Disney Springs! The tag line by Disney is “Happily, whatever you’re after!” In all ways that is true. Read those banners around the Springs, “Shop, Dine, Play”. That’s exactly what you will find there. It’s tough to sum up all the options you have when it comes to spending time in this Disney District, but I’m going to try!
Why you should go to Disney Springs
I know you can’t imagine another “place” you MUST visit during your Disney vacation. After all, isn’t 4 theme parks enough? Do you need one more spot to spend your money while on this type of trip? Good thing Disney Springs doesn’t require a park ticket or have an admission cost!
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This dining, shopping and entertainment district on Disney property is open to the public daily and is where you will find “one of kind” shopping, familiar retailers, live entertainment day and night, and some of the BEST food on property!
When you should go to Disney Springs
Do you need a break from the theme parks? Maybe your family would like to chill out for a breath after all those hectic moments racing to attractions. You can catch a movie or grab a bite while challenging your loved ones to a few rounds of bowling (in the air conditioning!!).
Photo: @bizzyrunninganddizn
Disney Springs is also home to the largest Disney Merchandise shop on property- World of Disney. You can step outside the go, go, go of any one of the parks for souvenirs and it will reward you with a large selection. Pro tip- Uniqlo (shop at the Springs) has quality Disney related apparel at a fraction of the price! Check it out!
And there’s MORE…
photo: @bizzyrunninganddizn
Not only will you find stores for Disney Merch at the district, but you can also shop Sephora, Harley Davidson, Under Armour, Pandora, and so much more. There are also one-of-a-kind shops to browse such as Market Place Co-op (a Co-op as the name suggests of separate merchants showcasing their treasures). Shop for Art, jewelry, crystal/glass gifts, or clothing.
Dining at Disney Springs
This might be tough to highlight because truthfully, whatever you want to eat- you’ll find it here! Perhaps if I broke it down into food categories I can manage to touch on most.
Snacks: The Daily Poutine, Wetzel’s Pretzels, Yesake (sushi)
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Coffee: Joffrey’s, Starbucks, Everglazed Donuts
Quick lunch: Earl of Sandwich, Chicken Guy, Blaze Pizza, Food Trucks, D-Luxe Burger
Barbeque: Polite Pig, Smokehouse at House of Blues
Seafood: The Boathouse, Paddlefish
Latin American/Tex Mex: Paradiso 37, Frontera Cocina
Italian: Maria and Enzo’s, Terralina Crafted Italian
Dessert: Sprinkles Cupcakes, Salt & Straw Ice Cream, Swirls on the Water (dole whip), Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop, Haagen-Dazs, Vivoli il Gelato, Amorette’s Patisserie, Everglazed Donuts
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Kid Friendly: T-Rex café, Rainforest Café
Southern Comfort: Chef Art Smith’s Homecoming
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American favorites: Planet Hollywood, City Works
Irish: Raglan Road Irish Pub
This is not all of them. There are so many choices, you would be hard pressed to be disappointed. The best part is that the quality of the food is as big of a hit as the seemingly unlimited options.
Adulting at Disney Springs
Date night? It’s easy to have a wonderful night out with your significant other or friends at Disney Springs. Jock Lindsey’s Hanger Bar has an amusing and interesting atmosphere on the water. Grab unique cocktails and appetizer dishes while you look around.
In the mood to dress up? Head to Jaleo by Jose Andres for Spanish Tapas or Wine Bar George for a huge selection of wines and great food by Master Sommelier George Miliotes. Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto provides a beautiful evening of Asian cuisine at Morimoto Asia.
If you just have cocktails in mind, have a seat at House of Blues, Dockside Margaritas, Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar or Hole in the Wall at Raglan Road Irish Pub. You can also take a Mixology class at The Edison on select days as a fun idea for adults.
Live Entertainment and PLAY at the Springs
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Disney’s Aerophile is a helium filled balloon that takes you 400 ft. in the air above the Disney property for spectacular views. You can also choose a fun cruise around Lake Buena Vista in a Amphicar with a driver/tour guide.
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Do you have little ones that haven’t had their fill of riding those attractions? Disney Springs has a small carousel and a mini train ride for tiny tykes to jump on.
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There are also live performers on the regular for your music and entertainment pleasure. The Springs has quite a few staging areas throughout the district where both small and larger acts set up day and night. Music fills the air wherever you go and not just the Disney themed type.
photo: @bizzyrunninganddizn
How to get to Disney Springs
Transportation to Disney Springs is easy. Resort guests can take Disney Bus Transportation from any resort. In addition, some of the resorts in the area such as the Port Orleans Resorts, Old Key West Resort and Saratoga Springs Treehouse Villas provide boat ferries.
Photo: @bizzyrunninganddizn
Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa as well as some Good Neighbor hotels are also within walking distance to the district. That’s VERY convenient. If you are driving, there are 3 parking garages available with free parking- BONUS!
You cannot however grab a bus from the theme parks to Disney Springs and vice versa. You’re only option is to take transportation from the resorts themselves, drive or take that boat.
Wrapping up the Disney Springs District
Disney’s Shopping, Dining and Entertainment district will give you a break from the hectic pace of the theme parks and offer you “happily, whatever you are after” while you visit. Relax, Shop, enjoy good food, have some fun, and have a unique experience.
If you would like to know more about it, you can find that in 5 Reasons You Need to Visit Disney Springs. You can also get some great ideas for alternative activities while on vacation at Disney World in Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do at Disney World.
In addition, you can also get some highlights on the 4 Theme Parks on Disney World property by clicking the links below:
How to Maximize Your Day at Disney’s Magic Kingdom
Why Epcot in Disney World is a Hidden Gem
The Best Way to Maximize Your Day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
6 Things You Must Do at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park
If you have any experiences while visiting Disney Springs I failed to mention, please share them below in the comments.
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