Are you planning a vacation to Walt Disney World?
Or perhaps you're in Orlando, Florida, and are looking to have a Disney experience without
having to shell out the park's exorbitant fees?
Whatever the reason you're in the area, be sure to add a day at Disney Springs to your
itinerary.
That's because not only is Disney Springs a revamped version of Downtown Disney packed
with top-rated restaurants, experiences for kids and adults alike, and flagship stores
from brands like Lego and M&Ms, but it's also totally admission free!
The shopping and entertainment complex is built around an enormous lake, which you can
cruise around in a unique vintage amphibious car or float above in a hot air balloon.
We suggest you plan to stay all day since there's so much to see, eat, and do—classic
Disney characters and merch included!
Head there early to avoid the crowds or go on a weekday.
So if you’re looking for things to do at Disney Springs, or you’re curious to see
if it’s the spot for your next American vacation, watch on for our top picks in this
perfect all-season destination.
Aerophile Balloon
You’ll probably spot the Aerophile Balloon before you even get into the Disney Springs
complex.
That’s because this hot air balloon takes up almost 30 guests high into the sky above—like,
400 feet above—the area.
Tickets for this thrilling eight-minute ride cost just $25 for adults and $20 for children.
And trust us, it’s worth all the nervousness about heights.
The views out over the region from way up there are unparalleled.
Plus, don’t worry, the balloon is carefully tethered to the ground!
AMC’s Dine-In Movies
Are you looking for something to do with the kids once the sun goes down?
What could be better than to combine your dinner with a movie at the AMC Dine-In Movies
experience!
You get to get out of the heat in an air-conditioned theater, avoid the crowds, and have your food
served to you right as you're settling into the film.
Best of all, mom and dad can relax for a couple of hours while the kids are fed and entertained.
They have all the latest movies, with a focus on family entertainment.
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World of Disney
Maybe you didn’t visit Walt Disney World, or perhaps you regret not buying that cute
pair of mouse ears while you were there.
Fret not!
The World of Disney store at Disney Springs has all the Disney merch you’ll ever need:
coffee mugs, t-shirts, caps, water bottles, beach towels, plushies, pins, and so, so,
SO much more.
There are 3D projections all around the store that inject a little Mickey magic into your
day, too.
Oh, and did we mention it’s the largest Disney store IN THE WORLD?
Amphicar Tour
One of the most unique attractions at Disney Springs, and perhaps in Orlando, is the vintage
amphibious cars.
Disney has converted vintage cars from the 1950s and 1960s into amphibious vehicles that
you can drive around Lake Buena Vista.
You pay just $125 for a 20-minute tour, and your very own experienced boat captain pilots
your car.
It makes for a fun family adventure or a romantic couples cruise.
End your time on the water with lunch or dinner at the nearby Boathouse Restaurant.
Wine Bar George
Are you looking for something posh for the adults to do while visiting Disney?
Be sure to book a table at award-winning Wine Bar George, a lunch and dinner restaurant
that regularly makes it onto “best restaurants in Florida” lists.
In fact, it's the only Master Sommelier-led wine bar in all of Florida!
The weekend brunch—inspired by wine country—is especially popular and deserving of the praise
it gets, too.
If you can't get a table, there's a walk-up window where you can order unique cocktails
like the Dole Whip Frozcato and the Lil' Tiki Too.
The M&M’S Store
There are few sweet treats more iconically American than M&Ms.
And you can bury yourself in all things round rainbow candy at the Disney Springs M&M’s
store.
There are displays dedicated to each classic M&M color, and special flavors are released
seasonally.
There’s also a special Mickey Mix and Minney Mix for Disney superfans to enjoy.
If you’re looking for a cute souvenir from your trip as a gift for friends and family
back home, you can get your family photo printed on your own custom M&M’s!
House of Blues
While Walt Disney World is made for kids—big and little—Disney Springs offers much more
in the way of nightlife.
And music lovers will want to add House of Blues to their bucket list.
The venue is host to a dazzling array of live musicians and bands.
It’s popular, so if you want to see a show, we recommend spending over $25 per person
at the adjoining restaurant to get a complimentary Pass the Line pass.
Alternatively, skip paying altogether and head to the Courtyard for one of the free
live music shows—only on selected nights.
Coca-Cola Store
Coca-Cola has been an integral part of Americans’ lives since the 1920s, so it’s no surprise
they have a store in Disney Springs.
The store boasts a rooftop bar where you can try different Coca-Cola drinks from around
the world, many of which aren’t regularly available in the States.
And the kids will love having their photo taken with an enormous Coca-Cola Polar Bear
or picking out some vibrant Coca-Cola merchandise.
Don’t forget to look up, too: the centerpiece of the store is a 30-foot-wide chandelier
crafted from upcycled Coca-Cola bottles.
Splitsville Luxury Lanes
Friend and family groups looking for a bit of friendly competition should head to Splitsville
Luxury Lanes.
This enormous bowling complex is spread across two floors and has an incredible 30 lanes
to choose from.
It’s themed on the “Golden Age of Bowling” and decorated with a retro-glam vibe, so you’ll
feel like you’re stepping back in time.
There’s also a full-service restaurant on-site with a menu that’s packed with family-friendly
fare—think pizza, burgers, sandwiches, sushi, and more—and a well-stocked bar.
We recommend ending your day here after you’ve toured the shops and ridden a few of the rides.
Gideon’s Bakehouse
According to urban legend, Gideon’s Bakehouse chocolate chip cookies were initially sold
at Polite Pig, a popular Disney Springs restaurant.
However, they proved so popular that Gideon’s opened its own store in the complex in 2021.
Today, the store is one of the most popular in Disney Springs, with people queueing for
ages to get their hands on the massive, half-pound cookies in their favorite flavor.
Head there for the baked goods and to admire the bakery’s already-iconic Victorian-themed
decor.
Disney PhotoPass Studio
Did you miss out on your opportunity to grab that must-have family photo with a Disney
character while visiting Walt Disney World?
Perhaps there were just too many people, and you didn’t want to wait.
Or maybe you didn’t even visit the park at all?
Well, the good news is that Disney Springs is home to the Disney PhotoPass Studio, where
you can pick from an enviable range of “Magic Shot” backgrounds.
The most popular character is Peter Pan’s Tinkerbell, but you can choose from fifty
different characters—go spooky with Jack Skellington or pose with the effervescent
Chip n' Dale.
Cirque du Soleil
Cirque du Soleil is one of the globe's most awe-inspiring live performances, and since
2021, you can catch a session at Disney Springs!
The unique new Drawn to Life show combines Disney animation with the incredible acrobatic
feats of the Cirque du Soleil's world-class performers.
The show is very family-friendly, so don't be afraid to bring the kids along with you.
Seats for this memorable performance sell out fast, so be sure to book tickets well
in advance of your trip.
Morimoto
It’s difficult to travel internationally right now, but if you pay a visit to Morimoto
in Disney Springs, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to any number of countries
in Asia.
That’s because the decor of this top-notch restaurant is inspired by the sights and styles
of Asia’s best culinary destinations.
Morimoto was founded by Iron Chef America star Chef Morimoto and features a menu packed
with Asian favorites, from garlic miso vegetable ramen and Kung Pao chicken dumplings to sake
and Eastern-inspired cocktails.
Disney's Days of Christmas
What could be more memorable from your Disney vacation than a beautifully crafted Disney-theme
ornament for your Christmas tree.
In this seasonal store, which smells like the pine needles, spices, and fireplaces of
Christmas, you'll find festive decorations galore at Disney's Days of Christmas store.
If it's your birthday, be sure to get your FREE personalized Disney birthday button,
too.
Goofy’s Candy Co.
And last but not least, we've got one more candy-themed store to tempt your tastebuds
and excite your kids.
Goofy's Candy Co. has everything from slushies to caramel apples, cookies to pick-and-mix
candy bags.
Best of all, you can create your own Mickey-themed treats by grabbing a form and selecting the
type of sweet treat you want and the dipping flavors, toppings, and drizzles you think
would go well with it.
Do you think this is a comprehensive list of things to do at Disney Springs?
Or would you add some shops, bites, or adventures we’ve missed?
Debate the not-to-be-missed boutiques and share your top eateries in the comment section
below.
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