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. Here’s our Disney Springs top 10 for your next visit.
Disney Springs and What To Do There
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. Check out our Disney Springs page for everything we’ve reviewed so far!
World of Disney Store
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.
The Ganachery Homemade S’Mores
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.
Earl of Sandwich
If there’s a restaurant with a line out the door it’s this one. Especially on the weekends. This 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.
Uniqlo
Home to all things essential, this Japanese import features all the wardrobe classics you may need while on vacation. Including Heattech clothing, perfect for those unexpectedly freezing Florida nights. 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.
Amorette Patisserie
The resident luxury bakery on the property, Amorette’s has 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 the 50th-anniversary Snacks at Walt Disney World for some of their best!
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 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. You can even create your very own custom Lego mini-figure.
Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’
On weekends you can experience the Rise and Shine Brunch at Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’. One of the best restaurants on property, 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.
Cirque de Soleil
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.
Splitsville Luxury Lanes
Bowling can be pretty cool in the right atmosphere. Splitsville acts as the Disney Springs location for date night and for afternoons when you need something different. Thankfully you can find great food here and a bar. Plus, 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.
Gideon’s Bakehouse
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.
Late Night at Disney Springs
One of the unique elements of Disney Springs is the inclusion of live entertainment almost every night. 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.
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.
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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