Disney Springs is a nice bonus stop to your Disney World vacation. Some guests write it off as only for shopping, however there are many worthwhile restaurants, activities and magical touches. Even better, visiting Disney Springs is free! It costs nothing to enter. Therefore, a visit to Disney Springs is perfect for a non-park day at Disney World. Benefits of a non-park day include a rest from the hectic parks and to save on cost of more Disney park tickets.
This shopping, dining and entertainment area was formerly known as Downtown Disney. After an expansion in 2015 the area was renamed to Disney Springs. Learn more on Disney Springs History.
For guests staying on-site, complimentary bus Disney transportation will take guests to Disney Springs. For guests staying at Port Orleans Riverside or French Quarter, enjoy a complimentary scenic boat ride to Disney Springs.
Now learn, activities below to cover over 11 hours at Disney Springs! Therefore, the answer to the question, could you spend a full day at Disney Springs? Yes!
The VOID (Plan for 30 minutes)
The VOID virtual reality experience at Disney Springs comes highly recommended from past guests. The actual virtual reality experience is 15 minutes, plus time for prior debriefing.
See A Movie (Plan for 2 hours)
Guests can visit AMC 24 in Disney Springs on the West Side and see a movie. Or have movie and dinner with the Dining with Fork & Screen. Bonus if it’s a Disney Movie!
Children’s Activities (Plan for 1 hour)
- Let children ride the Marketplace Train Express for a small fee.
- Also for a small fee is the Marketplace Carousel, with 16 horses and 2 stationary seats, to ride.
- Also, let little ones play for awhile on the splash pad near Once Upon a Toy. Bring a change of clothes.
PhotoPass Studio (Plan for 30 Minutes)
Stop in for family portraits and to capture memories at the PhotoPass Studio found in the Marketplace area. No appointment is necessary. Choose from many magical backdrops for professional style photos to be taken. For guests who purchased Memory Maker, these photos are included!
Take A Cake Decorating Class (Plan for 90 Minutes)
For a separate cost, guests can have a cake decorating experience at Amorette’s Patisserie. Participants will be able to create their own Character Dome cake in a small group (up to 14) led by an instructor. The cake is yours to keep. Refreshments are served while you are working, alcoholic & non-alcoholic. Do note, guests must be at least 10 years old to take this class.
Entertainment (Plan for 30 Minutes)
Guests can see live entertainment at the Marketplace Stage for all ages daily. Also visit Sunshine Highline, an outdoor plaza on the West side for evening entertainment. Have fun without stepping into a store. Listen to live singers, performers and instruments.
Make a Dinner Reservation (Plan for 1-2 Hours)
Disney Springs is home to many dining options, including reservation worthy dinners. These include Paddlefish and The BOATHOUSE for excellent seafood and waterfront dining. Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant offers nightly entertainment for guests. Guests can have a wild time at Rainforest Café, and a pre-historic time at T-Rex. These are just some examples of dinner options for guests at Disney Springs.
Go Bowling (Plan for 1 Hour)
Another fun family activity, besides seeing a movie, is going bowling. Guests can visit Splitsville on the West side. Enjoy a retro style bowling experience covering 2 floors and 30 bowling lanes, plus 5 bars & a billiards area. There is often live music for guests too. This entertainment destination also offers full service dining in the Splitsville Dining Room.
Snacks (Plan for 30 Minutes Each)
When you need a break at Disney Springs, consider a snack break with many tasty quick service options. Stop by Aristocrepes for sweet crêpes. Get your poutine fix at the Daily Poutine. Try a cupcake from Sprinkles or the Cupcake ATM! For an allergy friendly bakery, Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC is your stop for gluten free treats and more. Also consider Exposition Park for a variety of food trucks and more.
Must Visit Stores (Plan for 2 Hours)
- Basin – Step inside for complimentary hand-washing with a sample of their hand scrub.
- Coca-Cola Store – Step inside for a fun meet & greet, with the Coca-Cola Bear!
- Days of Christmas – Celebrating Christmas 365 days a year, step inside for Christmas music and to purchase personalized ornaments.
- DisneyStyle – Step inside for fun photo opportunities such as a large backdrop of Cinderella’s Castle and the chance to sit in a stationary Tea cup!
- Goofy’s Candy Company – This fun shop is your stop for a sugar fix and create your own treats.
- Once Upon A Toy – Step inside this toy shop and your little one will be in awe.
- Pearl Factory Kiosk – Here guests can purchase an oyster and keep the pearl found inside!
- The LEGO Store – Head to this location for hands-on LEGO tables and larger than life LEGO creations.
- Uniqlo – Step inside for trendy and affordable clothing, including Disney apparel.
- World of Disney – This is the largest retail shop at Disney World, step inside for magical touches after a 2018 refurbishment.
Learn more tips and tricks for your next Walt Disney World vacation. Destinations in Florida can also help you add tips and tricks to your next vacation.