Disney Springs is the place to go for shopping, dining, music, and entertainment at Walt Disney World Resort. I love this non-theme Park section of the Disney Property that allows you to see a part of the Disney magic at your own pace without needing a theme Park ticket.
Sure, haters will say it’s an outdoor shopping center, and you must pay to enjoy anything you see. I’ll counter this and say that I had many fun afternoons, meandering shops at Disney Springs, enjoying the water’s views, listening to music, and purchasing only a snack or coffee. You can enjoy this shopping staple without the need to blow your budget. In the last decade, Disney Springs has evolved and grown so much. The changes over time are vast, and now Disney Springs is a must-see for Disney World Guests.
Disney Springs features picturesque scenery, charming waterfront areas, themed architecture, and vibrant landscaping. It’s a pleasant place to stroll, relax, and enjoy the ambiance, especially during the evenings when the lights and music create a magical atmosphere.
It’s safe to say that Disney Springs has now become enough of a draw that Guests are interested in staying and playing at Disney Park near this Walt Disney World Resort hub. If you’re wondering what Park Disney Springs closest to the answer is, EPCOT. You can catch a Disney bus to Disney Springs from any Walt Disney World theme Park, but when traveling from EPCOT to Disney Springs, you’ll notice that that ride is especially short as the two spots are only 3.7 miles away. Typhoon Lagoon Water Park is even closer to Disney Springs, as is Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course.
Related: Here’s Why You Should Visit Disney Springs In The Morning
In recent years, Disney Resorts close to Disney Springs have been in higher demand. If you are looking for a nearby Resort and don’t mind not staying at an unofficial Disney World Resort, we recommend the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista. This luxurious hotel is practically next-door to Disney Springs, making it the perfect lodging spot for Guests looking to enjoy dinner, dining reservations, and moonlit cocktails after dark at Disney Springs.
Staying near Disney Springs means you’ll have convenient transportation options to other Walt Disney World Resort areas. Disney Springs is well-connected to various Disney Resort hotels and theme parks through buses, boats, and the Disney Skyliner, making it easier to explore the rest of the Property without needing a car. Hilton Buena Vista Palace and B Resort are additional Disney Springs Hotel options nearby.
As a Guest staying at a Disney Resort hotel, you can take advantage of Extra Magic Hours, which grants you access to select Parks outside of regular operating hours. Staying near Disney Springs offers a fantastic blend of dining, shopping, entertainment, and convenient transportation options, making it a popular choice for visitors seeking a lively and diverse experience at the Walt Disney World Resort.
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is right next to Disney Springs, offering easy walking access to the entertainment district. It features Victorian-style architecture, themed pools, and spacious villas. You can even enjoy a leisurely walk from Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa to Disney Springs via a walking trail.
Disney’s Old Key West Resort is another hotel near Disney Springs, also adjacent to Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. This Resort is also within walking distance of Disney Springs. It has a relaxed, Key West-inspired atmosphere and offers villa accommodations. Both resorts provide convenient access to Disney Springs, allowing Guests to enjoy dining, shopping, and entertainment options without having to travel far from their accommodations. By staying near Disney Springs, you’ll have convenient access to this vibrant entertainment district.
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If you enjoy shopping, Disney Springs is a paradise for retail therapy. The district has numerous stores, ranging from Disney-themed merchandise to upscale boutiques and flagship stores. You can find everything from apparel and accessories to artwork, toys, and collectibles. My favorite spots are Lilly Pulitzer, World of Disney, Columbia, The Art of Disney, DisneyStyle, and Jo Malone London.
Outside of shopping, Disney Springs provides a lively atmosphere, especially for wandering and enjoying the evening ambiance. Multiple entertainment venues are offering live music and performances. Raglan Road Irish Pub is a lively and fun spot to enjoy a pint of beer while you sing along to pub songs.
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If you are looking for non-music activities, Disney Springs West Side is a great place to visit. Enjoy a movie at AMC Theatre, Splitsville Bowling Alley is a great spot to enjoy brews, appetizers, and a fun time with your travel crew.
Disney Springs offers diverse dining options catering to various tastes and budgets. From quick service eateries to upscale restaurants, there’s something for everyone. Many of these establishments are operated by renowned chefs and offer unique culinary experiences, making it a food lover’s paradise.
Disney Springs is a shopper’s delight, with an extensive selection of stores to explore. From Disney-themed merchandise to upscale boutiques and flagship stores, you can find apparel, accessories, toys, artwork, and more. It’s a great place to pick up souvenirs or indulge in retail therapy.
Disney Springs has a vibrant and lively atmosphere. Its beautifully themed architecture, charming waterfront areas, and meticulous landscaping create an inviting ambiance. The district is particularly enchanting in the evenings when the lights and music create a magical atmosphere, perfect for a stroll.
Disney Springs is well-connected to various Disney Resort hotels and theme parks through buses, boats, and the Disney Skyliner. If you’re staying at a Disney Resort hotel, it’s easy to access Disney Springs without needing a car, making it a convenient option for an evening outing or a break from the parks.
Related: Disney’s Old Key West Resort’s Pocket Guide from planDisney
Visiting Disney Springs allows Walt Disney World Resort Guests to enjoy various dining, shopping, and entertainment experiences in a lively and unique setting. It’s a fantastic complement to the theme Parks and provides additional options for relaxation, exploration, and creating memorable moments during your vacation.
Disney Springs is known for its wide array of dining choices. Whether you’re craving international cuisine, fine dining, quick service meals, or snacks, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your tastes. A little-known fact is that many of these restaurants are operated by renowned chefs and offer unique dining experiences.
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Various dining options are available, each with its unique charm and culinary offerings. Some of my favorite spots to dine at Disney Springs are The Boathouse. The Boathouse offers a seafood-focused menu along with steaks and other delicious options. Guests can also enjoy a ride in vintage Amphicars or take a guided tour aboard a Captain’s guided tour.
Morimoto Asia is a must-visit for Asian food lovers. Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s Asian-inspired restaurant features an impressive menu with dishes from various regions of Asia. From sushi and dim sum to Peking duck and ramen, this upscale dining experience is a favorite among many Guests.
If you are craving hearty southern food, you must try Homecomin’ Florida Kitchen. This restaurant, helmed by celebrity Chef Art Smith, celebrates Southern cuisine with a modern twist. It offers comfort food classics like fried chicken, biscuits, and shrimp & grits, emphasizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
If you are craving Spanish-inspired cuisine, you will love the restaurant features creative and flavorful cuisine of renowned chef José Andrés. The menu includes tapas, paellas, and other traditional Spanish dishes, all crafted with high-quality ingredients.
Wine Bar George is an excellent spot for a glass of red and small plates. Master Sommelier George Miliotes oversees Wine Bar George and offers an extensive selection of wines worldwide. Guests can savor small plates, cheese, charcuterie boards, and expertly paired wine flights.
EPCOT is the Park Disney Springs is closest to, but an evening at Disney Springs is the perfect end to a day in Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, or Animal Kingdom. Happy shopping and dining!