UPDATED November 13, 2024
Welcome to Disney Springs, Walt Disney World’s outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment district! With nearly 100 retail locations, over 60 eateries, and over 20 opportunities for entertainment (and just plain FUN), there are plenty of options to enjoy all over Disney Springs throughout the day and into the night!
Disney Springs is home to four neighborhoods: The Landing, the Marketplace, the West Side, and the Town Center. These neighborhoods are built around “bubbling springs” in tribute to waterfront towns in the Sunshine State.
Disney Springs made its debut in May of 2016, when the district completed its transition from being known as Downtown Disney (and effectively doubled in size). According to the story built around the reimagined area, a lovely natural spring drew settlers to the area in the 1800s, and the settlement grew into a full-sized town. Guests will spy details alluding to the town’s “historic timeline,” including the marquee sign atop Morimoto Asia for “Springs Bottling Co.,” which once served as the town’s mineral water bottling company at the turn of the century.
Nowadays 😉 , guests can take advantage of how the settlement eventually grew into a shopping, dining, and entertainment hub!
If you would like to jump to a specific topic, simply click any of the links below:
- Dining in Disney Springs
- Shopping in Disney Springs
- Live Entertainment in Disney Springs
- Attractions in Disney Springs
- Seasonal Celebrations and Events
- Guest Services and Disney World Ticket Center
- General Disney Springs Information (including transportation and parking)
Disney Springs Dining
Once upon a time, when what is now Disney Springs was known as Downtown Disney, the district was a place to grab a bite if you happened to be doing a little retail therapy at the stores in the area. But these days? Disney Springs is an absolute DESTINATION for great dining in Disney World!
One of our favorite Table Service restaurants is Disney Springs’ own authentic Irish Pub, Raglan Road.
If you’ve ever craved the cuisine of a celebrity Chef, some absolute gems include Jaleo by Chef José Andrés, Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, Frontera Cocina by Chef Rick Bayless, and the Wolfgang Puck Bar and Grill.
Morimoto Asia features the Pan-Asian cuisine of Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, and it doesn’t disappoint.
You’ll even find a Counter Service spot — Chicken Guy! — by Guy Fieri.
Wine Bar George never fails to impress and provides a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere to wine novices and connoisseurs alike, along with memorable food.
It’s a restaurant that just about everyone finds to be practically perfect.
Looking for a quick meal? D-Luxe Burger, fan-favorite Earl of Sandwich, Pizza Ponte, and The Polite Pig cook up burgers, toasted sammies, tasty pizza, and modern twists on classic BBQ. And eet by Maneet Chauhan even offers creative twists on Indian cuisine!
Spots for truly decadent sweets include artisan pastries and cakes at Amorette’s Patisserie, gourmet chocolates from The Ganachery, and traditional Italian Gelato (with some not-so-traditional creations!) at Vivoli il Gelato. And you CAN’T MISS picking up one — or more! — of the nearly half-pound cookies at Gideon’s Bakehouse!
Grab a drink at wonderfully immersive themed bars like Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar and Enzo’s Hideaway.
And would you believe that barely scratches the surface? There’s a LOT more where this came from…
Click HERE to learn more about EVERY single dining location in Disney Springs! And see which ones are THE BEST here.
Disney Springs Shopping
Searching for that perfect souvenir to commemorate your Disney World vacation? Perhaps you’re looking to treat yourself to a little vacation splurge from a high-end retailer, or maybe you’d just like to refresh your wardrobe or home decor a bit. Disney Springs is your place!
The retail centerpiece of Disney Springs just so happens to be the largest Disney retail location in the world: World of Disney. DisneyStyle, Disney’s Days of Christmas, and Disney Pin Traders are just a few more of the places that Disney fans can visit.
But it’s not just Disney goodies you’ll find. Serious shoppers can step inside locations such as Kate Spade New York, Vera Bradley, Pandora Jewelry, and many more.
From bath and beauty products at spots like BASIN, Sephora (which provides Feature Focus Makeovers for ALL AGES), and MAC Cosmetics, to homewares and stationary at charming shops like Sugarboo & Co., and many more, there’s no shortage of spots to shop ’til you drop!
Did you know you can even get PERSONALIZED M&M’s at the M&M’s store?!
Yep! All this, and a LOT more…
Click HERE to see ALL the retail locations in Disney Springs!
Disney Springs Live Entertainment
Whether you purchase a ticket to a show or happen upon live music, you can enjoy entertainment all around Disney Springs!
Drawn to Life Presented by Cirque du Soleil® & Disney
A new Cirque Du Soleil production made its debut in November 2021 at Disney Springs in Walt Disney World. Drawn to Life Presented by Cirque du Soleil® & Disney combines Disney animation with the truly unique and stunning acrobatic performance of Cirque du Soleil.
Drawn to Life is presented on the West Side of Disney Springs in the same iconic “tent” theater in which La Nouba — the previous Cirque du Soleil production in Disney World — ran for 19 years.
You can learn more about purchasing tickets here. And you can click here to learn more about an exclusive Prix Fixe Dining Offer — Animated Evening — to pair dinner with the show!
Additionally, a VIP tour — the Page to Stage Signature Experience — includes tickets to the show, commemorative souvenirs, snacks, and a backstage tour of the theater.
Live Music
In Disney Springs, locations that often serve up your meal with a side of SONG include fan-favorite Raglan Road! Not only can you enjoy classic and contemporary Irish music, but the Raglan Road Irish Dancers often perform throughout the evenings.
Music even expands to the outdoor patio stage! Check RaglanRoad.com for showtimes throughout the week.
Other great spots that often welcome artists to perform include The BOATHOUSE (with The Captain’s Sing-Along Brunch on weekends), Frontera Cocina, Paradiso 37, Paddlefish (on the rooftop deck), and The Edison (late nights, adults only).
Along with live music often being performed at the Front Porch bar and inside the House of Blues Restaurant, you can also check the House of Blues website for concert information for traveling artists.
Even a simple stroll around Disney Springs gives guests a chance to encounter live performances (from saxophone players to “traveling” pianos and more) at spots like Riverboat Square, the Springs Overlook, Sunshine Highline, and Waterview Park. Just follow the tunes!
Disney Springs Kids Club
The Disney Springs Kids Club is an entertainment offering for the whole family to enjoy together. Saturday mornings bring high-energy, family-friendly performers to Disney Springs that vary each week.
Featured performers will include the Wassalou Drum Circle (an Afropop band that you may have already seen at Disney’s Animal Kingdom). The whole family will be able to pick up bongos, maracas, and more as you dance along to the music. The Flight Crew Jump Rope (when available) is where you’ll experience a “high-energy dance party” with “dazzling jump-rope routines and thrilling acrobatics.” The crew will even let you join in on the fun so you can jump along. And DJ Katie “KD Queen” will host games, singalongs, hula hoop, limbo, and more.
The Disney Springs Kids Club is offered every Saturday morning at Waterview Park (near Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar) starting at 10:30AM. Showtimes are 10:30AM, 11:15AM, and 12PM.
Attractions in Disney Springs
Aerophile Balloon
Have you ever spotted a beautiful blue balloon high in the air over Disney Springs? That’s Aerophile — The World Leader in Balloon Flight!
Aerophile offers an 8-minute flight in a tethered balloon, which also happens to be the world’s largest hand-painted helium balloon! Up to 29 guests can fly in the balloon at a time as it reaches heights of up to 400 feet.
Offering views of up to 10 miles away on a clear day, it’s a thrilling experience day or night (and, if you time it right, you might even be able to see a Disney fireworks spectacular from the air!). Tickets — $25 for adults and $20 for children ages 3 to 9 — are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Aerophile stand on the West Side.
AMC Disney Springs 24 and Dine-In Theatres
How about dinner and a movie? Catch the latest theatrical release at AMC Disney Springs 24.
You might even consider the Fork and Screen experience. If you choose to visit the AMC Dine-In Theater you get to sit in comfortable chairs with a table in front of you. And you get to eat your meal while watching a new release movie!
Marketplace Carousel and Train
Did you know that there are rides outside of the Disney World theme parks? The charming Marketplace Carousel features 16 hand-crafted horses, two seated carriages, and a spinning teacup.
Tickets for guests of all ages are $3.00 for an approximately 3-minute spin.
“ALL ABOARD” the Marketplace Train Express!
Tickets for guests of all ages are $3.00 for an approximately 3-minute ride on the train.
The BOATHOUSE Amphicar Tours
If you happen to see a car driving ON Village Lake, don’t worry… your eyes aren’t deceiving you. That’s a vintage Amphicar from The BOATHOUSE!
Take a 20-minute cruise on Village Lake at Disney Springs courtesy of a vintage Amphicar, a unique amphibious vehicle that drives on land until it enters the water! The price is $125.00 per car (which can seat up to three guests), and you can check out the entire experience here.
Cake Decorating at Amorette’s Patisserie
Decorate your very own culinary masterpiece — in the form of a Signature Mickey Dome Cake — under the instruction of the talented Pastry Chefs at Amorette’s Patisserie! The Cake Decorating Experience at Amorette’s Patisserie is a hands-on class where guests walk away with a Signature Mickey Dome Cake that they have personally decorated.
The 90-minute small group session is limited to just 14 guests, allowing for interaction and conversation with the Pastry Chefs. The entire experience takes place in Amorette’s Show Kitchen prior to the shop’s opening, and includes beverage refreshments (with alcoholic options such as mimosas and Bellinis for guests 21-and-over). You can find booking information here.
Click HERE to see photos and videos of the Cake Decorating Experience!
Splitsville Luxury Lanes
We talk a fair bit about noshing on some great pub grub at Splitsville… but they don’t call it “Luxury Lanes” for nothing.
You can get your game on at Splitsville Luxury Lanes, with 10-Pin bowling, Feather bowling, and billiards. (But we still recommend grabbing a bite to eat while you’re there!)
M&M Character Meet-and-Greet
Did you know that you can meet an M&M’s character at the M&M’s Store in Disney Springs? Say “hello” to Yellow!
M&M’s characters greet guests every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 12-8PM.
Disney Springs Art Walk
In May 2022, the NEW Disney Springs Art Walk: A Canvas of Expression, made its debut in the Town Center!
Disney Parks Blog shared that both local artists and artists from around the world will continue to create murals to fill Disney Springs with emotion and spirit, inspired by their cultures.
Guests of Disney Springs can see the work up close and view many different styles of art.
This “ever-changing experience” will continue to grow throughout the year!
Click HERE to take an Art Walk with us in Disney Springs!
Seasonal Celebrations and Special Events
Disney Springs changes with the seasons! You might enjoy a special event or celebration depending on the time of year you visit.
January – April 2024 Special Dining Events
New Year, New You! Did you know that January is Wellness Month, and that you can celebrate your own personal wellness in Disney Springs?
Offerings typically include FREE Wellness classes (including HIIT at yoga), fitness demonstrations, and discounts at select retail locations. Stay tuned for Wellness Month activities for 2025!
Summer (May through September)
UPDATE: Dream That Soar ended its summer run on September 2nd, 2024, but we are keeping this information here in hopes that it returns to Disney Springs in the future!
“Disney Dreams That Soar” Drone Show Debuts in Disney Springs
The West Side of Disney Springs hosted a BRAND NEW Drone show above Lake Buena Vista this summer: “Disney Dreams That Soar” is inspired by Disney stories that showcase flight! It made its debut on May 24th, 2024.
These drones are programmed to create designs in the sky and are accompanied by a beautiful musical score that includes memorable movie quotes. The show ran through September 2nd, and was a great late-night perk for those still hanging out at Disney Springs!
Click here for PICS and VIDEOS of Disney Dreams That Soar!
“Dreams That Soar” — Exclusive Viewing Experiences
We’ve included information below on some exclusive viewing experiences for Dreams That Soar, which has proved to be incredibly popular! Both of these experiences are offered at Jaleo. In addition to delicious tapas-style dining, Jaleo boasts a lakeside view from the back of the restaurant.
Jaleo’s first option allows you into their roped-off section to view the show. This option is offered on a first-come, first-served basis and will also allow you access to the restaurant’s full bar and nearby bathrooms (that’s a huge plus)! This option will only accommodate standing areas for viewers and to get in, you’ll need to pay $35.
Jaleo is also offering a tasting experience where you’ll dine on tasty light plates along the restaurant’s lakeside for $79. Here’s a peek at the menu offerings:
Some TIPS for your reservation: These Jaleo reservations can be booked currently through Open Table. You’ll want to book a reservation at 7:30PM for the first drone showing and at 9:30PM for the second showing. It’s also helpful to note that since the tasting experience isn’t exclusively bookable on Open Table, you’ll want to make sure that Lakeside seating has been requested for each reservation so the restaurant knows you’re looking for the tasting experience.
Flavors of Florida
Enjoy cuisine inspired by the Sunshine State during Disney Springs Flavors of Florida! From July 1st – August 11th, 2024, over 40 eateries and restaurants all around Disney Springs showcased limited-time dishes and drinks for this event. Stay tuned for 2025 dates and information!
The 2023 event featured a NEW culinary series, and it returned for 2024, hosted by Kroger! Guests can register for FREE demonstrations from various chefs behind hit Disney Springs restaurants including Morimoto Asia, Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, eet by Maneet Chauhan, and MANY more.
And NEW in 2024 were Flavors of Florida Pairing Events at beloved spots like Wine Bar George, The Edison, Paddlefish, and MORE!
Find ALL the info for Flavors of Florida HERE!
Raglan Road Irish Pub’s Labor Day Great Irish Hooley
Summer in Disney Springs ends with Raglan Road Irish Pub’s Annual Great Irish Hooley Music Fest over Labor Day Weekend! The fun-filled Fest is packed with singing, dancing, entertainment, food, and drinks.
The event itself is free. Click HERE to see why we LOVE the Great Irish Hooley every year!
Fall — Special Events
You can “Fall into Magic” at Disney Springs in the autumn months!
You can find ALL of our reviews of the specialty treats for the season around Disney Springs (and the rest of Disney World) by clicking here!
Winter and Holidays — Specials Events
The Holiday Season in Disney Springs brings unique experiences like the Christmas Tree Stroll!
Guests can stroll around the Springs and take in the views of elaborately decorated Christmas trees featuring different Disney themes.
Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar is a fun and festive destination.
Bring that Wish List! You can find Santa in the Disney Springs Marketplace in a special spot right near Disney Pin Traders! You can check hours on the Disney World website or My Disney Experience app, but the meet and greet is typically open from 10AM to 10PM from November 8th through December 24th.
Once you’ve arrived in Disney Springs, you’ll want to use the My Disney Experience app to enter a Virtual Queue to meet Santa. You’ll be able to apply for spots in the virtual queue at multiple times throughout the day: 9AM, 11AM, 1PM, 3PM, and 6PM. You’ll receive a notification when it’s time to get in line. Note that the maximum party size is 10 people. Also, there is no standby queue: you must apply for a virtual queue spot to meet Santa. When you arrive, you’ll see signs that say where to enter the line. Disney PhotoPass photographers are also on hand to get that perfect Santa photo for you!
Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante also hosts Breakfast with Santa!
This year, Breakfast With Santa at Maria & Enzo’s will take place at 9:30AM, 9:45AM, and 10AM on December 14th, 15th, and 21st-24th. In addition to meeting and taking a photo with Santa (plus getting to meet some of Santa’s elves!), you can experience:
- A family-style breakfast experience
- Takeaway treats to bring home
- Holiday carolers inside the restaurant
- A Prosecco Mimosa for those 21+
Tickets — which are NOW AVAILABLE FOR BOOKING HERE — are $69 for adults and $45 for children, plus tax and gratuity when booking the Gold tier and $79 for adults and $45 for children, plus tax and gratuity when booking at the Platinum tier, which offers a better seat during the earliest seating time. Platinum tier will also see Santa before Gold tier, but all who purchase a ticket will see Santa. Again, tickets are available HERE.
Guest Services and Ticket Center
Need assistance in Disney Springs? You’ll find the Guest Relations Welcome Center in the Town Center, where cast members can offer help with accessibility information, guide maps, lost guests, and much more. (And, yes, you can even pick up a free Celebration Button here!)
And if Disney Springs is the very first stop of your trip, you can even pick up your park tickets at the Disney Ticket Center (also located in the Town Center).
Services include theme park ticket sales (along with upgrades and will calls), Annual Pass sales and renewals, and Military Salute ticket sales and upgrades.
Disney Springs General Information
- Typically, Disney Springs opens at 10AM, and closes at 11:00PM most weekdays, and 11:30PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Keep in mind that hours for individual locations may vary, and hours may also change based on peak seasons and holidays.
- It is free to visit Disney Springs.
Getting to Disney Springs
Guests staying at a Disney World Resort hotel can enjoy free Disney Transportation to Disney Springs from their hotel.
Nearly all Resort hotels offer bus service to and from Disney Springs, with service beginning when Disney Springs opens for the day, and ends one hour after close.
Click HERE to check out the Disney Springs Bus Schedule with Tips and Advice
Roundtrip Water Taxi boat service is also available at the following Resort hotels:
- Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa (including Disney’s Treehouse Villas)
- Disney’s Old Key West Resort
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — Riverside
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter
Driving to Disney Springs? From 1-4, take Exit 67 toward EPCOT/Disney Springs. Stay in the right lane and follow signs to Disney Springs. Free standard self-parking is available in surface lots and three garages: Orange (which brings guests to the West Side), Lime (which leads guests into the Town Center), and Watermelon and Grapefruit (which offers a pedestrian bridge for crossing to Disney Springs). Parking opens at 9AM, while most of Disney Springs opens at 10AM.
Rideshare (including Disney’s own Minnie Van Service) is also an option if you want to get to your destination quickly but don’t have your own car.
Please note that Disney suggests allowing at least 60 minutes of travel time prior to any ticketed events or Advance Dining Reservations.
We’ll SEE YOU AT THE SPRINGS!
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