25 Fun Things to Do at Disney Springs

Found in Orlando Florida, Disney Springs is a Disney Must Do, whether you’re going to the WDW parks or not. Perfect for a non-park day at Walt Disney World, this shopping complex includes restaurants, a bowling alley, movie theater, bakeries and more. From the carousel on one end to Cirque du Soleil on the other, you can count on a fun filled day at Disney Springs no matter what your plans. Previously the Disney World Downtown Disney Orlando, if you haven’t been there in a while, know that the name is now Disney Springs. Expanded to 150+ shops and 70+ restaurants, there is plenty to see an do here.

While a vacation to Walt Disney World is usually a good idea, sometimes you need to get your Disney fix without the $150+ day ticket for the parks. And if you’re a fan of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you know that Universal Studios is also usually at the top of your theme park list. Vying for ALL your money. Frankly, how are you supposed to afford it all? Luckily, you can still get your Disney fix at Disney Springs, no matter which theme parks you’re visiting. Because while Disney Springs is technically just a giant shopping center, there are also plenty of fun things to do at Disney Springs that won’t cost you a dime! Here we break down some fun things to do on your next visit.

Disney Springs Details

Just like the Disney Boardwalk, Disney Springs is open to the public, and features an array of things you can do at Walt Disney World, without a park ticket. Primarily a shopping center, Disney Springs also offers recreation activities and live music in the evenings.

• Hours: 10 AM- 11:30 PM
• Parking: Lots and garages are available to use for FREE.
• Transportation: Complimentary Disney bus service is available to Disney Springs from Disney Parks and Resorts.
• Location: 1486 Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830. Check out all the ways to get to Disney Springs.

Disney Springs Stores

Over 150 stores can be found at Disney Springs. With mainstay retailers like Uniqlo, and Anthropologie, to boutique stores like Basin, there are plenty of non-Disney shops to browse. Of course, if you’re looking for Disney, you can find Trend-D, World of Disney, Disney Ever After and more. Check out all the Stores at Disney Springs for locations and hours.

Disney Springs Restaurants

You can find over 70 Restaurants at Disney Springs, featuring everything from dole whip to authentic Asian cuisine and Key Lime Pie, you can plan your breakfast, lunch and dinner here. And of course, there are bars too! So if you’re looking for a night out you can grab a cocktail and listen to the music. Most restaurants here accept reservations, and they are highly recommended during the busy spring and summer months.

Disney Springs Hotels

If you’re keen to get even closer to the action, then there are plenty of Hotels Near Disney Springs that are within walking distance! Which means you can just roll out of bed and walk to the shopping center. Many of these hotels also have park shuttles, Disney perks and more. For a list of official Disney Springs Hotels and Disney Springs Partner Hotels, check out our post on Hotels Near Disney Springs.

Dole Whip at Swirls on the Water

Wondering where you can get Dole Whip at Disney Springs? At Swirls on the Water you can get a variety of Dole Whip treats. A favorite is the Dole Whip Flight. Typically available in a alcoholic or non alcoholic version, you can count on different flavors throughout the year. Dole Whip is also typically decorated with a Disney shape, or chocolate piece. And since you get 3 Dole Whip cups in a flight, there is plenty to share! Be sure to stop by. They offer classic pineapple and other specialty flavors.

Homemade S’mores at The Ganachery 

If you’re heading to Disney Springs for the experience, be sure to stop by The Ganachery for some s’more making. Complete with homemade graham crackers, marshmallows, and luscious chocolate. This experience is $8 dollars and you get to watch the cast member make the s’more in front of you. Between the salted  caramel layer, the melted chocolate and the blow torched marshmallow, there is plenty to watch. And when you’re done you get a s’more with a little mickey head on it. Freshly made, and still warm and gooey.

World of Disney Store At Disney Springs

While there are plenty of shops across shopping center, for Disney Fans, the Disney Store is the best. The largest Disney store on the property, World of Disney carries many things you would find in the parks, as well as favorites from shopDisney.com. An excellent place to browse for your next souvenir, gifts or just to see what’s new, this shop will have everything you can think of for the Disney fan and more. Set up like a department store, you can find seasonal merchandise, Disney jewelry, Disney Dooney and Bourke Bags and more. 

Want a money saving tip? While the World of Disney won’t give you a discount, you can get Disney Gift Cards at a discount by buying them with a credit card that gives you cash back. Or head to Target before your vacation and buy a few Disney Gift Cards with your Target Red Card for 5% off. Then just use the gift cards to pay for your purchase

Specialty Donuts at Everglazed Donuts and Cold Brew

Still somewhat new, Everglazed is known for interesting flavored donut options, alongside the traditional, and coffee drinks. We love it when they change the flavors to match the season. Serving up donuts, coffees and even donut sandwiches, there are plenty of unique things to try here. The Icon donut  yeast donut covered in blue icing and sprinkles, and a bestseller. But you can also find donut flavors in fruity pebbles, nutella, coconut, and maple bacon. Plenty of options here! 

Earl of Sandwich at Disney Springs

If there’s a restaurant with a line out the door it’s this one. Especially on the weekends. Earl of Sandwich is one of our Top 10 Best Quick Serve Restaurants at Walt Disney World for a reason!  Laying claim as the inventor of the sandwich, the Earl of Sandwich carries a cult following along with pretty good sandwiches. They have a holiday turkey sandwich that feels like Thanksgiving, avocado, and chicken and veggie options too. Grab a mac and cheese side and you’ve got a quick, budget-friendly lunch you can add to your day. If you’re looking for the best Disney Springs food, you won’t be disappointed here. We love it for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and you can grab most meals here for under $15 each! 

Disney Springs Uniqlo 

Home to all things essential this Japanese import features all the wardrobe classics you may need while on vacation. Including Heattech clothing, perfect for those unexpectedly freezing Florida nights during the strange winter at Disney World weather. You can also find specialty Disney tees for kids and adults if you need any last-minute matching shirts for your day in the parks. And of course, it’s the perfect place to shop if you’ve forgotten any wardrobe essentials. 

Get Coffee Art at Joffrey’s Coffee Co. 

Sure, you can get coffee art most places, but at Joffrey’s Coffee Co. at Disney Springs you have so many more choices to choose from. Mickey, Simba, even quote art can all be added to your specialty coffee drink. Plus, during special times of year, you can get even more art, like holiday themed scenes, and anniversary decorations. Whatever your fancy, simple ask the cast member for the choices, and make your coffee extra special. 

Disney World Boathouse

One of the more popular restaurants at Disney Springs is The Boathouse. Not only for the Amphicar, but also for the waterside dining, bar, kitschy gift shop and blue drink with plastic duck. That said, you can grab loads of seafood here, and some fantastic appetizers! Drinks are available at the bar, or with meals, and the options are endless! Check out our Disney World Boathouse Review for details and menu options.

Ride on the Marketplace Carousel 

Featuring rides from $5, both kids and adults can ride this horse filled carousel, as a throwback to days of old. Found in the Marketplace area this little activity is perfect for families with young kids, who want to make the day extra special. Check the costs and times of the Marketplace Carousel at Disney Springs.

Amphicar Disney Springs

Located at The Disney World Boathouse you can grab lakeside dining for seafood fans, but it’s the car that floats in the water that’s the real show here. The Amphicar offers you a sail through the water in a vintage car. This ride is 20 minutes, at a cost of $125 per car ( about 3-4 people). We’ve been told you may get splashed a little on this one, simply cause you’re so close to the water! But, it’s Florida… so you probably need to cool off anyway! 

Disney Springs Art Walk

Throughout Disney Springs you can catch beautiful works of art as murals across the walls both inside and outside the complex. Featuring Black Artists, Pacific Islander Artists and more, you can see pieces of art featuring people, places and dreams. These pieces or artwork are most prominent along the alleyways leading into the shopping and at the Disney Bus Depot. Since looking at Art costs nothing, we highly recommend adding this Art Walk at Disney Springs to your day at Disney. The collections are ever expanding and there is always new artwork to see. Be sure to make the time for it! 

Amorette’s Patisserie

The resident luxury bakery on the property is Amorette’s Patisserie. Home to classic Mickey hat dome cakes, delicate treats, and even champagne. If you’re looking for an extra special dessert or somewhere to grab the latest Disney-inspired dessert creation, you’ll find it here. Delicate macaroons, pastries, cakes and dessert bars are all on the menu. Check out all the New Snacks at Disney World, for seasonal treats and specialty cakes to honor all things Disney. 

The Lego Store 

One of the most popular places to visit at Disney Springs is the Lego Store! Offering opportunities to play with Legos, scope out the newest Lego sets, or speak with a Lego expert can all happen at the Disney Springs Lego Store. This interactive store is a great break from the shopping and eating that happens all day. Be sure to stop in. Here you can get some of the most impressive Lego sets, like the giant Hogwarts Castle, Cinderella’s Castle and Lego Disney Train Set too. Bins of loose Legos offer play time and a chance to create something. You can also grab a Pick-A-Brick bucket and choose your own selection of Lego styles and colors. Fill the bucket up and pay one price for everything in it.

The Disney Springs Aerophile Balloon

Flying high over the lake of Disney Springs, you can book a ride to the ski, for views of the center and the surrounding Orlando area. Rides are $20 for adults, and $15 for kids ( 3-9), and the excursion is 8 minutes long. Perfect for grabbing photos and seeing the sights, before heading back to earth. 

Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ 

One of Disney Springs Best Restaurants is Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’. Serving a variety of comfort foods, there is plenty to savor here. Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ serves up some of the best dishes we’ve tried. Chicken and Waffles, Fried Green Tomatoes, Ham and Cheesy Grits, Hummingbird Cake, Blueberry Mimosas…so many choices! On weekends you can experience the Rise and Shine Brunch. Or stop by for lunch sandwiches, or a full chicken dinner! By far one of the best places for a Disney World Breakfast.

Cirque de Soleil at Disney Springs

Looking for a unique experience,  featuring talented performers? The Disney Springs Cirque de Soleil now features the new show, Drawn to Life, featuring Disney animation and music inspiration. Drawn to Life is the newest collaboration between Cirque de Soleil and Walt Disney Animation Studios telling stories through the performance arts. While you typically need to find this troupe on on tour in cities across the country, at Disney Springs, you simply need to show up at the white tent! Located on the West End in the big white tent, this show has tickets available online, but you can also grab them last minute at the box office. 

Summer House on the Lake

By far one of our favorite restaurants at Disney Springs, Summer House on the Lake serves a Cali-Mex menu, offering foods, drinks, brunch and even a cookie bar. You can count on lakeside views, great pizza, tacos, salads, and appetizers. We loved the key lime here, perfect for sharing, and  the variety of mocktails carefully crafted makes this a great place for families with teens or those skipping the spirits.  

Splitsville Orlando Luxury Lanes Bowling

In terms of a Disney Date Nate, Entertainment or Family Fun, bowling can be pretty cool in the right atmosphere. With a fun atmosphere, sports bar, and pizza, you can spend the day at Disney Springs in this luxury bowling alley. Or if you’re traveling with a spouse who would rather be anywhere but shopping, Splitsville Luxury Lanes is a great place to drop off the kids and get on with important shopping needs.  We like Splitsville Orlando best as a family activity, since kids are allowed to play too, making it the perfect non-park day activity. You can even reserve your bowling game ahead of time on the Splitsville Website.  

Disney’s Days of Christmas Store

Ahhh, the holiday season. Whether its in the middle of summer, or just a month away, we always love shopping for Christmas things. And at the Christmas Shop at Disney Springs you can step into the pine smells of the holiday 365 days a year. Just look up at the ceiling for decorations, and to feel like you’re the one under a Christmas Tree. This shop even has a fireplace, in addition to the year round holiday decor. Browse the shop for Disney Ornaments, Disney Christmas Decorations, Stockings and more. That way, you’re always ready for the holiday season! 

Gideons Bakehouse

Featuring cakes, half-pound cookies, and coffee, Gideon’s Bakehouse has a hot cookie hour and a following. Filled with old books, and creepy cute portraits of gargoyles and forlorn children from days of old, this place feels more like a forgotten antique bookshop than a bakery. But then, that’s the appeal! Showcasing beautiful treats, often seasonal in nature, many things here are offered for a limited time only. What’s more, the literal 10 x 15-foot space inside this building can only hold so many people at a time. As such, you will always see a line at Gideons, adding even more mystery to this little bakery. You can scope out some of it in the windows outside. In addition to baked goods, you can also grab tees, candles, and collectible items from Gideons. Check out all the details on Gideons Bakehouse for what to know before you go. 

Disney Springs AMC Movie Theater

Sometimes all you really need is a movie. Luckily the Disney Springs AMC Movie Theater is always an option! So if it’s raining, too hot, or you’re just spent, why not head to the movie theater? The AMC here offers dine in options so you can grab a meal, drinks and settle in for a flick. We love this for lazy afternoons and for when we need to get out of the weather. Grab tickets online or at the box office. 

Morimoto Asia for Authentic Asian

Morimoto Asia offers both indoor table service dining, and a street food counter option just outside. While both offer amazing food, if you’re on a budget, we recommend the Street Food counter. Serving up noodle bowls, sushi, tempura, stir fry and more, this is a top notch dining experience, and well worth trying. 

Live Music and Entertainment

One of the unique elements of Disney Springs is the inclusion of live entertainment, especially on the weekends. With a wide variety of entertainment taking place across the four neighborhoods; Marketplace, The Landing, West Side, and Town Center, there’s no shortage of things to do. For performers check the Disney Springs website. 

Specialty Coke at the Coca-Cola Rooftop Bar

Another favorite place here is the Coca-Cola Store. Filled with Coca Cola merchandise, and bottled drinks you can also head to the roof for a rooftop experience. This bar includes both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, all mixed coke products. You can grab floats, cocktails, and specialty flavors, all while watching the views of the West Side atop this building. 

Create your own M&M’s at the M&M Store

If you’re looking for something unique at Disney Springs, you can head to the M&M store not only for official merchandise, but also M&M’s in every color of the rainbow. You can even make custom creations of your own, with M&M’s that include a variety of words, color combos and more! 

Blaze Pizza Make Your Own Pie

We are big fans of pizza. And at Blaze you get to make all the choices. From what kind of crust, to cheese to a wide array of toppings. As a great quick service restaurant you can typically grab food under $15 a person, making it an excellent choice if you’re on a budget.

While Blaze can be found many places, the one at Disney Springs is a nice staple for when you really just need good pizza, and don’t want to order it, or dine in somewhere. This is a fast fired pizza, at 11″, and includes an open kitchen setting so you can see the magic. They also offer dessert pizzas here! in s’mores, chocolate brownie and chocolate chip cookie options. 

Step Dancers at the Raglan Road Irish Pub

A huge draw at the Raglan Road Restaurant is the live entertainment. You can see the Irish and Music and Dance performances daily from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Offering entertainment on the main stage inside and outside on the patio, you can settle in with your dinner, and drinks and simply enjoy the show!  

Marketplace Co Op Shops and Vendors

If you’re looking for Wonderground Art Gallery Artwork, Cherry Tree Lane dresses and outfits, or Disney Dog merchandise, you can find it at the Marketplace Co Op. Home to specialty candle makers, tech supplies and home decor too, there is plenty to buy and gift here. We love this place around the holidays when we’re looking for unique things to grab for friends and family. Be sure to stop in. 

Disney Springs Map

Lets talk about where you will find everything. Because Disney Springs is gigantic, it’s split up into several areas; The Landing, Town Center, The Marketplace and West Side. As you’ll see from the map, these areas all have their own vibe, and collection of shops, restaurants and entertainment. 

Town Center

Found at the front of the shopping center, near the parking lots, Town Center is the hub for loads of shopping. As a result, you can find the Apple Store, Lucky Brand, Kate Spade, Free People, Zara and more in this section of the complex. We most love Anthropologie here, as well as Sephora. 

The Marketplace

This area of Disney Springs is to the far right and where you’ll find the Disney Resort Boat Dock, as well as Earl of Sandwich, the Carousel, and Disney’s Days of Christmas store. Also home to the Marketplace Co Op, you can find tons of Disney merch in this area, including everything you need for your Disney pet. 

The Landing

Than Landing is located deep into the shopping center, as this section of Disney Springs is where you’ll find the waterfront. Things like The Boathouse Restaurant with Amphicar Rental, and Morimoto Asia are in this area. 

West Side

Quickly becoming home to some of the best stuff, the West Side of Disney Springs include the AMC Movie Theater, Splitsville Bowling Alley, Salt and Straw Ice Cream, Summer House by the Lake, Cirque de Soleil and the Aerophile Balloon. This section also includes loads of live entertainment on the weekends. 

Disney Spring FAQ

Need to know a little more? Here are all the questions we usually get asked about Disney Springs, and how you can add it to your Disney Vacation.

Where is Disney Springs Located?

If you’re driving to Disney Springs, you can grab the address here: 1486 Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830.

How do you Get to Disney Springs?

Disney Springs is a public shopping center in Orlando, Florida and therefore accessible by a variety of methods. You can drive, take the complimentary Disney Bus from any resort, or hop on the boat to Disney Springs if you’re coming from the Port Orleans Resorts. Check out our post on Disney Transportation for details on all your options. And all the ways to get to Disney Springs.

Is there a Walmart Near Disney Springs?

Yes. The closest Walmart Supercenter to Disney Springs is about a 12-minute drive, and is located at 3250 Vineland Rd, Kissimmee, FL 34746.

Do you need a Park Ticket to go to Disney Springs?

You don’t need a park ticket to visit Disney Springs. It’s simply a giant shopping center. Featuring things like restaurants, shops, marketplaces and even live entertainment, you can simply park in the lot or one of the garages and walk in like you would any shopping center.

Is it Free to Go to Disney Springs?

Yes, much like the mall, or shopping complex in your hometown, visiting everything at Disney Springs is free. 

Is Disney Springs Parking Free?

Yes! Parking at Disney Springs is FREE. It does not cost anything to park here. You can park in the parking lots or parking garages for FREE anytime during open hours. 

Is Disney Springs Separate from Walt Disney World?

Yes, Disney Springs is separate from Walt Disney World. While you can access Disney Springs from your Disney Resort and sometimes the parks, by complimentary Disney Bus transportation, the complex is essentially separate. as such, it is not in walking distance to Walt Disney World or any Disney park. It is however within walking distance of several Disney Springs Hotels, if you’re looking for something close by.

Do any buses at Disney Springs go to the Parks?

No, there are no buses at Disney Springs that travel to the theme parks. However, Disney Springs does have buses that offer complimentary bus service to every Disney Resort.

Hopefully this guide has helped you geta lay of the land at Disney Springs and pointed out some fun things to do, see and eat! With so much to do here we always recommend adding a non park ticket day to your Disney vacation so you can have some extra fun and explore!