My Favorite Things to Do in Disney Springs

👉 Jump to: Things to Do | Restaurants and Bars | Things to Do With Kids

As an Orlando local, I have been exploring the best things to do in Disney Springs since it was called the Disney Village Marketplace!

You might also remember it being named Downtown Disney. This shopping, dining, and entertainment complex has tons to see and do. Plus, it has free parking and admission!

In this post, I’ll share my recommendations for the top things to do, the best restaurants and bars, and fun things for kids to do. I also have a separate post with more recommendations for the best things to do at Disney World.

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Best Things to Do at Disney Springs

Eat and Drink

Delight your taste buds at several unique restaurants.

People enjoying their food and the performance in Raglan Road — *Raglan Road has elevated pub food and Irish performers*

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 10 am – 11 pm

One of the best parts about visiting Disney Springs is getting access to more than 50 restaurants, bars, lounges, and snack stands.

Drinking “around the world” at Epcot gets all the attention, but don’t underestimate how much fun a Disney Springs bar crawl (or snack crawl) can be. There are endless options for different cuisines and price ranges for anyone looking for a meal.

Be aware that weekends can get pretty busy between visitors and locals hanging out at Disney Springs. I recommend getting a dining reservation on My Disney Experience or OpenTable.

🛎️ Need a Hotel? The Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista connects to Disney Springs with convenient elevated walkways. I also have articles about the Best Disney World Hotels and Where to Stay at Disney World.

Aerophile

Head 400 feet in the air for unmatched views of Walt Disney World.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (407) 938-9433 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 11 pm | Cost: $29.99 adults, $24.99 ages 3-9

Are you interested in seeing a bird’s-eye view of the Walt Disney World Resort? Hop on the Aerophile, a hot air balloon that takes you 400 ft above Disney Springs.

Not only can you see views of the surrounding Disney Springs area and Lake Buena Vista, but you can also see across the entire Walt Disney World Resort. Keep an eye out for Spaceship Earth at Epcot, the Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios, and the Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom.

The Aerophile stays grounded when it is storming or the winds are over 22 mph, so plan your visit on a clear day.

👉 Pro Tip: From the air, you can see the nearby Lake Buena Vista hotels. This is one of the best Places to Stay in Orlando.

Disney PhotoPass Studio

Capture family memories to last a lifetime.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 11 am – 9 pm daily | Cost: free

The Disney PhotoPass Studio is a hidden gem for capturing family photos of your Disney vacation. When you’re at the theme parks, you’re probably more focused on enjoying your time than taking photos.

Take a short time out of your trip to visit Disney Springs and the Disney PhotoPass Studio. A photographer can set your family up with a variety of backdrops to take the perfect vacation photo. There are usually seasonal backdrops for the holidays, too!

This photo session is completely free, and you can purchase the photos at the studio or through My Disney Experience.

Drawn to Life Presented by Cirque du Soleil

Disney animation comes to life before your eyes.

The theater of Cirque du Soleil from the outside — *The iconic white theater has been a staple at Disney Springs since 1998*

On the west side of Disney Springs, you can’t miss the picturesque white tent of Cirque du Soleil.

The theater is currently home to Drawn to Life, a collaboration between Cirque du Soleil, Walt Disney Animation Studios, and Walt Disney Imagineering. Drawn to Life beautifully blends the Disney magic of animation with the acrobatic skills that Cirque du Soleil is known for.

AMC Dine-In Theatres

Enjoy dinner and a movie the right way.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (407) 827-1308 | Website | Entrance: starting at $12 for adults, varies by time and theater

When planning a vacation to the Walt Disney World Resort, seeing a movie may not be at the top of your list. But, you’d be surprised how much you can enjoy sitting back and relaxing after a couple of days at the theme parks.

Plus, AMC Disney Springs has several Dine-In Theatres where you can order food and drinks directly to your seats. There is no better way to enjoy a flick.

Go Shopping

Stock up on your Disney souvenirs without having to carry them around a park all day.

People wandering in the line of shops and boutiques

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 10 am – 11 pm

One of my top Disney World tips is not to buy souvenirs at a theme park. You’ll end up carrying around your purchases all day or trying to stuff them into a stroller.

Instead, do your shopping at Disney Springs. If you forget anything on your Disney packing list, there is a wide selection of shops to get what you need!

Here, you can find Disney merchandise at several stores, including Disney’s Days of Christmas Store, the World of Disney (the largest Disney store in the world), Disney Style, and the Art of Disney gallery.

You can also find your favorite brands and specialty shops, like the Coca-Cola Store, the LEGO Store, The Crystal Arts by Arribas Brothers, Ron Jon Surf Shop, and Lilly Pulitzer.

Splitsville Luxury Lanes

Strike down the pins in this upscale bowling alley.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (407) 938-7467 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 11 pm Monday-Friday, 11 am – 11:30 pm Saturday-Sunday | Entrance: varies by time and date (walk-in is cheaper than reservations)

Splitsville Luxury Lanes is unlike any other bowling alley that I’ve been to. This two-story building has a restaurant, 5 bars, billiards tables, and 30 bowling lanes. The food here is far superior to typical bowling alley pizza and wings. You can enjoy sandwiches, sushi, pizza, and more.

👉 Pro Tip: Your reservation is for a set amount of time, based on the number of people in your party. I recommend eating before or after you bowl so you can get in as many games as possible. For views of Disney Springs and a nice atmosphere, ask to sit near the windows upstairs.

Enjoy Live Entertainment

Take in the sounds and entertainment on display throughout Disney Springs.

View from the outside of House of Blues — *House of Blues hosts concerts and outdoor live music*

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: Varies

Throughout Disney Springs, you can see live music and entertainers. Some of these performers play live music at set locations, like the AdventHealth Waterside Stage, Raglan Road Irish Pub, and the House of Blues outdoor patio.

In addition, there is wandering entertainment putting on magic shows, acrobatic performances, or even playing a moving piano. This entertainment is free for everyone visiting Disney Springs.

One of my favorite spots is Dockside Margaritas. I grab my favorite drink and find a comfy chair while I watch the musicians perform by the water.

👉 Pro Tip: Check the House of Blues concert calendar to see if your favorite band will be playing during your Disney trip!

Amphicar Tours

Drive right into the water for this unique amphibious adventure.

Would you feel comfortable driving a car right into the water!?

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (407) 939-2628 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 11 pm | Cost: $125 for 3-4 people

We may not have invented flying cars yet, but we have invented Amphicars! These car-boat hybrids have vintage designs, and fewer than 400 exist worldwide.

You’ll get into your vehicle and then your captain will drive the Amphicar into the water to start your 20-minute tour. Enjoy the views of Disney Springs from the water during this truly one-of-a-kind activity.

Best Restaurants & Bars

Disney Springs has plenty of activities and shopping, but I think the restaurants are the best attractions. You can grab a quick bite at a snack stand, enjoy a visit to one of the themed restaurants, or dine on dishes created by celebrity chefs.

Morimoto ASIA

Enjoy Iron Chef Morimoto’s Asian cuisine.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (407) 939-6686 | Website | Hours: 11:30 am – 11 pm Sun – Thurs, 11:30 am – 11:30 pm Fri & Sat

I always recommend Morimoto ASIA as my favorite restaurant at Disney Springs. The atmosphere is impeccable and the food is delicious. Chef Masaharu Morimoto has put together a phenomenal menu featuring simple but elegant Asian cuisine.

👉 Love Iron Chef? You have to try the Morimoto “Buri Bop”, the chef’s take on Korean bibimbap using yellowtail! He created this dish on Iron Chef and it is prepared tableside.

Dockside Margaritas

Sit back and enjoy a drink along the water–it’s especially nice at sunset!

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 10:30 pm Sunday – Thursday, 12 pm – 11 pm Friday – Saturday

Whether you are stopping for one drink or trying a few around Disney Springs, Dockside Margaritas should be at the top of your list. The drinks are fantastic, but the ambiance makes the experience.

You can usually find a musician filling the waterfront seating area with relaxing music. This spot gives you one of the most beautiful sunsets at Walt Disney World.

Raglan Road

Get dinner and a show at this Irish pub featuring music and dancing.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (407) 938-0300 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 11:30 pm Monday – Friday, 10 am – 11:30 pm Saturday – Sunday

If I’m not at Morimoto ASIA, you can find me at Raglan Road Irish Pub. This lively restaurant has 3 stages for musicians and dancers, 4 bars to sit at, and plenty of tables for dining. The menu has traditional pub food made perfectly.

I don’t necessarily want to give away my secret spot, but the Hole in the Wall Bar between Raglan Road and Cookes of Dublin is the perfect spot in Disney Springs to sit back and enjoy a drink.

👉 Pro Tip: If you have food allergies or restrictions, Raglan Road does a great job of accommodating. Many of their dishes can be altered to fit your needs.

Coca-Cola Rooftop Bar

Taste beverages from around the world.

View of the Coca-Cola Store Orlando from the outside

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (407) 560-0107 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 11 pm Sunday – Thursday, 10 am – 11:30 pm Friday – Saturday

On top of the Coca-Cola Store, you can find the rooftop bar. Here, everyone can enjoy their favorite sodas or try something new from around the world. There are also alcoholic beverages available. The rooftop gives you prime views of Disney Springs and the nearby lake.

Gideon’s Bakehouse

Try unexpected flavors and massive desserts at this Orlando favorite!

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 10 am – 11 pm Sunday – Thursday, 10 am – 11:30 pm Friday – Saturday

Gideon’s Bakehouse was an Orlando hidden gem for quite a while before they opened their Disney Springs location. They are known for their enormous cookies but also have coffee and other baked goods.

Gideon’s Bakehouse is so popular that the shop uses a virtual queue on most days because the line can be more than 1-2 hours long.

Swirls on the Water

Delight in your favorite DOLE Whip, one of Disney’s iconic snacks.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 11 am – 11 pm daily

One of the most iconic Disney snacks is DOLE Whip. Originally, this sweet treat could only be found in Adventureland in Magic Kingdom. Now, you can enjoy this treat at the Swirls on the Water stand at Disney Springs. Try specialty flavors and presentations, including a rum topper for your DOLE Whip.

The Polite Pig

Scarf down some delicious barbecue.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (407) 938-7444 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 11 pm Sun – Thurs, 11 am – 11:30 pm Fri & Sat

The Polite Pig is a barbecue restaurant in the town center of Disney Springs. Enjoy a variety of meats smoked to perfection. There are tons of mouthwatering sides. Lighter fare, like the chipotle cobb salad, is also available.

But how good can a barbecue restaurant really be? Well, it’s been Michelin Recommended for three years in a row!

Other Restaurants to Try at Disney Springs:

Wine Bar George
T-Rex Cafe
Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC
Guy Fieri’s Chicken Guy
Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar
Amorette’s Patisserie
Frontera Cocina
Enzo’s Hideaway
Summer House on the Lake

📚 Related Reading: If you need help planning the rest of your Disney World vacation, check out my touring plans:

Things to Do With Kids

Build-A-Dino at T-REX

Create a stuffed friend to bring home as a personalized souvenir.

People with their kids wandering in T-REX merchandise shop — *You can find Build-a-Dino in the back of the T-REX merchandise shop*

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (407) 828-3800 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 11 pm Sunday – Thursday, 10 am – 11:30 pm Friday – Saturday

Inside the merchandise shop at T-REX Cafe, kids can create their own prehistoric stuffed friend to bring home. The Build-A-Dino location operates just like a Build-A-Bear Workshop. Kids can choose their dinosaur and its accessories for a personalized souvenir.

Goofy’s Candy Co

Enjoy classic treats or create your own.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 10 am – 11 pm Sunday – Thursday, 10 am – 11:30 pm Friday – Saturday

The only thing kids love more than candy is Disney-themed candy. Stop by Goofy’s Candy Co. to pick up some sweet treats. You can even create your own dessert by choosing the type of chocolate and toppings! Personally, I suggest a milk chocolate marshmallow with peanut butter chips and graham cracker crumbs.

Marketplace Carousel and Train

Ride these timeless attractions for simple joy.

The Marketplace Carousel under the clear blue sky

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 10 am – 11 pm Sunday – Thursday, 10 am – 11:30 pm Friday – Saturday | Entrance: $5 per person

As a toddler mom, I know that younger kids often need a break from the fast-paced nature of a Disney vacation. Let your kids take a ride on the Disney Springs Marketplace Train Express and Carousel to have some fun at the right speed for them.

The LEGO Store

Let your imagination do the building.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (689) 208-3552 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 11 pm Sunday – Thursday, 10 am – 11:30 pm Friday – Saturday

Kids (of all ages) are thrilled when they see the selection of LEGO products available at the Disney Springs store. See life-size LEGO creations of your favorite Disney characters. One fun thing to do is create your own customized Minifigure.

Outside, kids (and sometimes my husband) enjoy building vehicles to race down the provided track. This shaded play area is the perfect spot for a break during your visit.

📚 Related Reading: Looking for free activities in Orlando? I put together a list of the best Free Things to Do in Orlando.

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I hope I’ve helped you find some fun things to do while you’re at Disney Springs! When planning your Walt Disney World vacation, consider adding Disney Springs to your list of things to do in Orlando.