While Walt Disney World’s four theme parks, two water parks, and 20-plus resorts offer a wealth of destinations to explore, there’s one more place you won’t want to skip during your vacation: Disney Springs. Filled with hundreds of shops, restaurants, and experiences, you’ll find plenty of fun outside of the parks when you head here.
Disney Springs is located right on Disney World property, right near numerous Disney resort hotels and other offsite hotels. It’s not far from EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, though you can easily use Disney World bus transportation to get to and from the theme parks and Disney Springs.
Disney Springs first opened in 1975 as Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village, then transformed into Walt Disney World Village (in 1977), DIsney Village Marketplace (in 1989), and Downtown Disney (in 1997). It was reimagined and expanded into its current form in 2015, and guests can now explore 120 acres of outdoor shopping, dining, and more.
Today, you’ll find four distinct areas, or neighborhoods, within Disney Springs. Each has its own theming and selection of shops, restaurants, and entertainment. So, when you’re ready for a theme park break, head here and try a different kind of Disney-inspired fun.
Explore Disney Springs
- Disney Springs Neighborhoods
- Disney Springs Dining
- Disney Springs Shopping
- Disney Springs Entertainment
- Disney Springs Parking and Transportation
Disney Springs Neighborhoods
Photo by Andy Sanchez
Disney Springs is a sizable space, so much so that there are actually four different areas within the larger district. Each one of these areas, or neighborhoods, fits into the larger theming of Disney Springs.
According to Disney, Disney Springs features a fictional history that states it was settled in the mid-1800s by a cattle rancher. When that rancher discovered the area’s namesake springs, the town expanded outwards from the springs, growing into the destination it is today. As you explore each one of the neighborhoods, you’ll find nods to this history, from gorgeous waterfront views to signs that hint at local businesses like the eye-catching Springs Bottling Co. sign at The Landing.
The four Disney Springs neighborhoods are:
- Marketplace: The Marketplace at Disney Springs is home to American Craftsman-style architecture inspired by the 1930s and sits on Village Lake.
- The Landing: The Landing is the hub of Disney Springs, home to a marina that features boats, amphicars, and more in the area once known as Pleasure Island.
- Town Center: Designed to be the business district of the fictional city of Disney Springs, Town Center features Spanish Revival-style architecture inspired by the 1920s era.
- West Side: In the West Side, you’ll find 1950s-inspired architecture and plenty of entertainment to enjoy.
Disney Springs Dining
If you’re looking for delicious meals outside of Disney World’s theme parks and resorts, Disney Springs is the logical place to head. Home to a wide array of restaurants, including quick-service, table service, and even experience-led, you’ll find something for every taste and every picky eater.
The cuisine ranges from casual burgers and fries to elevated cuisine from destinations around the world, date-night spots to family-friendly restaurants. While the restaurants of Disney Springs do operate on Disney World’s dining reservation system – and, as a result, do take advance dining reservations – and can get crowded during peak times of the year.
However, because there are so many options, it’s always easy to find food at Disney Springs. With 69 different dining destinations, including everything from food trucks to bars and lounges to upscale restaurants, there’s really something for every guest.
Disney Springs Shopping
Shoppers, you’re going to love the variety available here! Disney Springs offers a wealth of places to shop. Here, you’ll find options more similar to an outdoor mall – while there are dedicated Disney shops, there’s also a mix of clothing, jewelry, toys, candy and sweets, and other retailers. And of course, you’ll find unique options with special theming, like the iconic World of Disney or larger-than-life LEGO Store!
Whether you’re searching for the perfect Disneyland Resort souvenir or something non-Disney, there are a whopping 95 shops you can browse across Disney Springs.
Disney Springs Entertainment and Experiences
Photo by Andy Sanchez
While most of Disney Springs is devoted to dining and shopping, this Disney World destination is also home to some one-of-a-kind entertainment and experience offerings you won’t find inside the theme parks. Scattered across the four neighborhoods are spaces to enjoy some great entertainment or activities for kids, families, and guests of every age to try.
Each neighborhood within Disney Springs offers different entertainment and experiences. However, you’ll find something to fill your time – you can catch a movie at the AMC Disney Springs 24 Dine-In Theatres, or listen to live music at the AdventHealth Waterside Stage or Waterview Park. There’s even the Disney Springs Kids Club that’ll get younger guests moving, grooving, and playing.
If it’s adventure you’re looking for, Disney Springs also offers some more thrilling experiences. Take a tour of the area from the water in a vintage amphicar, or look down on the district from the sky by taking an Aerophile balloon flight. Check out each one of the Disney Springs neighborhoods to find out more about what’s available.
Additionally, if you’re visiting during certain times of the year, you can catch limited-time seasonal entertainment and experience offerings at Disney Springs. For example, in November and December you can meet Santa in the Marketplace; during the fall, Disney Springs is transformed with decorations and limited-time entertainment.
Disney Springs Parking and Transportation
Like anything on-property at Disney World, Disney Springs is conveniently located and easy to get to. You have multiple transportation options that’ll drop you off right at this shopping, dining, and entertainment district – including numerous Disney transportation options that won’t cost you a cent.
To get to and from Disney Springs, you can use Disney World’s transportation systems. Specifically, buses and water taxis will take you between Disney Springs and other Disney World destinations. Guests staying at Disney World Resort hotels can take a bus from any resort to Disney Springs Town Center (and vice versa). Plus, four Disney hotels offer water transportation to each one of the Disney Springs neighborhoods:
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
- Disney’s Old Key West Resort
- Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
You can also walk to Disney Springs, if you happen to be staying nearby. There are walkable bridges that connect Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort to each one of the Disney Springs neighborhoods.
If you’re driving your own car or rental car, there’s also plenty of parking at Disney Springs. Self-parking is complimentary if you opt to use any of the surface lots or garages. There are parking garages located near each neighborhood, but it’s recommended that you arrive early to ensure you can find parking – especially during busy weekends and seasons.
