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POINT OF INTEREST

Disney Springs®

1486 Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, Orlando, FL, 32830

Disney Springs® is an entertainment district at Walt Disney World® Resort that’s home to themed shops, more than 150 restaurants, and venues inspired by Florida’s waterfront towns. It’s a great spot for snacks, souvenir shopping, and live entertainment, including Drawn to Life Presented by Cirque du Soleil®. Visitors can also enjoy the Aerophile balloon ride for panoramic views, live music performances, and Amphicar Tours on Lake Buena Vista.

The basics

Disney Springs is home to more than 150 stores and dining venues, ranging from Disney-themed shops to noteworthy brands such as Coach and Tommy Bahama. It’s also home to the largest Disney character store in the world—World of Disney. Dining options vary from casual to upscale, while entertainment options include Cirque du Soleil performances. Guests can also visit The BOATHOUSE®, an upscale restaurant that also offers vintage Amphicar and Italian water taxi tours on Lake Buena Vista. The district also boasts a bowling alley, movie theater, carousel, and multiple concert venues.

Things to know before you go

  • Shopping opportunities at Disney Springs include World of Disney, The LEGO® Store, Coca-Cola Store, Disney’s Pin Traders, and DisneyStyle.
  • Disney Springs offers complimentary parking in lots and garages—just look for signs pointing you in the right direction.
  • Reservations are highly recommended for select dining locations within Disney Springs.
  • Wheelchairs and strollers can be brought from home or rented from all Walt Disney World parks, as well as Disney Springs.
  • Stroller wagons and strollers larger than 31 inches (79 centimeters) in width and 52 inches (132 centimeters) in length are not permitted.
  • To visit other parks, use the complimentary network of buses and boats.

How to get there

Disney Springs is accessible by car as well as bus and water transportation. Walt Disney World Water Transportation is also available for guests who are staying at a Disney Resort hotel.

When to get there

Visiting Disney Springs is possible at different times throughout the day depending on your schedule. If you’re planning an early morning at one of the theme parks located within Walt Disney World Resort, then stopping at Disney Springs for some breakfast is a good idea. Or if you ever want to take a break from the parks to do some shopping or catch a show, then you can head over to the outdoor promenade at your convenience.

Drawn to Life Presented by Cirque du Soleil & Disney

Drawn to Life is a show produced by both Cirque du Soleil and Disney in which the stage turns into an animated table and features advanced choreography with acrobatics. The show incorporates Cirque du Soleil talent with Disney animation and an original score inspired by legendary Disney music. The 90-minute experience takes place inside the Cirque du Soleil theater on the west side of Disney Springs.

What are the must-visit shops and boutiques in Disney Springs®?

There are 95 shops in Disney Springs, so it’s a good idea to plan your retail-therapy sessions instead of just wandering around. The must-visit shops and boutiques unique to Disney Springs are the World of Disney®, DisneyStyle, Disney’s Wonderful World of Memories, Disney’s Pin Traders, and Disney’s Days of Christmas.

What events and entertainment options are available at Disney Springs throughout the year?

Events change throughout the year at Disney Springs, although most nights have at least one free live music performance at the AdventHealth Waterside Stage. Year-round entertainment options include shows at House of Blues, the Cirque du Soleil Drawn to Life show, and various acts at The Edison Live Entertainment.

Can you meet Disney characters at Disney Springs?

No, unlike the Walt Disney World Resort theme parks and hotels, there aren’t regular character meet-and-greets at Disney Springs. There are some special events or occasions when a Disney character might make an appearance, but these are very rare occurrences and are typically announced in advance.

What is the difference between Disney Springs and the Disney theme parks in Orlando?

Disney Springs and Disney theme parks are all within the Walt Disney World Resort in Kissimmee, but Disney Springs is not a Disney theme park. Disney Springs is a free-to-enter shopping, dining, and entertainment complex. It has family-friendly attractions, but no theme-park rides in the traditional sense.

Is Disney Springs accessible?

Yes, Disney Springs is accessible for visitors who may need additional mobility assistance. Electric Conveyance Vehicles and wheelchairs are available for rent next to the Disney Springs Town Center bus loop. Most of the Disney Springs complex is flat, paved ground. Many venues are either independently accessible or make accommodations.

Is Disney Springs good for kids?

Yes, Disney Springs is a family-friendly shopping, dining, and entertainment complex for all ages. Although adult-oriented activities, like bars, are on site, Disney Springs also has fun options for younger visitors. Kid-friendly attractions include the Vintage Amphicar Tours, Splitsville Luxury Lanes, the Marketplace Train Express, and the Disney Springs Kids Club.

Ways to explore

Visitors can enter Disney Springs for free, but there’s usually a charge for extra activities such as the Aerophile balloon ride, and the Amphicar tours—which must be booked once you’re on site. Other attractions—such as Drawn to Life Presented by Cirque du Soleil—can be booked in advance to secure your preferred date. Dining is plentiful, with a mix of book-ahead restaurants and casual grab-and-go spots. For a more memorable and luxurious experience, some visitors opt for an evening helicopter tour that showcases Disney Springs and the wider Orlando theme parks from above.

Accessibility

Disney Springs is wheelchair accessible, with wheelchairs available to rent and detailed accessibility information at the Disney Springs Welcome Center.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Reusable water bottle, camera, power bank

What to wear

Casual clothing, comfortable shoes

Not allowed

Smoking outside of designated smoking areas, glass containers (except small jars of baby food), drones, suitcases

Amenities

Shops, restaurants, Wi-Fi, restrooms

Address 

Disney Springs is located within Walt Disney World® Resort near Lake Buena Vista. Visitors typically arrive by car, use bus or water resort transportation, or get here using a rideshare app.

Driving

If driving from the I-4, take Exit #67 toward EPCOT/Disney Springs. Stay in the right lane and then follow the signs for Disney Springs. Alternatively, use a rideshare app if you don’t want to worry about parking.

Best times to visit

Aim to get to Disney Springs in the morning or late afternoon to experience lighter crowds.

Best days to visit

Mondays through Thursdays are better than coming at weekends, as Fridays and Saturdays typically draw big crowds.

Best months to visit

If you can visit in March through May, you’ll find milder weather and smaller crowds than during the peak summer months of July and August.

Special events

Disney Springs has events year-round, but the holiday season is a lot of fun with festive decor, live performances, and parades.

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