Disney Springs is Walt Disney World’s vibrant, waterside shopping and entertainment village.
Formerly known as Disney Village and then Downtown Disney, this free-to-enter destination has grown massively over the years into a bustling hub of shops, restaurants, and live entertainment. But is it worth your time during a Walt Disney World vacation?
Yes, Disney Springs is free — including parking
One of the best things about Disney Springs is that it’s completely free to visit. There’s no admission fee, and standard self-parking is free, making it a great low-cost option for a Disney day without a park ticket.
However, accessing the theme parks via Disney transport from Disney Springs isn’t straightforward. In the past, some guests reportedly used Disney Springs as a workaround for free theme park parking, so direct transport to and from the parks is now limited or unavailable from this location.
A brief history: From Disney Village to a must-visit destination
Long-time fans might remember Disney Springs as Disney Village Marketplace or later, Downtown Disney. It started life as a cluster of little shops and restaurants, all set around a lakeside. Over the years, it’s transformed from a small lakeside shopping area into a sprawling district with four themed neighbourhoods and more than 100 places to shop, eat and explore.
🕰️ Want a trip down memory lane? Check out our nostalgic post: Six things we miss about Orlando’s Disney Village (now Disney Springs).
The Four Neighbourhoods of Disney Springs:
West Side – The entertainment zone, home to Cirque du Soleil – Drawn to Life, AMC Theatres, Splitsville, and the M&Ms Store.
Marketplace – The most “classic Disney” area, home to World of Disney, the LEGO Store, and plenty of family-friendly shopping and casual dining options.
The Landing – This waterside district features some of the best dining options, including The Boathouse, Wine Bar George, and Paddlefish.
Town Center – The stylish heart of Disney Springs, packed with fashion retailers like Zara, Sephora, Lululemon, and Anthropologie, as well as beautifully designed architecture and fountains.
Shop till you drop (or ship it home)
Whether you’re on the hunt for Disney souvenirs or high-street fashion, Disney Springs has a brilliant mix of shops.
Top picks for Disney fans:
- World of Disney – the largest Disney store on Earth. If you can dream it, they can do it.
- DisneyStyle, Disney’s Days of Christmas, and The Art of Disney for unique finds.
- The LEGO Store – complete with huge character sculptures and build stations.
Popular high street and designer shops:
- Zara
- Lululemon
- Anthropologie
- Levi’s
- UNIQLO
- Free People
- Coach
- Superdry
- Sephora
Gifts and specialty shops:
- Basin – handcrafted soaps and bath bombs
- Sugarboo & Co. – quirky gifts and art prints
- Coca-Cola Store – with rooftop tastings
- M&Ms Store – full of colourful fun
Our Tip: Made a large purchase? Ask at the till about shipping your items home for a small fee — a great option if you don’t want to lug items around or overpack your suitcase. Apparently this is really common in the US. It’s not something we do as much in the UK, but it’s really, really helpful for avoiding those over-stuffed suitcases at the airport check-in.
Dining at Disney Springs: Our favourite restaurants
The food offering at Disney Springs is fantastic — from high-end restaurants to food trucks and everything in between.
Some of our favourite spots:
- The Boathouse – fresh seafood, steaks and waterfront views. Great service and even better scenery. Read our full Boathouse review!
- Summer House on the Lake – California-style dining in a relaxed setting, complete with a cookie bar. We loved the vibe — read more in our review.
- Wine Bar George – run by a master sommelier, this is one for wine lovers and foodies alike.
- The Rainforest Cafe – Jungle-themed dining, with animatronic wildlife and a huge, family-friendly menu. Outside the restaurant has an eye-catching feature… a regularly exploding volcano!
- T-Rex Cafe – Similar to Rainforest, but with animatronic dinosaurs that regularly “come to life”. Hold on to your burgers!
🍔 Also worth trying:
- Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ – Southern-style comfort food
- The Edison – for 1920s steampunk vibes and live entertainment
- Gideon’s Bakehouse – cult-favourite cookies, but be prepared to queue
Looking for even more dining ideas? Check out our post:
Six Restaurants We Love at Disney Springs – where we spotlight some of our other favourites like Terralina Crafted Italian, Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, and Paddlefish.
If you’re a UK visitor, you’ll find the extensive menus at these venues offer tasty, familiar choices in a superb setting. Travelling with children? See our popular piece on five places to eat with the kids at Walt Disney World.
Entertainment and attractions
Disney Springs isn’t just for eating and shopping — it’s also a great evening spot for entertainment.
What’s On Offer:
- AMC Dine-In Theatre – catch a film and enjoy food while you watch
- Cirque du Soleil – “Drawn to Life”: A collaboration between Disney and Cirque du Soleil, this resident show celebrates the magic of Disney animation through jaw-dropping acrobatics, music, and storytelling. It’s a real highlight for those looking to add something special to their evening.
- Splitsville Luxury Lanes – upscale bowling and sushi under one roof
- Aerophile Balloon Ride – a tethered balloon ride with stunning views across Disney World
- Live music and street performers – especially in the evenings
At night, the atmosphere becomes truly magical, with lights reflecting off the water and music drifting through the streets.
How to get there (without a car)
If you’re staying at a Disney resort hotel, it’s easy to get to Disney Springs without driving.
Most resorts offer free Disney transport, including dedicated buses that run regularly.
If you’re staying at Port Orleans Riverside or French Quarter, you can even catch a boat down the Sassagoula River – a wonderfully scenic and relaxing journey that’s especially lovely at sunset.
A few tips before you go
- Evenings get busy — especially weekends. If you can, visit in the late morning or early afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds.
- Dining reservations are highly recommended for table-service restaurants.
- Don’t rush — Disney Springs is best enjoyed in short bursts or as a wind-down evening after a park day.
Is Disney Springs worth visiting?
For most UK visitors, we say yes – 100%. It’s a perfect blend of Disney magic without the queues, with great food, live entertainment, and free entry. It won’t replace the theme parks, but it’s a brilliant contrast to them — ideal for a rest day, evening meal, or a relaxed wander.
Just keep in mind: it can get hectic, and it’s not a shortcut into the theme parks. Treat it as its own attraction — because it is.
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