If you’re planning a trip to Disney World in Orlando, you will want to visit Disney Springs. Located just a few minutes from the parks, this shopping, dining, and entertainment complex offers something for everyone. In this blog post, I’ll give you everything you need to know about Disney Springs, including its location, what you can do there, popular attractions, and tips for visiting.
About Disney Springs
Disney Springs is located at 1486 Buena Vista Drive in Lake Buena Vista, Florida (near Orlando). It is minutes from all of the Disney World parks and easily accessible by car or Disney transportation.
The attraction is usually open from 10 AM-10 PM Sunday through Thursday and 10 AM-11 PM Friday and Saturday, though the hours vary per establishment.
Disney Springs has something for everyone. If shopping is your thing, you’ll love the vast array of shops and boutiques. You’ll find stores selling everything from Disney merchandise to high-end designer clothing and accessories.
There are also many dining options, from quick service to sit-down restaurants. And for entertainment, Disney Springs truly has it all – from a movie theater to live entertainment to a bowling alley.
Need suggestions for where to stay in Orlando? We have several in this blog post.
Popular Disney Springs Attractions
Disney Springs, formerly Downtown Disney, comprises four neighborhoods: The Marketplace, Landing, Town Center, and West Side. Each district has its own unique set of attractions and things to do.
The Marketplace
The Marketplace neighborhood is modeled after the American Craftsman style in the 1930s. You will find lots of Disney-themed shopping in the Marketplace area, such as the iconic World of Disney store, where you can find all the Disney merchandise you could ever want.
You will find two of the most popular Disney Springs shops here: LEGO Store and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, where every little ages 3 to 12 can be dolled up to resemble their favorite Disney princess or knight for a small fortune. Kids also love dining at Rainforest Cafe on this part of the property.
Our family loves shopping at Basin for smell-good bath products and getting a post-dinner dessert from the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop.
Tip: Park in the Lime Garage for easy access to the Marketplace.
Tip #2: Looking to quickly get to the Marketplace from The Landing or West Side? You can take a boat!
The Landing
The Landing serves as the fictional town’s transportation hub and marina. It has a very apparent nautical theme and a gorgeous lake view. Here, you’ll find The Boathouse, which has fantastic food and drinks and vintage Amphicar rides. Rides run $125 per car and can accommodate 3 to 4 people.
We think the best restaurants at Disney Springs are in The Landing. Enjoy a tasty Italian meal from Terralina Crafted Italian, or stop in Wine Bar George for appetizers and a glass of wine (there are over 135 to choose from!).
Tip: For easy access to The Landing, park in the Orange Garage.
Town Center
At Town Center, you’ll find high-end shopping and dining and the famous food hall, The Edison. It is Disney Springs’ business district with Spanish Revival architecture and home to lots of upscale shopping–from clothing and shoes to makeup and bath products.
A few of the shops you’ll find here are Lilly Pulitzer, Volcom, Vera Bradley, Fabletics, and Jo Malone London. Take advantage of the Coca-Cola Store, modeled after a 1920s bottling plant and offering superb panoramic views from the Rooftop Beverage Bar.
Restaurants include the desirable Chicken Guy and Polite Pig, arguably the best bbq in Orlando. I’m just as crazy about the side items at Polite Pig as I am about the sauces from Chicken Guy!
Grab an Instagram-worthy dessert from Amorette’s Patisserie.
Tip: Park in the Lime Garage for easy access to the Town Center.
Pro Tip: Plan on eating at Disney Springs? Make a reservation ahead of time for sit-down meals on the Disney website.
West Side
The West Side neighborhood serves as the town’s exposition center and is the epicenter of entertainment at Disney Springs. See a concert at House of Blues, go bowling at Splitsville Luxury Lanes, or see a movie at AMC Disney Springs 24 Dine-In Theaters.
You also have the yummy Disney Springs food trucks parked in this neighborhood and the best ice cream in the world (according to me!) at Salt & Straw.
A big draw is the new Cirque du Soleil Show, Drawn to Life, which I’ve yet to personally see, but heard great reviews about.
Tips for Visiting Disney Springs
A visit to Disney Springs can be overwhelming, so it’s essential to have a plan before you go. If you need help figuring out where to start, study the map to see what draws you in. Regarding dining, consider sampling a dish or two from several eateries and creating your own food tour. You can do Disney Springs on a dime or as a splurge; the choice is yours.
FAQS
Q: Is there an admission fee for Disney Springs?
A: No, admission to Disney Springs is free.
Q: Can I bring my own food and drinks?
A: Outside food and drinks are not permitted in Disney Springs, except for baby food and formula.
Q: Is there parking at Disney Springs?
A: Yes, there is free parking available at both the orange and lime parking garages.
Q: Is there Wi-Fi ?
A: Yes, there is free Wi-Fi throughout Disney Springs.
Q: Are there any discounts available for Disney Springs?
A: Many shops and restaurants offer DVC, Disney Visa, and Passholder discounts; just ask upon checkout.
Make Disney Springs Part Of Your Orlando Vacation
Disney Springs is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Disney World. With its vast array of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, there’s something for the entire family.
Whether you’re there for a quick visit or a full day, be sure to take advantage of everything Disney Springs has to offer. And remember, with a little bit of planning and some insider tips, you can make the most of your visit.
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