The iconic theme parks offered at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, are an ideal destination vacation for families. With 43 square miles of property, Walt Disney World is massive!
Along with its 4 major theme parks and 2 water parks, Disney World is also home to Disney Springs, an impressive shopping, dining, and entertainment complex with over 100 shops, 60 restaurants, live entertainment and more.
The best thing about Disney Springs? It is completely free to enter – so if you don’t want to splurge for a theme park ticket, Disney Springs is the best way to enjoy some of that Disney magic without breaking the bank.
While the shopping is the primary reason most guests visit, Disney Springs has more to see and do than you might imagine. You can choose to venture in all of its 4 districts. Shop for fun souvenirs in the Marketplace, enjoy fine dining in The Landing, browse high-end boutique shops in the Town Center, or enjoy entertainment options at the West Side.
Here are some of my personal favorite things to do at Disney Springs:
1. Shop Til You Drop
With over 100 shops, pavilions and mobile stands, you can be sure to find something to remember your trip to Orlando at Disney Springs. From popular brands like Lilly Pulitzer and Ulta to boutique specialty shops, you can load up on treasures or just spend hours window shopping.
Disney fans will enjoy browsing the world’s largest Disney store right here in Disney Springs. The World of Disney features merchandise collections of all kinds – apparel, home décor, jewelry, toys, accessories, and more!
If you are looking for a must-have memento to remember your trip, the World of Disney will often have Disney-specific merchandise that you won’t be able to find anywhere else on Disney property, so be sure to grab your favorites here.
2. Unique Dining Experiences
Disney Springs offers over 60 restaurants to choose from, including table seating, mobile food carts, and quick-service options. The choices seem endless – Asian, Irish, American, Italian, and more flavors are available to appease the pickiest of eaters.
Some of our favorites are the restaurants that include great theming to enjoy as you dine – the nautical concept at the Boathouse, the speakeasy atmosphere at The Edison, and the lively Irish décor and dancing at Raglan Road.
Don’t forget dessert! You will find incredible sweet shops and bakeries with the smell of freshly-made goodness wafting from the entrances throughout Disney Springs. The Mickey Mousse at Amorette’s Patisserie is divine! You’ll have to stand in a pretty long line if you want one of the decadent cookies and power-packed coffee from Gideon’s Bakehouse – it is a popular spot!
3. Take A Car Around The Lake
One of the coolest things to do at Disney Springs is to take a guided tour around Lake Buena Vista – in a car! You get to ride on a vintage Amphibious Amphicar – a vehicle that can drive on both the land and in the water. A captain will steer you around the lake on a 20-minute tour with great views of the area.
The current price is $125 per car for 3 to 4 people – a bit pricey, but if you are splitting the cost between those people, then it is doable. This is a fun, touristy activity to add to your Disney trip.
After you have finished your ride, be sure to stop in at the Boathouse next to the loading deck for some good food and a fun atmosphere.
Note: For a limited time, you can save $25 on your tour with a purchase of $50 or more inside The Boathouse or Boatique gift shop. The details of this offer will be attached to your purchase receipt which you’ll need to claim the offer.
4. Visit the Coca-Cola Store
If you like the iconic fizzy beverage (no, Pepsi is not okay!), you will enjoy shopping at the Coca-Cola Store. It is modeled after a 1920s bottling plant and offers branded merchandise of all shapes and sizes. Have your picture made with the life-sized Polar Bear for a fun souvenir.
Make sure you head up to the third floor where you can visit the rooftop beverage bar for a panoramic view of Disney Springs.
5. Watch A Disney Artist At Work
One of our favorite things at Disney Springs occurs in the gallery-style shop The Art of Disney. You can browse iconic and original artwork and collectibles inspired by famous Disney films.
The amazing canvases and prints by Thomas Kinkade were our favorites, as well as the ornate lightboxes by Robert Olszewski.
You can also watch a Disney artist live in action as they sketch or paint – and you can purchase an autographed copy of their work!
6. Take A Photo With A Gigantic Lego Model
There is always a long line of visitors waiting to enter the Lego Store. Be sure to get your photo made with some of the giant, impressive Lego models just outside.
The models include a selection of Disney characters as well as an enormous water dragon in the lake just across from the store.
8. Watch Live Performances
At the Waterside Stage, you will be treated to live music performances throughout the day. Each show typically lasts for about 20-30 minutes and are completely free. These live performances and special events are often very entertaining! You can find performance schedules posted just outside of the stage Pavilion.
9. Get Cleaned Up at Basin
Enjoy some magical aromatherapy at Basin, an all-natural bath, body and hair care emporium in Disney Springs. You can try out their body butters, bath bombs, and fresh-sliced soaps at the hand scrub stations, and even mix your own custom scent with their spiced bath salts.
The clean aromas and bright colors in this bath and body shop are a delight for the senses.
10. Go On A Balloon Ride
One of the most unique activities at Disney Springs a ride in an Aerophile balloon. The giant blue balloon ascends to 400 feet above the complex for a panoramic view of the whole area. Tickets are currently $20 for adults and $10 per child, and can be booked in advance online.
The desk and loading area for the ride is situated next to Starbucks. Be sure to take a ride for a flight experience like no other!
There are so many more magical things to do at Disney Springs, and I highly recommend taking time during your Orlando vacation to visit . Not only is it free to park and enter, but there are plenty of things to enjoy for a relatively low cost.
Just walking around the complex is fun in itself, but I recommend allowing at least a few hours to enjoy the shopping and dining amenities. Hope your next Walt Disney World visit is magical!
Do you have any tips or must-do experiences at Disney Springs? Share in the comments!
Shop my travel favorites here!
