DisneyTips.com Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
1. Visit more than once
If you have either never visited Disney Springs, or you have not visited since the area was reimagined into Disney Springs, you will definitely want to visit the area more than once. There is so much to see and do, not to mention so many restaurants to try that you cannot possibly squeeze all of it into one visit.
2. Visit during the day and at night
Like many areas around the Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Springs takes on a completely different feel in the evening than it does during the day. Later at night you’ll see more street entertainment and more events that are geared towards adults, whereas during the day the entertainment will be more kid-focused and you’ll generally see a little bit less going on. Many guests prefer to visit at night, especially if it’s after the theme parks have closed, so you may find smaller crowds if you visit during the day.
3. Research restaurants beforehand
There are so many restaurants in Disney Springs, which while a good problem to have can make picking a place to have dinner a bit overwhelming. As you would with the rest of Disney’s restaurants, you may find it helpful to do some research and see where you’d like to eat ahead of time. You really cannot go wrong with any of the restaurants at Disney Springs, but with so many options it’s best to look them all over and have an idea of what each restaurant is like before you arrive.
4. Check out all of the details
Before you assume that Disney Springs is just one big shopping center, be sure to take in all of the details Imagineers have placed throughout the area. From the springs themselves to details like the water towers, you will find so many small touches that add to the storyline of the area being a functioning Floridian spring. Even many of the shops and restaurants have stories to tell, making this no ordinary shopping area.
5. Bring your appetite
Even if you do plan on a table service lunch or dinner, be sure to still pack an appetite for snacks. In addition to top notch table service restaurants like Morimoto Asia and The Boathouse, Disney Springs is home to food trucks and a number of snack carts with treats that should not be passed up. You can find everything from poutine to cupcakes (even a cupcake ATM!), and it’s worth the extra calories to have a little pre-dinner snack while you’re browsing the shops.
6. Remember to ship purchases back to your resort
If you shop at a Disney-owned store, which there are a bunch at Disney Springs, you’ll be able to send your purchases back to your Disney resort free of charge. This service really comes in handy with all of the shopping you’re probably going to do at Disney Springs. Simply let the cashier know that you’d like to send your items back to the resort and you’ll be good to go.
7. Know what other services are available
Even though Disney Springs is not necessarily organized the same as the theme parks, there are still plenty of services available that you may want to take advantage of. For instance, ECV, wheelchair, and stroller rentals are still available at Disney Springs. For a service that is entirely unique to Disney Springs, download the Starbucks app, and order your drinks to be delivered to you while you’re shopping, wherever you happen to be at Disney Springs.
8. Learn about what’s new
Disney Springs is constantly changing, and if you do not go frequently chances are there are plenty of new things you have yet to experience. Currently trending is top restaurats like Jaleo, Wine Bar George and The Edison. New shops pop up frequently to explore! You may even find some experiences that are not necessarily new, but are new to you like AMC Dine In Theatres or Splitsville Luxury Lanes.
9. Take to the water
One of the best ways to relax at the Walt Disney World Resort is to take to the water. Disney Springs features Disney watercraft transportation for area resorts (Port Orleans Resorts, Old Key West, and Saratoga Spring) but you can also take to the water via a guided Amphicar tour from The Boathouse. The Boathouse is the only place that offers Amphicar tours to the public, and this experience is one of the most unique ways to take in all of Disney Springs.
10. Check for shopping discounts
Since many of the shops at Disney Springs are not owned and operated by Disney, you’ll need to check with each one individually to see what they have for discounts. In any case, you’ll likely come across some Disney passholder discounts along with the occasional AAA, military, or student discount. Wondering what’s available at a certain store? It never hurts to ask a cast member!
11. Bring extra cash
Since Disney Springs is primarily a shopping and dining complex, you’ll want to plan on bringing some extra cash for spending money. The last thing you’d want is to have to refrain from certain purchases for fear of over-spending. Save some extra vacation money ahead of time to make your shopping trip in Disney Springs a breeze.
