Disney Springs, formerly known as Downtown Disney, has transformed into a vibrant and expansive destination within Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. With over 150 establishments, it draws inspiration from Florida’s waterfront towns and natural beauty, offering an eclectic mix of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. In this ultimate guide, we’ll explore the must-visit spots, key attractions, dining highlights, and tips to make your visit unforgettable.
Disney Springs:
Disney Springs is designed around a flowing spring and lakefront, creating a picturesque setting divided into four distinct neighborhoods:
Town Center:
- Shopping & Dining: A sophisticated mix of retail stores and restaurants set around a scenic promenade.
- Relax & Refresh: Perfect for unwinding, this area was the last to open, with its shops debuting throughout 2016.
The Landing:
- Inspired Dining: Home to some of the best dining options with beautiful waterfront views.
- Opening Stages: Opened in stages in 2015, this colorful district is bustling with activity.
Marketplace:
- Family-Friendly: Combines new experiences like an over-the-water pedestrian causeway with classic Disney favorites.
- World of Disney: Don’t miss the expanded World of Disney store, a highlight for all ages.
West Side:
- Lively Entertainment: Known for its exuberant atmosphere, live entertainment, and unique shops like the Lego Imagination Center and Art of Disney.
- Splitsville: A standout for fun, offering unique entertainment and dining.
Key Attractions at Disney Springs:
- Live Music Shows: Venues like Raglan Road and House of Blues offer daily performances.
- Unique Experiences: Take a ride on the Aerophile Balloon or book a Disney PhotoPass Studio session.
Dining Highlights:
- Upscale Dining: Savor meals at top-tier restaurants like The BOATHOUSE and Paddlefish.
- Quick Bites: Enjoy a quick meal at Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza or Chicken Guy!
- Sweet Treats: Indulge at Ghirardelli Soda Fountain or Amorette’s Patisserie.
Events & Activities:
- Seasonal Events: From Santa’s Marketplace to the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll, there’s always something happening.
- Nightly Entertainment: Street performers, stilt walkers, and rollerblade duos add to the lively evening atmosphere.
Getting To Disney Springs:
- By Bus: Accessible from all Disney resorts, with specific bus schedules to Disney Springs.
- By Boat: Available from Old Key West, Saratoga Springs, and Port Orleans Resorts.
- On Foot: Nearby resorts offer walking paths to Disney Springs.
- By Car: Located on Buena Vista Drive, with ample self-parking and valet options.
- By Rideshare: Convenient drop-off points for Lyft, Uber, and Disney’s Minnie Van service.
Parking:
- Self-Parking: Free parking in lots and garages.
- Preferred Parking: Available for $10.
- Valet Parking: Offered at a flat rate of $20.
Tips for a Great Disney Springs Visit:
- No Admission Fee: Entry to Disney Springs is free.
- Opening Hours: Open daily from 10 AM to midnight, with individual shop and restaurant hours varying.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair and ECV accessible, with numerous amenities for guests with disabilities.
- Dining Reservations: Book dining reservations at least 30 days in advance to ensure availability.
Disney Springs Restaurants
Disney Springs offers a wide variety of dining options, from quick service to fine dining. Here are some notable ones:
- The Edison: A steampunk-themed restaurant with multiple lavish rooms and bars. Reservations are highly recommended.
- T-REX: A dinosaur-themed eatery with an immersive prehistoric experience. Advance reservations are highly recommended.
- Amorette’s Patisserie: Known for its delicious pastries and cakes.
- The BOATHOUSE: Offers waterfront dining with a dreamy ambiance.
- Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’: Southern comfort food in a welcoming atmosphere.
- Morimoto Asia: Pan-Asian cuisine by Chef Morimoto of Iron Chef America.
Disney Springs Shopping
Disney Springs is a shopper’s paradise with a mix of well-known brands and Disney-centric boutiques. Some must-visit shops include:
- The LEGO Store: A colossal LEGO world for creativity.
- Disney’s Days of Christmas: Festive holiday-themed shopping.
- Lilly Pulitzer: Known for colorful and vibrant apparel.
- Kate Spade New York: Trendy accessories and fashion.
- Cirque du Soleil Store: Unique merchandise inspired by the famous circus.
Disney Springs Entertainment
- Cirque du Soleil: A blend of Disney animation and thrilling circus acts. Shows at Cirque du Soleil also require tickets, which can be purchased in advance
- AMC Disney Springs 24: This dine-in theater offers movie screenings with food and beverage options available for purchase.
- House of Blues: Live music and Southern-style BBQ. To attend a concert or show, you’ll need to purchase tickets. Prices vary depending on the event, and VIP seating options are available for an upgraded experience. General admission is usually standing room only
- Aerophile – The World Leader in Balloon Flight
- Location: West Side, Disney Springs Operating Hours: 9:30 AM to 11:00 PM Ticket Prices: $29.99 plus tax for adults (ages 10 and older), $24.99 plus tax for children (ages 3 to 9) Flight Duration: Approximately 8 minutes, ascending up to 400 feet Reservations: Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis at the attraction location
- What to Expect:
- Panoramic Views: Enjoy breathtaking views of up to 10 miles away on clear days.
- Capacity: The basket holds 29 people plus one certified pilot.
- Restrictions: No bags, beverages, food, smoking, or strollers allowed in the balloon’s basket. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
My Disney Experience app
You can purchase tickets and make reservations for various entertainment options at Disney Springs through the My Disney Experience app. Here’s how:
- Download the My Disney Experience App: Available on both iOS and Android devices.
- Create an Account or Log In: If you already have an account, simply log in.
- Search for Events: Use the app to search for specific events, shows, or dining experiences.
- Purchase Tickets: Select the event and proceed to purchase tickets directly through the app.
- Make Dining Reservations: For restaurants that require reservations, you can book them in advance through the app.
This way, you can secure your spots ahead of time and have a seamless experience when you arrive at Disney Springs.
Disney Springs is a magical blend of dining, shopping, and entertainment. From the immersive prehistoric adventure at T-REX to the delightful pastries at Amorette’s Patisserie, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss the LEGO Store for a creative escape and the Cirque du Soleil show for a spectacular performance. It’s a must-visit destination for any Disney fan!
For a deeper dive into planning your Disney adventure, check out our comprehensive guide to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge here: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Guide.
