What is Disney Springs Like?
Disney Springs is a vibrant and sprawling outdoor entertainment, dining, and shopping complex located at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. Imagine a bustling town square infused with Disney magic, where you can spend an entire day – or several – exploring a diverse array of offerings, from upscale boutiques and quick-service eateries to elaborate themed restaurants and captivating live entertainment. Disney Springs isn’t just a shopping mall; it’s an immersive experience, a destination in itself, and a key component of the overall Walt Disney World vacation. It’s free to enter and park, making it a popular choice for both resort guests and locals looking for a fun and lively atmosphere. This guide is your compass to navigate this enchanting district, helping you understand its layout, attractions, and must-do experiences.
Exploring the Four Distinct Districts
Disney Springs isn’t a single, monolithic structure; instead, it’s thoughtfully divided into four distinct districts, each with its own unique personality and offerings: Town Center, The Landing, Marketplace, and West Side. Understanding these areas will significantly improve your visit.
Town Center: Retail Paradise
Town Center is the newest and arguably most upscale area. It’s designed to resemble a historic Florida waterfront town and is characterized by its stylish architecture, lush landscaping, and an abundance of high-end retail stores. Here you’ll find brands like Anthropologie, Free People, Pandora, Sephora, and Zara. Dining options in Town Center are equally impressive, featuring restaurants like Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ (Southern comfort food) and Amorette’s Patisserie (exquisite pastries). Town Center offers a sophisticated shopping and dining experience that appeals to a wide range of tastes.
The Landing: Lakeside Charm
The Landing, as the name suggests, is located on the waterfront of Village Lake. It’s themed to evoke a 1920s-era industrial waterfront with exposed brick, wrought iron accents, and a slightly more laid-back atmosphere than Town Center. This district is known for its excellent restaurants and bars. Highlights include Paddlefish (modern seafood in a steamboat-shaped restaurant), The BOATHOUSE (American fare with amphibious car tours), and Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar (an aviation-themed lounge with quirky artifacts). The Landing provides a great option to find a great meal with beautiful water views.
Marketplace: Family Fun
The Marketplace is the original section of Disney Springs and is geared towards families with children. It has a whimsical and playful atmosphere, with brightly colored buildings, interactive fountains, and plenty of kid-friendly activities. This area is home to the World of Disney, the largest Disney merchandise store in the world, as well as the LEGO Store, the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, and the Carousel. Dining options in the Marketplace include Earl of Sandwich, Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop, and T-REX, a dinosaur-themed restaurant. It’s the perfect place to pick up souvenirs and entertain the little ones.
West Side: Entertainment Central
West Side is the entertainment hub of Disney Springs, featuring attractions, live music venues, and dining options that cater to a more mature audience. Here you’ll find Cirque du Soleil’s Drawn to Life, House of Blues, AMC Disney Springs 24 Dine-In Theatres, and NBA Experience (currently closed). Dining options in West Side include Planet Hollywood, Jaleo by José Andrés, and Splitsville Luxury Lanes (bowling and dining). West Side comes alive at night with live music and vibrant energy, making it a popular destination for evening entertainment.
Activities Beyond Shopping and Dining
While shopping and dining are major draws, Disney Springs offers a multitude of other activities to enhance your visit:
Amphicar Tours: Take a ride on a vintage Amphicar and splash into Village Lake for a unique water tour.
Aerophile – The World Leader in Balloon Flight: Soar 400 feet into the air in a tethered helium balloon for panoramic views of Walt Disney World.
Live Entertainment: Enjoy live music, street performers, and DJs throughout Disney Springs, especially in the evenings.
Splitsville Luxury Lanes: Bowl a few frames in style at this upscale bowling alley with delicious food and drinks.
Disney PhotoPass Studio: Capture your Disney memories with professional photos in a variety of backdrops.
These activities, combined with the general ambiance and themed environments, make Disney Springs a genuinely immersive and enjoyable experience for guests of all ages.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Disney Springs free to enter?
Yes, Disney Springs is free to enter. There is no admission fee required to explore the area and enjoy the atmosphere. However, individual attractions, activities, and dining experiences within Disney Springs have their own associated costs.
2. How much is parking at Disney Springs?
Parking at Disney Springs is also free. There are several large parking garages and surface lots available, but it can get crowded, especially during peak seasons. Disney Springs utilizes a smart parking system with digital signs indicating available spaces.
3. What are the hours of operation for Disney Springs?
Hours of operation vary depending on the day and the time of year. Generally, Disney Springs opens around 10:00 AM and stays open until 11:00 PM or midnight. However, individual stores and restaurants may have different operating hours. Check the official Walt Disney World website or the My Disney Experience app for the most up-to-date information.
4. Can I use Disney Dining Plan credits at Disney Springs?
Yes, select restaurants at Disney Springs accept Disney Dining Plan credits. However, not all restaurants participate, and the number of credits required may vary. Check the Disney Dining Plan details and the specific restaurant’s information to confirm participation and credit requirements.
5. Are pets allowed at Disney Springs?
Generally, pets are not allowed at Disney Springs, with the exception of service animals. It’s always best to confirm with Disney Guest Services if you have any questions or require clarification.
6. How do I get to Disney Springs from my Walt Disney World Resort hotel?
Complimentary transportation is available from all Walt Disney World Resort hotels to Disney Springs. This typically includes bus transportation, and some resorts also offer boat transportation. Check with your resort’s front desk for specific transportation schedules and options.
7. Can I buy park tickets at Disney Springs?
Yes, you can purchase park tickets at the Disney Springs Guest Relations location. This is a convenient option if you want to buy or upgrade your park tickets while you’re at Disney Springs.
8. Is there a dress code for Disney Springs?
Disney Springs does not have a strict dress code, but guests are expected to dress appropriately. Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
9. Are there any stroller or wheelchair rentals available at Disney Springs?
Yes, stroller and wheelchair rentals are available at Disney Springs. You can find rental locations at various points throughout the complex.
10. Can I make reservations for restaurants at Disney Springs?
Advance reservations are highly recommended for popular restaurants at Disney Springs. You can make reservations online through the Walt Disney World website or the My Disney Experience app, or by calling Disney Dining.
11. What kind of entertainment is available at Disney Springs?
Disney Springs offers a wide range of entertainment, including live music, street performers, Cirque du Soleil shows, movies, bowling, and unique experiences like Amphicar tours. Check the Disney Springs entertainment schedule for specific offerings and showtimes.
12. Are there any discounts available at Disney Springs?
Discounts may be available for Disney Vacation Club members, Annual Passholders, and Disney Visa Cardholders at select locations in Disney Springs. Ask about discounts when making purchases or dining at participating locations. These discounts can significantly enhance your experience if you are eligible.
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