Disney Springs! “Shop, Dine, Play” -that’s exactly what you will find there. It’s tough to sum up all your options when it comes to spending time in this Disney District, but I’m going to try!
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Why you should go to Disney Springs
Aren’t 4 theme parks enough? Do you need one more place to spend your money on this trip? Good thing Disney Springs doesn’t require a park ticket or have an admission cost!
This dining, shopping and entertainment district on Disney property is open to the public daily and it’s “one of kind” with 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? Perhaps you’d like a “resort day” after all those hectic moments racing to attractions. At Disney Springs, you can see a movie or grab a bite to eat. You can challenge your loved ones to a few rounds of bowling (in the air conditioning!!) or enjoy live music.
Photo: @bizzyrunninganddizn
Disney Springs is also home to the largest Disney Merchandise shop on property- World of Disney. Step outside the go, go, go of any one of the parks to find a larger selection of souvenirs. 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
It’s not only Disney Merch at the district! Shop at Sephora, Harley Davidson, Under Armour, Pandora, and so much more. There are also one-of-a-kind retailers 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)
- 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
- Kid Friendly: T-Rex café, Rainforest Café
- Southern Comfort: Chef Art Smith’s Homecoming
- 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. For an even more unique couple experience, book the Cake Decorating Experience at Amorette’s Patisserie!
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
Photo: @bizzyrunninganddizn
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.
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.
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.
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 both Port Orleans French Quarter and Riverside, 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.
Final Thoughts
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.
Continue Planning Your Walt Disney World Vacation
Now that you’ve learned more about Disney Springs, continue exploring our Walt Disney World resources to plan every part of your vacation.
You may also enjoy:
- Explore Walt Disney World – Your complete destination hub for planning resources, news, and travel inspiration.
- Disney Resort Guides – Compare Disney Resort hotels to find the perfect fit for your travel style and budget.
- Park Guides – Discover attractions, entertainment, and tips for each Walt Disney World theme park.
- Dining Guides – Find character dining, quick-service favorites, signature restaurants, and must-try Disney snacks.
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