its Walt Disney World Resort connection. The Miami-based intercity rail provider in its November monthly ridership report said it wants to start revenue service on the connection during the second half of 2023.”

The Brightline station is intended to provide a convenient travel option between Walt Disney World Resort and Brightline stations at Orlando International Airport (OIA), Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach and planned stations in Aventura, Boca Raton and Port Miami.

The design concept for the proposed station at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort includes a lobby on the ground level, passenger facilities and an upper level train platform. The proposed location would be in close proximity to Walt Disney World Resort’s four theme parks, two water parks and more than 25 hotels.

Disney’s initial news release states, “Brightline will offer a car-free connection to the millions of visitors from around the state and the world who plan to make Walt Disney World Resort part of their vacation plans,” said Patrick Goddard, president of Brightline. “Our mission has always been to connect our guests to the people and places that matter, and Walt Disney World Resort is a tremendous example of this.”

We are excited for the possibility of this new option of transportation coming to Walt Disney World!

Fit2Run to Return to Disney Springs

Last year, mid-November, Fit2Run closed their doors on the West Side of Disney Springs. That location is now under construction to become the new M&M Store scheduled to open in 2021. It has now been announced Fit2Run will be returning to Disney Springs, this time in Town Center!

Disney Springs took to Twitter to share the following: “It’s time to lace up your running shoes… @Fit2Run is opening a new store at @DisneySprings Town Center! Keep an eye out for more details soon.”

Disney Announces Shopping Specials at Disney Springs Thanksgiving Week

Thanksgiving Week is here and Disney Springs is offering some shopping specials!

From a Disney Cast Member;

The countdown to Christmas has taken on a whole new meaning this year. Most of my family and friends have started decorating early adding those nostalgic holiday touches at home along with kicking off their holiday shopping. I have to admit I’m a little behind this year, but Disney Springs always saves me especially when I need to shop for everyone. For foodies, kids, stocking stuffers, and gifts for him and her, there’s always a store that fits my shopping needs. Of course, if you have a Disney Fan or two on your list, World of Disney is your one-stop-destination for Disney fans of all ages, and starting next week, we’ll be kicking off holiday shopping with a few magical releases.

Monday, Nov. 23, get your paws on the new Disney Parks Reigning Cats & Dogs Dooney & Bourke totes at World of Disney! Whether you’re a dog-person or a cat-person there’s something “purrfect” in this collection for every Disney dog or cat-loving fan. If you look closely, you’ll spot some familiar favorites like Thomas O’Malley, Yzma as a Cat, Lucifer, Nana, Pongo and Perdita, Max, and so many others on the front and back. See how many you can name!

We’re also releasing the Tangled Dooney & Bourke collection in celebration of the 10th anniversary of Tangled. I’ve always loved the glow of the lanterns from this film which are beautifully illustrated in the collection along with Rapunzel’s flowing hair and her best side-kick, Pascal.

You’ll find both of these collections at World of Disney at Disney Springs in addition to Uptown Jewelers at Magic Kingdom Park, Legends of Hollywood and Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Discovery Trading Company at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park while supplies last.

If new Disney accessories weren’t exciting enough, we’ll also be featuring specially-priced items at several of our Disney retail stores November 23 through December 7 (some only available at Disney Springs!). This is the perfect opportunity to start shopping for some of those Disney-loving fans on your list. As an added bonus, Disney Annual Passholders can stack their discount for even more savings! See what’s in-store:

  • Disney’s Days of Christmas & World of Disney- Receive 25% off a select holiday tote with any merchandise purchase*
  • Goofy’s Candy Co. – Receive (1) complimentary select consumable with the purchase of (1) select consumable*
  • Marketplace Co-Op – Receive 25% off a Loungefly Unicorn Backpack*
  • Once Upon a Toy – Receive 25% off Classic Disney Princess Dolls*
  • Star Wars™ Galactic Outpost – Receive 29% off Talking Yoda*

Beginning on November 24, two additional offers join the mix. I love a good “BOGO” so the thought of a free Loungefly Wristlet with the purchase of a qualifying Loungefly Backpack puts a huge smile on my face! Check ‘em out:

  • DisneyStyle – Receive (1) complimentary Loungefly Pastel Wristlet with the purchase of (1) Loungefly Pastel Backpack*
  • Ever After Jewelry Co. & Accessories – Receive (1) complimentary Loungefly Minnie Bow Wristlet with the purchase of (1) Loungefly Minnie Bow Backpack*

Be sure to take advantage of additional shopping promotions and discounts at many retailers as early as Nov. 23 across Disney Springs. See details below:

  • Coach (Nov. 20 & 27): Save 50% off select styles every Friday in November.
  • Coca-Cola Store (Nov. 27-29) Save $10 off a purchase of $50 or more and $25 off a purchase of $100 or more.
  • Columbia Sportswear (Nov. 23-Dec.1): Pillows $19.99, Select outerwear starting at 40% off, Pint Glasses $24.99, 30% off, All Ski Goggles, Graphic T-Shirts 2 for $25.
  • Lilly Pulitzer (Nov. 26-28): Celebrate Lilly’s favorite things this holiday season with (1) one complimentary original, printed ornament with each $75 purchase.
  • Melissa Shoes (Nov. 26-30): Take 60% off all regular priced items and an extra 60% off all sale items.
  • Ron Jon Surf Shop (Nov. 23-29): Get the classic Ron Jon Trusty Badge T-Shirt on sale up to 50% off. (Limited time offer. Available colors and sizes may vary.)
  • Shop for Ireland (Nov. 27-29): Enjoy 25% off all jewelry and up to 70% off select clothing, souvenirs, and gifts.
  • Sperry (Nov.24-30): Enjoy $54.99 doorbuster boots and up to 50% select styles while supplies last.
  • UGG (Nov. 27-Dec.31): Enjoy 30% off select styles while supplies last.
  • UNOde50 (Nov. 19-30): Enjoy 50% off select styles.
  • Vera Bradley (Nov. 19-Dec. 1): $20 Medium Cosmetic (reg. $40) from the Mickey’s Paisley Celebration Collection with your purchase of $75 or more. Exclusions and limitations may apply. See a store associate for details.
  • Take a quick snack break and check out the 4R Cantina Barbacoa Food Truck now located at Disney Springs West Side with a brand-new menu. On Nov. 27, 2020 enjoy complimentary queso and chips with any entree purchase.

(All offers subject to change. Not to be combined with other offers. While supplies last. See each location for more details.)

Disney Announces Train Station at Disney Springs

Brightline and Walt Disney World Resort announced they have entered into an agreement to construct a train station at Disney Springs, the popular shopping, dining and entertainment complex. The Brightline station is intended to provide a convenient travel option between Walt Disney World Resort and Brightline stations at Orlando International Airport (OIA), Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach and planned stations in Aventura, Boca Raton and Port Miami. 

Brightline’s expansion from West Palm Beach to OIA is on track to be completed in 2022.  The agreement is conditioned upon Brightline’s satisfaction of certain obligations including obtaining all necessary government approvals.

The design concept for the proposed station at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort includes a lobby on the ground level, passenger facilities and an upper level train platform. The proposed location would be in close proximity to Walt Disney World Resort’s four theme parks, two water parks and more than 25 hotels.

“Brightline will offer a car-free connection to the millions of visitors from around the state and the world who plan to make Walt Disney World Resort part of their vacation plans,” said Patrick Goddard, president of Brightline. “Our mission has always been to connect our guests to the people and places that matter, and Walt Disney World Resort is a tremendous example of this.”

“We’re excited to work with Brightline as they pursue the potential development of a train station at Walt Disney World Resort, a project that would support our local economy and offer a bold, forward-looking transportation solution for our community and guests,” said Jeff Vahle, president of Walt Disney World Resort.

In 2018, Brightline was awarded the right to execute lease agreements with FDOT and the Central Florida Expressway Authority to connect OIA and Tampa. In February 2020, Brightline commenced engineering and design work for the proposed project.

Brightline is the first privately funded passenger rail system in America in over a century and was recognized by Fast Company as one of the Most Innovative Companies in travel. Brightline is designed to reinvent travel and take cars off the road by connecting city pairs and congested corridors that are too close to fly and too long to drive. Providing fast, efficient, hospitality-driven transportation featuring the latest in customer-friendly amenities, Brightline currently operates in Florida between Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, with plans to develop new stations in Boca Raton, Aventura and Port Miami. Construction to Orlando is underway and will be complete in late 2022. Brightline West which will connect Las Vegas and Southern California is shovel ready and expect to launch service in 2024.