Restaurant Guide
Shopping Guide
Disney Merchandise
World of Disney
The flagship Disney merchandise store. This is THE place for official Disney merchandise, character plushes, vintage collectibles, and limited-edition items you won't find elsewhere.
Disney Style
Curated contemporary Disney fashion and lifestyle products. Think modern apparel, loungewear, and accessories with sophisticated Disney flair rather than cartoons.
Star Wars Galactic Outpost
Dedicated Star Wars merchandise including collectibles, apparel, and exclusive items. Lightsaber building is incredibly popular with families.
Marvel Super Hero HQ
Extensive Marvel merchandise including rare collectibles, comics, and exclusive apparel. Interactive elements make it fun beyond just shopping.
Disney's Pin Traders
Paradise for pin collectors. Thousands of pins from classic to contemporary, retired to current. Staff is knowledgeable about pin values and rarity.
Unique & Upscale Brands
Anthropologie
Eclectic home décor, clothing, and gift items. Uniquely curated with artistic flair. Perfect for those seeking upscale, non-Disney merchandise.
Zara
Contemporary fashion with European flair. Current trends at accessible price points. Great for finding travel-worthy outfits for dining reservations.
UGG
Premium footwear and outerwear. Famous for sheepskin boots, but also offer slippers, jackets, and accessories. High quality, higher prices.
Free People
Bohemian-style clothing and accessories. Perfect for festival vibes and boho aesthetic. Quality basics and statement pieces.
Lululemon
Premium athleisure and activewear. Their quality is exceptional though prices reflect it. Great for comfortable travel clothing.
Kate Spade
Luxury handbags, jewelry, and accessories. Playful designs with quality construction. Great for finding a special souvenir.
Fun & Unique Finds
The LEGO Store
Massive selection of LEGO sets and the famous build-your-own minifigure station. Interactive and fun for all ages. Custom heads, bodies, and accessories.
Coca-Cola Store
Beverage museum meets gift shop. Taste Cokes from around the world. Collectible bottles and merchandise everywhere. Nostalgic and fun.
M&M's World
Three-story candy paradise with thousands of M&M color varieties. Create custom color combinations. Overwhelming in the best way.
Basin
Bath bombs, soaps, candles, and skincare products. Visually stunning with excellent scent combinations. Great for self-care gifts.
Art & Collectibles
The Art of Disney
Official Disney fine art gallery. Limited-edition prints, original paintings, and collectible sculptures. High quality, premium prices.
Pop Gallery
Contemporary pop art with Disney and lifestyle themes. Modern art pieces ranging from affordable prints to expensive original works.
Cherry Tree Lane
Vintage and rare Disney collectibles. Focused on animation cells, vintage merchandise, and out-of-print items. For serious collectors.
Entertainment & Activities
Cirque du Soleil "Drawn to Life"
A stunning acrobatic and artistic experience celebrating Disney creativity. This is high-quality Cirque with Disney storytelling woven throughout. Performances run 90 minutes with no intermission. Seating is tiered for excellent sightlines throughout the theater.
AMC Disney Springs 24 Dine-In Theater
Modern multiplex with reserved seating, full-service dining at your seat, and premium amenities. Watch new releases or catch older favorites in a luxury environment. Arrive early to order food before the movie starts.
Splitsville Luxury Lanes
Upscale bowling experience with 30 lanes, craft cocktails, and good food. Modern aesthetic with RGB lighting and a great soundtrack. Fun for families and adults. Lanes can get competitive and crowded—book online to reserve lanes in advance.
NBA Experience
Multi-level interactive basketball experience with skill challenges, shooting games, and immersive exhibits. Learn basketball history, practice skills, or compete against friends. Great for basketball fans and families.
VOID – Virtual Reality Entertainment
Immersive VR experiences with motion capture suits. Star Wars, Marvel, and other themed experiences available. Usually 15-20 minute experiences that feel cinematic and engaging. Requires some physical exertion—comfortable shoes recommended.
Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant
Authentic Irish pub with live Celtic music performances nightly. Excellent Guinness and Irish stew. The atmosphere is vibrant and family-friendly despite being a bar. Music acts rotate—performances are free with dining.
House of Blues
Renowned music venue hosting national and international acts. Theming is New Orleans-inspired with excellent sightlines from anywhere in the venue. Multiple performance spaces accommodate different crowd sizes. Shows range from rock to comedy to blues.
Marketplace Carousel
A beautiful hand-carved carousel in the Marketplace area. Free to watch, modest fee to ride ($5 per person). Beautifully themed with Disney artistry and nostalgic appeal. Great photo opportunity—lines are usually short.
Amphicars (Vintage Boat Rides)
Unique experience riding in vintage amphibious cars from the 1960s that drive right into the water. Tours explore the lake and shoreline from a completely different perspective. Fun, quirky, and memorable. Weather dependent.
Free Activities & Experiences
Disney Springs is free to explore. Enjoy people-watching, explore the themed areas, photograph the beautiful architecture, stroll the waterfront promenade, check out seasonal decorations, or simply sit and relax. Many visitors spend 3+ hours just wandering and soaking in the atmosphere without spending on activities.
Planning Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Ideal Days: Tuesday through Thursday during non-holiday periods offer the best combination of lower crowds and full operating hours.
Timing: Arrive between 11 AM and 2 PM to avoid morning rushes and breakfast service. You'll have lunch options available and avoid dinner crowds until later. Many restaurants open at 11 AM.
Avoid: Weekends (especially Saturdays), holiday periods (Christmas, Thanksgiving, spring break), and event days. Weekends can be 3-4x more crowded than weekdays.
Parking Information
FREE Parking! Unlike the theme parks, Disney Springs offers complimentary parking in multiple lots. This alone makes it a more budget-friendly option.
- Multiple free parking garages available (West Side, Marketplace, The Landing, Town Center)
- Valet parking available at premium locations for a fee
- Arrive early for closer spots, or don't stress—walking 10 minutes is fine
- Get a parking validation ticket if dining at full-service restaurants for discounted/free extended parking
- Most parking validation provides up to 4-5 hours free parking
Getting There from Resorts
Monorail Resorts (Contemporary, Polynesian, Grand Floridian)
Take the Monorail to the Transportation & Ticket Center (TTC), then transfer to the Disney Springs bus line. About 25-30 minutes total.
Epcot Resorts (Beach Club, Yacht Club, BoardWalk, Swan, Dolphin)
Direct bus service from each resort to Disney Springs. About 15-20 minutes. Most convenient option from these properties.
Hollywood Studios Resorts (Art of Animation, Pop Century, Caribbean Beach)
Direct bus service available from each resort. About 20-25 minutes depending on stops.
Magic Kingdom Resorts (Fort Wilderness, Port Orleans, Coronado)
Take bus to Magic Kingdom, then transfer via monorail to TTC, then Disney Springs bus. More involved—consider driving or rideshare.
All Resorts Alternative
Minnie Van (Uber) service available—roughly $15-25 depending on resort. Often faster than buses, especially during peak times.
How Much Time to Plan
Quick Visit (2-3 hours): Browse one area (like Marketplace), grab a quick meal, maybe a snack. Best as an evening or add-on activity.
Half Day (4-5 hours): Explore 2-3 areas, have a meal, browse shops, maybe catch live music. This is the "sweet spot" for most visitors.
Full Day (6-8+ hours): Leisurely explore all areas, multiple meals, entertainment activity (Cirque, bowling, etc.), extensive shopping. Perfect if you want to maximize your visit.
Disney Springs Areas Map & Highlights
The Marketplace
The original shopping district and most familiar to returning visitors. Home to World of Disney, Art of Disney, LEGO Store, M&M's World, Gideon's Bakehouse, and various boutiques. Great for families and casual shopping. More crowded with the general public.
The Landing
Waterfront dining and entertainment district with modern architecture. Features restaurants like Paddlefish, Morimoto Asia, and The Boathouse. Great for romantic dinners and sunset walks. Usually quieter than Marketplace.
Town Center
Contemporary shopping district with upscale brands like Zara, Anthropologie, Free People, Kate Spade, and Lululemon. More sophisticated aesthetic. Some dining options available. Great for stylish apparel and upscale gifts.
West Side
Entertainment and dining hub. Home to Cirque du Soleil, House of Blues, Splitsville Bowling, AMC Theater, and Marketplace Co-Op. More focused on activities than shopping. Evening destination for shows and entertainment.
Money-Saving Tips
- Free parking saves you $15-20 compared to theme parks
- Eat lunch at quick-service spots ($10-15/person) instead of dinner at fine dining ($40-80/person)
- Skip the overpriced resort dining and enjoy better quality food here
- Browse the free activities—people-watching and exploration costs nothing
- Many gift shops have similar merchandise at regular prices (not marked-up like park shops)
- Seasonal sales at upscale retailers offer significant discounts
- Share appetizers at restaurants—portions are often generous
- Happy hour specials at bars and lounges (usually 4-6 PM)
- Visit during non-peak times to avoid crowds and sometimes get faster service
Tips for Visiting with Kids
- Plan for 3-4 hours maximum—kids get bored in shopping areas
- Include 1-2 kid-focused activities (Splitsville bowling, NBA Experience, LEGO Store)
- Hit Gideon's Bakehouse for an iconic, Instagram-worthy treat kids will enjoy
- Browse World of Disney but set expectations—it's crowded and can be overstimulating
- Play at Marketplace carousel ($5/ride) for a quick break
- Grab lunch at Chicken Guy!, Blaze Pizza, or D-Luxe Burger—fast, delicious, kid-friendly
- Walk the waterfront and explore outdoor areas for free entertainment
- Visit Coca-Cola Store for the unique tasting experience (kids love trying different sodas)
- Schedule during less crowded times (Tuesday-Thursday mornings)
Rainy Day Strategy
Disney Springs is very walkable in light rain due to covered walkways and building architecture. Here's how to make the most of a rainy day:
- Indoor shopping (covered areas, World of Disney, LEGO Store, boutiques)
- Spend extended time dining (multiple courses, leisurely meal)
- Cirque du Soleil show (completely indoors, weather-proof activity)
- AMC Theater for a movie experience
- Splitsville Bowling (fully indoors, climate controlled)
- VOID VR Experience (indoors)
- NBA Experience (indoors)
- Coca-Cola Store (indoors museum experience)
- Bass Pro Shops (if open—massive indoor complex)
- Most restaurants are indoors or have covered seating areas
Pro Tips & Insider Secrets
- Make dining reservations 60 days in advance through Disney Dining or directly with restaurants
- Visit in the evening after dinner rush (8 PM+) for shorter shopping lines
- The waterfront near The Landing is least crowded on weekday mornings
- Check for "special diets" options online at restaurants if needed
- Many restaurants have bar seating for walk-ins—often faster than waiting for tables
- The Marketplace has hidden seating areas away from the main crowds
- Download the My Disney Experience app for mobile ordering at select locations
- Parking validation is key—get it from your restaurant/activity
- Visit entertainment venues' websites directly for ticket deals before buying at full price
- The off-season (September, early December, January) offers the best experience