Here’s Why You Should Visit Disney Springs In The Morning

Disney Springs is a great place to visit in Lake Buena Vista. Not only is it free to enter, but it’s the place to shop for all of your Disney merchandise, as well as dine in a whole host of awesome restaurants. Visiting at different times of the day brings different experiences, and so, we highly recommend visiting both daytime and nighttime if your Disney vacation plans allow for it.

On our recent visit to the Walt Disney World Resort, we visited Disney Springs early on in the morning, and discovered that it was our new, favorite time to visit the Disney shopping and dining district.

Gideon’s Bakehouse

Ok, so let’s be honest… The real reason why we chose to get to Disney Springs early, was to get in line for Gideon’s Bakehouse. This popular store can be found in The Landing, previously where Pleasure Island was in Downtown Disney, just across from Raglan Road. Known for its famous Original Chocolate Chip Cookie, that was previously stocked at The Polite Pig, this bakery offers a unique experience for all that shop there. It’s like walking into an alternative Haunted Mansion.

Since opening in Disney Springs, Gideon’s Bakehouse has been known to attract lines of Guests, who are desperate to stock up on cookies, cake slices and Nitro Cold Brew, as well as unique merchandise. If you’re wanting to shop with a minimal wait, then we recommend getting to Disney Springs early. 

Typically, the Gideon’s Bakehouse line starts to form around 9 a.m., before the store opens, promptly, at 10 a.m. Whilst this seems like a long time to wait in line, it’s worth the chance to get first pick of the freshly-baked goods, particularly if there is cookie or cake flavors that you are hoping to sample, before they sell out. We got into line around 9:20 a.m., and had finished our shopping experience at the bakery by 10:15 a.m. Having only opened at 10 a.m., we witnessed a cake flavour sell out just as we entered the inside section of line, before 10:10 a.m.

Preferred Parking

Arriving at Disney Springs so early allowed us to secure ‘preferred parking’. The Lime Parking garage was practically empty, with only a few cars parked. This allowed us to park as close to the escalators and security as we could. For those of you that have parked at Disney Springs before, will know that the parking garages can get extremely busy, very quickly, so it’s a neat thing to be able to secure a great space straight away.

A Peaceful Time to Visit

Visiting so early in the morning, allows you to admire the beauty of Disney Springs, without anyone else around. There were two of us visiting, making it easy for us to take turns in strolling whilst the other waited in the Gideon’s Bakehouse line. It’s great to admire the details of the buildings and the views across the water without worrying that you may be in another Guests’ way.

This time of day offers a great time to admire the Disney Springs ArtWalk: A Canvas of Expression. This addition to the shopping district was introduced earlier this year to Town Center. See pieces created by artists from around the world, that represent different cultures, with little touches of Disney.

Browse Stores at Opening

It should come as no surprise that Disney Springs gets busy very quickly and fairly soon after store opening too. We noticed that by 11 a.m. there were plenty of other Guests about, who were browsing the stores and strolling around. Being able to enter the stores so close to opening time offers a relaxing shopping experience. Everything is in its place, and the lines at the checkouts are short due to many other Guests only just arriving.

A Quick Visit

Stopping by Disney Springs so early on in the day, don’t be surprised if you only need a couple of hours to do all that you need to do. The early morning is worth it, as it means you can fit more into your day, whether that be visiting a Disney Park, Typhoon Lagoon water park, or relaxing by your Disney Resort hotel pool, before enjoying Extended Evening Hours later on in the day in Magic Kingdom or EPCOT.

Top Tips

• Having access to a car is the easiest way to get to Disney Springs early.
• If you don’t have access to your own car, we recommend getting an Uber, Lyft or Minnie Van. Disney Transportation, whether that be the buses or the Sassagoula River boats, typically begin to operate around 9:30 a.m. for Disney Springs. Whilst this is perfect for getting you there for store opening, you will be arriving when most other Guests are too.
• If you are a Guest staying at the Disney Vacation Club Resort, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, why not take a leisurely stroll, whilst enjoying your morning coffee, from the Disney Resort to Disney Springs?
• You don’t have to be going to Gideon’s Bakehouse to get to Disney Springs so early.
• Why not secure a Brunch reservation at one of the Walt Disney World dining locations at Disney Springs, to enjoy during the late morning? Work up an appetite with a spot of early morning shopping before enjoying Brunch at House of Blues, Raglan Road or Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante. This is a great idea for a weekend, as most restaurants only offer their Brunch menu on a Saturday and Sunday.
• If you’re going on a Disney Cruise, an early morning visit to Disney Springs is a great option before you leave for to Port Canaveral.

Are you feeling inspired to have an early start at Disney Springs? Call it an alternative to Early Theme Park Entry! It’s a beautiful time of day to visit, offering a different Disney experience to one that you may have had before. It’s the perfect warm-up to spending the rest of the day in a Disney theme park!