Visit Disney Springs
#7 of 100 things to do in Orlando
Orlando, Florida is home to a vibrant, sprawling entertainment district that offers something for everyone: Disney Springs. Located at Walt Disney World Resort, this bustling waterfront destination is a complete experience in itself, featuring world-class shopping, incredible dining, live entertainment, and unique attractions—all without requiring a theme park ticket. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner, a family night out, a shopping spree, or just a place to stroll and soak in the atmosphere, Disney Springs has it all.
Key Details at a Glance:
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Location: Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando, Florida
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Admission: Free (no ticket required to enter)
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Parking: Free self-parking; valet available
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Known For: Unique boutiques, celebrity chef restaurants, Cirque du Soleil, and live entertainment
Four Distinct Neighborhoods to Explore
Disney Springs is divided into four distinct neighborhoods, each with its own personality and offerings:
1. Marketplace
The original area of Disney Springs, Marketplace is family-friendly and home to the World of Disney—the largest Disney merchandise store in the world. Here you’ll find:
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World of Disney: A massive store with every Disney souvenir imaginable
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Marketplace Co-Op: A collection of unique Disney-themed boutiques
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Once Upon a Toy: A toy store for kids of all ages
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Goofy’s Candy Company: Create your own custom treats
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Rainforest Cafe: A wild dining adventure for families
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T-REX Cafe: Dine among animatronic dinosaurs
Best For: Families with young children, Disney merchandise shopping
2. The Landing
A waterfront district with a more sophisticated vibe, The Landing is perfect for dining and nightlife. Highlights include:
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The BOATHOUSE: Waterfront dining with amphibious car tours
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Morimoto Asia: Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s pan-Asian cuisine
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STK Orlando: A modern steakhouse with a lively atmosphere
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Paddlefish: Seafood served aboard a reimagined paddlewheel boat
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Raglan Road Irish Pub: Authentic Irish fare and live entertainment
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The Edison: Industrial Gothic-themed dining and entertainment
Best For: Date nights, adult dining, waterfront views
3. Town Center
The newest area of Disney Springs, Town Center is a stylish, open-air shopping district with a focus on fashion and dining. Highlights include:
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Luxury retailers: Anthropologie, Free People, Kate Spade, Zara, and more
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UNIQLO: Japanese casual wear
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Lilly Pulitzer: Colorful resort wear
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The Polite Pig: Barbecue from the Cask & Larder team
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D-Luxe Burger: Gourmet burgers and craft milkshakes
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Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza: Custom pizzas fast
Best For: Fashion shopping, casual dining, strolling
4. West Side
The entertainment hub of Disney Springs, West Side is where you’ll find high-energy fun for all ages. Highlights include:
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Cirque du Soleil – Drawn to Life: A collaboration between Cirque du Soleil and Disney, presented nightly at 5:30 PM and 8:00 PM
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House of Blues: Live music venue and restaurant
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Splitsville Luxury Lanes: Bowling, dining, and entertainment
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AMC Disney Springs 24: A state-of-the-art movie theater
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Aerophile Balloon: Soar 400 feet above Disney Springs in a helium balloon
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Vintage Amphicar Tours: Ride in a vintage amphibious car
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The NBA Experience: Interactive basketball fun
Best For: Entertainment, live music, bowling, movies
Shopping: A World of Retail
Disney Springs offers an unparalleled shopping experience, with over 100 stores ranging from Disney merchandise to luxury fashion.
Disney Shopping
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World of Disney: The ultimate Disney store
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Marketplace Co-Op: Unique Disney boutiques
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Disney’s Days of Christmas: Year-round Christmas shop
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The Art of Disney: Disney artwork and collectibles
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Star Wars Galactic Outpost: Star Wars merchandise
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Marvel Super Hero Headquarters: Marvel gear
Fashion & Lifestyle
| Store | Category |
|---|---|
| Zara | Fashion |
| UNIQLO | Casual wear |
| Anthropologie | Fashion & home |
| Free People | Boho fashion |
| Lilly Pulitzer | Resort wear |
| Kate Spade | Accessories |
| Coach | Leather goods |
| Sephora | Beauty |
| M·A·C | Cosmetics |
| Sunglass Hut | Eyewear |
| Tommy Bahama | Resort wear |
| Under Armour | Athletic wear |
Dining: From Quick Bites to Fine Dining
With more than 60 dining options, Disney Springs is a culinary destination in its own right. From celebrity chef restaurants to quick-service spots, there’s something for every taste and budget.
Signature & Fine Dining
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Chef/Notable |
|---|---|---|
| Morimoto Asia | Pan-Asian | Masaharu Morimoto |
| STK Orlando | Steakhouse | Modern steakhouse |
| The BOATHOUSE | Seafood | Waterfront dining |
| Paddlefish | Seafood | Paddlewheel boat setting |
| Jaleo | Spanish | José Andrés |
| Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill | California | Wolfgang Puck |
| Frontera Cocina | Mexican | Rick Bayless |
| Homecomin’ | Southern | Art Smith |
| The Edison | American | Industrial Gothic theme |
Casual & Family-Friendly
| Restaurant | Cuisine |
|---|---|
| Rainforest Cafe | American |
| T-REX Cafe | American |
| Raglan Road Irish Pub | Irish |
| The Polite Pig | Barbecue |
| D-Luxe Burger | Burgers |
| Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza | Pizza |
| Earl of Sandwich | Sandwiches |
| Chicken Guy! | Chicken tenders |
| Pepe by José Andrés | Spanish sandwiches |
Desserts & Snacks
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Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop
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Sprinkles Cupcakes
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Vivoli il Gelato
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Amorette’s Patisserie
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Goofy’s Candy Company
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The Ganachery
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Salt & Straw
Entertainment & Activities
🎭 Cirque du Soleil – Drawn to Life
A breathtaking collaboration between Cirque du Soleil and Disney, presented nightly at 5:30 PM and 8:00 PM. This show combines acrobatics, dance, and Disney animation in a stunning theatrical experience.
🎈 Aerophile Balloon
Soar 400 feet above Disney Springs in a helium-filled balloon for panoramic views of the resort.
🚗 Vintage Amphicar Tours
Take a guided tour of Lake Buena Vista in a vintage amphibious car—a unique and memorable experience.
🎳 Splitsville Luxury Lanes
Bowling, dining, and entertainment in a retro-modern setting.
🎬 AMC Disney Springs 24
Catch a movie at this state-of-the-art theater with dine-in options.
🎵 Live Entertainment
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AdventHealth Waterside Stage: Live performances at 6:45 PM, 7:45 PM, 9:05 PM, and 10:00 PM
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House of Blues: Live music and concerts
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Street Performers: Musicians, magicians, and artists throughout the district
🏀 The NBA Experience
Interactive basketball activities, including shooting challenges and virtual reality experiences.
Seasonal Events
Fall Into Magic at Disney Springs
Embrace cozy styles, tasty treats, and enchanting entertainment this autumn at Disney Springs. From seasonal shopping to fall-themed treats, there’s plenty to enjoy.
Holidays at Disney Springs
During the holiday season, Disney Springs transforms into a winter wonderland with:
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Christmas Tree Trail: A stroll through decorated Christmas trees
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Holiday Entertainment: Live performances and carolers
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Seasonal Treats: Holiday-themed food and drinks
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Santa Claus: Meet Santa at his holiday chalet
Summer Events
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DJ Parties: Live DJs at the Waterside Stage
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Summer Treats: Seasonal food and drink offerings
Planning Your Visit: Tips & Guidelines
Hours
Disney Springs is generally open from 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM daily, though hours vary by venue. Some restaurants and entertainment venues stay open later.
Parking & Transportation
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Self-Parking: Free parking is available in multiple garages and surface lots.
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Valet Parking: Available for a fee.
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Disney Bus Transportation: Free buses connect Disney Springs to all Disney Resort hotels.
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Rideshare: Uber and Lyft drop-off/pick-up areas are available.
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Water Taxi: Boat transportation connects Disney Springs to select Disney Resort hotels.
Best Times to Visit
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Weekday Mornings: Quieter for shopping and strolling.
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Evenings: Livelier atmosphere with live entertainment.
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Avoid: Weekend evenings and holidays (busiest times).
What to Bring
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Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking.
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Sunscreen & Hat: Much of Disney Springs is outdoors.
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Water Bottle: Stay hydrated.
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Rain Gear: Florida afternoon showers are common.
Accessibility
Disney Springs is committed to providing an inclusive experience:
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Wheelchair Access: The entire district is wheelchair accessible.
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Accessible Parking: Available in all parking garages.
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Service Animals: Welcome.
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Sensory Guides: Available for guests with sensory sensitivities.
Nearby Attractions
| Attraction | Location | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Magic Kingdom Park | Walt Disney World Resort | Classic Disney attractions |
| EPCOT | Walt Disney World Resort | World cultures, science, food |
| Disney’s Hollywood Studios | Walt Disney World Resort | Star Wars, Toy Story, shows |
| Disney’s Animal Kingdom | Walt Disney World Resort | Animals, Avatar, safaris |
| Disney’s Blizzard Beach | Walt Disney World Resort | Water park fun |
| Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon | Walt Disney World Resort | Water park fun |
Stay Connected
Follow Disney Springs for the latest news, special offers, and event updates.
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Official Website: https://www.disneysprings.com/
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Instagram: @disneysprings
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Facebook: Disney Springs
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X (Twitter): @DisneySprings
If you have any experience with this place, please share it with us in the comments below!