Disney Springs Top 10 Things to Do

Disney Springs Top 10 Things to Do

Disney Springs is always bustling. This epicenter of shopping, dining, and unique experiences in Orlando, Florida is just one way to enjoy Walt Disney World without a Park Ticket. But it’s not just home to Disney! You can find well-known retailers, acclaimed restauranteurs, and more. So whether you’re headed to the Disney Springs Boathouse, or the Disney Springs Theater, know that there are tons of things to do as part of your Disney Vacation. If you’re visiting Disney Springs Orlando, then check out our TOP 10 List of things to do while you’re there. 

Disney Springs in Orlando Florida Disney

What is Disney Springs?

Disney Springs is all about exploring new things. Separated into 4 areas, this shopping center features shops, restaurants, and entertainment. We love heading to Disney Springs for the holidays and trying new restaurants as they arrive. With an onsite movie theater, bowling alley, and amazing places to find coffee, and donuts, or have brunch, there are so many reasons to take a day and head to this area of Walt Disney World. Check out our Disney Springs page for everything we’ve reviewed so far! 

How Do you Get to Disney Springs?

If you’re staying at a Walt Disney World Resort, then you can simply catch a Disney bus to Disney Springs. If driving however, then you simply head to the shopping center and park. With open parking lots, and a parking garage, you can park here for FREE! All day long, while you enjoy one of our places to visit at Disney World without a park ticket. Of course if you’re at Disney Springs and want to add the parks to your day, then just check out how to get to Disney World from Disney Springs

Hotels Near Disney Springs 

And if you’re keen to get even closer to the Disney Springs action, then there are plenty of Hotels Near Disney Springs that are within walking distance! Which means you can just roll out of bed and walk to the shopping center. We love staying within walking distance of Disney Springs simply for the convenience, because there is always something we end up needing. And it’s so great to be able to just walk! And not worry about the shuttle or transportation. 

World of Disney Store At Disney Springs

While there are plenty of Disney Springs shops across shopping center, for Disney Fans, the Disney Store is the best. The largest Disney store on the property, World of Disney carries many things you would find in the parks, as well as favorites from shopDisney.com. An excellent place to browse for your next souvenir, gifts or just to see what’s new, this shop will have everything you can think of for the Disney fan and more. Set up like a department store, you can find seasonal merchandise, Disney jewelry, Disney Dooney and Bourke Bags and more. 

Smores at Walt Disney World Disney Springs Ganachery

Homemade S’mores at The Ganachery 

If you’re heading to Disney Springs for the experience, be sure to stop by The Ganachery for some s’more making. Complete with homemade graham crackers, marshmallows, and luscious chocolate, you get to watch these chocolate artisans craft your special treat through the glass window. This chocolate shop features candies, chocolates, and gifts perfect for a unique Disney foodie experience you can only get at Disney Springs. 

Earl of Sandwich Disney Springs

Earl of Sandwich at Disney Springs

If there’s a restaurant with a line out the door it’s this one. Especially on the weekends. Earl of Sandwich is one of our Top 10 Best Quick Serve Restaurants at Walt Disney World for a reason!  Laying claim as the inventor of the sandwich, the Earl of Sandwich carries a cult following along with pretty good sandwiches. They have a holiday turkey sandwich that feels like Thanksgiving, avocado, and chicken and veggie options too. Grab a mac and cheese side and you’ve got a quick, budget-friendly lunch you can add to your day. If you’re looking for the best Disney Springs food, you won’t be disappointed here. We love it for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and you can grab most meals here for under $15 each! 

Disney Springs Uniqlo 

Home to all things essential, the Disney Springs Uniqlo, this Japanese import features all the wardrobe classics you may need while on vacation. Including Heattech clothing, perfect for those unexpectedly freezing Florida nights during the strange winter at Disney World weather. You can also find specialty Disney tees for kids and adults if you need any last-minute matching shirts for your day in the parks. And of course, it’s the perfect place to shop if you’ve forgotten any wardrobe essentials. 

Disney Mandalorian Snacks at Disney Springs

Amorette’s Patisserie

The resident luxury bakery on the property at Disney Springs is Amorette’s Patisserie. Home to classic Mickey hat dome cakes, delicate treats, and even champagne. If you’re looking for an extra special dessert or somewhere to grab the latest Disney-inspired dessert creation, you’ll find it here. You can always find a beautiful new snack at Disney here. Check out all the New Snacks at Disney World, for seasonal treats and specialty cakes to honor all things Disney. 

Art Walk at Disney Springs

Disney Springs Art Walk

Throughout Disney Springs you can catch beautiful works of art as murals across the walls both inside and outside Disney Springs. Featuring Black Artists, Pacific Islander Artists and more, you can see pieces of art featuring people, places and dreams. These pieces or artwork are most prominent along the alleyways leading into the shopping and at the Disney Bus Depot. Since looking at Art costs nothing, we highly recommend adding this Art Walk at Disney Springs to your day at Disney. The collections are ever expanding and there is always new artwork to see. Be sure to make the time for it! 

Disney Springs Art Walk

The Lego Store 

One of the most popular places to visit at Disney Springs is the Lego Store! Offering opportunities to play with Legos, scope out the newest Lego sets, or speak with a Lego expert can all happen at the Disney Springs Lego Store. This interactive store is a great break from the shopping and eating that happens all day at Disney Springs. Be sure to stop in. There are full set up displays of gorgeous complex Lego sets like the Disney castle, trainset and more. You can even create your very own custom Lego mini-figure. We also love this shop for the large Lego displays outside the shop that are perfect for photos and getting inspired. 

Pecan Bacon Donuts at Chef Art Smith

Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ 

One of Disney Springs Best Restaurants is Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’. Serving a variety of comfort foods, there is plenty to savor here. On weekends you can experience the Rise and Shine Brunch. Or stop by for lunch sandwiches, or a full chicken dinner! The staff love sharing the Art Smith story, harvesting ingredients locally, and creating the most wonderful southern foods. Chicken and donuts anyone? Even those with allergies can count on a personalized dining experience here. By far one of the best places for a Disney World Breakfast, you can also grab a delicious lunch and dinner here. With a varied menu, kids menu and specialty drinks, there is something here for everyone. And did we mention the cake? Yes, you can grab delectable desserts here like pies and cakes made with southern flair of course. 

Cirque de Soleil at Disney Springs

Looking for a unique experience,  featuring talented performers? The Disney Springs Cirque de Soleil now features the new show, Drawn to Life, featuring Disney animation and music inspiration. Drawn to Life is the newest collaboration between Cirque de Soleil and Walt Disney Animation Studios telling stories through the performance arts. While you typically need to find this troupe on on tour in cities across the country, at Disney Springs, you simply need to show up at the white tent! 

Splitsville Luxury Lanes Bowling at Disney Springs

In terms of a Disney Springs Date Nate, Entertainment or Family Fun, bowling can be pretty cool in the right atmosphere. With a fun atmosphere, sports bar, and pizza, you can spend the day at Disney Springs in this luxury bowling alley. Or if you’re traveling with a spouse who would rather be anywhere but shopping, Splitsville Luxury Lanes is a great place to drop off the boys and get on with important shopping needs.  We like Splitsville best as a family activity, since kids are allowed to play too, making it the perfect non-park day activity. You can even reserve your bowling game ahead of time on the Splitsville Website.  

Gideon's Bakhouse at Disney Springs

Gideons Bakehouse at Disney Springs

Featuring cakes, half-pound cookies, and coffee, Gideon’s Bakehouse has a following. Filled with old books, and creepy cute portraits of gargoyles and forlorn children from days of old, this place feels more like a forgotten antique bookshop than a bakery. But then, that’s the appeal! Showcasing beautiful treats, often seasonal in nature, many things here are offered for a limited time only. What’s more, the literal 10 x 15-foot space inside this building can only hold so many people at a time. As such, you will always see a line at Gideons, adding even more mystery to this little bakery. It’s a must-do at least once, and if you don’t like the lines just head to its other Orlando, Florida location instead. Check out all the details on Gideons Bakehouse for what to know before you go. 

Disney Springs

Late Night Entertainment at Disney Springs

One of the unique elements of Disney Springs is the inclusion of live entertainment, especially on the weekends. With a wide variety of entertainment taking place across the four neighborhoods; Marketplace, The Landing, West Side, and Town Center, there’s no shortage of things to do. For performers check the Disney Springs website. 

Disney Springs Map

Download the Disney Springs Map PDF for easy access on your phone or to print. 

Disney Springs Map 50th Anniversary

Disney Springs Map -2022 50th Anniversary

Top 10 Things to Do at Disney Springs

With so much to do at Disney Springs, you will need a map to help you find your way around. Whether you’re tackling one of our Disney Springs top 10 or off on adventures with the Aerophile hot air balloon ride, s’mores making at The Ganachery, or more shopping at Tren-D, there is something for everyone. Other favorite things to do at Disney Springs include Lunch at Summerhouse, or Chicken Guy!, shopping at Anthropologie, or the Twelve Days of Christmas Store.  And if you’re traveling during the holidays, Disney Springs Christmas Events fill the month of December with free entertainment, decorations and more! 

Disney Springs Walt Disney World Top 10 Things to Do. What to ride, eat and do for extra fun. A Top 10 disney List for your next Disney Vacation. #polkadotpixies #disneytips #disneyvacation #disneytop10

Co-Founder and Director at Polka Dot Pixie Co LLC | Website | + posts

Rochelle Mariah is a writer, designer and photographer with an MLIS in Information Science and a B.S. in Arch and Design. Determined to make Planning a DIY Disney Vacation easier she makes lots of lists and drinks lots of coffee. When not designing apparel at Polka Dot Pixie Shop, she's watching old movies and planning the holidays. She has been traveling to Disney destinations since 2010.


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