JOURNAL ARTICLE

Making history at Disney Springs: Florida's past as themed tourism.

  • Published In: International Journal of Disney Studies, 2025, v. 1, n. 1. P. 71 1 of 3

  • Database: Film & Television Literature Index with Full Text 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Nooe, F. Evan 3 of 3

Abstract

This article examines the 2015 rebranding and thematic redevelopment of Walt Disney World Resort’s shopping, dining, and entertainment complex into Disney Springs, a 120-acre center designed to evoke a fictionalized Florida town founded in 1850. Disney Springs employs multiple architectural styles—such as Spanish Revival, American Craftsman, Industrial Gothic, and Mid-century Modern—each representing distinct eras of Florida history to create an immersive, layered narrative that selectively interprets the state’s past. The complex’s design integrates fabricated historic elements and storytelling, including themed neighborhoods like the Town Center and The Landing, to present an idealized and nostalgic version of Florida’s heritage that supports consumer tourism. Through this curated historical theming, Disney Springs blends entertainment with a stylized portrayal of Florida’s cultural and architectural legacy.

Additional Information

  • Source:International Journal of Disney Studies. 2025/01, Vol. 1, Issue 1, p71
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Geography and Cartography
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:2976-7911
  • DOI:10.1386/ijds_00005_1
  • Accession Number:187346523
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of International Journal of Disney Studies is the property of Intellect Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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