Top Things to Do at Disney Springs

No questions asked, Disney Springs has some of the best things to do and see outside of the Disney theme parks! From having the world’s largest hand-painted helium balloon and floating car rides to terrific dining options and over 100 shopping opportunities on-site. The 120-acre complex includes four distinct areas: Town Center, Marketplace, The Landing, and West Side — each with its own unique flair!

With no need for reservations or purchasing park tickets, Disney Springs is a must-see during a Walt Disney World vacation. Plus all of our vacation rental homes are only a quick drive away!

When you’re ready to extend the Disney magic past the Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT (or for some reason can’t get reservations to the main theme parks), head over to Disney Springs! You’ll find a list of some of our favorite things to do, shops to visit, and where we love dining for inspiration when you’re planning your next trip to Orlando.

You’ll also find information towards the end of this article about what you should expect when you visit Disney Springs as far as what’s being implemented to keep everyone safe and healthy with COVID-19.

20+ attractions to enjoy at Disney Springs

One of our favorite things to do at Disney Springs is taking a ride in one of their vintage amphicars around Lake Buena Vista! The captain-guided tour takes about 20 minutes and is a must-do while you’re here.

The next on our list is taking a balloon ride in the Aéro30! Custom-built for Disney, this is the world’s largest hand-painted helium balloon that ascends to heights of up to 400 feet. The 8-minute tethered ride provides a gorgeous aerial view of the area. On clear days you can even see up to 10 miles away. 

Some of the other popular things to do at Disney Springs include:

• Splitsville Luxury Lanes for a day or night filled with bowling fun
• AMC Movies at Disney Springs, which is a dine-in theatre
• The NBA Experience
• Cirque du Soleil®
• Live music experiences throughout the week

Incredible dining options at Disney Springs

Family adventure while you eat? Our favorite place at Disney Springs is the T-REX Cafe, hands down. Immerse yourself in an interactive, historic dining experience that everyone in the family will enjoy! You’ll eat among life-sized animatronic dinosaurs (like the 15 foot tall T-REX) and woolly mammoths. There are even simulated meteor showers for the stargazers in the family and an expansive Octopus bar with jellyfish! When the kids are ready to play, they can head over to the Paleo Zone to dig for fossils in the sandpit or pan for precious gems and stones at Discovery Creek!

Next up is Sprinkles, the bakeshop specializing in tasty treats of all kinds, for all ages! They have a new “boozy cupcake” for adults and a massive selection of sweets to satisfy any sweet tooth. Imagine cupcakes, layered cakes, pupcakes for the furry members of the family, and more! Plus, our “not to miss” recommendation is the Cupcake ATM! Nearby the entrance of Sprinkles, you’ll find this gem. It’s open 24/7 and is an experience of its own.

Some of the other popular restaurants at Disney Springs include:

• Coca-Cola Store Rooftop Beverage Bar (taste classic and exotic flavors from all over the globe)
• The Rainforest Cafe (tropical jungle atmosphere with American cuisine)
• Paddlefish (modern steamboat on the shores of Lake Buena Vista) 
• The Boathouse (upscale restaurant with unbelievable sunsets and amazing food)
• Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill (Wolfgang’s signature dishes and handcrafted specialty cocktails)
• Plus more! There are over 60 places to eat at Disney Springs

100+ stores at Disney Springs to choose from

When it’s time to get your shopping on, Disney Springs one of the best places in Orlando to go! Alongside all the experiences and dining options, there are over 100 stores to choose from, like the ever-so unique Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique with Fairy Godmothers-in-training to help you select the perfect costume. 

You’ll find the latest fashions from the top designers in the world, beautiful jewelry, impressive toy stores, Disney artwork for home, and more! We don’t even know where to start, but some of our favorites are:

• DisneyStyle (collection of Disney inspired apparel)
• The LEGO Store (massive selection of collectible playsets and merchandise)
• Build-a-Dino by Build-a-Bear Workshop (create a one-of-kind Friendosaur™)
• Star Wars™ Galactic Outpost (gifts and other goodies inspired by the Star Wars saga)
• World of Disney® (Disney everything! Mickey Ears, home goods, souvenirs, and more)

Disney Springs During COVID-19

What should you know before you go? The Coronavirus pandemic has changed the entire world in so many ways, including how we experience our favorite theme parks in Orlando, including Walt Disney World and Disney Springs. Disney Springs is providing transparent information about their phased reopening plans. At the time of writing this, these are the top takeaways that you should know before you visit:

• Face coverings are required for everyone who is 2 years or older
• Temperature checks are required before you enter
• There is limited parking and reduced entrances
• Expect social distancing measures to be in place and capacity limits at restaurants and stores
• Temporary operation modifications, including reduced hours at select locations and no scheduled entertainment offerings or high-touch interactive areas
• You can check out the My Disney Experience app for the most current information on closures or hours of operation for experiences, stores, and restaurants
• There’s an increased focus on disinfecting and sanitation at Disney Springs, including the addition of hand-washing stations and hand sanitizers in key areas

Want to stay in orlando & Visit disney?

We happen to offer a wide selection of vacation homes in Orlando near Disney World! We even have vacation rentals with themed rooms — like bedrooms filled with Mickey and Minnie Mouse and Cinderella’s castle painted on the walls. Take a look at 5 of our top vacation rental homes with Disney themed rooms or choose one of the Villakey Curated categories below: