Planning A Visit To Disney Springs? Here’s Everything You Need To Know!

Disney Springs is a shopping, dining, and entertainment complex located in Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. It is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a variety of experiences for visitors of all ages. Here’s a rundown on how to get there, what to expect, and some of the dining and shopping options available.

History of Disney Springs

Disney Springs first opened its doors in 1975 under the name “Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village.” The shopping and dining complex was located near the Walt Disney World Resort hotels and was designed to provide visitors with a convenient place to shop and eat.

In 1989, the shopping village was renamed “Disney Village Marketplace” and underwent a major expansion that included the addition of new stores and restaurants, as well as a new entertainment district called Pleasure Island. Pleasure Island was designed to be a nightlife destination and included several themed clubs and bars.

In the mid-2000s, Disney announced plans to renovate and expand the shopping and entertainment complex, which was by then known as “Downtown Disney.” The renovation included a complete redesign of the complex, the addition of several new stores and restaurants, and the removal of Pleasure Island.

The new complex was renamed “Disney Springs” and officially reopened in 2015. The redesigned complex includes four themed areas – The Landing, Town Center, Marketplace, and West Side – as well as several new restaurants and stores.

Today, Disney Springs is a popular destination for both locals and visitors to the Walt Disney World Resort. With its diverse array of shopping and dining options, as well as its regular live entertainment and special events, Disney Springs is a great place to spend an afternoon or evening.

How to Get To Disney Springs

Disney Springs is located in the heart of Walt Disney World Resort, just off of Buena Vista Drive. If you’re staying at a Disney Resort Hotel, you can take advantage of complimentary transportation, including buses, boats, and the Disney Skyliner. There are also several public transportation options, including taxis, ride-sharing services, and shuttle buses.

Bus Transportation

Several Disney Resort Hotels offer complimentary bus transportation to Disney Springs. These hotels include:

Guests can check with their hotel’s front desk or My Disney App for specific bus schedules and pick-up locations.

Boat Transportation

In addition to bus transportation, some Disney Resort Hotels offer complimentary boat transportation to Disney Springs. These hotels include:

Guests can board the boats at designated dock locations at each resort and enjoy a scenic ride to Disney Springs. It’s important to note that boat transportation is subject to weather conditions and may be temporarily suspended during inclement weather.

Overall, Disney provides convenient transportation options for guests staying at their Resort Hotels to access Disney Springs, including complimentary bus and boat transportation.

Is Disney Springs Free?

Disney Springs offers free self-parking in several different parking garages and surface lots throughout the complex. These parking areas are conveniently located near the shopping, dining, and entertainment areas, making it easy for guests to access everything Disney Springs has to offer. In addition to self-parking, valet parking options are available for a fee.

Disney Springs Dining

Disney Springs offers a wide variety of dining options, including quick-service restaurants, table-service restaurants, and signature dining experiences. Some of the most popular dining destinations include The Boathouse, Morimoto Asia, and Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar. There are also several food trucks and snack stands scattered throughout the complex, offering a range of sweet and savory treats.

Table-Service Restaurants

Table-service restaurants typically require reservations, especially during peak hours and seasons. It is recommended to make reservations in advance, up to 60 days in advance. Here are some popular table-service restaurants at Disney Springs:

The Boathouse: A waterfront seafood restaurant offering fresh seafood, steaks, and a variety of cocktails. Reservations are strongly recommended.
Morimoto Asia: A Pan-Asian restaurant that offers a range of dishes inspired by different Asian cuisines, including sushi, dim sum, and noodle dishes. Reservations are recommended.
Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant: An Irish pub that offers traditional Irish fare and live entertainment. Reservations are recommended.
STK Orlando: A steakhouse offering high-end cuts of steak, seafood, and craft cocktails. Reservations are recommended.

Quick-Service Restaurants

Quick-service restaurants are a great option for guests looking for a fast and convenient meal. These restaurants offer counter service and do not require reservations. Here are some popular quick-service restaurants at Disney Springs:

Earl of Sandwich: A sandwich shop that offers a range of hot and cold sandwiches, salads, and soups.
Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza: A fast-casual pizza restaurant that offers customizable pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven.
Chicken Guy!: A restaurant that offers chicken tenders and sandwiches with a variety of sauces and sides.
D-Luxe Burger: A quick-service burger joint that offers gourmet burgers, fries, and shakes.

Signature Dining Experiences

Signature dining experiences offer high-end cuisine and an immersive dining experience. These restaurants typically require reservations and dress codes may apply. Here are some popular signature dining experiences at Disney Springs:

The Edison: A steampunk-themed restaurant that offers American fare, craft cocktails, and live entertainment. Reservations are recommended.
Jaleo by Jose Andres: A Spanish restaurant that offers a variety of tapas, paella, and other Spanish dishes. Reservations are recommended.
Wine Bar George: A wine bar that offers a variety of wines, small plates, and entrees. Reservations are recommended.

Overall, Disney Springs offers various dining options to suit any taste and budget. Guests should check with individual restaurants for reservation requirements and dress codes.

Shopping At Disney Springs

It’s worth noting that not every store at Disney Springs is Disney-themed. While many of the stores do carry Disney merchandise, there are also several stores that are not directly affiliated with Disney. For example, stores like Alex and Ani, Pandora, and Sephora offer non-Disney merchandise.

It’s also interesting to note that Disney Springs has undergone significant changes over the years. The Marketplace, which includes stores like World of Disney and The Art of Disney, was actually the original part of the shopping complex when it was known as Downtown Disney. The West Side, which includes stores like Cirque du Soleil and House of Blues, was added later during a major renovation of the area in the mid-2000s.

In 2015, the entire shopping and dining complex underwent a major expansion and redesign, which included the addition of several new stores and restaurants, as well as the creation of new themed areas like The Landing and Town Center. The new Disney Springs is designed to be a modern, vibrant, and upscale destination that offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking for Disney merchandise or high-end fashion brands.

Enjoy Live Performances and More in Disney Springs

Disney Springs isn’t just a shopping and dining destination—it’s also a hub of entertainment. From live music to interactive experiences, there’s always something fun happening in this vibrant area.

One of the highlights of Disney Springs is the live entertainment. With multiple stages located throughout the area, you can enjoy performances from local musicians, DJs, and other talented artists. Whether you’re in the mood for jazz, rock, or pop, you’re sure to find a performance that suits your tastes.

In addition to music, Disney Springs offers other types of entertainment as well. You can check out the latest blockbuster at the AMC Disney Springs 24 movie theater. Kids (and kids at heart) will love the interactive LEGO Store, where you can see larger-than-life LEGO creations and even build your own.

No matter what your interests are, you’re sure to find something to entertain you in Disney Springs. So be sure to check the schedule of events during your visit and make the most of this exciting entertainment destination.

Planning A Visit To Disney Springs? Here’s Everything You Need To Know!

History of Disney Springs