Are you planning a visit to Disney Springs during your Walt Disney World vacation? These are the best things to do at Disney Springs in Orlando Florida to include in your visit to Disney World.
Some of the best things to do at Disney Springs are taking time to explore the unique dining and shops. We like to include Disney Springs in our non-park days and visit with a relaxed pace.
Disney Springs is the entertainment complex at the Walt Disney World resort. It was previously known as Downtown Disney and Pleasure Island but has been Disney Springs since 2015.
Disney Springs offers live music, food trucks, the largest Disney store, a movie theater, candy shops, bowling alley and more popular stores.
Walt Disney World resort is home to 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, ESPN Sports Complex, mini-golf, and many resort hotels. The Walt Disney World theme parks are: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom.
Disney Springs is a great place to visit after a morning at the parks or to enjoy on a day off from visiting the parks.
Whether you are looking for all day activities, a quick bite, or a day shopping, Disney Springs has great options for the whole family.
Overview of Disney Springs
Disney Springs is divided into four areas: The Landing, West Side, Town Center, and Marketplace. Be prepared to walk if you are planning on exploring all of Disney Springs.
Once you decided where you want to visit it is best to take a look at the map to figure out the best way to get there.
Disney Springs is located at the Walt Disney World resort in Orlando, Florida. The exact address is 1486 Buena Vista Drive.
The best way to get there depends on where you are staying. If you are on-property you can walk, take a boat, or the bus to get to Disney Springs.
If you are off-property the best way to get to Disney Springs is to drive your car.
Best Things to Do at Disney Springs
These are our must see things at Disney Springs. We like to keep our day easy and relaxed by browsing shops and stopping for quick eats.
There are a lot of unique and different places at Disney Springs so if you have time in your vacation it is worth spending a little time.
World of Disney at Disney Springs
Location: Marketplace Area
If you want to do some shopping or just browse Disney gifts, World of Disney should be on your list. This store is gigantic and has so many different Disney inspired gifts and toys.
They have a lot of park souvenirs as well but keep in mind they don’t have everything the parks have.
If there is a specific gift you found inside the park it is always recommended to purchase it there, you may not find it anywhere else.
Chicken Guy
Location: Town Center
Chicken Guy is a quick-service dining option that our entire family loves. We like Chicken Guy because the prices are great for families ($14.00 and under), there are 20 different varieties of dipping sauces, and the food is good!
It’s basic Chicken Fingers, Sandwiches, and Salads but we all order up the chicken fingers and enjoy trying all the different dipping sauces.
Chicken Guy can get busy and there is minimal indoor seating. When we plan our visit we will arrive 20-25 minutes before opening time to secure a seat. Reservations are not accepted.
LEGO Store
Location: Marketplace
My kids love a visit to the LEGO Store at Disney Springs because we can’t wait to see the larger than life Disney-Inspired LEGO creations.
On our last visit they had an Anna and Elsa LEGO sculpture and we have seen Mickey Mouse and Buzz Lightyear ones as well.
Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew
Location: West Side
Warm homemade donut and a cold brew is the best way to start your day! If time allows I suggest arriving for breakfast to start your day.
Everglazed Donuts opens at 9:00 am along with most of the shops at Disney Springs.
They also serve sandwiches like the Donut Burger and have fan favorite donuts like Maple Double Bacon. This is a perfect morning stop to fuel walking around and exploring Disney Springs.
M & M Store
Location: West Side
The M&M store is a recent addition to Disney Springs and it is already a fan favorite. With it’s bright colors and fun photo ops, a visit to the M&M store is great for kids.
Disney’s Days of Christmas
Location: Marketplace
As part of our family vacation traditions we like to pick up an ornament from our destinations. Disney’s Days of Christmas is Christmas time year round. It is a really nice Christmas store making this a great stop during your visit.
Gideon’s Bakehouse
Location: The Landing
Gideon’s Bakehouse has the most sought after cookies at Disney Springs. Guests are waiting hours to get in and purchase these decadent treats.
On our most recent visit I decided to try our luck before we ate lunch.
As I approached Gideon’s I was asked to be added to the virtual que. This was an easy process. The cast member said it would be about an hour before we received a text to join the line.
We mentioned we would be at lunch and they were very accommodating to us returning as soon as we finished eating. After joining the line it was about a 20 minute process. That is what we love about visiting Disney, they are always working to make our vacation magical.
We ordered two cookies to share between the 5 of us. They started around $6.00 each. We tried the Original Chocolate Chip and the Pistachio Toffee Chocolate Chip. Both were delicious!!
Disney’s Candy Cauldron
Location: West Side
Guests can watch candy apple creations at Disney’s Candy Cauldron. You will find cake pops, candies, and more featuring some of your favorite Disney characters.
Splitsville Luxury Lanes
Location: West Side
Splitsville is a family fun bowling alley that is a great activity to escape the afternoon heat and have some family fun competition. Guests can order snacks and appetizers but reservations are required for dining.
Guests can also reserve their bowling lanes and this must be done separate from dining. Walk-ins are accepted but if you plan to visit it is best to make reservations as early as possible.
Disney Dreams that Soar Drone Show
From May 24, 2024-September 2, 2024 Disney Springs will feature a drone show to its guests. This will be above the West Side of Disney Springs and feature Disney storytelling and characters.
More Activities at Disney Springs
- Vintage Amphicar Tours
- Aerophile Balloon Ride
- Drawn to Life Presented by Cirque de Solei , This is an amazing live entertainment option. Tickets can be purchased here.
- AMC Disney Springs Dine In Theater
- Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
- Carousel and Train
- Coca-Cola Store
More Things to Eat at Disney Springs Restaurants
- 4 Rivers Cantina Barbacoa Truck
- Joffrey’s Coffee
- T-Rex Café
- House of Blues
- Rainforest Café
- Starbucks
- Exposition Park: Food Truck area
- Raglan Road: Live Music and Dining
- Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin
- Earl of Sandwich
- The Edison
- The Boathouse
More Shopping at Disney Springs
- Disney Style
- Once Upon a Toy
- Star Wars Trading Post
- Superhero Headquarters
- Coca-Cola Store
There are so many more restaurants and shops at Disney Springs that I couldn’t include them all! Find the full list here.
Tips for Visiting Disney Springs
- Review the map before you arrive and make a plan for what you would like to see and do.
- Make dining reservations for any sit down restaurants you want to visit.
- Check the weather. If it is raining there is not a lot of shelter.
- Arrive early if you want to visit popular locations like Gideon’s Bakeshop.
- Check out the special events page to see what is happening the day of your visit.
- If you are visiting during the holidays be sure to check out Christmas Tree Trail.
FAQ’s About Disney Springs
Does it Cost Money to Go to Disney Springs?
It is free to enter and walk around Disney Springs.
Is Parking Free at Disney Springs?
Disney Springs parking is free to all guests. Guest can park in the Disney Springs area parking garages.
Is there bus transportation from your resort to Disney Springs?
Yes. Bus service starts when Disney Springs opens and ends one hour after Disney Springs closes.
Is there bus transportation from Disney Springs to the theme parks?
No. There is not bus transportation from Disney Springs to the theme parks.
Can you walk from any Disney Hotels to Disney Springs?
Yes, but not many. Guests can walk from Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort. Guests can also walk from Disney’s Old Key West but it is over a mile.
If you are staying at a Disney Springs hotel you may also be able to walk.
Can you walk from Disney Springs to a Disney Theme Park?
No. The Disney parks are not within walking distance to Disney Springs.
Can you walk from Disney Springs to a Disney Water Park?
Walking is not recommended to Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach because the walkways are not pedestrian friendly. Bus transportation or driving your car is the best option.
Are there hotels at Disney Springs?
There are hotels at Disney Springs. They are not officially on resort but they offer many of the same on-site perks. Learn more here.
Can you take a boat to Disney Springs?
You can take a boat from some Disney Resorts to Disney Springs. They are Disney’s Saratoga Springs, Disney’s Old Key West, and Disney’s Port Orleans-Riverside and French Quarter.
Can you take the Disney Skyliner to Disney Springs?
No. The Disney Skyliner transportation does not take guests to Disney Springs.
Are there hotels at Disney Springs?
Disney Springs also has accommodations. These are not official Walt Disney World Resorts but they offer most of the same perks as staying at a Disney World Resort. You can find a list here.
How Much Time do You Need at Disney Springs?
This depends on what you want to do and if you are traveling as a couple, alone, or with kids. Typically as a family of five we will spend a few hours. This includes eating lunch, shopping, and picking up a snack.
These are our favorite places to see and things to do at Disney Springs. Planning some time to visit Disney Springs is a great addition to your theme park vacation.
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Leah has been traveling with her family of 5 since 2012 and sharing her expertise on planning family vacations and visiting theme parks since 2016. Leah has been featured in Visit Rochester, Undercover Tourist, and Home Publications. She has worked with brands like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Hersheypark, Toyota, and various Tourism boards and destinations. Leah creates family travel itineraries based on real trip experiences with her family. Her guides and tips help others plan great family vacations. Learn more about Leah and Five for the Road.