A Beginner’s Guide to Disney Springs
Before it was renamed Disney Springs in 2015, the open air complex was affectionately known as Downtown Disney.
What is it?
Disney Springs is an outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment complex in Lake Buena Vista, FL.
Originally opened in 1975 as the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village, the space has taken on various lives over the years, more recently as Downtown Disney and the present-day Disney Springs.
The Springs sit on 120 acres, and is divided into four zones known as the Marketplace, The Landing, Town Center and West Side. These neighborhoods are home to nearly 100 shops and kiosks, 20 shows and attractions, and just under 70 places to eat and drink, making Disney Springs one of our favorite spots to visit whenever we’re in Orlando.
Where is it?
Disney Springs is located on the east end of Walt Disney World property, nestled along the shores of Lake Buena Vista, and just opposite Saratoga Springs Resort.
How do I get there?
Luckily, Disney has made getting to the Springs just as easy as getting around the rest of property.
Disney has made it a priority to easily get guests to and from Disney Springs, via bus, water taxi and walking paths.
The Disney Bus Transportation system runs continually to and from each resort, from the time Disney Springs opens until one hour after close.
Guests or visitors to Old Key West, Saratoga Springs and Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter can also take a leisurely ride on the water taxi to the Disney Springs docks. Water taxis run every 15-30 minutes – just be aware of any afternoon storms that may pause service.
Looking to stretch your legs? Walking paths between Disney Springs and Saratoga Springs Resort are located on the northern end of the Marketplace. These paths are peaceful and shady, and are “open” from sunup to sundown.
Of course, you always have the option to ride share, or drive yourself to Disney Springs if you have access to a car. Parking is free, and made even more convenient by colorful light indicators over each parking space that let you know where an open slot is available.
Where to eat
Disney Foodies know not to skip out on the Springs when they’re in town.
Between kiosks, bars and sit-down eateries, some of our favorite bites have been found here. Each restaurant or lounge has a distinctly unique feel and backstory, so you can have a completely different experience each time you dine at Disney Springs.
We couldn’t even begin to pick our top choices, but certainly recommend some of the following crowd-pleasers to add to your itinerary:
Gideons Bakehouse – A social media celebrity, Gideon’s is home to the “almost half-pound” homemade cookies. Opening at 10am each morning, the line to get in is almost always wrapped around the building, where visitors hope to win out on the first-come, first-serve menu of rotating cookie flavors. If you’re lucky enough to score a Gideon’s bag, don’t forget to share with a friend (or two!)
The Polite Pig – Come right out of the Lime Garage and catch a whiff of this not-so-hidden gem! Smoked meats and comforting southern sides are enough to make your mouth water, even as you walk by.
Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ – This welcoming restaurant prides itself on locally-sourced food, artwork and materials. Be sure to get reservations early for this crowd-favorite, then come inside for delectable fried chicken, a slice of hummingbird cake, and some flavorful moonshine – on tap!
Wine Bar George – Swing by and try to pick from the more than 200 wine options to go along with stellar small plates and charcuterie boards to write home about.
Raglan Road – Always lively, Raglan Road serves up not only pints and cheeky Irish fare, but also Irish step dancing and musicians that will keep you singing along all night long.
Morimoto Asia – Guests fawn over the sleek opulence of the space, paired with the sushi bar, stir fry, and small plates dreamt up by Iron Chef Morimoto.
Amorette’s Patisserie – Filled with Disney-inspired sweet treats, Amorette’s even offers cake decorating experiences with a Disney pastry chef!
What to do
Shopping
Trendsetters unite over the unique and exclusive Disney merchandise that you can only find in Disney Springs. Along with World of Disney – the mecca of Disney Stores – shops in the Springs are known for special-edition trinkets and treats to commemorate your trip.
Along with storefronts like Vera Bradley and UNIQLO, which carry special Disney-branded lines, others like DisneyStyle, and Marketplace Co-Op are home to quirky, unique products that you’d be hard-pressed to find elsewhere.
Entertainment
The beauty of Disney Springs is its ability to appeal to guests of all ages.
Bring the family to a movie or bowling, take a ride in the hot air balloon, or snap a photo with the Coca-Cola bear. Kids will love to hop on the carousel or train in the Marketplace before heading to the Landing for dance parties, DJs and acrobatic shows. If you’re feeling adventurous, level-up your day with a ride in the vintage Amphicars that “drive” on Lake Buena Vista.
Adults, don’t despair. There’s plenty of live music and entertainment across the Springs at the various restaurants and lounges, like House of Blues, The Edison or Raglan Road.
Live music and entertainment are always on the menu, whether it be at the Waterside Stage, or in one of the various restaurants and lounges, like Raglan Road.
Special Events and Holidays
It wouldn’t be a Disney property without leaning into the seasons.
Disney Springs often hosts its own events and experiences inspired by holidays or times of year. Find autumnal menus and merchandise throughout the fall, spot your favorite character ornaments along the Christmas Tree Trail, or taste your way through local fare during the Flavors of Florida festival.
Entertainers, eateries and shops are often influenced by Disney anniversaries or events, so be sure to keep an eye on the calendar if you’re in town for a celebration.
Little Things We Love
If you’re like us, you find magic in the little details around Disney that make it stand out from the rest.
There’s extra pixie dust scattered around Disney Springs, if you take the time to look. Before heading into World of Disney, say hi to Stitch hanging out atop the storefront… just don’t get too close or risk getting splashed!
Next door, take a stroll around the LEGO shop and snap a selfie with some of the larger-than-life characters and creatures made completely of LEGO bricks.
And if you’re walking around Disney Springs at night, be sure to take a moment and look up into the trees for a whimsical light show dripping from their branches.
So much thought has gone into the composition of Disney Springs. As often as we may frequent Walt Disney World, we always add or leave time to make our way around the Springs for shopping, dining, and entertainment that you just can’t find anywhere else.
