Walt Disney World is best known for its four theme parks, but, did you know that there’s another place on Disney property where you can get your shopping and dining fix? And, it’s totally free!

Known as Disney Springs, this popular spot features some of the most popular places to eat, shop, and relax. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite to eat or a full day of shopping and entertainment, you’ll find it here! From live music to street performers, there’s always something happening in this vibrant destination. Here’s why you need to add Disney Springs to your itinerary and all that there is to experience in this huge shopping and dining district!

What Is Disney Springs In Disney World?

Previously called Downtown Disney, Disney Springs was renamed in 2015 when construction was completed on the massive expansion of the area. Now, Disney Springs is the hub of Disney shopping, dining, and entertainment with a design inspired by Florida’s waterfront towns, historic architecture, and nature. It is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.

Disney Springs is divided into four distinct neighborhoods: The Landing, Marketplace, West Side, and Town Center. Each neighborhood has its own unique atmosphere, with different shops, restaurants, and entertainment options to explore.

The Landing

The Landing is a waterfront district that features upscale dining options and live music. Here, you can find restaurants like The Boathouse, Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, and Morimoto Asia. You can also take a ride on a vintage amphicar.

Marketplace

The Marketplace is the main shopping district that features a variety of stores, from Disney-themed merchandise to high-end fashion. Here, you can find stores like World of Disney, Basin, and Disney’s Days of Christmas. You can also take a ride on the Marketplace Train Express or enjoy a sweet treat at Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop.

West Side

West Side is an entertainment district that features a movie theater, bowling alley, and a variety of casual dining options. Here, you can find restaurants like House of Blues, Splitsville Luxury Lanes, and The Edison. You can also catch a movie at the AMC theater or enjoy a jaw-dropping performance at Cirque du Soleil.

Town Center

The last area to see is the Town Center which features a mix of high-end and affordable stores that you’ll likely recognize from home, as well as a few dining options. Here, you can find stores like Anthropologie, MAC Cosmetics, and Zara. You can also enjoy a meal at restaurants like The Polite Pig, Frontera Cocina, and Wine Bar George.

While Disney Springs isn’t a theme park, it’s become a must-do part of any Disney World vacation. We recommend visiting on the day that you arrive or the day that you leave (if you’re leaving later in the day) since it’s free to visit and keeps you in the Disney bubble without taking up a full day.

Where Is Disney Springs In Disney World?

Disney Springs is located at the Walt Disney World Resort on Buena Vista Drive, not far from I-4. If you are staying at any Disney World Resort hotel, you can take advantage of the complimentary bus transportation that will take you directly to Disney Springs. Or, if you prefer to drive, there are several parking garages available at Disney Springs free of charge. You can also take a taxi or Uber to Disney Springs if you prefer not to drive.

What To Do In Disney Springs

If you’re looking for a fun-filled day at Disney World outside of the four theme parks, then Disney Springs is the perfect place to be. With a wide range of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here are a few things you can do at Disney Springs.

Shopping

Disney Springs is home to the largest shopping selection in all of Disney World. You can find everything from Disney-themed souvenirs to high-end fashion and more. Some of the most popular stores you don’t want to miss include:

• World of Disney – The World of Disney Store is the largest Disney store in the world and is a must-visit for any Disney fan.
• Pin Traders – Pin trading is a popular activity among park-goers so you can stock up for trading here! They also have a wide selection of MagicBands and other Disney merchandise.
• Disney Days of Christmas – It’s Christmas year-round here! So, whether you’re stocking up for the holidays or visiting during the season, you can get all your must-have Disney holiday merchandise here including a massive selection of ornaments.

Dining

Disney Springs has a wide range of dining options to suit almost all tastes and budgets. From quick-service restaurants to fine dining experiences, there’s something for everyone here. Not every restaurant is owned and operated by Disney, so you’ll find that there’s much more variety in the types of foods you can find here. Some of the most popular restaurants include:

• Gideon’s Bakehouse – Giant gourmet cookies are the name of the game here and there is a reason they’ve developed a cult-like following from fans. Plan to arrive at Disney Springs early to snag your treats as the line can get very long and some items may sell out.
• Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ – Owned by world-renowned chef, Art Smith, you’ll be treated to some of the best southern-style food here.
• D-Luxe Burger – This Disney-owned and operated restaurant serves up a variety of burgers and shakes that pair with their signature sauces.

Entertainment

Disney Springs offers a variety of entertainment options, including live music, movies, and interactive experiences. The AMC Dine-In Theater is a great place to catch a movie and enjoy a meal at the same time. You can also catch live performances at the House of Blues. And, if you’re looking for a special evening out, consider purchasing tickets for the Cirque Du Soleil show, as this is the only location where you can see the Disney-themed acrobatics show.

Events and Festivals at Disney Springs

Disney Springs is always buzzing with activity beyond all the shopping and dining. Here are some of the events and festivals held throughout the year and when you can experience them.

Holidays at Disney Springs

During the holiday season, Disney Springs is transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with festive decorations, live entertainment, and special events. You can enjoy the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll, which features elaborately decorated trees inspired by Disney characters, or catch a performance of the Holiday Harmonies show, featuring a cappella groups singing holiday tunes. You can also shop for holiday gifts at the many stores and boutiques, or grab seasonal treats at the restaurants.

Live Music and Performances

Disney Springs is home to several stages and performance areas, where you can catch live music, dance performances, and other shows. The AdventHealth Waterside Stage hosts a variety of musical acts, while the Orange Stage is home to La Calle, a high-energy street party featuring Latin music and dance. You can also catch improv comedy shows at the Disney Springs West Side, or watch strolling performers and magicians throughout the complex.

Food and Drink Festivals

Every year, Disney Springs hosts the Flavors of Florida festival. This event usually takes place between early July to mid-August and features a variety of exclusive shopping and dining experiences. The full itinerary and offerings are usually released a few months in advance, so be sure to check this out if you’ll be visiting while the festival is happening.

Guest Services at Disney Springs

If you need any assistance during your visit to Disney Springs, there are several Guest Services locations available to help you with any questions or concerns you may have. Here are some of the services they offer:

• Accessibility Information – If you or someone in your group has a disability, you can visit Guest Services to learn about accessibility options throughout Disney Springs.
• Guide Maps – You can pick up a guide map of Disney Springs at Guest Services. The map includes information about all of the shops, restaurants, and entertainment options available.
• Lost and Found – If you lose something during your visit, visit Guest Services to report it. They will take your information and contact you if your item is found.
• My Disney Experience Mobile App – If you need help with the My Disney Experience app, Guest Services can assist you. They can help you make dining reservations, view wait times, and more.

In addition to these services, Guest Services can also help you with general guest assistance. They can answer questions about the park, provide directions, and more. The Guest Services locations are easy to find and are located throughout Disney Springs, so don’t hesitate to stop by if you need any help.

Tips for Visiting Disney Springs

If you’re planning a visit to Disney Springs, here are some tips to help make the most of your time:

Arrive early

If you want to avoid crowds, it’s best to visit Disney Springs in the morning. This is especially true during busy times like holidays, weekends, and evenings. Plus, you’ll have more time to explore all the shops and restaurants.

Plan ahead

With over 100 stores and more than 50 places to eat and drink, it’s easy to get overwhelmed at Disney Springs. Before you go, check out the official website to see what’s available and make a plan for what you really want to see and do.

Make dining reservations in advance

Many of the table service restaurants require a dining reservation, so be sure to make those through your My Disney Experience account or the Open Table app before your trip.

Visit on your first or last day

The major benefit of Disney Springs is that it’s free to visit and keeps you immersed in the Disney atmosphere. You likely won’t need all day to explore the area, so tack a visit to Disney Springs onto the beginning or end of your trip when you don’t have a full day to visit the parks.

Don’t skip Disney Springs if you’re visiting around the holidays

Beginning in early November, Disney Springs gets decked out for the holidays and features some unique offerings that you won’t find in the parks. Be sure to check out the Christmas Tree Stroll, meet Santa, and stop by Jock Lindsey’s “Holiday” Bar!

What’s Coming to Disney Springs?

Just like the parks, things are always changing at Disney Springs! For example, Disney Springs is always adding new dining options, and there are several new restaurants that recently opened. One highly anticipated addition is EET, a restaurant by Maneet Chauhan that features Indian-inspired cuisine. Here you can enjoy dishes like the Walking Taco, Samosa Chopped Salad, and Tandoori Chicken Poutine.

Summer House on the Lake is another new restaurant that recently opened on the West Side. The sit-down restaurant will offer salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and more in a beach house setting. Plus, there is an attached bakery where you can grab a treat to-go.

So, don’t miss out on this hidden gem during your next Disney World vacation, and add Disney Springs to your agenda!

Comments

Is visiting Disney Springs a must-do for you when you visit Disney World? What are your favorite restaurants? Let us know in the comments if you think it’s worth going to Disney Springs on your trip!