Get Your Magic Early: Why Disney Springs Mornings Are the Best Time to Visit

When planning a Disney vacation, most visitors focus on the theme parks, but Disney Springs offers a unique experience that shouldn’t be overlooked. Whether shopping for exclusive Disney merchandise, enjoying incredible dining, or simply taking in the sights, visiting early in the morning provides a peaceful, crowd-free atmosphere with plenty of benefits.

If your vacation plans allow, we highly recommend experiencing Disney Springs both during the day and at night. Our recent visit to the Walt Disney World Resort revealed that early mornings at Disney Springs might be the best time to visit. Here’s why:

The Magic of Early Morning at Disney Springs

1. Gideon’s Bakehouse: A Delicious Start to Your Day

Let’s be honest—one of the main reasons we arrived early at Disney Springs was to get a head start on the line at Gideon’s Bakehouse. Located in The Landing (formerly Pleasure Island) across from Raglan Road, this bakery is famous for its Original Chocolate Chip Cookie and other indulgent treats.

Known for its spooky, haunted mansion-like ambiance, Gideon’s is more than just a bakery—it’s an experience. Since opening at Disney Springs, Gideon’s Bakehouse has attracted long lines of guests eager to grab cookies, cake slices, Nitro Cold Brew, and exclusive merchandise.

Arriving early is key to avoid the crowds and get first dibs on your favorite cookies or cake flavors.

• The line begins forming around 9:00 a.m.
• The store opens at 10:00 a.m. sharp.

2. Enjoy a Peaceful, Crowd-Free Experience

The calm, relaxing atmosphere is one of the best things about visiting Disney Springs early. The area is peaceful, allowing you to admire the beautiful details of the district at your own pace.

Without the crowds, you can take your time strolling, snapping photos, and enjoying the sights before the hustle and bustle begin. This time of day is also perfect for appreciating the Disney Springs Art Walk: A Canvas of Expression, which showcases works of art by global artists with subtle Disney touches.

This unique outdoor gallery in Town Center adds a creative touch to your morning stroll.

3. Preferred Parking for a Stress-Free Visit

Arriving early also gives you access to preferred parking, a huge perk. The Lime Parking Garage is often nearly empty in the early morning, allowing you to park close to the escalators and security entrance.

As many Disney visitors know, parking garages can fill up quickly, so securing a prime spot right away makes for a much smoother start to your day.

4. Catch Stores When They Open

Disney Springs is a popular destination, and the stores get crowded quickly. But by arriving shortly after the district opens, you can enjoy a more relaxing shopping experience.

Everything is neat and organized, and the lines at the checkout are typically short—perfect for exploring stores like World of Disney, and other specialty shops.

• Best time to shop: Right when the stores open.
• Experience: Low wait times, a calmer atmosphere.

By 11:00 a.m., Disney Springs starts to fill up, making the early morning the ideal time to shop with minimal distractions.

5. A Quick, Efficient Visit

One of the best advantages of visiting Disney Springs early is getting everything you need done in just a few hours. Whether you want to shop, grab a quick bite, or experience a dessert at Gideon’s Bakehouse, an early visit means you can still make the most of your day.

Whether heading to a Disney park, enjoying some downtime at your resort, or even taking advantage of Extended Evening Hours at Magic Kingdom or EPCOT, starting early gives you more time for the rest of your day.

6. The Benefits of an Early Start at Disney Springs

Here are a few key reasons why you should consider starting your Disney Springs visit early:

• Peaceful atmosphere: Enjoy a quieter, more relaxed experience.
• Easier parking: Secure a close spot in the Lime Parking Garage.
• Relaxed shopping: Take advantage of low wait times and less crowded stores.
• More time for other activities: Get a jump on your Disney day with more flexibility.

7. Top Tips for Your Early Morning Visit to Disney Springs

• Drive or Take an Uber: Access to a car is the most convenient way to get to Disney Springs early. If you don’t have your vehicle, consider using an Uber, Lyft, or Minnie Van for a hassle-free ride.

  Tip: Disney transportation (buses, boats) starts operating around 9:30 a.m., so using it to get to Disney Springs will mean you arrive when most other guests do.

• If You’re Staying at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort: Stroll to Disney Springs and enjoy your morning coffee while walking through the beautiful resort grounds.

• Brunch Reservations: Plan your morning shopping trip around a delicious brunch! Many Disney Springs restaurants offer a Brunch menu on weekends, such as House of Blues, Raglan Road, and Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante. These are the perfect places to refuel after a morning of shopping and exploring.

• Pre-Cruise Stop: If you’re heading out on a Disney Cruise, an early visit to Disney Springs is a great way to spend the morning before heading to Port Canaveral.

8. A Different Disney Experience

Visiting Disney Springs early allows you to experience a different side of Disney—peaceful, relaxing, and free of the usual crowds. Whether you’re looking to shop, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, or simply enjoy the atmosphere, early mornings at Disney Springs are a must-do part of any Disney vacation.

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While the theme parks are the highlight of any Walt Disney World Resort vacation, an early visit to Disney Springs offers a refreshing change of pace. From the peaceful, crowd-free atmosphere to the chance to shop with minimal wait times and get first dibs on treats at Gideon’s Bakehouse, there’s so much to enjoy in the morning hours.

Plus, starting your day early leaves you with plenty of time to explore the parks or relax before evening events.

So, the next time you plan a visit to Disney Springs, consider getting there early—you might just find that it becomes your new favorite way to start the day at Walt Disney World!