Nature's Wonderland

Downtown Disney since its inception has been through several renovations yet still seemingly trapped in a decade behind the cultural times. The venue is so quaint, yet less in a charming artifact, and more in the limitations of various storytelling, unlike its counterpart in Disney Springs. This is one avenue of Disneyland where it could have afforded the 'blessing of size'

Nevertheless, the imagineers of NuChapek have devised a new strategy to tackle the dated themes and some of the vacant venues that currently reside in Downtown Disney. With the arrival of Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, the hotel borders Downtown Disney so closely that it has its own entrance into the outdoor mall. Yet none of the rustic, wilderness themes translate into the area, creating a sharp contrast in theme.

With this renovation, Downtown Disney will morph into a Golden Age of California outdoor shopping mall. Giving Downtown Disney a time period of the 1950s-1960s will keep the district from ever becoming dated, while simultaneously representing it with an iconic time-period in Disneyland history, given that much of the surrounding California landscape at the time of Disneyland's opening will be represented in this newly themed district.

The opening of Splitsville Luxury Lanes ushered in the 1950s vibe already into the area, with our expansion continuing that design motif throughout the remainder of the eastern side of Downtown Disney as guests approach from the theme park hub.

Our project will be focused on the western side of Downtown Disney, which will showcase a more naturalistic theme to coincide with the Grand Californian's wilderness outdoors theme. These renovations will culminate in lush California mountainous foliage emanating from the park itself in Disney California Adventure, to the resort, and into the Downtown Disney district. The AMC Theaters will be reimagined into a 'Drive-In' theater venue akin to the Sci-Fi Dine-In theater at Disney's Hollywood Studios, yet with modern films playing.

Across the way will be our entertainment center Nature’s Wonderland.