Welcome Back, Mousekefriends! We are talking ALL about Disney Springs today because there are questions floating out there like: “Do I need a ticket?” and “What IS there to see and do at Disney Springs?” We have rounded up 5 things you NEED to know before you go! Even those who visit Disney often will find great info in this post!
The experienced Disney travel planners at our agency, Kingdom and Cruise Travel, would love to help you plan your Disney vacation that builds in time to take advantage of all that Disney Springs has to offer!
Not reading today? That’s ok. Check out the podcast episode to hear ALL you need to know about Disney Springs!
Here are the 5 Things you need to know about Disney Springs!
1. Dining Options GALORE!
If you have a craving for just about anything, you can satisfy it here. There are over 50 different restaurants to choose from in Disney Springs. Some of our favorites are: Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ offering Southern-style cuisine; The Boathouse offering steak and seafood;
Wine Bar George serving food and wine pairings from a renowned master sommelier; Jaleo by Jose Andres offering Spanish tapas and paella; Morimoto, a glitzy restaurant serving Pan-Asian cuisine and a brand new restaurant, Summer House on the lake, bringing summer California vibes and cuisine year round to Disney Springs.
We also have some honorable mentions like Raglan Road, serving Irish cuisine complete with live music and Irish dancing every evening; and finally, Terralina’s, a rustic Italian eatery serving authentic Italian cuisine.
Our Mouseketip
Check out a restaurant for brunch and then stroll around Disney Springs during the day! Evenings in Disney Springs get crowded. We have found that brunch reservations are easier to come by than dinner. Certain restaurants only offer brunch on the weekend, so consult their schedules!
2. Don’t Miss the Entertainment Day and Night!
“Something for everyone” is the key phrase for Disney Springs entertainment options!
Purchase tickets for Drawn to Life, a reimagination of Disney stories and animation told through the Cirque du Soleil’s innovation.
Every evening, Disney Springs features various FREE live music performances on multiple stages. Our favorite stage is next to the Boathouse, the Marketplace Stage! You do not need to reserve dining or make any purchases to enjoy this music featured outdoors with a free seating area. Another entertainment option is going up in Disney Springs, Aerophile, a tethered helium balloon. We might pass on this one but you go for it!
Another unique entertainment option is the Amphicars at The Boathouse marina! Is it a car? Is a boat? YES! Also, yes.
3. Cookies, Chocolate and Ice Cream, OH MY!
You will find desserts and more desserts at Disney Springs. Save room after dinner OR come here JUST for dessert. These aren’t ordinary dessert options. This is artisanal chocolate, world famous ice cream and expertly-crafted cookies.
You might have to wait in line at Gideon’s Bakehouse but we assure you it is worth it. They only sell 3 lbs. of cookies per customer, but we doubt you can put down that much cookie at once. If you do, call us and your next one is on us.
Disney Springs is also home to the world’s best artisanal chocolate at The Ganachery. With flavors like Egyptian Sea Salt, Italian Hazelnut, Caramel Fleur de Sel and Chipotle, we are sure you will need to sample them all. In warm weather, they will even send you an ice pack so they don’t melt!
And just so we don’t leave anyone out, one of the best gluten free, vegan, kosher bakeries ever has a shop at Disney Springs! Whatever dessert options your dietary needs and restrictions made you miss out on in the past, you will find it at Erin McKenna’s Bake Shop. Brownies, cookies, cupcakes, donuts and even bagels. You will feel spoiled!
4. One-Stop Shopping!
Disney Springs has a little of everything and then some. The Mouskedads and kids might not be sold on the word “shopping” but when they hear what’s in it for them, they will be on board. Take them to the HUGE Disney store, the Lego Store, sports shops, and Super Hero Headquarters for all things Marvel.
Mouseketip
If you see something you love in the parks, don’t assume you can get it at World of Disney. Some park specialty items are really attraction-specific so snag it when you see it! Otherwise, World of Disney can be your go-to for all Disney needs.
We like to hit up the high end stores like Lily Pulitzer, Vera Bradley and Coach and take a peek at all the Disney collections they have available! You won’t find these collections in your regular mall! If you want to make your shopping experience even more enjoyable, bring along your booze because open containers are allowed in all of Disney Springs!
5. Disney Springs can be accessed for FREE!
It’s free to ENTER, walk around, listen to music, smell the delicious food and window shop. Then, it’s up to you with what to do with your wallet.
Disney Springs a great way to spend an evening, or a break day from the parks or even your check out day before you head home. It’s the perfect Disney Magic bonus stop.
What do you love about Disney Springs? Leave us a comment below or get in touch so our agents can plan your magical vacation!
- By Kingdom and Cruise Travel Advisor Alli Matthews