Revealed: The Best Things To Do at Disney Springs

When you think about the Disney World Resorts Parks, you picture Cinderella’s Castle, the Epcot geodesic dome, the Tower of Terror, and the Tree of Life. One place that might not come to mind that may be one of the most fun adventures at the park is Disney Springs. 

If you’re trying to figure out things to do at Disney Springs, we have the breakdown of the best events, food, and shopping you can find. Even if you can’t play at the rest of the park, you can still enjoy some Disney fun.

What is Disney Springs?

Disney Springs is part of the Disney World Resorts that offers fun and exciting dining, shopping, and entertainment experiences in Orlando, Florida. Disney Springs is an engaging activity at Disney World, and you don’t need a ticket to go there. 

If you don’t stay at one of the resort hotels, you will have to pay for parking at the Springs, but if you are at the resort, you can get free shuttles to and from your hotel to enjoy the 100 shops, 62 dining experiences, and 23 attractions and events. 

Where is Disney Springs Located?

Disney Springs is on Buena Vista Drive between Bonnet Creek Parkway and Hotel Plaza BLVD. The area breaks into four locations, the West Side, The Landing, Town Center, and Marketplace. You can get there off exit 67 Epcot Center Drive from I-4.  

If you aren’t staying at the resort, you might have to pay for parking at certain times. Look up the rates for parking when you plan on going to the park.  

How to Get To Disney Springs

There are many ways for you to get to Disney Springs. You can choose to drive there. If you do that you will have to find a parking spot. Parking might cost, but on some days you can get free parking.  

You can also get rideshare, like Uber or Lyft. The advantage to these is you can schedule them when you want, and they may be able to drop you off closer to your destination, depending on where it is. 

There are bus rides from the park hotels to Disney Springs. There are often buses from the park to the springs, but you will need to check before you go to make sure what the bus schedule is that day. 

From some parts of the resort, you can walk to Disney Springs. You can also use different ferries and boats to get to Disney Springs from the parks and hotels. The schedule for the boat rides can change, and cancellation due to the weather can occur. 

10 Top Tips for Enjoying Your Visit to Disney Springs

There are a ton of reasons to learn about all of the different entertainment options in Disney Springs. Knowing what you can do in the area allows you to enjoy the whole park experience more. 

Here are the best tips so you can take advantage of the most extraordinary things available. If you use all these tips, you can enjoy your entire stay at the Resorts and try your favorite unique experiences. 

1. Make a Plan 

There is so much to do at Disney Springs that it isn’t likely you will be able to do it all in one trip. So you have to find the shops, restaurants, and entertainment you want to see the most and ensure you get to them. If you can learn about all the options, you can make your best plan. 

You can get tickets to specific events, plan to get to the right stores and find the restaurants you want to try the most. Once you set up your top experiences, you can use your timetable to figure out other fun events you can try out in between the highlights. 

Having a plan allows you to stuff the most adventure into every single trip, which can help you maximize your delight. 

2. Park Near Your Last Stop 

A part of you may want to park close to your first event, but you are fresh and ready to play at the start of your day. After a long day of shopping, eating, and goofing, you may be pretty wiped out. Planning for that exhaustion will help you. 

There isn’t much worse than walking a long distance to your car at the end of the day. Think about how much nicer it is to have your car sitting right next to your last event. It will make the end of your day more mellow, which will help everyone’s emotional state. 

3. Visit During the Day  

Disney Springs gets packed later in the day as people leave the parks and spend the rest of the evening in the Springs. The crowds can make it harder to get to the shows, events, and dining you want to experience. If you can, make a plan to visit the Springs during the day. 

The best times to go are on weekdays during the off-peak seasons. However, not everyone can get that timing down. If you have to be there during the busy season, shoot for the early morning and middle of the day. 

Most people are still in the parks, so there are fewer guests at the Springs. The shows tend to be less extravagant shows during the day, but you can still find many events that will help you have a good time. This plan works best when you want to focus on restaurants and shops.

4. Make Reservations 

If you know the exact restaurant you want to enjoy, call and make reservations. Not every place takes them in Disney Springs, but it can save you a lot of time waiting in line if you can make the appointment. Then you are free to schedule the rest of your day around that meal. 

Reservations are quick and easy to check on. They ensure you get to eat at your favorite establishment in the Springs and save time. 

5. Expect Random Entertainment 

Planning is crucial for Disney Springs and gives you plenty of time to enjoy the extra entertainment and spectacle. You may not know how much time to budget to watch specific performances. A show you thought would be worth a glance may be way more fun. 

Try not to pack your itinerary so full that you can’t take advantage of a show that pops up that you want to take in. Understand the fluid nature of the entertainment, and allow yourself the option to watch a fantastic show. 

6. Have Fun with the Events  

There are often seasonal events going on at Disney Springs. These are events you can only see at specific times of the year, so you will want to make sure you enjoy as much as you can while you’re there. 

These can include seasonal themes for Christmas, Halloween, Valentine’s Day, and the Fourth of July. Special food events, signings, and movie releases offer fun situations. The different celebrations can consist of unique shows and limited merchandise specific to that event. 

Some of these are one-time-only interactions that you can never experience again, so make sure you take advantage of the events when you go. 

7. Take Advantage of the Unique Tours 

There are many ways you can look around Disney Springs. Some of the best things to do at Disney Springs involve how you see the park. You can get a hot air balloon tour and take in the resort. Lift off up to 400 feet above the shops to get a bird’s-eye view of everything around you. 

You can also take one of the unique drives ever with the Amphicars. Your group can drive the waterways, experiencing the whole Disney Springs area from a fisheye view. It is an exciting adventure to try. 

8. Be Ready for the Weather 

If you have ever been to Florida, you know the weather can bounce around to the extremes. It can go from blazing hot to soaking rain at the drop of a hat. Make sure you have plenty of sunscreen, waterproof gear, bug spray, and water bottles. 

Around the area, the park offers many water fountains to refill your bottles, so you don’t want to bring too much weight, but you want to stay hydrated. Bring bags and ways to carry what you might get, especially if you’re a collector, but make sure it can remain safe in rainy conditions. 

9. Check for Discounts 

Disney Springs offers a ton of discounts. You can save money with different travel plans, vehicle services, employment discounts, and Disney discounts. You can get significant savings if you have a Disney Visa, a AAA membership, or work in an emergency response industry. 

It never hurts to ask, because you might be able to save a lot of money, and still enjoy all the experiences you want. You can often look up the discount offers ahead of time, so you can add the deal to your plan. 

10. Look for Unique Items 

Disney Springs offers some of the best souvenir shopping in the whole resort. You can get plenty of exclusive deals and products that you can’t find anywhere else. Many fun stores offer many products you can see in the parks and even more cool merchandise. 

If you are looking for one-of-a-kind gear that can make you the envy of Disney fans everywhere, this is the place to look. There are shops for your favorite parts of Disney, so find the stores you love and see if you can get special items you’ll love. 

The Shops at Disney Springs

When it comes to shops in Disney Springs, there is a little something for everyone to find. No matter what your favorite type of shopping is, they have you covered. If you want souvenirs, high-end fashion, sports gear, sweet treats, or unique gifts, you can find them here. 

Town Center has the most stores, and the Landing has the least, but every location has shops that you might have a ton of fun using. Here is a breakdown of what you can find at each part of Disney Springs to help plan your trip.  

Shops at West Side, Disney Springs

The West Side shops are great for Star Wars and Marvel fans with SuperHero Headquarters and The Galactic Outpost. They offer shops for the adventurers in your party. They have great sports options with Pele Soccer and the NBA Store. 

To round out the excitement for young ones, you can try the M&M Store and the Candy Calderon. There you can get creative gift options and sweet treats.  

If you’re looking for more adult fun, this area has you covered. Sosa Family Cigars, The House of Blues Gear Shop, and Memory Lanes Shop offer upscale shopping experiences that get better with age. Get high style that also shows off an excellent Disney flair.  

Shops at The Landing, Disney Springs

The Landing offers plenty of options for people looking for pampering products. You can stop in at The Shaving Company and the Savannah Bee Company. You can get very interesting housewares from the Shop for Ireland, and Pop Art. The Ganachery offers decadent sweets.

If you are interested in clothes, there are many shops, including sports apparel from Oakly, clothing at the Boathouse Boutique, and great hats at Chapel Hats.

If you want to get something for your four-legged companion, you can grab a great item from Happy Hound.  

Shops at Town Center, Disney Springs

The busiest shopping area in Disney Springs, the Town Center, offers some of the best name-brand fashion for you to explore. You can check out the Coach Store, Columbia Sportswear, Under Armour, Kate Spade, Vera Bradly, Tommy Bahama, Levi, and many more. 

If you’re not looking for clothes, you can have fun at the Coca-Cola shop, Fit2run, and the Harley Davidson store. There are also a plethora of health and beauty shops including Sephora and Origins.

The choices continue with jewelry stores to find high fashion and Disney themes to enjoy on your shopping trip. 

Shops at The Marketplace, Disney Springs

The Marketplace has a ton of shops for the younger fans at Disney Springs and the older fans who are still young at heart. You’ll find the most toys and souvenirs in this part of the Springs. It starts with the World of Disney, and it branches off to Once Upon a Toy and the Lego Store.

There is also another Star Wars store in this section, The Trading Post. The Marketplace is the section with the Disney Art Store that has special art options for collectors, including exclusive and limited pieces. The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and the Pin Store are perennial fan favorites.

Tons of unique shops line this area, including Lefty’s for left-handed people and Swings and Things for hammock lovers. The T-Rex and Rainforest Cafe shops can be a lot of fun for the animal lovers in your group.  

The Restaurants at Disney Springs

You can get incredible foods from world-class chefs in Disney Springs. After the parks close, there is also a lively and fun nightlife, with fantastic beverage options you won’t find anywhere else in the park.

The Landing has the most food options, and the Towncenter has the least. You can find the meals to make the whole trip perfect. 

Restaurants at West Side, Disney Springs

The West Side is a great place to start your day with a Starbucks and Everglazed Donuts to enjoy. If you are looking for quick lunches and dinners, you have a couple of speedy options like 4 Rivers Cantina Barbacoa Food Truck. 

If you want to sit down and enjoy, there are a few table options like Splitsville and the House of Blues. You can also grab a bite with your movie at the AMC Dine-in Theater. Finally, if you’re looking for a sweet treat, you can get a scoop of Haagen Dazs or a Wetzel Pretzel. 

Restaurants at The Landing, Disney Springs

If you need a pick-me-up or a quick snack, The Landing has you covered. Grab a cup of coffee at Joffery’s Coffee and Tea, or get a bite at Cookes of Dublin. 

When you’re ready to enjoy a nice drink with your meal, The Landing offers Wine Bar George and Raglan Road Irish Pub with great food and wonderful drinks. There are also many classy sit-down dining options for you to pick, including The Edison and STK Orlando. 

If you’re looking for themed dining, you’re also in luck. Jock Lindsey’s Hangar offers affordable meals and strange views. For dessert, you can pick from Gideons Bakehouse or Vivoli il Gelato. 

Restaurants at Town Center, Disney Springs

Town Center offers a great mix of fun and quality. You can enjoy a delectable dining experience at Wolfgang Puck’s Bar and Grill, or you can check out significant Silver Screen artifacts at Planet Hollywood. For a sweet finish, you can pick Amorette’s Patisserie or Sprinkles. 

If you want to enjoy a Coke in style, you can go up to the Coca-Cola Store RoofTop and get a refreshing drink. There are also many quick-service options so you can grab a bite and continue to shop with joints like the D-Luxe Burger and The Daily Poutine. 

Restaurants at The Marketplace, Disney Springs

Marketplace has a second Starbucks, so you can get your day started right. It also has AristoCrepes for a great breakfast snack. T-Rex and Rainforest Cafe both offer interactive dining experiences that will keep everyone entertained as you refuel. 

Have fun at the old fashion Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop if you have a sweet tooth. If your refreshment desire is a little more adult, there are Dockside Margaritas to enjoy. 

If you’re in a rush, the plenty of take-it-and-go services offer great food like Earl of Sandwich and Sunshine Churros. 

The Entertainment at Disney Springs

Disney Springs offers unique experiences and entertainment that you can enjoy. You can find live shows, movie theaters, and fun events you can play with while taking advantage of the shopping and food. 

The West Side has the most entertainment options, and the Town Center has the least. Here are some of the most fun things you can try out at Disney Springs. 

Entertainment at West Side, Disney Springs

The West Side is your entertainment hub when looking for things to do at Disney Springs. They offer the AMC theater to check out the best new releases, almost always including a Disney movie. The House of Blues and the Sunshine Highline both provide live music for you to rock out to all day. 

You can try out a hot air balloon ride where you can see the whole park from 400 feet in the air. If you like more physical activities, there is bowling at Splitsville, or you can take a shot at the NBA Experience. 

Drawn to Life Presented by Cirque du Soleil is the newest attraction that offers the wonder of the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil experience mixed with the magic of Disney. 

Entertainment at The Landing, Disney Springs

You can listen to live music shows all around the Landing. These include Raglan Road, Riverboat Square, and Waterview park; if you want to take in a show, head over to the Edison, where live performers show off their skills daily. 

The Landing is also where you can get the Amphicar Tours that let you see the whole park from the waterways. 

Entertainment at Town Center, Disney Springs

The Town Center offers so much food and shopping that it is a little sparse for entertainment. However, you can still take in a live music show at the Stargazers as you enjoy a drink. You can also get Photo Ops with the Coca-Cola Polar Bear. 

Entertainment at The Marketplace, Disney Springs

At the Marketplace, kids can enjoy rides on the Carousel and the Train Express. Neither of these rides has a height limit, so everyone can have fun. 

There is also live music at the AdvantageHealth Waterside Stage. You can often catch highlight performers at this venue, but there are shows to listen to and enjoy to top off the things to do at Disney Springs.