Disney Springs has been labeled Walt Disney World’s 5th park by many, but what is it exactly? Disney Springs is actually Disney World’s Shopping District, but it is really so much more! Disney Springs is full of amazing food, cocktails, entertainment, a dash of magic, and yes, shopping. The best part is that it is free to go to!
WDW Vacation Tips is giving you the full who, what, when, where, and why of Walt Disney World’s free shopping district!
Who Can Go Enjoy Disney Springs?
Disney Springs has something for people of all ages. There are areas for children to play in a small splash pad, ride a merry-go-round, and a small train. We all know how Walt Disney loved trains, so of course there had to be one here! There is even bumping nightlife for people who are into that.
When Disney does the shopping, they cover all types of shoppers! Can you believe that you can buy toys, socks, surfboards, Christmas decorations, fine jewelry, and designer handbags, all in the same place!
What Is Disney Springs Exactly?
While Disney Springs is called a shopping district, it really is so much more. Disney Springs is a foodie paradise with all types of dining and cuisine from super casual, to fine dining, to fine casual, and homestyle fine dining. Plus, there are bars, shops, and some wild entertainment!
Disney Springs by the numbers:
- Over 65 restaurants
- 100 shops
- 20 entertainment venues
When Is Disney Springs Open?
Disney Springs is open 365 days a year, yes, even on holidays! Just like the parks, Disney Springs gets into the holidays. You can find exclusive entertainment, cocktails, snacks, treats, and fun things to do during all of the major holidays!
Disney Springs is open daily from 10:00 AM - 11:30 PM. There are buses available from all Disney Resort Hotels to Disney Springs, and ferry boats from select Disney Resorts.
Where is Disney Springs?
1486 Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
There. Now you have the exact address to input into your car’s navigation system to get you there. Disney Springs is in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, and while still technically in the Disney bubble, there are a lot more outside shops and restaurants nearby. Once you leave Disney Springs, you can take a left turn and get your palm read, see your fortune, grab a waffle at Waffle House, and buy knock-off trinkets at a weird looking gift shop. It’s part of the charm of being in a heavy tourist area.
Why Go To Disney Springs?
Every Disney planning resource will preach to you about having a resort day, or just a break out of the parks. Yes. Absolutely yes. The parks are amazing, but they are very over stimulating, so give yourself that break to take a day off.
Disney Springs is great for that day off because you can relax, eat, drink, and be merry, while still enjoying the Disney vibe. Whether you’re there for brunch, lunch, dinner, cocktails, or a nightcap, there is always something going on down at Disney Springs, and you’re sure to have a great time!
Must Do Things in Disney Springs
Brunch at Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’
Chef Art Smith was actually the private chef for Oprah! He opened Homecomin’ in Disney Springs to share high-end home classics, with his signature fried chicken. It’s both boujie and casual at the same time. Don’t forget to try their moonshine cocktails!
Buy a Disney Coffee Mug
The World of Disney is the largest Disney store in the United States, so you’re sure to find the perfect mug. Coffee mugs are among the best souvenirs because you can use them every day and start the day off with a smile!
Make a LEGO Version of Yourself!
Not only is the LEGO store in Disney Springs a place have great photo ops with their larger-than-life LEGO creations of Disney characters, but now you can actually turn yourself into a LEGO, complete with accessories!
Eat at Chicken Guy and Try ALL the Sauces
Chicken Guy is owned by Food Network personality, Guy Fieri, and his restaurants are famous for simple foods and a lot of sauces. 22 sauces to be exact. Be wild and order all of them!
Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
Chances are you saw the balloon when you arrived at Disney Springs. Yes, you can ride the Aerophile, Disney’s Hot Air Balloon and conquer your fear of heights!
Try a Strange Cocktail
There are a lot of cool drinks and cool places to drink in Disney Springs, so don’t waste the opportunity to a lame bud light from a roaming drink cart. Instead, try an old prohibition-era speakeasy, a steampunk bar, an authentic Irish pub, or even an Indiana Jones-themed bar. One of our favorites is the Duck Duck Razz drink at the BOATHOUSE that comes with an actual little rubber duck. We named ours Winston.
Book a Photo Session
There is a classic-style photo studio in Disney Springs tucked in the back of the marketplace. Did you know that if you have purchased Memory Maker this photo studio is included? Think about the fun opportunities here, not to mention the perfect Christmas card photo.
Try a Coca-Cola Flight
Did you love the free soda experience at Club Cool in EPCOT? Well, now you can try even more international sodas from around the world at the rooftop bar in the Coca-Cola store.
Dole Whip! Dole Whip! Dole Whip!
Dole Whip is the unofficial official snack of Walt Disney World, but unless you visit the Polynesian Village Resort, you’ve probably only ever had pineapple Dole Whip and maybe coconut. There is a kiosk in Disney Springs called Swirls on the Water that serves seasonal flights of Dole Whip in crazy fun flavors. We have seen chili lime, cookie dough, strawberry cheesecake, and more.
Final Message: Don’t Skip Disney Springs!
It’s so much more than shopping. It’s relaxed Disney.
What’s your favorite thing to do in Disney Springs? Tell us in the comments!
I am a mother of three that has refused to grow up. Adulting is for the birds, so I go to Disney World every chance I get for that magical escape from reality. I believe that Haunted Mansion is the best ride in all of the Disney Parks, and I am fervently in team Happily Ever After for fireworks spectaculars, (sorry, not sorry, Enchanted). Finally, I hope I never grow tired of skipping down Main Street, USA, and my dream come true would be "friends with" the Fairy Godmother in my old age.
