Not sure if you should visit Disney Springs during your next trip? Then consider this. Air travel is the go sideways on a bad weather day, so plan a down day on your Walt Disney World trip. You can spend some time at your hotel’s pool or get some souvenirs. For the best shopping, head to Disney Springs. Visitors will also find shopping, dining and entertainment in the complex. It’s an easy excursion with Disney transportation. Here are some of the best things to do in Disney Springs.
35 BEST Things to Do in Disney Springs
Head to House of Blues
Go to Cirque Du Soleil
See the Aerophile
Take Disney Springs Water Taxi
Ride the Marketplace Carousel
Take the Marketplace Train Express
See the Vintage Amphi-Cars
Sprint through a Splash Pad
See a Movie
Enjoy Free Live Entertainment
See the Sculptures at the LEGO Store
Hit the Star Wars Galactic Outpost
Walk through the World of Disney
Grab an Ornament at Disney Days of Christmas
Find your Favorite Store
Try The Boathouse
See the T Rex at the Rainforest Café
Snag a STK
Bowl at Splitsville
Take a Sip at the Coca-Cola Store
Hit the Earl of Sandwich
Stop at Disney Food Truck
Indulge at The Ganachery
Grab a Treat at Erin McKenna’s Bakery
See Goodies Made at Goofy’s Candy Company
Grab a Cone at Vivoli il Gelato
Dole Whip it at Swirls on the Water
Stop by Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop
Grab a Coffee
Grab a Pint at the Raglan Road Irish Pub
Fly High at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar
Shake One at the Edison
Resort Review: Wyndham’s Lake Buena Vista
Head to House of Blues
You’ll find a variety of headlining acts at the House of Blues. Another top thing to do in Disney Springs is its popular Sunday Gospel Brunch. Reservations recommended. Located on the West Side.
Go to Cirque Du Soleil
With its free-standing theater, catch a Cirque show during your trip. The theater features a more intimate seating arrangement that allows for better views. Reservations are required. Located on the West Side.
See the Aerophile
What is that giant balloon at Disney Springs? It’s called an Aerophile, and you can ride it.
Kids love seeing the giant tethered balloon ascend 400 feet into the air next to Lake Buena Vista. For the brave-hearted, seeing all the parks at once might be a bucket list experience. Tickets start at $29.99 for adults, $24.99 for kids (3 to 9). Located on the West Side.
Take the Disney Springs Water Taxi
If you need to get from one side of Disney Springs to another, then hitch a ride on the water taxi. It is another fun way for families to explore Disney Springs. It also connects the Old Key West Resort, Saratoga Springs Resort, Dolphin and and Swan resorts.
There are two docks: The West Side and the Marketplace. Free to enjoy.
Ride the Marketplace Carousel
The hand-painted Venetian carousel is a work of art to ride. Located in the Marketplace and open daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. It’s $5 per rider and open for all ages. Located in the Marketplace.
Take the Marketplace Train Express
This pint-sized train runs on a closed track in the Marketplace. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. It’s $5 per rider and available for all ages. Located in the Marketplace.
Resort Review: Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
See the Vintage Amphicar Tours
In completely restored cars that run on land and then float on water, visitors can see a classic car roll into Lake Buena Vista. If you’d like a splurge, then take a guided tour with three or four of your friends in the Amphi-Car.
Tours are available from $125 per car. It can accommodate three adults.
Sprint Through a Splash Pad
With a park bench perfect for resting adults, I found the splash pad at the Earl of Sandwich. The kids are going to get wet, so pack some extra clothes.
See Spitting Stitch
If the kids loved the splash pad then check out Stitch, outside of the World of Disney. It is mounted above the entrance. And yes, it spits.
See a Movie
At the AMC 24 Dine-In Theatre, you can have dinner and see a movie at the same time. This theater features reserved seats.
Enjoy Free Live Entertainment
Disney Springs features lots of outdoor stages sprinkled throughout its property. You’ll never know who you’ll see at Disney Springs.
Top Things to Do at the International Flower and Garden Show at EPCOT
See the Sculptures at the LEGO Store
Even if you have a million pieces at home, you have to check out the LEGO Store. It features sculptures in and outside the store. Really. The Hulk, a dragon, Buzz Lightyear and the list goes on. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. near World of Disney.
Hit the Star Wars Galactic Outpost
Are there Star Wars fans in the house? Then, visit the Star Wars Galactic Outpost. Kids and first-generation fans will find a make-your-own lightsaber bar and more. Open daily10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on the West Side.
Walk through the World of Disney
This sprawling destination features nearly every Disney gift ever made. It’s the first and last place to hit for Disney gifts and souvenirs. Open daily10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Grab an Ornament at Disney Days of Christmas
If Christmas is your favorite season, then this is your store. This is the place to buy an ornament to remember your vacation. Open daily10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Find your Favorite Store
Disney Springs offers all the brands you love. Find an Anthropologie, Kipling, Sperry, Columbia Sportswear, Free People, Levis, Lilly Pulitzer and Zara.
Resort Review: Coronado Springs Resort
Where to Eat in Disney Springs
It’s a vacation, so take a break and treat yourself. After several visits to Disney Springs, I’ve sampled several restaurants, from quick service to dine-in restaurants.
It’s not all kid stuff in Disney Springs. There are several lounges and bars.
Try The Boathouse
With its views of Lake Buena Vista, enjoy an extensive menu of seafood and steaks. I loved the nautical theme, and the service was attentive.
Be sure and catch the vintage amphi-cars driving into the water, located close by. Open most days from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
See the T Rex at the Rainforest Café
This is a favorite with families, with its familiar menu and kids menu. The T Rex is another favorite with kids. Open most days from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Snag a STK
Enjoy your favorite cut at STK Steakhouse. Diners will find filet, along with inventive sides, in an upscale environment.
The views from the second-story terrace offer sweeping views. I gushed over the Parmesan truffle fries, so I ate a week’s worth of carbs. The lil’ burgers, featuring wagyu beef, are tender tidbits of burger perfection. Open most days from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Resort Review: Caribbean Beach Resort
Bowl at Splitsville
You can go bowling and have dinner. In between games, I grabbed a slice of pizza, a slider and a sushi roll. Open most days from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Go to T-REX
The dino-loving kids and their families will have a blast digging for hidden bones and precious stones in the Paleo zone. Then, they can feast on a delectable menu that includes classic fare, from salads to steaks. Open most days from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Reservations accepted.
Take a Sip at the Coca-Cola Store
Take the kids on a trip around the world one sip at a time at the Coca-Cola Rooftop Beverage Bar. Order an international flight of sodas and sample 16 different sodas. It’s a super fun way for an afternoon pick-me-up, and the rooftop views are hard to top. Open most days from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Hit the Earl of Sandwich
If you or the kids want sandwiches, then try Earl of Sandwich. It is open for breakfast too. Open most days from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m
Stop at Disney Food Truck
If you’re still hungry, then grab a quick bite at a food truck. They are scattered around Disney Springs.
Resort Review: Pop Century
Desserts and Coffee in Disney Springs
Did someone say dessert? I almost skipped dinner and went straight for dessert.
Indulge at The Ganachery
Chocoholics beware. All the chocolate one could eat and then some. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Grab a Treat at Erin McKenna’s Bakery
With a girly, cute bakery, I couldn’t say no. Offers gluten-free options. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. in The Landing.
See Goodies Made at Goofy’s Candy Company
Stop by the window and see how they make the magical confections. This is an Old Fashioned Candy Shop. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m
Grab a Cone at Vivoli il Gelato
If it’s hot outside, then cool off like the Italians. There’s gelato in a handful of flavors and tiny pastel spoons. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Dole Whip it at Swirls on the Water
Do you need a Dole Whip, then here’s the place. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. in the Marketplace.
Stop by Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop
Find its signature chocolate and ice cream, too. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Grab a Starbucks
For a pick-me-up, find your favorite cuppa at Disney Springs. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Resort Review: Art of Animation Resort
Adulting Disney Springs Style
As soon as the sun sets, Disney Springs transforms from a family destination to the scene for dinner and cocktails.
Grab a Pint at the Raglan Road Irish Pub
Find Irish eyes dancing and your favorite Irish brew or spirit inside an authentic Irish pub. There’s live music and dancing in the evening most nights. Outside on the patio, enjoy drinks and entertainment. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. during the week. Reservations accepted.
Fly High at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar
With an atmosphere that reminds me of an Indian Jones hangout, it’s a favorite. If the inside tables are full, head outside to watch the lights glitter off Lake Buena Vista. Open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Shake One at the Edison
This bar and restaurant features a roaring 20s theme with live entertainment. The cocktail menu is another standout with whiskey flights. Open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Getting to and around Disney Springs
Disney Springs is located at 1480 Buena Vista Dr. I found lots of free parking, and the lots are labeled. Valet parking is available.
I always use the Disney Springs Water Taxi to get around. My kids love it, and it saves a few steps. With three stops, one at each end and one in the center, I was never far from a dock.
If you staying in the Buena Vista area, a complimentary bus runs frequently or take the bridge back to the Disney Springs Resort Area hotels. For guests of Saratoga Springs Resort, Disney Springs is right across Lake Buena Vista, and I found a bridge.
Comments are closed.