Looking at the sleek Disney Springs development along the shores of Lake Buena Vista, it’s hard to think back to how it all began.
In the 1990s, when we first holidayed in Florida, the area was a cluster of cute little chalets selling all kinds of quirky mementos — not just Disney ones. Back then it was known as the Walt Disney World Village, though it had started life about 20 years earlier as Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village.
It was here we bought everything from Mickey ears for our pet dog (he was thrilled) to mouse-shaped waffle molds, and, of course, indulged in our key lime pie fix along the way. While the Disney Village name now survives in Paris, here are six things we remember most fondly about the Florida version.
The original World of Disney store
Picture it: as a kid, stepping inside a shop to see a pyramid of plush pals reaching to the sky (at least, in my memory). There were Mickeys, Minnies, Donalds and Tiggers as far as the eye could see.
This was the kind of toy store you only see in films. While it didn’t have a floor piano you could dance along with, like in the Tom Hanks classic Big, it carried the same air of enchantment.
I still love the updated store at Disney Springs but it lacks the original’s sense of theatre. Admittedly I’m bigger now too! For what it’s worth, there’s still plenty of magic at The Lego Store next door, with its giant Hogwarts recreation and larger-than-life Chewbacca.
The Gourmet Pantry
I think this was my favourite shop in the whole of Walt Disney World. On our last trip, I was a little disappointed to find it had closed to make way for The Spice & Tea Exchange. The Gourmet Pantry – later renamed Mickey’s Pantry – was a legendary cook shop, full of quirky gifts you’d never find anywhere else.
From wooden spoons with ears to Mickey waffle irons, lemon squeezers and recipe books that helped you recreate your favourite holiday dishes at home, it was a paradise for food-lovers. I still treasure a couple of recipe books I bought there.
In the ’90s, you could even pick up groceries, including the store’s legendary raspberry and white chocolate cookies. Walking through it was a full sensory experience – the smell of baked treats, the vibrant colours of Disney-themed kitchenware and the joy of discovering something completely unique. Truly a magical place.
Read’n and Rit’n
When I was little, I loved to read (and rit!). Just as I was starting to feel like I’d read everything in British bookshops and libraries, we came to Florida and discovered more bookshops stocked with titles from my favourite writers, like Judy Blume and L.M. Montgomery.
Read’n and Rit’n formed part of a little strip of craft and arts shops in Disney Village — all of which have now disappeared. Today, you can find The Art of Disney at Disney Springs, selling beautiful artwork from the animations, most of which is, unsurprisingly, expensive. But sadly, no Judy Blume books.
Minnie Mia’s Italian Eatery
If you took Walt Disney World vacations from the mid-1990s onwards, you’ll probably remember this casual pizzeria in the Marketplace.
It was our go-to on the first night of every holiday, because you never had to book (imagine!)
It was great value, part of the Quick Service dining plan, with a relaxed vibe and the option to sit outside and watch the world go by. And yes, they did a delicious version of the Florida classic key lime pie. These days, a similar atmosphere can be found at The Boathouse, though it’s no longer part of the dining plan and reservations are usually needed.
See our review of Disney’s Boathouse and our other Disney Springs favourite – Summer House on the Lake.
The Village Ice Cream Parlour
We certainly did more than eat when visiting the Disney Village, but I remember this place – which later became Ghirardelli – for one thing: a now-vanished ice cream flavour called lemonberry swirl.
I think it combined sweet blueberries with tangy citrus and it was one of my absolute favourites. After a few years, it disappeared from menus in favour of more chocolate-heavy desserts. But for lemon ice cream fans, don’t despair – you can still find delicious lemon gelato at Italy in Epcot.
The Adventurers’ Club
Strictly speaking, this venue belonged to Pleasure Island – Disney’s old nightclub area – rather than the Disney Village. But the themed bar delighted visitors for two decades with its 1930s “spirit of adventure” setting, improvised shows and witty welcomes to every adventurer who crossed the threshold. You could also step outside to watch the nightly fireworks – because every night was New Year’s Eve on Pleasure Island! Sadly, this place didn’t survive the Pleasure Island closures, despite fierce campaigning. However, if you’re looking for a themed drinking destination, we’d recommend the newly-opened Beak and Barrel at the Magic Kingdom, which serves pirate-themed cocktails.
Share your own Disney Springs memories in the comments — I’d love to hear what you miss most!
