Disney Springs
A vibrant entertainment, dining, and shopping district offering a taste of Disney magic without park tickets.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, lively atmosphere
Disney Springs
Best Time
Fewer crowds, lively atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant entertainment, dining, and shopping district offering a taste of Disney magic without park tickets.
"It's a great place to spend a day or evening with tons of food, shopping, and entertainment options!"
🎯 Free Souvenir Hack
Ask for a free necklace at some stores by mentioning TikTok!
🍪 Gideon's Bakehouse Queue
Join the virtual queue early via their app to save time waiting.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
World of Disney Store
The world's largest Disney store, packed with merchandise from every corner of the Disney universe. A must-visit for any fan!
Gideon's Bakehouse
Indulge in famously large, delicious cookies with unique flavors. Worth the wait for a sweet treat!
Amphicar Tour
Ride in a vintage amphibious car that drives into the water for a unique tour experience.
The Boathouse
Enjoy waterfront dining with fresh seafood and a lively atmosphere. Great for lunch or dinner with a view.
Planning Your Visit
Free Parking & Transportation
Gideon's Bakehouse Strategy
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Souvenir Hack
Ask for a free necklace at some stores by mentioning TikTok!
🍪 Gideon's Bakehouse Queue
Join the virtual queue early via their app to save time waiting.
🚢 Boat to Port Orleans
Take a free boat ride to Port Orleans French Quarter for beignets!
🚗 Free Parking Available
Enjoy complimentary parking, a major plus for visiting Disney Springs.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Souvenir Hack
Ask for a free necklace at some stores by mentioning TikTok!
🍪 Gideon's Bakehouse Queue
Join the virtual queue early via their app to save time waiting.
🚢 Boat to Port Orleans
Take a free boat ride to Port Orleans French Quarter for beignets!
🚗 Free Parking Available
Enjoy complimentary parking, a major plus for visiting Disney Springs.
🎶 Check Entertainment
Look up Raglan Road's schedule for live music and Irish dancers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Disney Springs for its diverse dining, extensive shopping, and lively atmosphere, making it a great alternative to theme parks. However, some find it can feel like a crowded outdoor mall and note that the 'Disney magic' might be less pronounced than in the parks.
"Great place for a walk, even if you don't want to buy or eat there, the walk is worthy. You can even take a look on the scenery and the architecture there, is very artistic. I definitely recommend The House of Blues for a nice dinner with live music."
Ricardo Sequeira Monge
"Disney Springs is a fantastic place to explore, especially if you want to shop for Disney merchandise without paying for park admission. We enjoyed the variety of stores and the wide range of cuisines available there’s something for everyone, from casual snacks to sit-down meals. It’s also great for families, with activities and photo booths that kids and adults alike can enjoy.
The atmosphere is lively and fun, though it can get a bit crowded at times, but nothing too overwhelming. I’d definitely recommend visiting Disney Springs, especially if you want to get some shopping done before your Disney park day. It’s a free property, which makes it an easy stop on your vacation.
Overall, a great spot to relax, shop, and enjoy good food!"
Juwana Alsharif
"Disney Springs is an absolute gem in Orlando! Whether you’re there for shopping, dining, or just to enjoy the atmosphere, there’s something for everyone. The area is beautifully designed with a great mix of entertainment and relaxation. We especially loved the live music, the LEGO store (a huge hit with the kids), and the amazing dining options—The Boathouse and Gideon’s Bakehouse were our favorites!
Parking was free and surprisingly easy, and everything felt clean and well-organized. It’s a perfect place to spend a few hours or even a whole day without needing a park ticket. Highly recommend if you’re in the area—even just walking around is a treat!"
Olga Lonska
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Disney Springs is accessible by car with ample free parking. You can also take Disney buses from other Disney resorts. While there are no direct buses to theme parks from Disney Springs, you can catch a boat to Port Orleans resorts.
Yes, parking at Disney Springs is completely free, which is a significant benefit for visitors.
Unfortunately, there are no direct bus routes from Disney Springs to any of the theme parks, including Magic Kingdom.
You can use complimentary water taxis to travel between Disney Springs and select Disney resorts like Port Orleans. Ride-sharing services are also readily available.
Yes, Disney Springs is designed for walking and exploring its various districts. Comfortable shoes are recommended for covering the expansive area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Disney Springs does not require an admission ticket. It's a free-to-enter entertainment, dining, and shopping district.
Operating hours can vary, but generally, Disney Springs is open from late morning until late evening. It's best to check the official Disney Springs website for the most current hours.
There are no entrance fees to access Disney Springs. You only pay for any shopping, dining, or entertainment you choose to experience.
Yes, making dining reservations is highly recommended, especially for popular table-service restaurants like The Boathouse or Chef Art Smith's Homecomin'. You can book through the My Disney Experience app or the restaurant's website.
Yes, the Amphicar tour is an additional cost and can be quite pricey, but it offers a unique experience.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Entertainment
The World of Disney store is a highlight, being the largest Disney store globally. Other popular spots include the LEGO Store, the Christmas store, and unique boutiques.
Absolutely! Consider the Amphicar tour, making a custom minifigure at the LEGO store, or enjoying a show like Drawn to Life.
Disney Springs offers live music, street performers, and shows like Cirque du Soleil's Drawn to Life. Raglan Road often features live Irish music and dancing.
The World of Disney store is the primary destination for a vast selection of souvenirs. You can also find park-specific merchandise at other Disney-themed shops.
Yes, you can create a custom minifigure of yourself at the LEGO store, and some other shops may offer personalization options.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Highly recommended spots include The Boathouse for seafood, Chef Art Smith's Homecomin' for Southern comfort food, and The Polite Pig for barbecue. Raglan Road offers a lively Irish dining experience. +1
Gideon's Bakehouse is famous for its massive, delicious cookies. Be prepared for a wait or use their virtual queue system. +1
Yes, Earl of Sandwich offers great value for sandwiches, and D-Luxe Burger provides tasty, reasonably priced burgers.
Consider Morimoto Asia for pan-Asian cuisine, Jaleo for Spanish tapas, or The Edison for a unique atmosphere with live music.
You can find Dole Whip at Swirls on the Water, offering a refreshing treat.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture photos along the waterfront, with the iconic World of Disney store in the background, or near the unique architecture of The Edison. The Amphicars also make for fun photo opportunities.
While Disney Springs is primarily a shopping and dining destination, character meet-and-greets are rare. Focus on the vibrant atmosphere and unique sights for your photos.
Late afternoon into the evening offers beautiful lighting as the area lights up. Sunset provides a magical backdrop for photos.
Generally, yes, you can take photos inside most shops for personal use. However, always be mindful of other shoppers and store policies.
The large Coca-Cola bottle, the Rainforest Cafe volcano, and the various themed areas like the Landing and Town Center offer distinct photo backdrops.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider a boat ride to Port Orleans for beignets, or enjoy the lively atmosphere at The Edison with its vintage vibe and live music. While the Amphicar tour is fun, it can be pricey for families.
💰 Budget Travelers
For budget-friendly dining, Earl of Sandwich offers delicious and affordable sandwiches, and D-Luxe Burger is a great option for a satisfying meal. Grabbing a Dole Whip from Swirls on the Water is a refreshing and relatively inexpensive treat.
couples
Indulge in decadent desserts from Gideon's Bakehouse or Amorette's Patisserie. Enjoy a cocktail at one of the many themed bars, such as the rooftop bar at the Coca-Cola Store or the sophisticated Wine Bar George.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Dining Delights at Disney Springs
For those seeking unique flavors, Morimoto Asia provides an upscale pan-Asian dining experience, while Jaleo offers authentic Spanish tapas. Don't forget about the sweet treats! Gideon's Bakehouse is legendary for its enormous, decadent cookies, though be prepared for a wait or utilize their virtual queue. Amorette's Patisserie is perfect for beautifully crafted pastries and desserts. For more casual and budget-friendly options, Earl of Sandwich is a consistent favorite for its delicious and affordable sandwiches, and D-Luxe Burger serves up satisfying gourmet burgers.
Many restaurants offer outdoor seating, allowing you to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Disney Springs. It's highly recommended to make reservations for table-service restaurants, especially during peak times, to avoid disappointment. Exploring the diverse culinary landscape is a significant part of the Disney Springs experience.
Shopping Extravaganza
Beyond Disney-specific stores, you'll find popular brands like Lululemon, Anthropologie, and Sephora. The LEGO Store is a hit with families, offering interactive displays and the chance to build custom minifigures. For those looking for unique gifts or souvenirs, explore the Co-op Marketplace, which features a collection of shops highlighting local artisans and Disney-themed collections. Don't miss the Christmas store for year-round holiday cheer and merchandise.
Many visitors appreciate the ability to find Disney merchandise at potentially lower prices than in the theme parks, especially at stores like Target located nearby.
Unique Experiences & Entertainment
Live music is a staple at Disney Springs, with venues like Raglan Road Irish Pub often featuring energetic Irish music and dance performances.
While some visitors note a shift towards a more 'bougie' shopping mall feel compared to its past, the current offerings still provide plenty of entertainment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit