Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/592242
H O T E L H A P P E N I N G S B M & T ••• July/August 2015 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 10 E xciting new high-profile tenants, including fashion retailers Zara, Tommy Bahama, Lilly Pulitzer, UNIQLO and PANDORA, are the latest to sign on as Downtown Disney continues its expansion into Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort. Recently, a total of 13 new tenants were announced, including eight retail shops. With new retailers already aboard and new restaurants either open or coming soon, Downtow n Disney is transforming into an exciting new waterfront district for world-class shopping, unique dining, and high- quality entertainment. By the time it's complete in 2016, Disney Springs will double the number of shops and restaurants currently found at Downtown Disney and grow to more than 1 million sq. ft., including 350,000 sq. ft. of new leasable space. Disney Springs will include four distinct, outdoor neigh- borhoods with a high-quality, diverse mix of retailers – including pre- mium, affordable luxury and fast fashion options. Sophisticated restau- rants will provide experiences for families and convention-guests alike. "Over the past few months we have opened several new dining and retail locations, which have quickly become the top producers in their chains," said George A. Kalogridis, pre sident of Walt Disney World Resort. "This type of momentum builds on the historical strength of the Downtown Disney area and its popularity with our guests from around the world as it evolves into Disney Springs," he said. Announced as coming to Disney Springs: RETAIL Zara: Owned by the Inditex Group, one of the world's largest fash- ion retail groups. Zara is known for its men's, women's and children's clothing and accessories, and how it expertly interprets current fashion and style trends of the season, delivering original designs to the con- sumer in a matter of weeks. Tommy Bahama: Iconic island lifestyle brand Tommy Bahama embodies relaxed sophistication. The hallmarks of this casual collection include island-inspired sportswear, denim, and swimwear for men and women in luxuriously soft silks and cottons, richly woven textures and eclectic prints. Lilly Pulitzer: The authentic American resort wear brand, Lilly Pulitzer, is landing in the heart of Disney and will be offering their clothing and accessories, optimistic outlook, and happy prints to those who've love d the brand for years and new Lilly Girls out there. UNIQLO: Leading global retailer UNIQLO designs, manufac- tures, and sells casual apparel that comes from the company's Japanese values of simplicity, quality and longevity. The simplest design hides the most thoughtful details in clothing that is constantly being inno- vated to bring more warmth and lightness, better design and comfort to people's lives . PANDORA: Building on its existing relationship with Disney Parks, the popular jewelry brand offers classic yet modern charm b racelets, along with necklaces, rings and earrings, as well as a line of exclusive Disney-themed jewelry. UGG: The UGG® brand is recognized as a premium lifestyle brand offering men's, women's and kid's footwear as well as loungewear, outer- wear, home products, cold weather accessories and handbags. L'Occitane en Provence: L'Occitane en Provence is an international skincare and beauty line celebrating the culture and beauty of Provence, France. Edward Beiner: A leading eyewear designer, purveyor and retailer, Edward Beiner offers today's aspiring lifestyle-oriented customer the world's most original, authentic and innovative designer, fashion and high performance eyewear. LEADING RETAILERS JOIN STELLAR LINE-UP AS WATERFRONT SHOPPING-DINING-ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX AT WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT DOUBLES IN SIZE, TRANSFORMS INTO DISNEY SPRINGS