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The Places You MUST Visit at Disney Springs

A visit to Disney Springs, previously known as Downtown Disney, is a must when vacationing at Walt Disney World.

Whether you have something in mind to purchase, or are looking for the best spot to grab lunch or dinner, you are always guaranteed a wonderful time.

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Credit: Disney

Morning visits bring a slower pace to your day, as there are fewer Guests browsing the shops, having taken a morning to explore a Disneytheme park or relax by the pool at their Resort.

Browsing the shops works up an appetite, encouraging you to stop and grab some lunch just ahead of those lunchtime crowds.

Afternoon visits mean you can grab some shade from the sun at the Walt Disney World Resort with a welcome blast of AC inside the shops. This is also a good time to enjoy a late lunch when the lunchtime rush at the restaurants has passed. Or enjoy an early dinner before heading to the Walt Disney Parks to end your day with Disney fireworks.

An evening visit to Disney Springs may be less about shopping and more about the tasty food, wonderful drinks, and great entertainment on offer. Grab a spot at one of the many stages around Disney Springs, located in Lake Buena Vista, to rest your feet after a day at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme parks.

Credit: V Mills

Regardless of the time of day you are visiting, be sure to stop by some of our favorite spots at Disney Springs at the Walt Disney World Resort. With so many stores and restaurants to pick from – including Planet Hollywood, The Lego Store, Gideons Bakehouse, Raglan Road Irish Pub, Rainforest Cafe and more – we provide our top hotspots for new and returning Disney World Guests.

Ever After Jewelry Co.

The simplicity and beauty of this unique Disney store is worth the visit, never mind the treasures that you will find inside. Located in Town Centre, Ever After Jewelry Co. is just a short walk from the Disney Springs bus station. 

It’s the perfect stop if you are looking to add another piece of Disney jewelry to your collection. The store also displays the latest Disney Dooney & Bourke bags and purses, as well as Loungefly backpacks.

Whilst visiting Ever After Jewelry Co, take some time to admire the beautiful quotes displayed around the walls. You’ll also want to take a seat in the stunning Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary chair underneath the Cinderella Castle art piece – this would also make for a beautiful photo opportunity!

Credit: V Mills

Basin

Imagine taking a hot bath, surrounded by hidden Mickeys… well a visit to Basin will make this possible!

There are two Basin stores in Walt Disney World: a smaller store located in the lobby of the Grand Floridian; and their large store in Disney Springs. Get ready to be surrounded with pastel colors and immersed in wonderful scents. In Disney Springs, Basin is located to the left of World of Disney, on the opposite side to the Lego Store, and set behind Ghiradelli.

Basin stocks all-natural bath and beauty products using only the best ingredients that are alcohol-free and cruelty-free. Treat yourself to bath bombs with Mickey confetti, or those inspired by your favorite Disney characters.

Take home their wonderful body scrub to keep your skin feeling silky smooth, and invest in shampoo and conditioner bars that help to keep your hair healthy and shiny, whilst reducing waste.

Credit: Disney

No visit to Basin is complete without a stop by their sinks, to treat your hands to a moisturizing exfoliation too!

Bowes Signature Candles and Scents

If you are like us and love the different smells from around Walt Disney World then you’ll definitely want to stop by Bowes Signature Candles and Scents.

Available in two locations at Disney Springs: inside of Marketplace Co-op; and at the back of Mickey’s Days of Christmas, they offer a wide range of candles, wax melts, oil for diffusers, and reed diffusers. Their products come in a whole host of different scents that are smelt around Walt Disney World, from the smell of Pandora to the scents of the WDW Resort Lobbys, and beyond.

Be sure to stop by and speak to a Cast Member who will be able to direct you to your favorite scent. It’s also worth asking about offers available at the time of purchase – recently the wax melts and oils were at a reduced price when you bought 2 or more. Get ready to take home the scents that will transport you to your favorite spot in Walt Disney World, whilst you reset your countdown to your next visit!

The Polite Pig

Here at Disney Tips, we recently stopped by The Polite Pig and we were not disappointed! It’s fair to say that this will be a must-visit during our future trips to Disney Springs.

Serving up shareable plates, ‘From the Smoker’ meat dishes, and market sides, this is a great restaurant to stop by, at any time of the day. It would even make a great spot to dine after a day at a water park, especially as you may need to take a bus to Disney Springs before returning to your Disney Resort.

Mobile ordering is available here; alternatively, place your order at the counter, then take a seat and wait for it to be brought right to your table. Seating is available indoors or outdoors. The Polite Pig is located in Town Centre, to the right of the elevators when exiting Lime Garage.

We really enjoyed taking advantage of their 3 market dishes for $16; sweet potato tots, grilled street corn, and side caesar made a great lunch. We felt pleasantly full after dining in The Polite Pig, but still had room to enjoy a Ghiradelli ice cream cone looking out over the water to Disney’s Saratoga Springs!

Credit: V Mills

The Ganachery

Are you a chocoholic, or looking for the perfect gift for a chocolate lover back at home? Located at The Landing, just up the way from The Boathouse, The Ganachery offers handcrafted ganache squares, that come in 16 exotic flavors. 

The real reason why we recommend visiting The Ganachery though is to indulge in the biggest s’more you can get your hands on. Their House-Made S’mores is the perfect treat for when you’re feeling a little peckish after a large brunch, or need something to snack on to help you last until a late dinner.

Place your order at the counter, then watch beyond the glass, to see your giant s’more being made by the chocolatiers. Finished with a dusting of sugar in the shape of Mickey, this also makes for that Instagram-worthy photo to look back at and remember the tastes you will enjoy!

Credit: V Mills

So there you have it! Our top picks for a day exploring Disney Springs at Walt Disney World in Florida. Next time you’re there, remember the scents, the bath bombs, the chocolate, and the barbecue!

About Victoria Mills

Victoria is a Disney-loving, tea-drinking, Math teacher from Liverpool, England. Her motto is 'work hard, Disney harder'! Having taken part in the Disney College Program back in 2010, Victoria's love and appreciation for Walt Disney World only grew, and it's the place where she feels most herself - it's home!