A Guide to Disney Springs at Walt Disney World

At Walt Disney World, not all attractions need an admission ticket. Disney Springs offers world-class food, specialty shopping, and exciting entertainment without an entrance fee.

At Disney Springs, you’ll find 95 unique boutiques and designer shops. Delight your taste buds at over 70 exceptional restaurants and eateries. And listen to live music, watch surreal shows, and participate in exclusive activities. 

Disney Springs Basics

Be prepared to walk as Disney Springs sprawls over 1,200 acres. It is split into four neighborhoods: The Landing, Marketplace, Town Center, and West Side. If you have time, I suggest you visit just one of two neighborhoods per visit since there is so much to see and do.

Pay attention to the architecture, landscaping, and window displays. The hardscape of The Landing was created with recycled bricks, and over a million gallons of water run through the springs in Town Center. In true Disney fashion, everything tells a story.

Hours

Most shops at Disney Springs are open from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM, although some experiences are available before that. With the late closing time, Disney Springs is a great place to visit when the parks close early. 

Transportation

Disney Springs is accessible using Disney transportation from any resort. You can use the complimentary bus service, or if you’re staying at Port Orleans, Saratoga Springs, or Disney’s Old Key West Resort, set sail on the Sassagoula Boats to Disney Springs Marketplace. You can also drive your own car, and self-parking is complimentary.

Dining at Disney Springs

With so many restaurants, bars, cafes, and food cards, Disney Springs has the food you crave. Here are a few of our favorites. 

Table Service Restaurants & Bars

Jock Lindsey’s Hanger Bar

Whatever happened to Indiana Jones’ pilot? He ended up opening a family-friendly bar in a vintage airplane hanger at Disney Springs. Here, you will find adventure-themed snacks and drinks for the whole family.

Share a plate of Mine Car Meatballs, or try the delicious Snakebite Bao Buns. Adults can take a sip from the Fountain of Youth (St. Augustine Florida Cane Vodka, Bols Blue Curaçao, White Cranberry Juice, and Sweet-and-Sour) and kids will enjoy Antidote (Sprite and Maraschino cherry juice) or other non-alcoholic signature libations.

Wine Bar George

George Miliotes, owner of Wine Bar George, is one of only 279 Master Sommeliers in the world. Enjoy small plates, entrees, or family-style meals and the perfect wine. 

Start with Crispy Mac & Cheese Bites, or enjoy the delicious pyrotechnics with Saganaki on Fire. Then order a family-style Skirt Steak with caramelized celeriac & fennel, mushroom, tomato, kale, roasted potatoes, and chimichurri. Wine Bar George also offers traditional kids meals like chicken tenders and hot dogs.

One unique feature of this restaurant is that you can order any of the 200 wines available by the glass, bottle, or ounce, making drinks you thought you’d be able to afford accessible for anyone to try.

For a quick service option, pick up bites and drinks to-go at The Basket, located underneath Wine Bar George. 

Morimoto Asia

Prepare to be dazzled, from the glittering decorations to the artfully presented dishes at Morimoto Asia. Japanese master chef Masaharu Morimoto puts his own unique spin on Korean, Japanese, and Chinese dishes. The extensive menu includes a variety of sushi, small plates, meat and poultry options, and rice and noodle dishes. 

The Crispy Popcorn Shrimp served with spicy gochujang aioli is the perfect starter. Then move on to mouthwatering main dishes like Beef Chow Fun Noodles with Angus beef tenderloin, garlic chive, bean sprout, red pepper, and Chinese black bean sauce or Tandoori Angry Chicken with Morimoto epice spice, bell pepper, carrot, mushroom, and coconut curry sauce. 

Check out the creative cocktail menu for drinks like Shirayuri (White Lily), a house-infused citrus haku vodka, calpico, and yuzu served with a twist. The menu also includes lots of non-alcoholic drink choices, including the delicious Lychee Lemon Soda.  

If you are in a hurry, you can sample some dishes at Morimoto Asia Street Food. Grab and BBQ Pork Bao or Korean Corn Dog, then finish with Popping Boba Tea. 

Chef Art’s Homecomin’

While in Orlando, take in the Florida food culture at Chef Art’s Homecomin’. This award-winning celebrity chef created dishes inspired by local agriculture and recipes and prepared them to perfection. 

Every dish here is authentically delicious. My top recommendations are Art’s Famous Fried Chicken (brined in buttermilk for 24 hours), Shrimp & Grits, and Meatloaf Main Plate. And it wouldn’t be a proper Southern meal without some deviled eggs and cheddar drop biscuits.

End your meal with a slice of Oprah’s favorite Hummingbird Cake- a scrumptious pineapple-banana cake with cream cheese frosting. 

The BOATHOUSE

Come for the lakeside ambiance, stay for the excellent food. The BOATHOUSE specializes in fresh fish, juicy steaks, and is known for its exceptional raw bar. If you’re not in the mood for a big chunk of meat, I suggest the Filet Mignon Sliders, which are so tender and delicious.

The BOATHOUSE didn’t forget about the kids. They can enjoy smaller portions of grilled salmon or a Blue Star Angus burger or stick to more traditional options like chicken tenders or macaroni and cheese. Kid’s Entrees are served inside a retro cardboard car, so kids can imagine driving the Amphicars around the lake. 

Save room for a giant slice of Triple Chocolate Layer Cake or Macadamia Turtle Pie. Although the menu says “serves two,” these massive slices will probably feed your whole family.

Quick Service Restaurants

The Daily Poutine

Regular fries are boring once you’ve tried this Canadian staple, poutine. Stick with the classic, smothered in beef gravy and cheese curd, or experiment with a new twist. The Korean Barbeque version is topped with Asian-barbequed pulled pork, kimchi, and sriracha aioli. 

eet by Maneet Chauhan

Celebrity chef Maneet Chauhan wanted to create traditional Indian cuisine with a modern flair. Try your favorite Indian dish as a pizza, with the Chicken Tikka Naan Pizza or Saag Paneer Naan Pizza. Or try the Tandoori Chicken Poutine to experience poutine in a whole new way. 

Don’t worry if you like to keep things traditional. The Samosas, served with tamarind and minty chutney, are delicious. The BYOB (Build Your Own Bowl) option allows guests to choose their base, meat, and sauce, with as many unique or traditional flairs as they wish. 

The Polite Pig

Sample the mouthwatering barbecue dishes at The Polite Pig. This Florida-inspired fare features savory meats fresh from the smoker, like the Cedar Plank Salmon, glazed with maple-dijon and served with jalapeno cornbread. Try them a la carte or on a juicy sandwich. 

Make sure to add the Crispy Brussel Sprouts with whiskey caramel or the Sweet Potato Tots covered in Parmesan cheese to your order. The Polite Pig also serves up kid-size portions with their kids’ meals, which come with carrots, ranch, and apple juice.

Sweets and Treats

Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew

Get a little pick-me-up with a cold brewed coffee and a warm, candy-covered donut from Everglazed. Watch through windows as your sweet treats are created, then choose from a colorful variety of freshly fried pastries. 

Stay simple with a Classic Glazed, get a little wild with The Funky Bunch (like Fruity Pebbles or Maple Double Bacon), or go crazy with the “Super Funky” donuts. These Super Funky donuts are works of sugary art, piled high with a variety of toppings. My favorite is Peanut Butter Explosion, topped with peanut butter chips and crushed Reese’s cups. 

Drink options also go from mild to wild. Try cold brew options like Cinnamon Bun (cold brew, cinnamon bun syrup, Cinnamon Toast Milk, & whipped cream) or an iced specialty like Purple Reign- an iced chai tea, purple ube coconut milk, coconut syrup, and ube syrup swirl. Kids will enjoy the hand-crafted flavored milk varieties.

In addition to donuts and drinks, Everglazed also offers sandwiches served on a sweet bun and french fries. You could even go all in and order your sandwich on a grilled glazed donut!

The Ganachery

Get ready for some of the best chocolates you’ve ever had at The Ganachery. This apothecary-inspired chocolate shop uses high-quality ingredients to craft decadent ganache squares that melt in your mouth. They offer 16 ganache square flavors, but my favorite is the classic milk chocolate.

In addition to the famous ganache square, The Ganachery makes delicious house-made chocolate-covered marshmallows, Ganache Pops, and seasonal Chocolate Pinatas filled with treats. And if you are lucky enough to be here in the winter, be sure to try the rich hot cocoa.

Amorette’s Patisserie

This delectable French bakery creates artistic cookies and cakes. Their signature dessert is their Disney character-themed Petite Dome Cakes, filled with rich mousse and creamy filling. If you’re not in the mood for a sweet treat, try the Turkey and Brie Sandwich, slathered with blood orange marmalade and topped with heirloom tomatoes and crispy apples.

Elevate your cake experience by decorating one of your own at Amorette’s Patisserie Cake Decorating Experience. In this small group lesson, learn insider tips and stories while you create a Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, or Amorette’s Choice Dome Cake that you get to take home and enjoy. Advance reservations are required.

Disney Springs Boutiques and Shops

Whether you’re shopping for Disney souvenirs, unique works of art, or stylish designer fashions, you’re sure to find it at Disney Springs.

Stop into Basin, Savannah Bee Company, or Bowes signature candles to enjoy the scents. Transform your look with UNIQLO, Lululemon, MAC, or Sephora. Or discover a new toy at Star Wars Galactic Outpost, Once Upon a Toy, or the LEGO store. 

Here are a few more of our favorite shops to check out.  

World of Disney Store

This store is home to the world’s largest collection of Disney merchandise. They have everything: clothes, home goods, toys, candies. If it’s Disney, you’ll find it here.

Check out the ear headbands and hats or the MagicBand collection to discover a new design. I loved seeing the variety of Disney Loungefly bags available. And don’t miss the seasonal section to find something special just for the season.

Disney Ever After

Make your own Disney headband at Disney Ever After. Choose from a variety of characters, including the classics, some Pixar friends, and even some seasonal surprises like Jack Skellington. Once you’ve made your selection, the employees will help remove all the tags and position the character just right so you can wear it right away.

Little Words Project

This cute kiosk located on the bridge by the Marketplace sells darling bracelets with words of positive affirmations. They have special Disney designs with words and charms that represent Disney characters. You can also make an appointment to create your own bracelet with words and colors unique to you.

Coca-Cola Store

Soda addicts will love all the merch available at the Coca-Cola Store, modeled after a 1920s bottling plant. Inside you can take a photo with the Coca-Cola polar bear, Then head up to the Rooftop Beverage Bar to sample flavors from around the world while taking in the view of Disney Springs from above.

Disney’s Days of Christmas

It’s Christmas year-round at Disney’s Days of Christmas. Find a special ornament for your tree that you can take out each year and remember the magic of Walt Disney World. You can get your ornament personalized with your name, a date, or a memorable phrase by one of the shop’s artists.

Entertainment at Disney Springs

Drawn to Life by Cirque de Soleil

Disney and Cirque de Soleil have come together to imagine a fantastical show of acrobatics and animation, Drawn to Life. This “love letter to Disney Animation” tells the story of a young girl as she discovers the world of animation. Ten dazzling acrobatic acts and well-loved Disney characters showcase their skills while symbolically representing the steps of the animation process.

Watch as an acrobat creates works of art while dancing with a giant pencil. A group of rhythmic gymnasts perform stunts in a representation of the continuous sequence of drawing. And teeterboard artists portray the stretch and squash principle while sailing and flipping through the air.

The whole show is full of unbelievable stunts, imaginative costumes, and, of course, Disney magic. There is humor, heart-wrenching moments, and a lot of suspense. We were enthralled from start to finish. 

Before the show starts, children are chosen from the audience to come up on stage and draw pictures that are projected to the theater. They also select adults to participate in some preshow activities, so come early and be ready.

Live Music

There is always someone performing at Disney Springs. Many of the restaurants host performers, including House of Blues, Raglan Road, and Stargazers (Planet Hollywood’s street-level lounge). But there are also a few dedicated concert spots around the grounds.

Disney Performing Arts dance troupes perform in the day at AdventHealth Waterside Stage. At night, this stage showcases musicians, including regional and local favorites. Plenty of seating is around the stage, so grab a snack from one of the nearby grab-and-go options and enjoy the show. 

At Waterview Park, a band or singer-songwriter performs every night. On weekends, join in the DJ dance parties. This park is nestled between Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar and the BOATHOUSE, so it’s a great place to enjoy live music while you eat.

Disney Springs Experiences and Activities

The Art Corner

The Art Corner is an art gallery where professionals need you to complete their masterpieces. Each work of art created here is personal and unique. Help create custom art pieces or request a specific piece from one of the resident artists.

Caricature artists capture your cartoon spirit as they sketch your family or even your pet. Choose a hand-drawn illustration of your name, full of drawings representing you. Or try your hand at art by creating your own spin art masterpiece, dusted with a bit of pixie dust.  

Vintage Amphicar Tours

In the 1960s, Germany made a car to drive on land and sail in the water. Only a few of these classic cars still exist, and you can ride on one right here at Disney Springs. Hop aboard for a private 20-minute tour around Lake Buena Vista.

Your tour starts beside The BOATHOUSE, where you and your driver board the vintage Amphicar. The land part of your ride is just a short drive down the ramp. Then, you splash into the lake and sail around the perimeter.

As you float past waterside shops and restaurants, your guide shares information about Disney Springs, the local wildlife, and the history of the car. Ask any questions you have. These guys know what they’re talking about.

A few things to note: Children must wear the provided life vest while in the boat. And while you do splash down in the water, inside the car you stay completely dry.

Aerophine Balloon Ride

Ever wonder what it would be like to float away on a helium balloon? Once again, Disney is making imagination a reality with this attraction, Aerophine – The World Leader in Balloon Flight. This giant balloon takes families 400 feet up in a basket, showcasing stunning panoramic views up to 10 miles.

Each ride lasts 8 minutes. The balloon doesn’t fly during high winds, but even in light winds, expect a slight swaying. After all, you are hanging from a helium balloon.

Disney’s Art Walk

Stroll along the outside walls of Disney Springs to discover colorful original works of art from world-renowned muralists. Each artist’s paintings portray their individual voice, style, and Disney’s Art Walk.  

You won’t find any hidden Mickeys in these murals. The idea behind this area is to allow visitors to really feel the emotions the paintings invoke without any Disney promotion.

Each artist is given a theme to frame their artwork within, usually corresponding with heritage month. After their idea is approved, artists work on their paintings during the day so visitors can observe the whole artistic process.  

Along Disney’s Art Walk, you’ll see the work of the renowned Brazilian artist Edwardo Kobra in the gigantic mural of children from around the world titled Magical Connections. My favorite painting is an explosion of flowers and butterflies by Gillian Fazio, titled “The Empress.” Other artists include Nardstar from South Africa, Thao French from Vietnam, Nneka Jones of Trinidad, and Chad Mize of Flordia.

Marketplace Train & Carousel

A little ride is the perfect thing to keep kids going. The classic carousel features 16 horses to choose from. And the short train ride just goes around a small loop, but kids still love it.

Splitsville Luxury Lanes

A night of bowling with the family is always fun, but Splitsville Luxury Lanes elevates the whole experience. Two floors of entertainment feature bowling, billiards, live music, and a restaurant with a surprisingly eclectic menu. There are also television screens throughout, so you can keep up with the latest sports news.

Splitsville makes excellent food, so make sure to order something to eat while you play. It sounds weird for a bowling alley, but I suggest the sushi. Their Volcano Rolls are delicious.

They also have an impressive drink menu. One of their signature drinks is Bees Knees, made with Ford’s gin, honey, lemon, and a splash of soda water, then topped with a mini honey dipper and a candy bee. My daughter wanted one, so the bartender mixed her up a non-alcoholic version. 

Glassblowing at Crystal Arts by Arribas Brothers

The glass shop is full of beautiful, handcrafted works of art, and you can create one of your own. With the help of a professional artisan, design your own magical glass pumpkin or sparkling crystal ornament.

A talented glass artist helps heat and shape your glass as you provide the air that makes it round. He tells you all the steps and their purpose, so you really feel part of the project. After your glass is shaped and cooled, choose colorful crystals to put inside. Each color has a different meaning, such as luck or positivity. Once the crystals are in place, you seal it all with a magic wish.