Beyond the theme parks is Disney Springs, a shopping, dining and entertainment destination at Walt Disney World. Whether you go for some dinner and drinks after your park day, an afternoon of shopping, or dedicate a whole day exploring all the fun, there is one thing that’s for sure- Disney Springs is a destination not to be missed during your next Walt Disney World vacation. Read more about what you can expect as well as some PPV favorites at Disney Springs.
Shopping
Disney Springs is home to one of the world’s largest Disney stores, World of Disney. You can find just about anything Disney related in this store from ears and t-shirts to picture frames and Christmas ornaments. Aside from World of Disney, there are many other shops and kiosks throughout Disney Springs. The Town Center section has many brand name stores like Tommy Bahama, Kate Spade, and Anthropologie and The West Side has some more unique offerings like an M&M’s Store and Super Hero Headquarters. A Marketplace favorite is Disney’s Days of Christmas- a giant store devoted to just to Christmas!
Dining
Some of Walt Disney World’s best restaurants can be found in Disney Springs. From table service to quick service and from sweet treats to adult beverages, there is something for everyone. A few PPV favorite restaurants include Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, known for its southern inspired menu and delicious moonshine cocktails, Morimoto Asia by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, a sophisticated space with a pan-Asian menu, and the Boathouse specializing in seafood dishes and a sing-a-long brunch. Reservations for Disney Springs restaurants are made through Disney dining 60 days in advance. A big hit with kids are Rainforest Café, with animatronic jungle animals and an erupting volcano, and T-Rex, with animatronic dinosaurs. A few popular quick service spots are Chicken Guy by Guy Fieri, D-Luxe Burger, and Polite Pig. To satisfy your sweet tooth, there is a Ghirardelli ice cream shop, Amorette’s Patisserie, The Ganachery, and the very popular Gideon’s Bakery (yes the Gideon’s cookies are good enough to wait in an hours long virtual queue). Looking to quench your thirst with some adult beverages? Head to Dockside Margaritas, the Shine Bar at Homecoming, or the patio bar at Splitsville to name a few, where you can get a boozy Dole Whip Pina Colada.
Entertainment
There are tons of options when it comes to entertainment at Disney Springs. You can catch a movie at AMC, go bowling at Splitsville, or rent a vintage amphicar to enjoy a ride around Lake Buena Vista. The Aerophile is a giant hot air balloon that gives you unrivaled views of Walt Disney World. Drawn to Life, a brand new Cirque du Soleil show created especially for Walt Disney World, is rumored to be opening its doors in the Fall of 2021. The Marketplace has some fun for the littles in your crew with a carousel and small train ride. The whole family can sit down, relax, and watch one of the many live music acts throughout the area. A PPV favorite that falls under dining and entertainment is Raglan Road where you can eat, grab a drink, listen to your favorite Irish music and have live Irish Step Dancers entertain!
There are a few different ways that guests can get to Disney Springs. Disney Springs has several very large parking garages for those guests who wish to drive on their own. Disney Transportation runs busses from each resort during Disney Spring’s hours of operation and from each of the parks after 4 PM. Saratoga Springs is located within walking distance and also offers boat transportation along with Old Key West, and Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter Resorts. Please note that boat service to Disney Springs is not currently running, but we have our fingers crossed that it will be announced to come back soon.
Reach out to your PPV agent to see where Disney Springs may fit into your next Practically Perfect Vacation to Walt Disney World!
