Disney Springs is a shopping, dining and entertainment district at Disney World. It is basically a giant outdoor up-scale Disney mall. There is no cost to enter Disney Springs which makes it the perfect addition to your Disney World vacation or any Orlando vacation.
Of course this is Disney World so even Disney Springs has a back story. “Legend” has it that in the mid-1800’s settlers found a natural spring on this land and so chose to build their town here, and thus Disney Springs was born. As the town grew they expanded into the four neighborhoods of Disney Springs. Each neighborhood reflecting different businesses and structures that would have grown-up around the spring. You will find touches like an old bottling plant, evidence of an elevated train, remains of a ranch, and of course the spring itself. There is also of detail packed into this area so pay attention to your surroundings.
If it has been a little while since your last visit to Disney World you may remember this area as Downtown Disney. With the name change to Disney Springs came a huge renovation so you might not even recognize the place.
The Layout
Disney Springs has four sections:
– The Westside – Entertainment, dining, and Disney and non-Disney shopping
– Town Center – Mostly shopping at non-Disney stores.
– The Landing – Mostly dining with some non-Disney shopping
– The Marketplace – Dining and mostly Disney shopping.
When to Visit
I find Disney Springs to be the perfect place to go on an arrival day, or departure day where you will only have a few hours of activity time. Depending on the situation it might be best for you to skip the parks on your arrival or departure day and visit Disney Springs instead. It is a great last stop for souvenirs before your departure.
Another of my favorite times to visit Disney Spring is in the evenings. If you are not planning to see fireworks or another evening show in the parks Disney Springs can be a great way to end your evening. Or if you are visiting another Orlando area attraction that day, you can spend the evening at Disney Springs. If you are looking for night life at Disney World, Disney Springs if your best bet.
Disney Springs is also a good alternative to a park day if you are looking for a park break or to save on one days worth of tickets. But if you really want to explore and shop it is not ideal for a rest day where you want to actually rest as there is still a lot of walking and standing.
My absolute favorite time to visit Disney Springs is during the holidays, more on that below.
Just like any shopping area the crowds are heaviest on the weekends and evenings and around holidays.
If you have the time I advise making a visit to Disney Springs. There is truly something for everyone.
How To Get There
If you have a car you can simply drive and park in one of the parking garages or lots at Disney Springs. The Orange Garage is located near The Landing and The West Side. The Lime Garage is located by The Town Center and The Market Place. The Grapefruit Garage is across the street though there is a walking bridge. The Watermelon and Strawberry Lots are located all the way at the end of Disney Springs beyond The West Side.
Self parking is free.
Preferred parking in the Mango Lot is $10 for the day, located between the AMC movie theatre and Circ Du Soleil.
Valet parking is also available at the following locations for $20 plus tax, not counting tip.
- Near the entrance to the Orange Garage from 10:00 AM to 2:00 AM
- On West Side in front of Cirque du Soleil from 4:00 PM to 2:00 AM
- In the Lemon Lot near the World of Disney store from 10:00 AM to 2:00 AM
Parking for Guests with disabilities is available in all parking lots and garages. A valid disability parking permit is required.
Wheelchair, ECV as well as stroller rentals are available at Sundries, located next to the Town Center bus loop.
There can be traffic to get into the garages during peak times so allow extra time if you will be driving.
Ride-sharing and Taxis can drop off or picked up at the Westside Bus Loop or the Marketplace Bus Loop on the Eastside.
If you are staying at some Disney World hotels you can access boat services to get to Disney Springs as well. The dock is located at The Marketplace and The Landing neighborhoods.
Boat Services Available From:
- Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
- Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
- Old Key West Resort
- Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Buses are the main transportation option to Disney Springs and run:
- From the 4 Disney theme parks – daily bus service is available from 4:00 PM until 11:00 PM or 2 hours after the theme parks close, whichever is earlier.
- This park to Springs bus service not yet returned since the COVID closures.
- From select Disney Resort hotels – daily bus service is available from 45 minutes prior to opening until 1:00 AM. Return service to Disney Resort hotels ends at 2:00 AM.
The Disney bus stop is located in the Town Center section.
Expect a bus ride to last from 10 to 20 minutes from most Disney locations.
There is a second bus loop near the Marketplace entrance but this is mostly used by non-Disney hotel shuttles.
Walking to Disney Springs is an option for those staying at at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa. A sidewalk near The Paddock and Congress Park sections will lead guest to Disney Springs, entering at The Marketplace.
Guests staying at Disney Springs area hotels are also able to walk to Disney Springs via Hotel Plaza Blvd to enter near The Marketplace. Some additionally have shuttles or busses as well.
However you enter you will have to go through security screening similar to when you enter the parks.
Disney Springs Hotels
The Disney Springs hotels are a handful of hotels from well know hotel brands located nearby Disney Springs. These hotels are great for those who use loyalty points for specific hotel chains. These hotels are also a great option if you are planning a greater Orlando area vacation with multiple theme park and other destinations. Also a solid choice for those who want a little space, but not too much, from all things Disney during their trip.
These hotels offer transportation to the Disney theme parks and share a lot of perks that on-site guests get. The perks include access to early park hours.
The Westside
Entertainment
Drawn to Life by Cirque du Soleil – This Cirque du Soleil transforms the stage into a giant animation table and takes you into the world of hand drawn animation and features classic Disney music. I recommend purchasing tickets before you visit.
Splitsville Luxury Lanes – This is more than just a bowling alley with 30 lanes and retro theming find nostalgia overload here. Plus live music, billiards, and 5 indoor and outdoor bars. Visit the Memory Lanes store full of retro goodies or grab some food at Splitsville Dining Room.
AMC Dine-In Theaters – Catch the latest movies at the AMC Theatre. You can even enjoy drinks and a full menu plus luxury seating in the Fork & Screen theaters. Enjoy some drinks from MacGUFFINS bar.
Sunshine Highline – Enjoy live music from this outdoor pavilion as you pass to your next destination, or stop and watch the show.
Aerophile – The World Leader in Balloon Flight – Grab your ticket to this balloon experience. Go up 400 feet in this helium balloon and see up to 10 miles of vistas all over Disney World property and greater Orlando. The balloon does not operate during inclement weather.
Dining
* Location participate in the Disney Dining Plan. Check for details before dining.
Many of these restaurants take reservations through My Disney Experience or website. Others use Open Table or their own sites or you can call directly for reservations
City Works Eatery & Pour House – This upscale sports bar and grill. Lots of craft beer on tap and TVs playing all the games you are looking for.
* The House of Blues – The bar and grill has an American menu. The Music Hall is also a venue for live concerts on select nights. This complex also has a store,and several bars. Check out the Sunday Gospel Brunches here. There is also a take-away window available here.
* Jaleo – A restaurant by Chef Jose Andres features Spanish cuisine in tapas style.
* Pepe – Also by Jose Andres grab a quick mean with this Spanish food-truck style menu.
* Ye Sake – Stand with customizable poke bowls and Japanese street food.
Splitsville Dining Room – Grab a meal while you bowl.
Everglazed Donuts – This gourmet donut store serves donuts with all sorts of fun toppings.
Salt & Straw – Gourmet hand scooped ice cream.
Other Quick Service Options Include:
* Disney Food Trucks in Exposition Park
* Starbucks
Haagen-Dazs
Wetzel’s Pretzels
AMC – MacGUFFINS
Shopping
Disney Owned:
- Disney’s Candy Cauldron
- Super Hero Headquarters – Marvel Items
- Star Wars Galactic Outpost
- DisneyStyle – Find the latest stylish Disney clothing
Other Shopping:
- M& M’s Store
- Sosa Family Cigars
- Pele Soccer
- Sunglass Icon
- House of Blues Gear Shop
Town Center
Entertainment
Disney Springs Welcome Center – Have all your questions answers by Disney Guest Relations. They can assist you with dining reservations and it is also where you want to head for lost and found. Located nearby is a Ticket Center that can assist you with park tickets. You can grab park maps and celebration buttons here too.
Sundries – Located next to the Disney Springs Town Center bus loop you can rent strollers, wheelchairs and ECVs for your stay.
Dining
* Location participate in the Disney Dining Plan. Check for details before dining.
Many of these restaurants take reservations through My Disney Experience or website. Others use Open Table or their own sites or you can call directly for reservations
* Planet Hollywood – Dine surrounded my memorabilia from your favorite movies, emerged in the unique environment of the “observatory”. This is not the place for a quite meal it is high energy, and very loud with videos constantly playing on large screens. The menu is large featuring American offerings including some burgers and sandwiches create by celebrity chef Guy Fieri. The observatory also offers Stargazers Bar where you can find live entertainment and a Planet Hollywood store.
* Chicken Guy! – From celebrity chef Guy Fieri enjoy fast food style chicken. The menu here is chicken on everything with the option of crispy fired or un-breaded grilled tenders. The real highlight here is the vast variety of sauces to choose from! The fries have a nice seasoning as well. The interior here is very small but there is additional outdoor seating. There is not much atmosphere to speak of though the branding is very fun. This is a popular spot so depending on when you visit you may have a wait for a table. If you are looking for quick service this is a fun option. During my latest visit they were able to accommodate a family members gluten allergy easily.
* Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill – From celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck enjoy his take on California cuisine with Mediterranean influences in a laid back atmosphere. There is also a walk up window where you can pick up Gelato to go.
* D-Luxe Burger – The menu here is gourmet burgers and fresh-cut fries a step above fast food. The restaurant itself has a lot of seating indoor and outdoors on the water. The theming of a rustic ranch with cute touches is perfect. This is a nice quick service option where you can still get a dining experience with the atmosphere here vs. something that feels like your local counter service chain. Then menu is burgers and fires but there are different meat options. During my last visit I had a plant based burger and fires. The meal was good and on par for the price point but nothing great. I would eat here again if I was looking for something quicker at Disney Springs. This is Disney owned so mobile order is available here and they have an allergy menu.
* Blaze Fast-Fire’s Pizza – Custom made to order pizzas with endless combinations.
* Frontera Cocina – Enjoy the flavors of contemporary Mexican cuisine from celebrity Chef Rick Bayless. Enjoy the option of patio seating on the large covered patio. Enjoy a limited to go menu from the outdoor to-go window as well.
Sprinkles – Order your treats from the Cupcake ATM! Need I say more? Indulge in gourmet cupcakes, ice cream, cookies and brownies. They even have some vegan cupcake options.
* The Polite Pig – The place to go at Disney Springs for barbecue with a Florida twist. Featuring draft beers on tap and a wide bourbon selection.
* Amorette’s Patisserie – This pastry shop makes beautiful treats, many Disney themed. Worth the visit to just take a look a the offerings. If you are celebrating a birthday or special occasion this is a great location to grab a cake to bring back to your hotel room. They also sell wine and champaign by the glass and bottle.
The Daily Poutine – This kiosk offers serval styles of the popular Canadian dish, poutine.
Shopping
This is where you will find many many of your favorite brands and boutique stores at Disney Springs. Many locations will even have special Disney themed merchandise in addition to their standard offerings. For example Coach, Vera Bradley and Kate Spade New York all offer Disney prints on their bags. While Pandora Jewelry and ALEX AND ANI have Disney jewelry.
- Tommy Bahama
- Johnston & Murphy
- Fit2Run
- American Threads
- UGG
- Columbia Sportswear
- Sugarboo & Co.
- Everything But Water
- Vera Bradley
- Sperry
- Lilly Pulitzer
- Free People
- JOHNNY WAS
- Kate Spade New York
- Zara
- MAC Cosmetics
- Coach
- Luxury of Time by Diamonds International
- LACOSTE
- Sephora
- Shore
- Stance
- Superdry
- Ron Jon Surf Shop
- Under Armour
- UNOde 50
- Ever After Jewelry Co. & Accessories
- Anthropologie
- Melissa Clube
- ALEX AND ANI
- francesca’s
- L’Occitane en Provence
- lululemon
- Pandora Jewelry
- Edward Beiner
- Na Hoku – Hawaii’s Finest Jewlers Since 1924
- UNIQLO
- ORLANDO HARLEY-DAVIDSON
- Volcom
- Levi’s
- Fabletics
- Jo Malone London
- Kendra Scott
- Lovepop
Coca-Cola Store – This large store additionally offers photo ops with the Coca-Cola Polar Bear and features a roof top bar where you can sample Coca-Cola products from around the world, frozen, or specialty alcoholic beverages.
The Landing
Entertainment
Riverboat Square Live Music – Enjoy live music from this outdoor pavilion as you pass to your next destination, or stop and watch the show.
Vintage Amphicar – Located at The BOATHOUSE take a ride down the river in these vintage style amphibious cars. Or enjoy watching others go out on the water. Be warned this is an expensive experience.
Dining
* Location participate in the Disney Dining Plan. Check for details before dining.
Many of these restaurants take reservations through My Disney Experience or website. Others use Open Table or their own sites or you can call directly for reservations
* Paddlefish – Dine inside a paddle-wheeler riverboat with a seafood centric menu.
Terralina Crafted Italian – Enjoy the innovative Italian cuisine from from Executive Chef Justin Plank.
* The BOATHOUSE – Styled to coastal New England they serve dishes from the land and the sea including lobster rolls. This waterfront restaurant is lovely and offers indoor and outdoor seating options.
Jock Lindsey’s Hanger Bar – Themed to Jock Lindsey who makes a brief appearance in Indiana Jones and The Raiders of the Lost Arc. Grab drink, snacks and some larger bar food. During the holidays the bar transforms into the Holiday Bar with new menus and decor.
* Wine Bar George – Make yourself at home in an estate-style wine bar featuring wine and food masterfully paired by Master Sommelier George Miliotes
* RAGLAN ROAD Irish Pub and Restaurant – This pub style restaurant with an Irish menu features live Irish dancer performing while you dine.
* Cookes of Dublin – Grab some of the same foods at this sister quick service location.
* Morimoto Asia – Experience the finest in Pan-Asian cuisine from Chef Morimoto of Iron Chef America. The restaurant itself is gorgeous and the food is top notch.
* Morimoto Asia Street Food – This take out window allows you to order street food style asian offerings.
* Paradiso 37, Taste of the Americas – At this waterfront location take a culinary tour of North, Central and South America.
* The Edison – One of the most unique locations at Disney Springs. The Edison’s style is industrial vintage gothic and you can enjoy American style food and a full service bar. At 10pm the venue shifts to 21 and older and features live entertainers in acrobatic and musical performances and the atmosphere shifts to that of a night club. (cover charge may apply)
* Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante – Themed to an airport and the golden age of airline travel enjoy the authentic Italian menu.
* Pizza Ponte – Grab a quick slice or sandwich.
STK Orlando – This modern steak house has an innovative menu and an in house DJ.
* Enzo’s Hideaway – Themed to a 1920’s speakeasy enjoy cocktails and Italian foods.
* Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ – A crowd favorite Homecomin’ brings Florida fresh flavors to southern comfort food. Additionally enjoy their bar and check out their weekend brunch offerings as well.
Erin McKenna Bakery NYC – This bakery is your go to for allergy, kosher and vegan friendly treats. A must stop for anyone who has special dietary needs or anyone who likes sweet treats. They also offer the ability to order seasonal treats like pie and custom cakes check their website in advance to order. You will also find Erin McKenna baked goods throughout Disney World as the allergy safe or vegan options. I have spotted them at hotel food courts and quick serve cases, and these are what is served as the allergy alternative at fireworks dessert parties. As someone with an allergy I have had a lot of their treats and a lot of allergy friendly treats in general. I love the wide variety of options between cookies, brownies, pies, cupcakes, doughnuts and more. Taste wise I always enjoy these items and the texture is good which can be an issue with gluten or egg free sometimes. But across the board I wish they were a little sweeter especially their icing. My favorite is the bakery sink which is literally bakery scraps with a doughnut on top. The experience of walking into a bakery and know you can pick whatever you want as someone with an allergy is priceless.
Gideon’s Bakehouse – This Orlando based local favorite serves their distinct cookies and cakes in a Gothic styled shop that is busting with back story. Their cookies are easily spotted as they are absolutely covered in chocolate chips and the like.
The Ganachery – This Disney owned chocolate shop has beautifully themed and hand crafted treats. Don’t miss out on their chocolate “piñatas”. A great place to pick up a unique gift for those back home.
Vivoli il Gelato – Over 20 artisanal flavors of Gelato!
Gideon’s Bakehouse – Home grown in Orlando, Gideon’s signature item is their huge cookies chocked full of chocolate chips, nuts and the like. They also have full cakes available.
Joefferys Coffee & Tea Company – A quick stop for your coffee needs.
Shopping
- eyeCatchers Cart
- Havaianas
- Chapel Hats
- Savannah Bee Company
- Sanuk
- The Art of Shaving
- Happy Hound
- Just Fun Socks
- Oakley
- Pop Gallery
- Shop For Ireland
- The Boathouse Boatique
- Wondermade
The Marketplace
Entertainment
Marketplace Stage – Enjoy live music from this outdoor pavilion as you pass to your next destination, or stop and watch the show.
Marketplace Train – Small train ride for children
Marketplace Carousel – Small carousel for children
Face Painting Kiosk by Enjoy Your Face
Disney Vacation Club Information Center
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique – This home of Fairy Godmothers In-Training is where you can take your little one ages 3-12 to get a Princess makeover. They offer hair, make-up and princess dresses through various packages. Reservations are required. Make sure to take advantage of the PhotoPass Studio next-door after your appointment.
Disney’s PhotoPass Studio – Have a photoshoot free of charge with digital backgrounds and props. You can purchase photos a la cart afterwords or they are included in your PhotoPass package. If you are looking to get some posed studio photos this is a great opportunity with no extra cost if you are already purchasing photos pass. A great stop for Christmas card photos.
Dining
*Location participate in the Disney Dining Plan. Check for details before dining.
Many of these restaurants take reservations through My Disney Experience or website. Others use Open Table or their own sites or you can call directly for reservations
* T-Rex – The is a high energy restaurant with over the top theming to dinosaurs. Robotic dinosaurs are everywhere. This is a fun place for kids or dinosaur fans but it is not a relaxing stop. Those who are very sensitive to light and sounds I would skip this one. There is also a store full of dinosaur items and Build-a-Bear dinosaur themed shop as well.
* Rainforest Cafe – The is a high energy restaurant with over the top theming to the rainforest. Robotic animals are everywhere. This is a fun place for kids or theming fans but it is not a relaxing stop. Those who are very sensitive to light and sounds I would skip this one. There is also a location at Animal Kingdom. They also have a retail store in the cafe. Even if you don’t dine here make sure you check out the volcano as you walk by.
* Lava Lounge – The bar and lounge option, the cutest bar stools around.
*Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop – Grab your ice cream sundaes!
*Earl of Sandwich – Grab a quick sandwich with breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Don’t miss out on the Holiday Turkey sandwich it’s a crowd favorite.
Other Stand and Quick Options:
* STARBUCKS
Goofy’s Candy Co. – A step above a traditional candy store they also have a large bakery case and several fun options to design your own custom treats.
Wetzel’s Pretzels
Sunshine Churros
* B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Company
Swirls on the Water – Assorted Dole Whip offerings.
Dockside Margaritas
Marketplace Snacks
Shopping
Disney Owned:
World of Disney Store – The largest one stop Disney shop in all of Disney World. There is a ton of all sorts of merchandise here. This is a must visit if you are going to Disney Springs. However, it is not every single item you will find across Disney World. There are a lot of items throughout the parks specific to their location so if you see something you love don’t depend on it being able to purchase later at World of Disney.
Marketplace Co-Op – Find more couture Disney items from a rotating set of small shops inside the Marketplace. Lots of unique Disney items here.
Tren-D – Find some more fashion forward Disney items, the place to go of the newest Disney fashions.
Once Upon a Toy – With some custom toy options such as build your own lightsaber you will find lots of Disney toys here.
Star Wars Trading Post – Find lots of Star Wars merchandise.
Disney’s Days of Christmas – Heaven for those who love both Disney and Christmas. Find any ornament you could dream of and they even offer personalization.
Disney’s Wonderful World of Memories – Here you will find lots of photo frames and albums as well as the option to get some personalized souvenirs like hats and ears.
The Art of Disney – Find prints, originals, figurines and fine art items all Disney inspired.
Disney Pin Traders – The most complete selection of Disney Pins at Disney World. This is a must stop for pin trading collectors. If you are visiting Disney Springs on your first day this is a great place to start your pin collecting or trading experience. Cast Members can even assist you with pin trading tips.
Other Shopping:
- Dino Store at T-Rex
- Build-A-Dino by Build-A-Bear at T-Rex
- LEGO Store
- Basin
- Pearl Factory
- Happy Hound
- Spice & Tea Exchange
- Initial Rings – Kiosk
- Lefty’s
- Crystal Art by Arribas Brothers
- Just Plumaerias
- Rainforest Cafe Retail Village
- Swings N’ Things – The Hammock Experts
- The Art Corner
Holidays and Events At Disney Springs
RunDisney – During RunDisney weekends there are often events celebrating runners. Such as dance parties with live music and special discounts to runners who bring their medals.
Christmas – My favorite time to visit Disney Springs. The Christmas season brings the Christmas Tree Trail! Grab a free map and look for all of the highly themed trees throughout the grounds. Mark each one with a ticket and when you are done collect your free prize, such as a button. Don’t worry they don’t check for acuracy. Entertainment offerings throughout Disney Springs are often Christmas themed. Enjoy special menu items at many restaurants and lots of sweet treats at the bakeries and sweet shops. Jock Lindseys Hanger Bar even turns into the Holiday Bar with new decor and menu items. You can even meet Santa Clause or Santa Goofy and photos are included in your Memory Maker photo package. Of course there is also a ton of holiday shopping.
Throughout the year you may find celebrations on a smaller scale for other holidays. There are frequently monthly art display celebrating things like African American History Month or Hispanic Heritage Month. In the fall there are often seasonal menu items across Disney Springs as well.
As you can see Disney Springs has a ton to offer and is a great added experience to your Disney World or Orlando vacation.
If you are looking to travel to Disney World I would love to be your travel agent. Get expert advice in planning your vacation and a personalized experience at no additional cost to you.
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Katie - The Magic's Yours Travel 