No trip to the Walt Disney World Resort is complete without staying at or making a day trip to Disney Springs. Formerly known as Downtown Disney, the area is a sprawling destination for shopping, dining and entertainment on the shores of Lake Buena Vista, just 15 minutes away from the attractions at the main Walt Disney World.
Disney Springs has a lot to offer, from free parking to world-class eateries, shopping destinations and fun for the whole family. If you’ve never been to Disney World or haven’t included a trip to Disney Springs on previous trips, you might be wondering whether what it has to offer is worth the journey. In the following guide, we’ll take a closer look at the very best of Disney Springs.
Best Places to Eat
Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’
Amid over 40 square miles of shopping and entertainment, it’s easy to forget that Disney World is located in the South. Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ offers plenty of delicious reminders, with a menu packed with Southern delicacies like fried chicken, Brunswick stew and pulled pork. The creation of celebrity chef and Florida native Art Smith, this table service restaurant offers lunch, brunch and dinner, along with mouthwatering desserts like hummingbird cake and chocolate pecan pie and a drinks menu offering whiskey, moonshine and refreshing cocktails. Every dish is prepared using fresh, local ingredients and served in portions generous enough to ensure no member of your family leaves the table hungry.
The Boathouse
If you’re craving seafood during your Disney World vacation, make sure to plan a meal at The Boathouse on The Landing. Offering table service and lunch and dinner menus, this seafood eatery is regularly cited as a favorite by Disney Springs visitors. In addition to fresh fish delivered daily to the kitchen, The Boathouse offers steaks, sandwiches and burgers, including signature dishes like the filet mignon sliders. After enjoying a meal in the fresh air, take a tour of the lake in one of the amphicars (amphibious cars) docked right next to the restaurant.
Morimoto Asia
Established by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, Morimoto Asia is the perfect place to eat if you’re looking for Asian food. On the menu, you’ll find delicious options from Chinese, Japanese and Korean cuisine, such as dim sum-style small plates, ramen, sushi and sashimi, Peking duck and much more. Satisfied diners typically point out the freshness of the ingredients, rich flavors and generous portions as some of their favorite things about this Disney Springs restaurant.
Best Places to Shop
World of Disney
World of Disney, in the Marketplace, is the go-to destination for all things Disney. The largest Disney-themed store in the world, it’s filled with all the Disney apparel, toys, accessories, household goods and much more besides you could hope for. World of Disney is a great place to load up on souvenirs, stuffed animals and gifts for family and friends.
Marketplace Co-Op
If you’re looking for something a little more artisanal, head to Marketplace Co-Op. Boasting independent vendors as well as name-brand products, Marketplace Co-Op offers a diverse array of products, including luxury candles, Disney-themed apparel, artworks and prints, and even toys and treats for your pets.
The LEGO Store
It’ll be hard to stop the kids in your party from wanting to explore the LEGO Store in the Marketplace. In addition to hundreds of unique Disney, Star Wars and Marvel-themed sets, you and your little ones can spend some time playing at one of the many building stations set around the store to see what creations you can come up with. Make sure to look for the impressive statues of classic Disney characters dotted around, all built entirely out of LEGO bricks.
Top Entertainment for Kids
Aerophile Balloon Flights
If you’re traveling with an adventurous little one, set aside some time to take a tethered balloon flight on the Aerophile. The world’s largest tethered helium balloon, the Aerophile can reach an altitude of 400 feet, granting panoramic views of the entire Walt Disney World Resort to up to 30 passengers at a time. Flights only take place on clear days with low wind speeds and tickets are available on-site on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Rainforest Café
For a little thrill with your meal, book a table at the Rainforest Café. The star attraction at this kid-friendly restaurant is a massive volcano that “erupts” every half-hour, which can be seen from the surrounding area. Inside, the tropical setting is complemented by animatronic creatures which activate during life-like tropical thunderstorms your kids will be sure to remember for years afterward.
T-REX
With a similar setup as Rainforest Café, this immersive dining location drops you into one of a few different dinosaur-themed areas. You might end up sitting in a lush jungle, an underwater reef, or even a frozen cavern. Each area is teeming with prehistoric animatronics, sure to wow your little ones. With this being such a popular location, the themed store and play area attached to the building will keep everyone occupied while waiting for your table.
Top Entertainment for Adults
Splitsville
If you’re looking to relax when the kids are asleep, stop by Splitsville for an evening of bowling, fresh food and delicious cocktails. With 30 lanes to choose from, play a few frames while enjoying a sizzling hot burger, fresh pizza or nachos accompanied by any of the rotating selections of wines and beers. This is a great place to head to if you want to enjoy a retro bowling alley vibe.
Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant
For even more exclusively adult entertainment, plan an evening at Raglan Road, an Irish-themed pub and restaurant. The menu features Irish and British pub classics like shepherd’s pie, fish and chips and bangers and mash, as well as an expansive selection of European and American ales, porters, and lagers and Irish, Scotch and American whiskeys. After eating, enjoy dancing to nightly live music played by acts from across the British Isles.
Happy Hour Pub Crawls
Disney Springs is home to plenty of bars and pubs, each offering happy hour deals for adult guests to kick back and unwind. If you’re having trouble deciding which spot to visit, why not plan an afternoon or evening pub crawl to sample all there is to offer? Happy hours vary from location to location, so call ahead to learn more and make a plan to visit as many as you care to.
Join more than 1 million AAA members and start planning your trip to Disney Springs today. Dream up the perfect trip with our Trip Canvas research tool, and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels, rental cars, and entertainment tickets throughout the resort.